Published by Del Rey Books in 2008, it was the second for Todd as sole author and the twenty-second in the series.

The frame story of Dragonheart takes place in a few days of winter 508 AL (years After Landing on Pern), weeks after the beginning of the Third Pass and its attendant Threadfall.

Pern is still trying to recover from a deadly plague that devastated the holders and craftsmen, not even 15 turns (years) before.

Although the dragonriders and Weyrfolk were spared from the devastation of that plague, they are about to be tested with a deadly illness that afflicts the dragons.

In an attempt to save the Weyrs, Fiona and a mysterious rider lead the injured and Weyrlings back in time.