Part of Pern
First published 1986
Ruth stands apart from every other dragon on Pern. His small stature and white scales draw scorn from larger dragons who question his worth. His rider, young Lord Jaxom, faces similar dismissal from fellow lords and dragonriders who refuse to take him seriously. When Jaxom expresses his desire to join the ranks of those who defend Pern from Thread, the deadly spores that fall from the sky, his dreams meet only rejection. Frustrated by the barriers placed before them, Jaxom and Ruth begin training in secret, determined to prove themselves worthy despite the doubts of others. Their clandestine efforts lead them down a dangerous path that will test everything they believe about loyalty, duty, and friendship. As their choices grow more desperate, they must decide how far they will go to claim their rightful place, even if it means risking the safety of the world they love.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, fantasy, young-adult, epic-fantasy
Vibes: action-packed, defiant, emotional, epic, inspirational, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, coming-of-age, forbidden-training, found-family, underdog-hero
Setting: Pern
468 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Del Rey