Throughout the book, there is a high level of tension: preparations must me made for the Thread dominated years ahead; something must be done about a cruel, self-serving Lord Holder; a young Weyrleader has to cope with self-doubt; and a recently qualified artist must learn many new meanings of the word "satisfactory."

The book is a visual treat- viewing much of the story through the eyes of the artist Iantine gives us a new and enthralling view of life within the weyr and without. Every time I read it, I am transported into a colossally beautiful, exquisitely painted world which, sadly, exists only in the imagination.

With the usual McCaffrey brilliance, the story is deeply human- taking in the gamut of emotional experience: greed, generosity, hate, love, anger, revenge, fear and courage name but the tip of the iceberg. It is a story about a human people, living with human failings in an extraordinary society.

In spite of its smattering of unsavoury characters, I often view Pern as my personal utopia.

Buy it. Read it. Then read it again.