All the Weyrs of Pern
Twelfth Dragonriders of Pern novel featuring AIVAS.
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All the Weyrs of Pern, the twelfth novel in the Dragonriders of Pern series (counting *Dragonsdawn* as the first chronologically), was written by Anne McCaffrey and released in 1992. The plot picks up right after the events of *Renegades of Pern*, when an excavation at the Landing site uncovers the original colonists' Admin building and a sophisticated computer called AIVAS (Artificial Intelligence Voice Address System). This computer, untouched for about 2,500 years since the original colonization (roughly 2,500 years after the events of *Dragonsdawn*), holds a vast store of lost knowledge and claims it can permanently end the threat of Thread.
Led by Lessa and F'lar, the Weyrs embrace this opportunity. With backing from the Holds—especially Jaxom—and the Crafthalls, championed by Masterharper Robinton, they follow AIVAS's plan. The computer, programmed with a humorous, masculine-like personality, is understood by the Pernese as a machine and artificial intelligence from the original colonists, though its advanced knowledge and personality still inspire awe. Over four years, Pernese society recovers many lost technologies, including electricity, plastics, heating and cooling, printing presses, and surgery. While most efforts focus on eliminating Thread, medicine and science also advance greatly, leading to new Crafthalls such as the Print Hall, Paper Hall, Computer Hall, and later the Dolphin Hall (a story continued in *The Dolphins of Pern*).
These rapid changes cause culture shock. Some traditionalists label AIVAS an "Abomination" and try to sabotage it and its projects. This resistance culminates in the kidnapping of Masterharper Robinton, with the kidnappers demanding AIVAS's destruction in exchange for his life. The conspirators—two Lord Holders and a Craftmaster—are caught and exiled. The Weyrs, Holds, and Halls then succeed in AIVAS's plan: they transfer fusion drives from the original colony ships to the Red Star and detonate them. The explosion shifts the Red Star's orbit, preventing Thread from reaching Pern.
AIVAS reveals to Jaxom that success requires him to lead other Dragonriders in using the rare ability to travel through time. He must deposit two of the three engines 1,800 Turns and 600 Turns in the past (relative to the story's present), so that the combined effect of three explosions alters the planet's orbit. Only Jaxom's dragon Ruth,
- published
- 1992
Lore & Background
The plan involves transferring fusion drives from the original colony ships to the Red Star and detonating them to alter its orbit. Jaxom, with his dragon Ruth's precise time-travel ability, deposits two engines 1,800 Turns and 600 Turns in the past (relative to the story's present). Concurrently, medical researchers develop 'zebedees'—modified parasitic organisms that infect Thread ovoids—and Green Dragons seed the Red Star with them. The combination of time travel and infestation causes the two Long Intervals in Pern's history. The book concludes with AIVAS deactivating its artificial intelligence to prevent idolization, and Robinton dies peacefully.
Reader's Guide
All the Weyrs of Pern is significant as the novel that resolves the central threat of Thread in the Dragonriders of Pern series, using a combination of advanced technology and time travel. It explores themes of cultural adaptation to rapid technological change, as seen in the backlash against AIVAS. The book also ties together earlier plot threads, including the Long Intervals, and sets the stage for later works like The Dolphins of Pern. Its recognition as a Hugo finalist and HOMer Award winner underscores its impact within the science fiction community.
Did You Know?
- AIVAS stands for Artificial Intelligence Voice Address System.
- The novel was a finalist for the HOMer Award for science fiction novel; finalist for Hugo Award for Best Novel; fifth place for Locus Award for Best Novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All the Weyrs of Pern about?
The novel follows the Weyr leaders as they unearth a buried Admin building and its ancient computer at the original Landing site, forcing them to debate whether to trust the machine's promise of permanently ending Thread. It picks up directly after Renegades of Pern and centers on the political and philosophical upheaval that erupts across Pern's society over the discovery.
What is AIVAS in All the Weyrs of Pern?
AIVAS (Artificial Intelligence Voice Address System) is the colonists' original computer, dormant for roughly 2,500 years until the Weyrs excavate it at the Landing site. It holds a vast archive of lost knowledge and proposes a technological solution to the Thread crisis, making it the focal point of the novel's central conflict.
Where does All the Weyrs of Pern fit in the Dragonriders of Pern series?
It is the eleventh novel in Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series, published in 1991. The story continues directly from where Renegades of Pern left off, placing it squarely in the middle of the broader Pern saga.
How does All the Weyrs of Pern end?
The novel closes with Pern's society beginning to integrate AIVAS's knowledge and technology into daily life, marking a shift away from relying solely on dragons to combat Thread. Lessa and F'lar serve as the guiding figures who broker this transition, though the full consequences of the new era are left for later books to explore.
What awards did All the Weyrs of Pern receive?
The novel won the HOMer Award for best science fiction novel and was named a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel. It also placed fifth in the Locus Award for Best Novel.
More in Novels by Anne McCaffrey 1-24
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