The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey

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I was first introduced to The Rowan in High School, I believe sophomore year. I've always been more into fantasy than Science-Fiction, but I decided to give it a go, being that it was so highly recommended. Boy was I in for a treat!!! The Prologue was short and sweet, giving enough background for things to make sense without bogging the reader down (that being my fear at the time).

In this book, we are introduced into a future in which people with telekinetic, telepathic, and other such abilities have been "outed" to the world, and have even become a staple for the growth and economy of the human population. Because of their ability to connect with generators, the Primes (highest level telepaths and teleporters/telekinetics) have been able to move spaceships through space and the human race has colonized many planets in the universe (Altair, Betelgeuse, Procyon, Capella, and Callisto just to name a few). While Primes exist in many different fields (medical, genetics, therapeutics, precognitions), Tower Primes, or those who can connect to generators and move items/people through space are few and far between.

The beginning of The Rowan introduces us to a small child, who through a devastating chain of events has been orphaned, no longer remembers her name, and with her incredible mind powers cries out for help to everyone on the planet who can hear. When the government officials finally find her, she is placed in the care of Siglen, the Prime of Altair, who then thrusts her on Lusena, a T-8 therapist, to raise until she is of an age where she can study with Siglen and learn how to be a Tower Prime. The child takes the name, The Rowan, which causes some to scoff, but it's what she likes, and because of the trauma does not regain her memories of before the accident.

Her tale of growing up is interesting without bogging us down with useless drivel, and then her tales as a woman in her early to mid-20s provides even more entertainment. She experiences heartache and trials, along with successes and fun times. We see her grow as a human being, and how her desire for companionship is partly driven by the empty space left by her being orphaned, as well as her status as a Prime keeping her from forming a lasting relationship until the right one comes along.

Overall, this novel is one that I have read numerous times (at least 6, most likely more), and one that I can read again and again. Each time, another facet of the book comes to mind, and I fall in love with it again. If you like this book, continue on with the rest of the series and also foray into Ms. McCaffrey's other novels (she's written so many!!!!)

Do yourself a solid favor and READ IT!




Final Report:
The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey
328 pages
Age range: 18 years
$7.99 (paperback)
10/10


Available at Barnes and Noble and at Barnes and Noble online