Booklist Review: Like a certain TV pink bunny, McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series just keeps going and going, much to the delight of her myriad fans. Unfortunately, this latest installment is one of the weakest in the saga. The villain, Chalkin, Lord Holder of Bitra, is a complete caricature, so unlikable, so mean, so without any redeeming feature that if this were a fantasy, he would be a minion of the Dark and therefore less easily disposed of than he is in Dragonseye. The First Pass of the deadly Thread encountered by the terrans who settled Pern lasted nearly 50 years; it is now 257 years later, and the rogue planet that hosts the voracious mycorrhizoid organism known as Thread is once again approaching the planet. The leaders of the Holds and Weyrs are gearing up to fight the new invasion. Only Chalkin refuses to acknowledge the danger and make preparations. The major plot thread concerns efforts to impeach and exile Chalkin, a task carried out far too easily. In general, characters are not so fully fleshed out as in past Pern novels, but fans will still revel in the familiar hatching scene and the scramble to prepare for the new cycle of Thread. Also, the ending lends an opening for yet another tale. Despite this installment's weakness, the popularity of the series ensures heavy demand. ((Reviewed December 15, 1996)) -- Sally Estes ( )