I have no idea what this cover is all about, which is often the case with the Darkover paperbacks. That petty complaint aside, this is my favorite entry ten books into my chronological reread of the series. It's the first time the renunciates take a central role, and the concept of women having sex and having babies in their own time and at their own wishes is explored. Strangely, though, one of the renunciates has second thoughts about having committed to the right to choose once she's fallen if love with a dude, who on a 2016 read of the 1976 novel is not the most enlightened creature. Plus the Terran only has five fingers, unlike his Darkovan lookalike, who is a little rapey in his own right.
I like how the Free Amazons (that's what the shor-haired renunciates are called) take their lady values on the road, "but Kindra knew she was skilled at making and managing a campsite, and their comfort was valuable, too, on a trip like this; and like all Amazons, Rima was completely able to defend herself."
As with most Darkover novels, there is an awakening of psychic powers in a Terran (how empire earthlings identify in this age) and having to reconcile her identity and connection with the planet and its Terra-descended native inhabitants.