This one really hurts.
I think the Dragonriders of Pern was the first "adult" Sci-Fi book I ever read. I mean adult as in mature in theme and presentation. Not meant as a "young adult" book. I remember the bright green sky and golden dragon of the masterfully done cover by Robert Whelan catching my eye in my Junior High School Library and beginning to read it right there. The first trilogy in full was at the Library there. Later I hunted down and bought and read the rest of the series. (I think the first Harperhall Trilogy was also at the Junior High School Library too. Though I'm not certain of that now.)
Later on I read and devoured many of her other books, including Rowan and similar books.
I named my "Femshep" Shepard character in Mass Effect (And ME2) "Sassinak" after the titular character in her "Planet Pirates" series with Elizabeth Moon. (And I've re-used that name for a couple of other characters in City of Heroes and elsewhere.)
So yeah, I grew up with McCaffrey and her books. I'm going to sorely (and selfishly) miss ever seeing anything new. And I lament that I never got a chance to meet her and say thank you.
Rest in peace Lady Masterharper.
I think the Dragonriders of Pern was the first "adult" Sci-Fi book I ever read. I mean adult as in mature in theme and presentation. Not meant as a "young adult" book. I remember the bright green sky and golden dragon of the masterfully done cover by Robert Whelan catching my eye in my Junior High School Library and beginning to read it right there. The first trilogy in full was at the Library there. Later I hunted down and bought and read the rest of the series. (I think the first Harperhall Trilogy was also at the Junior High School Library too. Though I'm not certain of that now.)
Later on I read and devoured many of her other books, including Rowan and similar books.
I named my "Femshep" Shepard character in Mass Effect (And ME2) "Sassinak" after the titular character in her "Planet Pirates" series with Elizabeth Moon. (And I've re-used that name for a couple of other characters in City of Heroes and elsewhere.)
So yeah, I grew up with McCaffrey and her books. I'm going to sorely (and selfishly) miss ever seeing anything new. And I lament that I never got a chance to meet her and say thank you.
Rest in peace Lady Masterharper.