The Skies of Pern

The Skies of Pern

Author	Anne McCaffrey
Language	English
Series	Pern
Genre	Science fiction novel
Publisher	Del Rey
Publication date	April 3, 2001
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	480 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN	0345434692
OCLC	48690272
Preceded by	The Masterharper of Pern
Followed by	Dragon's Kin

The Skies of Pern is a science fiction novel in the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey. First published in 2001.

This novel follows soon after The Dolphins of Pern, and, in contrast to the last several Pern novels, takes place in a very short period of time within the same year.

Plot summary

A rogue comet that strikes Pern leads the Weyrleaders and Holders, contemplating a future where dragonriders are not needed in a Threadless world, to consider the creation of a new Star Craft made of dragonriders. The discovery by dragonriders F'lessan and Tai, after a brutal attack by large felines, of the draconic use of telekinesis, only strengthens their resolve to keep Pern's skies free of danger.

At the same time, disgruntled citizens resisting the ever-growing role of technology in Pernese life band together as Abominators, attacking Crafthalls, and are determined to destroy all the new technology in use. These fanatics are seemingly allied with Southern Lord Holder Toric. The Abominators' leader, Shankolin, is killed at the end of the book when he enters the chamber formerly housing AIVAS, the computer that introduced advanced technology to the Pernese. This implies that although AIVAS is disabled, his defense systems remain active.