Dinosaur Planet (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Science fiction |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Anne McCaffrey |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
Dinosaur Planet is a science fiction novel published in 1978 by the American-Irish writer Anne McCaffrey. It first appeared as a paperback original through Orbit Books in the UK and Del Rey Books in the US, which are imprints of Futura Publications and Ballantine Books, respectively. This book initiated a series situated on the imaginary world called "Ireta," often referred to as the "dinosaur planet."
The story continues in the follow-up novel The Survivors (Dinosaur Planet II) released in 1984, known in the United States as Dinosaur Planet Survivors. Collectively, these two books are frequently identified as the "Dinosaur Planet series" or considered a sub-series. In 1990, McCaffrey broadened this universe into what is known as the "Ireta series" by partnering with Elizabeth Moon and Jody Lynn Nye to create three "Planet Pirates" novels set within the same fictional realm.
Origins
After relocating to Ireland in 1970 during the completion of her second Dragonriders of Pern novel and securing a deal for the third installment, McCaffrey’s writing pace slowed following Dragonquest. However, she found new prospects in children’s and young adult literature. London-based Futura Publications commissioned her to write dinosaur-themed books aimed at younger audiences, which were released under their imprint Orbit Books.
Plot summary
The narrative follows a survey expedition investigating mineral deposits on the fictional planet Ireta, where they encounter massive creatures resembling prehistoric animals. The mission faces upheaval when the Heavyworlder members—physically robust individuals—rebel after developing carnivorous tendencies.
The prequel The Death of Sleep links to these events by introducing characters who arrive on Ireta and intertwining significant elements of the storyline.
Ireta series
- Dinosaur Planet (1978)
- The Survivors (Dinosaur Planet II), also titled Dinosaur Planet Survivors (1984)
- Sassinak (March 1990), co-authored by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon
- The Death of Sleep (June 1990), co-written by Anne McCaffrey and Jody Lynn Nye
- Generation Warriors (1991), a collaboration between Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon
Omnibus editions combining the two original Dinosaur Planet novels were available as early as 1985, while collections of the three Planet Pirates books were published by 1993.