I dithered about choosing this book, largely because it's one of a series and not the first. However, I decided that there was enough background in the first few chapters for anyone who's never read a Darkover book before to understand what's happening, and I particularly like the bits that take place in the Amazon house, so I chose this one, rather than the book that comes immediately before it chronologically.
I think it's quite old fashioned now, and the feminist/multi cultural message is a bit clunking. However the characterization is still brilliant, and it's a fab story. I love the depiction of women's relationships, and the way Magda and Jaelle deal with the very different restrictions of each other's worlds.
Remember that it it of its time, and enjoy it!