I’m sorry to learn of Anne McCaffrey’s death. I discovered her Dragonrider books in 5th or 6th grade, literally on the same day that I discovered Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels, and both played a big role in shaping my psyche. (As I’ve mentioned before, one of the things I liked about Avatar was the way it combined McCaffreyan and Burroughsian imagery.)
I discovered Burroughs on my mother’s lap, and Pern at about 10 or 11 while going through every science fiction and fantasy novel in my local public library…
They both played their roles in my mind as well, but Burroughs far more for me. I liked Pern and enjoyed the novels as a kid and young teen, then put them aside and let them remain fond memories, gathering dust.
I felt deeply saddened when I heard of her death, even though I hadn’t thought much of her or her works since then. I may go back to revisit those old memories in her honor.
(I am one of the last people on earth to have not seen Avatar, so I can’t comment on the imagery)