This book takes place over almost exactly the same period as Moreta. However, its not a rehash of those events, as it is written from a different person's perspective. There are enough points where the two story lines meet for the books to make sense as a pair, and I'd recommend reading them back to back. This book is an incredibly fast read (I knocked it over in a few hours on a flight), and its a bit more positive than Moreta, which has a pretty sad ending. However, this book isn't the happiest book ever written either. I've seen commentary that says this book is mostly about how unattractive Nerilka is physically. I dispute that though -- the book is about how the human spirit is more important than breeding or good looks, and how Nerilka's efforts to do the right thing in a time of crisis have a lasting impact. I enjoyed this book.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/Anne_McCa... ( )

While Anne McCaffrey does a wonderful job with most of her Dragons of Pern series, Nerilka's Story always stands out in my mind. McCaffrey shows how people can rise above their own expectations, creating a heart wrenching and touching story. ( )

Orson Scott Card stunned critics when he released "Ender's Shadow," which retold "Ender's Game" from the point of view of another character. Even more surprising was how susccessful a parallel story could be - standing on its own. However, Anne McCaffrey did it before him, with just as much success.

"erilka's Story" parallels the events in "Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern." Moreta was a larger than life heroine, willing to sacrifice herself for her people, who rode a beautiful dragon. In a way, Nerilka is more courageous. She goes against the wishes of her family and sets out on a dangerous journey to help others in need. Hers is a story of quiet bravery that is just as moving as Moreta's. This is an excellent novel that deserves as much praise, and is a must read. ( )

True, no dragons were involved in this story, well not directly. Nerilka is a very human character. She is a true heroine. Her struggles were real as earth and her reaction was as real too. ( )