The Darkover saga is now beyond question one of the most notable feats of storytelling in the history of sf, not to mention one of the most popular. [Hawkmistress!], laid in the time of the Hundred Kingdoms, when Darkover was torn by petty wars, is the story of Romilly MacAran, who possesses a special form of telepathy that allows her to communicate with hawks and horses…. A very fine coming-of-age story, with excellent characterization and pacing and powerful handling of Romilly's telepathic links to animals; it would deserve high praise even if it didn't have a ready-made audience. Highly recommended … for introducing new readers to Darkover.