Nerilka is a young girl who has been taken from her home by the Galactic Republic and sent to live on an agricultural planet. She is unhappy with her new life, but helps the farmers in her community and dreams of one day returning to her home galaxy. When the Republic is attacked by the Sith Empire, Nerilka is chosen to be a part of a secret mission to help the Republic retake the planet. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, including a Jedi Knight, a smuggler, and a bounty hunter. Nerilka is able to help the Republic win the battle, and is able to return to her home galaxy

I am Nerilka. If the Hall’s supplies are drained by the demand, please come to me—” I emphasized that point by touching hand to chest “—for we’ve enough to physic half the planet”

The story was nice and engaging, unfortunately, haven’t read the rest of the series and this is book 8.

Nerilka has long since realized her lot in life is completely constrained by her parents’ decisions on her marriage and expects no happiness in life. Her one real friend was married to Alessan of Ruatha Hold until she died from being thrown off a horse. She is denied the chance to go to Ruatha when now widowed Lord Alessan holds his first gather even though 4 sisters went with their parents.
After Plague breaks out Nerilka is appalled all over again by the complete self centeredness of her father who breaks quarantine to return to Fort Hold and immediately gets his mistress and her family installed in her dead mother’s place. She is even more disgusted by his refusal to contribute necessary herbs to cure the flu epidemic. Stealing the herbal pharmaceuticals she and her dead sisters had prepared, she leaves Fort forever behind. What becomes of her will be shaped by her, not her disgusting father!
This theme of life going on after tragedy is in many ways a deeper theme than in Moreta. But Moreta is a more complex, layered story. I appreciate knowing what happened to Alessan as that was left unfinished in Moreta. The message that life can and must go on is always a good reminder, particularly since this could be read by adolescents who hopefully haven’t had to learn that hard lesson yet. Definitely recommended for Pern fans.