I can truly call Dragondrums my favourite book that I've read so far in my life. It was poignant, realistic (although it's a sf/fantasy story set on a different world far into the future) and eloquent book, and by far the best of Ms. McCaffery's books. I've read nearly all of her Pern books, and love them all, but this one tops them all. Her choice in words has always seemed to me to be outstanding and aboslutely perfect, and her characters are five demensional. I stayed up until 5:30 AM reading this book the first night I got it. I've read it three times since getting it a couple of days ago, and the only problem I find with it is that it's not longer. If only there were more of it! I disliked Piemur when I first read 'The White Dragon,' but after reading this and Dragonsinger, he became easily my favourite character on Pern, topping Sebell, Menolly, Lessa, and even (though it's hard to believe) Master Robinton - no, I take that back. Nothing can top Master Robinton, although this comes close. I give this book one hundered stars.