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"Get Off The Unicorn" by Anne McCaffrey is a collection of short stories that span from the author's early years as a writer in 1959 to 1973. The stories cover various themes such as strong women characters, different worlds, and the introduction of key elements that later evolved into full-fledged series like Pern and the Rowan. Readers familiar with McCaffrey's work will recognize characters from popular series like The Dragonriders of Pern, The Tower and the Hive, and the Talents universe, providing a diverse and engaging reading experience.

If you liked Get Off The Unicorn, here are the top 14 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 14 
  1. #1

    The Girl Who Heard Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
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    I'm never sure what image readers construct of me from reading my books. But, generally, when I get a response of "You're Anne McCaffrey?" I haven't had the nerve to ask what they were expecting. Tone...

    Anne McCaffrey's dragons are the stuff of which SF/fantasy legends are made. All of her dragon books have been national bestsellers.

    The Girl Who Heard Dragons is a feast for McCaffrey fans and for all readers-a big, satisfying compilation of her fi

    ...
    1985
    417 pages

  2. #2

    The Masterharper of Pern - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    The Masterharper of Pern delves into the untold story of the ebullient MasterHarper, Robinton, a beloved character in the Pern series. The book provides great insights into Robinton's life, from his childhood to the events leading up to the dragon stories. Readers get to witness Robinton's journey, his relationships, his talents, and the challenges he faces, making it a compelling prequel to the series. The narrative style is praised for its detailed character development and engaging storytelling, offering a rich background to the familiar Pern universe.

    "One thing sure," Betrice said wryly as she wrapped the squalling, wriggling baby tightly into the fine cotton sheet his mother had woven for just this moment, "he's got your lungs, Petiron. Here! I'v...
    November 1998
    449 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pern Universe )

  3. #3

    The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    'The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall' is a collection of stories that delve into the early days of the planet Pern, its colonization, and the lives of its inhabitants. Set in the far future, the tales cover a span of about 40 years, revealing the background story of the Pern saga, including the original survey team, the naming of the planet, the founding of the first Holds, and the adventures of splinter groups of colonists. provides a gripping adventure full of mesmerizing details, character development, and a rich variety of life on the planet Pern.

    1993
    332 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pern Universe )

  4. #4

    The Dolphins of Pern - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    'The Dolphins of Pern' by Anne McCaffrey is a novel set in the 'Pern Universe' that explores the re-establishment of the relationship between humans and dolphins on the planet Pern. The story follows characters like Readis and Alemi as they discover the dolphins' intelligence, communication abilities, and their desire to reconnect with humans. The plot intertwines the excitement of overcoming the Thread threat with the emergence of new technologies and information from an Artificial Intelligence, Avis, left behind by Pern's original founders.

    The book delves into the journey of Readis and his dream of becoming a Dolphineer, paralleled with T'lion's experiences as a young dragonrider. As they work together to reintroduce dolphins to the rest of Pern, the narrative unfolds with themes of friendship, adventure, and the significance of human-animal connections. The novel also touches upon the evolving society on Pern, adding depth to the overall plotline of the 'Pern Universe.'

    1994
    382 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pern Universe )

  5. #5

    The Renegades of Pern - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    'The Renegades of Pern' by Anne McCaffrey follows the lives of various characters outside of the Weyrs, including holdless individuals, traders, and Lord Holders, during the return of the life-threatening Thread. The narrative covers a wide time span, overlapping events from previous Pern books, and is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the conflicts and experiences of both new and familiar characters. Despite some disjointed storytelling and gaps in the plot, the book weaves together the diverse characters into a relatively cohesive storyline, providing more depth to conflicts from earlier books and introducing elements of science fiction related to the settlers' technology.

    JAYGE HAD HOPED his father would stay longer at Kimmage Hold. He did not want to leave as long as he and his shaggy mare were doing so well in races against the holder boys’ runners. Fairex looked so...
    January 1989
    384 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pern Universe )

  6. #6

    All the Weyrs of Pern - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    A satisfying, genre-blending capstone (for many) to the Pern saga - packed with worldbuilding, nostalgia, and a dash of bittersweet. Great for devoted series fans; less so if you're not keen on sci-fi twists or intricate plots.

    In "All the Weyrs of Pern" by Anne McCaffrey, the people of Pern come into contact with their past as they uncover the remains of the planet's original settlement and a functioning computer system. This discovery leads to a final solution for the problem of Thread and the Red Star, bringing about significant changes to Pernese life. The story follows key characters like Jaxom and Ruth as they work with others to banish Thread permanently, with themes of overcoming challenges, embracing new technologies, and uniting different factions for a common goal.

    BY THE TIME the Aivas had finished its recital of the first nine years of the colonization of Pern, the sun Rukbat had set with an unusually fine display. Not that many of the reverent listeners of th...
    January 1991
    492 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pern Universe )

  7. #7

    Dragonquest - Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
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    A classic dragon adventure rich with inventive world-building, but not without quirks of its era. Worth it for lovers of fantasy stalwarts and anyone intrigued by dragons in flight.

    In "Dragonquest" by Anne McCaffrey, tensions rise between the Oldtimers and the contemporary dragonriders of Pern, leading to disputes and banishments. The story follows characters like F'lar, F'nor, and Brekke as they navigate political intrigue, dragon flights, and the threat of Thread falling out of pattern. The plot involves power struggles, technological discoveries, and personal relationships set against the backdrop of a world threatened by imminent danger.

    He frowned thoughtfully down at the smoothed, moist sand in the shallow trays of his workdesk. His long face settled into deep-grooved lines and creases, and his eyes, usually snapping blue with inner...
    January 1971
    378 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dragonriders of Pern )

  8. #8

    Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    A classic, emotional entry in the Pern saga - heartfelt, gripping, but definitely not a lighthearted read. Best suited for established fans or those who don’t mind a bittersweet tale.

    Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne McCaffrey is a book set in the Pern Universe, where the protagonist, Moreta, takes to the skies on her dragon to help ferry medicine to combat a devastating plague that is threatening the planet of Pern. The book delves into themes of sacrifice, leadership, and the race against time to save the planet from impending doom. The writing style of Anne McCaffrey brings to life the fantastical world of Pern and its dragon riders, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.

    “His Weyr business should be accompanying you to Ruatha Gather.” Nesso’s voice had a whining note to it in the best of her humors. Now the Fort Weyr Headwoman was filled with aggrieved indignation at...
    January 1983
    372 pages

  9. #9
    Dragonsdawn
    Book 3 in the series:Pern Universe

    Dragonsdawn - Pern Universe by Anne McCaffrey
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    A rich origin story for the world of Pern - best enjoyed by established fans and lovers of science-y worldbuilding, but less gripping for those seeking heart-pounding adventure or literary flair.

    Dragonsdawn is a prequel to the beloved Dragonriders of Pern series, narrating the story of the first settlers on Pern and the development of dragons to combat the deadly Thread. The book delves into the colonization of Pern, the genetic engineering of dragons from fire lizards, and the transition of a technologically advanced society to a more primitive one. Readers are introduced to characters like Admiral Benden and witness the birth of the holds and weyrs that become iconic in the series. The narrative seamlessly combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a compelling origin story for the Pern universe.

    “On the screen, please, Mister Telgar,” Admiral Paul Benden replied. Beside him, leaning against his command chair, Emily Boll kept her eyes steadily on the sunlit planet, scarcely aware of the activi...
    January 1988
    467 pages

  10. #10

    The White Dragon - Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
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    While not everyone’s favorite in the series, The White Dragon is a must-read for Pern fans, with a lovable dragon and some fascinating world-building. A little slow at times, but full of heart and classic fantasy vibes.

    'The White Dragon' in the series 'Dragonriders of Pern' by Anne McCaffrey follows the coming of age story of Jaxom, a young Lord of Ruatha Hold, who accidentally impresses the unique white dragon Ruth. As Jaxom navigates the challenges of being both a Lord Holder and a dragonrider, the story delves into his growth, Ruth's development, and their shared adventures. The plot unfolds with political intrigue, mysterious discoveries from the past settlers of Pern, and the evolving relationship between Jaxom, Ruth, and the world around them.

    The book is praised for its suspenseful plot, dramatic events, engaging character development, and exploration of themes like responsibility, friendship, and love. Readers appreciate the intricate world-building, the bond between dragon and rider, and the captivating storytelling that blends elements of fantasy and science fiction seamlessly. The White Dragon is commended for its imaginative narrative, memorable characters like Ruth, and the evolution of Pern's society through the eyes of Jaxom.

    ‘IF HE ISN’T clean enough now,’ Jaxom told N’ton as he gave Ruth’s neck ridge a final swipe with the oiled cloth, ‘I don’t know what clean is!’ He wiped his sweaty forehead on his tunic sleeve. ‘What...
    1978
    477 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dragonriders of Pern )

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