"
Windhaven" is a
science fiction novel by
George R. R. Martin, written in
collaboration with
Lisa Tuttle. The
novel was first published in 1981, although two sections of it appeared in
Analog magazine in 1975 and 1980.
The
planet Windhaven is a
lost colony, settled by humans after the crash of their
starship. The settlers discover that it is possible to
fly on their new world, due to the light
gravity and dense
atmosphere, and using the almost indestructible materials of their
starship. Since the planet consists of numerous small islands, and the seas are monster-infested, the only means of
communication is the
society of flyers who carry messages from
island to
island.
Windhaven tells the
story of
Maris of Amberly, the daughter of a fisherman who tries to enter the extremely
traditional and family-based society of flyers. She proposes that flyers would be chosen based on
merit, rather than family lines, so that the best would be able to
fly.
This novel is a great early example of the talent of
George R. R. Martin, who recently became immensely popular with "
A Game of Thrones" and its sequels.