"Dragon Flight" by Anne McCaffrey

This is the first book that was written in the 'DragonRiders of Pern' series. Although there are 'science fiction' underpinnings to the story (it is set on a colony of Earth in the far future) this is primarily a fantasy book, later books in the series contain more science fiction.

The book tells the story of a young woman, Lessa, who is the only surviving member of the ruling family of Ruatha Hold. When the story opens she has pre monitions of a disaster to come that is somehow linked to the red star that is visible to the east. We then follow Lessa as she becomes rider of the golden dragon Ramoth, and as she and F'lar tackle the dangers and problems facing Pern.

I find this book rather disjointed (although I like it lots and lots :) ) primarily because the first part was written as a standalone short story (for which I think she won an award). In the second part of this book Anne McCaffrey seems to have thought more about this world/society that she's created, so some things change. It is subtly done though, and perhaps I only notice it so much because I've read the series a lot and know how it is 'supposed' to be which makes the differences in teh first part stand out. I still think this is a great book, and if you haven't read any Anne McCaffrey before this is a good place to start!