Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern, By Anne McCaffrey

The end of the sixth pass of the Red Star is soon approaching, and all the world is waiting expectantly. Moreta, Weyrwoman of Fort Weyr, realizes that it is just under eight years till thread will cease to fall, and that life will dramatically change after that. But in the meanwhile, there is a Gather at Ruatha Hold to attend, and races to watch. Her enthusiasm for the runner races are usually looked down upon, but she finds an unexpected ally in the new Lord Holder of Ruatha, Alessan. Both enjoy the other’s company: Moreta, because he is as runner mad as she: Alessan, because Moreta is an interesting woman and being with her he can escape marriage prospects. Both enjoy the Gather immensely, but bad news is gathering in the wind. There had also been another Gather that day in Ista Hold, where a strange feline from the Southern Continent was displayed. But the gawkers and onlookers would pay an unexpected price: the feline was a carrier for a sickness that quickly spread through Hold, Weyr, and Crafthall. Masterhealer Capiam declares a quarantine for the entire continent, in hopes to halt the spread of this virulent sickness. But many have already been exposed, and with the two Gathers, many dragonriders went to both. And as the sickness ravages Pern, a worry almost as great is present: if the dragonriders all fall ill, who will protect Pern from Thread?

That was a rather long summary, but I kind of like it. This is a sad time in Pern’s history, with lots of tragedy and unhappiness. Moreta is really a character to identify with, and that is a good thing as she carries the book. One great thing is that we get to see dragon healing after Threadfall. That’s never been gone into in depth much, and it’s fun to watch. Moreta is also very different from other Queen riders that we see later on. In great contrast to Lessa, Moreta is much more easygoing, and her relationship to her dragon is very different. Ramoth is very broody and jealous, while Orlith is understanding and patient. It’s nice to see differences.

This book also corrected some of the faults of Dragonseye. There were many less povs to worry about, and the story climaxed at the appropriate time. As an entire book it is better, although tragedies are never quite wonderful. But for all it’s sadness, I cannot label it as a depressing book. Maybe that’s just me, but it is not entirely without happiness. There’s a lighter feel to it that more depressing books lack. But the chance to slip into the world of Pern is still a delight, made even more so by the complex society which inhabits it, as well as it’s fantastic inhabitants: the dragons!