The Book Jargoon Pard, by Andre Norton was written in 1974. It takes place in the Witch World, a place where many races have come through 'Gates' between worlds. Usually these races co-exist, but sometimes there is war. The societies are on a fairly feudal level, and hence a new race, bringing tank like vehicles, and flame throwers can be very destructive. This story takes place in one of the periods of peace between wars.

The Jargoon Pard is a belt. The Jargoon is the oval stone that acts as the buckle, with the belt being made from pelt of a Pard, a large cat. The young man in the story, is heir to the hold, being the son of the sister of the current lord. As he reaches his youth, he leaves the rooms inhabited by his mother, and moves into the realm of men.

Horses are afraid of him. His cousin (the lords son) makes his life miserable. He is short in stature, and can only use sword and bow left behind by an earlier hold heir (there is a mystery hinted at here). At one point during his early years the hold is visited by a trader, who gives him the Jargoon Pard. Wearing the belt, under a full moon, he is transformed into a Pard. And so his adventures begin.

With his mother, and her serving woman trying to control him, and hence the hold; his male cousin wishing him dead, thus getting the hold for his; his female cousin not wishing to marry him, and the moon turning him 'were' he is not having a fun time.

Roaming as a pard he comes upon a star tower, and the people who live there intrigue him. A wise woman, a man that can become a snow cat, and a girl who is both attractive and a witch. A joining of the four is required to defeat the powers that face him.