Crystal Line

Crystal Singers are infected with a symbiotic life form that heals them and gives them longer life - but eventually they lose their memories. This story is told from the perspective of a much older Killishandra who has this poignant problem.

The story is one familiar to anyone who knows aging friends or relatives with Alzheimers or other degenerative conditions. Irritating, irascible, and yet loved and supported by her partner Lars Dahl, this novel can be at times painful to read. Stepping back, this is also a story about the growth of the crystal singers guild, and builds this interesting universe further. It also ties in with The Ship Who Sang, another McCaffrey book.

Unlike real life, the situation does get better here, and McCaffrey was sometimes criticized for these happy endings. Another criticism is a dual standard - characters misbehaving before or after criticizing others for the same behavior. Killishandra does this a lot, and though one could argue her seniority in the guild gives her the right, it is still irritating. This novel is a good conclusion to the series, but not as good a book as the second or first.