This is the third book of the "Dragonriders of Pern" series from Anne McCaffrey. As usual, it tells a story of the intricate political and social struggles between the Dragonriders and other inhabitants of the Planet Pern, with a focus on the White Dragon Ruth. Smaller than other members of her species, Ruth will prove to be very important in the Dragonriders' understanding of dragon abilities and the past of Pern. It is a slow moving book and requires utmost concentration and focus in order not to meet the intricate events and discussions within the context of the Dragonriders.