Dragonsdawn is divided into three parts. "Landing" encompasses the establishment of Landing, the central staging area and focus of the expanding community as claims are staked and land explored. The second section, "Thread," begins eight years later with the first Threadfall experienced on the planet and the tragic consequences.

"Crossing," the final section, adds to these tragic events with the unexpected eruption of a volcano near Landing and the emergency evacuation of the settlement to the North Continent. These catastrophes emphasize the hardship, isolation, and commitment of the colonists. Scenes of hard work and disaster are punctuated by delightful glimpses of the growing dragons. Readers again feel the wonder of dragon-love and dragon-flight, while the colonists hope the dragons can preserve their planet.

Setting moves the novel's pace and plot; Pern has benign and maleficent aspects, and the colonists must make some quick and far-reaching decisions.

While Thread...