Dragonflight is the first book in the acclaimed Dragonriders of Pern novels by Anne McCaffrey. The first segment of the book won a Hugo award in 1968, and the second part won a Nebula award.
Dragonflight takes place on a planet called Pern. The world of Pern has a complex social system of Holders (sort of like Kings), Crafters (blacksmiths, musicians, weavers, etc.), and Weyrfolk (riders of dragons and protectors of Pern). At their hatching, the huge dragons bond with humans. Together the dragons and their riders share a telepathic communication.
In this first book it’s been 400 years since the deadly organism called Thread has fallen from the sky. The people of Pern have legends and laws passed down to protect them and their land. But after 400 years most people have grown lax and don’t follow the old ways and traditions. In fact, the dragonriders are considered worthless parasites and the Holders are tired of supporting them. Even the dragonriders themselves aren’t sure they believe in Thread. Except for F’lar, rider of the bronze dragon Mnmenth. He follows the old ways and expects the people under his charge to do so.
The last queen dragon has laid a queen egg. F’lar searches for a strong woman to match with the new dragon. He finds her in Lessa. Together Lessa and F’lar manage to prepare their dragons and Pern for the soon to fall Thread. When the burrowing menace starts to fall, the dragons are ready, but too few to do a good job. Lessa discovers the ability to travel through time on the dragons, and they solve an old mystery about what happened to the other Weyrs that were abandoned.
This is a great introduction to a complex world. If you enjoy it, there are at least a dozen more books that take place in this world of dragons.
Content warning: There are some sexual scenes in the story. Some of the Holders treat their women in very unenlightened backwards ways.
Also See:
Dealing with Dragons – Patricia C. Wrede