Readers familiar with McCaffrey's classic novels Dragon-flight and Dragonquest will welcome [The White Dragon, an] engrossing and well-crafted addition to "The Dragon-riders of Pern."… The saga of Pern, like those of Dark-over and Amber, is a topnotch continuing adventure, and the new dimensions given to old friends like Lessa, F'lar, and Robinton keep the characters from becoming stale. The fire-lizards are a lively addition to the already well-rounded cast. (p. 1201)

Susan L. Nickerson, "Science Fiction: 'The White Dragon'," in Library Journal (reprinted from Library Journal, June 1, 1978; published by R. R. Bowker Co. (a Xerox company); copyright © 1978 by Xerox Corporation), Vol. 103, No. 11, June 1, 1978, pp. 1201-02.