It is the fifteenth book in the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne or her son Todd McCaffrey.

It details the birth and early life of Robinton, who becomes the MasterHarper of Pern shortly before Lessa becomes Weyrwoman.

Robinton was rejected by his jealous father, Petiron, and spent most of his childhood with his nurturing mother.

Since Robinton grew up in a very musically inclined setting, all the inhabitants helped bring him along in his journey to adulthood.

He was present when Lessa used her wit to provoke the duel in which Lord Fax was killed by F'lar.