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The Skies of Pern

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The Skies of Pern
First paperback edition cover
Edwards cover of all editions[a]
AuthorAnne McCaffrey
Cover artistLes Edwards
(UK and US)[a]
LanguageEnglish
SeriesDragonriders of Pern
GenreScience fiction novel
PublisherDel Rey Books
Publication date
3 April 2001 (US)
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (Hardcover & Paperback)
Pages434 (first US hardcover)
ISBN978-0-345-43468-5
OCLC48690272
Preceded byThe Masterharper of Pern 
Followed byA Gift of Dragons 

The Skies of Pern is a science fiction novel by the American-Irish author Anne McCaffrey. It was the sixteenth book published in the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne or her son Todd McCaffrey.[1]

The Skies of Pern was first published in 2001. It was the first Pern book using the same painting to illustrate the UK and US covers.

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.

Notes

  1. ^ a b The Skies of Pern title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database lists cover artist Les Edwards for all editions as of 2011-10-12, five distinct ISBN.

References

  1. ^ Dragonriders of Pern series listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database. Retrieved 2011-10-09.

The Skies of Pern title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database