Part of Pern
First published 1998
Two centuries have passed since Thread last devastated Pern, and most people have forgotten the horror. The dragonriders remember. They train constantly, preserving ancient Threadfighting skills while others dismiss them as relics. Violent storms and volcanic eruptions signal the Red Star's approach, but Lord Holder Chalkin of Bitra refuses to prepare his Hold. His stubborn denial threatens everyone on Pern. The Weyrleaders face a dual crisis: readying their dragons and riders for an enemy no living person has fought, while dealing with a Lord Holder whose disbelief could doom his people. As the signs grow stronger, the dragonriders work frantically with Holders and Craftmasters to create the legendary Star Stones and preserve vital knowledge in teaching ballads. Time runs short, and Chalkin's resistance may spell disaster when Thread falls again.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, space-opera, action, epic-fantasy
Vibes: action-packed, epic, suspenseful, urgent, world-building-heavy
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, impending-doom, institutional-resistance
Setting: Pern, Bitra Hold, Red Star
Period: Two centuries after Thread devastation
353 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Random House Value Publishing
Content warnings: death, violence