Secondhand Pern and Dragonrider Fantasy Bargain Book Box DSH1129

Secondhand Pern and Dragonrider Fantasy Bargain Book Box

Soar through the skies of Pern with this massive collection of 18 secondhand novels by the legendary Anne McCaffrey, featuring core entries from the iconic Dragonrider series and essential non-Pern science fiction classics. Relive the epic struggle against the deadly Thread, explore the deep history of the planet, and follow the journeys of Weyrleaders, Harpers, and those who bond with Pern's majestic, telepathic dragons. This is the ultimate starter library or series completion pack for fans of imaginative world-building, combining interstellar adventure with classic high fantasy. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Dolphins of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
   This novel introduces the fascinating bond between the inhabitants of Pern and the highly intelligent, talkative dolphins, pivotal allies in the fight against Thread. A young girl, Readis, finds herself bridge-building between the human and cetacean societies, unlocking secrets vital to the planet's survival. The story explores communication barriers and the potential for interspecies cooperation in a world perpetually under threat. It demonstrates how ancient bonds and modern science must converge to save Pern.

2. The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall by Anne McCaffrey
   Journey back to the earliest days of the Pernese colony, long before the dragons were bred, revealing the desperate struggles of the first settlers during the planet's initial Threadfall. This collection of linked novellas chronicles the societal breakdown and the painful decisions that shaped Pernese culture, including the critical loss of advanced technology. It provides essential context for the world's reliance on tradition and the subsequent genetic creation of the dragons.

3. Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey
   Witness the epic beginning of the Dragonriders, detailing the arrival of the colonists, the first disastrous encounters with Thread, and the radical scientific experiments that genetically engineered the first fire-lizards into full-sized, telepathic dragons. Sorka and her peers race against time to adapt to their hostile new home, realizing only the powerful bond with these magnificent beasts can save humanity. This foundational novel perfectly captures the high stakes of survival and creation.

4. The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey
   Pern's political landscape is dramatically altered by Jaxom, the only rider ever to impress a rare, sterile white dragon, Ruth, forcing him into a leadership role beyond his traditional hold status. Jaxom and Ruth discover ancient secrets hidden away in the planet's past, threatening to expose deep divisions between the Weyrs and the Holds. This pivotal volume challenges established traditions and explores the unique destiny of a hero born outside the conventional hierarchy.

5. The Renegades of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
   Follow the story of the marginalized individuals of Pern—outcasts, criminals, and those who choose to live outside the rigid hierarchy of Holds and Weyrs—as they inadvertently play a crucial role in modernizing the planet. Toric, a charismatic leader among the renegades, struggles for legitimacy while trying to uncover and secure lost technology. This tale highlights the persistent tension between progress and tradition, showing that vital knowledge often lies outside established order.

6. All the Weyrs of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
   The planet faces a terrifying challenge as the Dragonriders realize that their traditional methods of fighting Thread are failing and that a scientific solution must be found to halt the menace permanently. Lessa and F'lar unite the planet's political and scientific minds in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to end the Thread cycles once and for all. This monumental novel drives toward the resolution of Pern's central conflict, demanding courage and unity across all societal strata.

7. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey
   During the devastating Pass of the Dragonlady Moreta, high-born Nerilka chooses to defy her privileged upbringing to serve her people as a healer and aid worker. She travels across the troubled continent, facing danger and prejudice, driven by a deep sense of moral duty amidst the plague and widespread death. Nerilka's quiet strength shines as she demonstrates that true heroism often lies in dedicated, selfless service far from the glory of the Weyrs.

8. Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
   Set centuries before the main series, this epic chronicles the heroic life of Moreta, a young Dragonrider forced to risk everything when a deadly, swift-spreading plague threatens to wipe out all human life on Pern. Moreta must use her dragon's ability to travel between time to deliver a vaccine, pushing herself and her bond to the absolute limits of endurance. Her sacrifice defines a period of Pernese history, establishing her legend as a true Dragonlady.

9. Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
   Menolly, a young girl with an extraordinary musical gift, runs away from her oppressive Hold when her conservative father forbids her from pursuing her passion as a Harper, believing it improper for a girl. She finds solace in a coastal cave, where she secretly impresses nine fire-lizards, the small, wild cousins of the dragons. This beloved tale chronicles her journey to independence and her ultimate discovery by the Master Harper of Pern.

10. The Girl Who Heard Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
    This collection of short stories, set both in and outside the world of Pern, showcases McCaffrey's thematic interests in gifted individuals, extraordinary animal bonds, and the intersection of science and destiny. The title story focuses on a girl whose unique ability to hear dragons from a great distance proves vital to the survival of a Weyr. It is a perfect collection demonstrating the author's mastery across multiple genres.

11. Dinosaur Planet Survivors by Anne McCaffrey
    This sequel continues the thrilling saga of the crew stranded on the dangerous planet of Ireta, inhabited by terrifyingly large, carnivorous dinosaurs and mysterious sentient life forms. The human survivors must confront not only the monstrous fauna but also complex ethical dilemmas about the planet's ecosystem and their own future. They struggle to establish a sustainable colony while facing betrayal from within their ranks.

12. Dinosaur Planet by Anne McCaffrey
    The survey team sent to the lush, prehistoric planet of Ireta finds themselves stranded when their technology mysteriously fails, leaving them surrounded by colossal, hostile dinosaur species. Led by Varian, the crew must rely on their wits and their knowledge of survival to navigate the dangerous, untamed world and piece together the sabotage that left them marooned. This exciting science fiction adventure showcases McCaffrey’s talent for survival stories outside Pern.

13. Girl of the Unicorn by Anne McCaffrey
    This compilation features several imaginative tales that explore themes of connection, fate, and unique abilities, often revolving around special relationships with mystical creatures or high-tech settings. The stories include adventures of characters who defy societal norms and utilize their extraordinary gifts to overcome adversity or solve ancient mysteries. It is a showcase of McCaffrey’s diverse fantasy short fiction.

14. Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey
    The political and military action intensifies as F'lar and Lessa grapple with maintaining the fragile unity of Pern while facing the skepticism of the cynical Holds and the dangers of a prolonged Threadfall. This novel explores the growing pains of the Weyrs as they adjust to the longer interval between Passes, forcing them to confront technological limitations and societal rebellion. It is a critical mid-series entry focusing on leadership and conflict resolution.

15. The Masterharper of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
    This biographical novel tells the story of Robinton, the wise and beloved Masterharper, chronicling his childhood, his rise through the Harper Hall, and his vital role in uniting the scattered factions of Pern. It reveals how music and artistry became essential tools for communication and history preservation, making Robinton a key figure in the planet's long-term survival strategy. The book provides a rich cultural backdrop to the main Dragonrider conflicts.

16. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
    The novel that launched the legendary series introduces Lessa, a young woman oppressed by her cruel relatives, whose latent telepathic power allows her to impress the magnificent golden Queen dragon, Ramoth. Together with Weyrleader F'lar, Lessa must navigate political intrigue and harness the dragons' time-traveling ability to save Pern from the devastating return of the Thread. This is the essential starting point for the Dragonrider sagas.

17. Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey
    Following the events of Dragonsong, this novel continues the journey of Menolly as she struggles to adapt to the rigorous structure and demanding expectations of the Harper Hall, now studying under the watchful eye of Masterharper Robinton. Her unique talent for composing music and her secret bond with her fire-lizards are both assets and sources of insecurity in her new, challenging environment. It is a heartwarming story of finding one's place through creative dedication.

18. Dragondrums by Anne McCaffrey
    Piemur, the small, quick-witted apprentice in the Harper Hall, whose voice broke too soon for him to become a professional singer, is instead entrusted with a secret, dangerous mission. Serving as a drummer and messenger, he must navigate treacherous political waters and gather crucial intelligence vital to the security of the Weyrs. This adventure highlights the heroism of those who serve behind the scenes with loyalty and courage.