Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #188648 in Books
• Published on: 1987-01-12
• Released on: 1987-01-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 208 pages

Download Description
A deadly epidemic was sweeping across Pern. Everyone, holder anddragonrider alike, pitched in to help -- except Nerilka's father, whorefused to share Fort Hold's bounty with the other Holds. So, ashamed ofher family and determined to do her part, Nerilka packed up medicinesand supplies and sneaked off to aid her people.

Her quest to help wherever she was most needed led her finally to RuathaHold, where Lord Alessan was frantically preparing the precious serumneeded for mass inoculations against the dread plague.

Nerilka had long ago abandoned the hope of marriage and a home of herown. Now she found happiness in being useful and appreciated -- firstthe Healers and then Alessan made very clear that they were grateful forher help.

She had no idea that her new path would change the course of her lifeforever!

From Publishers Weekly
The latest of McCaffrey's romantic Pern novels expands on the tale of a minor character in Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern. Young Nerilka is considered unattractive and overly serious in her own hold, where her peremptory father installs his mistress immediately after his wife's death. Angry and frustrated, Nerilka uses her medical training and her access to the supplies her father is hoarding to help combat the plague sweeping Pern, which has already claimed her mother and sisters. Inevitably, her work with the Healers leads her to Ruatha Hold, whose rugged widower chief, Lord Alessan, sees her worth and marries her. In form, this is basically a Victorian gothic in which a governess tames and marries the gruff master of the house. As such, McCaffrey's legions of fans should enjoy it, but it is a weak entry in the Pern saga.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA This slight addition to McCaffrey's dragon novels is about a minor character mentioned in Moretta, Dragonlady of Pern (Ballantine, 1983). Nerilka, the plain and ignored oldest daughter of Lord Tolocamp, is appalled when her father abandons her mother and sisters to the plague spreading from Ruatha Hold, then refuses aid to anyone else on the rest of Pern. Nerilka first sends medicines secretly, then sets off (in disguise) for Ruatha, a place she had long wished to visit but had always been prevented from going. There she finds acceptance both for her healing skills and for herself, and she falls in love with the seemingly unattainable Alessan, Lord of Ruatha. This illustrated novella, about the size of a paperback, is not the best of McCaffrey, but it does have an interesting heroine and will satisfy McCaffrey's legions of fans who want to know why Alessan married so shortly after the death of his beloved Moretta. Betsy Shorb, PGCMLS, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Nerilka's Story
Not a typical story about dragons. Gives a different focus of life on Pern. Good read!

Another great book from Anne McCaffery
Nerilka's Story is a back story to Moreta. It takes place at the same time. A wonderful story about a lesser know character.

Great if you like Sci Fiction
The Pern series of books from Anne McCaffery are great. Better if you read them in order, (look online at her website for recommendations). This is futuristic science fiction, but if you liked Aregon, you would probably like this series too