Sara gets it all
"Restoree" is no literary masterpiece, but it's still great fun to read. It's the kind of book to curl up with when you want something relatively mindless but comforting and not too trashy. It's not McCaffery's strongest, but it's my favorite. The SF elements are a bit dated in concept and the characters are not too deep, but it all work wells in combination with the romance. The ugly duckling-to-swan motif is one that rings a lot of bells. The thought of waking up as a better version of yourself, saving the day, and in the process snagging the hero always has appeal.
Fans of Pern should enjoy this book.
Fans of Pern should be interested to read this early McCaffrey, published in 1967.
This book features the strong-minded heroine Sara, who finds herself suddenly on another planet with a new body and a big problem. Sara becomes involved in the politics and intrigues of her new environment. Her better nature and her fear for her new love overcome the risk that she faces as an illegal and dreaded Restoree.
The book stands up well after all this time. McCaffrey is a talented writer and the book does not read as either dated or stilted. It may not be for everyone (I preferred Pern myself) but if you like the genre, it could well turn into a McCaffrey favorite. It should appeal to McCaffrey fans, fans of Science Fiction romance, and romance readers in general. Although there are some mild sexual situations, it is safe and probably very enjoyable reading for younger readers.
The Science Fiction Romance genre did NOT begin in the 1990s
This is one of the first sci-fi romance/adventures, with Sara being kidnapped by evil, man-eating aliens and carried away to a distant world where she finds adventure, love, AND a fabulous new body! This heroine is anything but weak, and guys, don't pass it up as a "romance." There's plenty of action for you here too, with space battles and male characters who are definitely "real men." Read and enjoy!
I couldn't put it down
I really liked the Dragons of Pern series, and loved the Crystal Singer books, but none of them caught my attention like Restoree. I found myself absolutely unable to put the book down, even though it meant staying up into the wee hours of the morning. I read it again in the same week, which is unheard of for me. If you like McCaffrey, you'll love this.
One of her best!
A simple, exciting story with great characters and plot. Yes it is somewhat predictable. No it is not a LOTR for convoluted or complicated plot. What it is a really FUN read. Of all the books I read I keep very few for my personnel library, this is one I kept. This was one of her first and I think one of her best!
(29 reviews)
