'A winner - tip of the hat to young master Paolini' Anne McCaffrey, author of The Dragonriders of Pern series'A compelling and action- filled adventure ... a galloping good example of its genre' Daily Telegraph'This book is an achievement. Readers ...

Set once again on the planet Pern, this is a new novel from the author of The Renegades of Pern . Anne McCaffrey, who has won the Hugo and Nebula awards for science fiction, has also written The Rowan and Pegasus in Flight .

The silver Threads began falling again. The dragonriders took to the skies and their flying dragons swirled in space, belching flames that destroyed the strands before they reached the ground. But F'lar knew he had to find it before the rebellious Oldtimers could breed any more dissent - and before his brother launched another suicide mission.

When Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, arrived at the Harper Craft Hall, she came in style, aboard a huge bronze dragon, followed by her nine fire lizards. The Masterharper of Pern, aware of her unique skills, had chosen her as his only girl apprentice. But the holdless girl had first to overcome many heartaches in this strange new life. Two things sustained her -- her devoted lizards, a ...