Dragonriders of Pern books in order

Reading order

Chronological order (for second read)

1. Dragonsdawn
2. Red Star Rising (Dragonseye UK title)
3. Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (short stories)
4. Dragonflight
5. Dragonquest
6. The White Dragon
7. Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern
8. Nerilka’s Story
9. Dragonsong/Singer/Drums (Harper Hall)
10. The Masterharper of Pern
11. All the Weyrs of Pern

Anne McCaffrey began the Dragonriders of Pern in 1967 with a novella, Weyr Search, that won a Hugo Award. Dragonflight, the first novel, published in 1968 from that novella’s content. McCaffrey had never written fantasy—she was writing what she called science fiction about a lost colony with genetically engineered dragons fighting microscopic spores called Thread.

The first three novels form a complete story. Dragonflight introduces Lessa, the last surviving heir of Ruatha Hold, who impresses the golden dragon Ramoth and becomes senior weyrwoman of Benden Weyr. F’lar is the dragonrider who discovers Thread is returning after 400 years. They lead Pern’s defense against falling spores that eat everything organic. Dragonquest continues their story, establishing new weyrs and dragon healing practices. The White Dragon focuses on Jaxom, a commoner who impresses the small and despised white dragon Ruth, and proves Ruth’s worth.

Publication order reads like an unfolding exploration. Harper Hall follows Menolly, a girl who runs away to the dragonweyr after her father forbids her music. The dragons rescue her and she becomes the first female harper. Later books go deeper into Pern’s history. Dragonsdawn (1988) is the prequel showing the colony founding, the creation of dragons, and the discovery of Thread. Moreta and Nerilka focus on plague and the aftermath of a different Pass.

Chronological order begins with Dragonsdawn and tells the founding story. Then it jumps intervals between Passes when Thread doesn’t fall, following characters through Pern’s multi-thousand-year history. This works like a history book rather than a single narrative. Both approaches are valid. McCaffrey herself encouraged reading in publication order first and then chronological rereads.

Anne McCaffrey died in 2011. Her son Todd McCaffrey began publishing Pern novels in 2003, initially co-authored with Anne and later solo. Reception has been mixed among longtime fans who prefer Anne’s voice and style.