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Anne McCaffrey
Anne McCaffrey is the author of the classic science fiction novel Dragonflight. Her work often explores themes of fantasy and science fiction, and she also contributed to educational literature with Prentice Hall Literature--Silver.
The Renegades of Pern
On the planet Pern, dragonriders are the last line of defense against the deadly Thread that falls from the sky. But not everyone lives in the safety of the Holds; some, like Jayge's clan, roam the roads, while others, like Aramina's family, have lost their homes. When a dangerous band of renegades seeks Aramina for her unique dragon-bonding abilities, Jayge must race against time to protect her and stop their plans.
While it is part of the larger Pern series, The Renegades of Pern focuses on characters and events somewhat removed from the main storyline, making it more accessible as a standalone entry than many other books in the series. New readers can generally start here without feeling lost, though prior knowledge of Pern's history enriches the experience.
This novel explores the lives of those who live outside the traditional Weyr and Hold structures, offering a different perspective on Pernese society and the challenges of Threadfall. It introduces new characters and expands on the world-building by focusing on the "renegades" mentioned in earlier books, providing context for their existence.