Dragonsinger (1977)

I do know I checked this out from the library. I do know I started it. Did I finish it? Not sure. I know I didn't really care for it but I think it was because I plunged myself right into the Pern books without starting from the beginning. ( )

This is another reread from long ago. I hoped it would be all I remember as that was pretty awesome. I was not disappointed.

Menolly is finally at Harper Craft Hall, where she belongs. While there is bullying, the true adults (one "adult" is also a bullying snob) help Menolly when she is out of her depth. It was fascinating to me to see the young musician bloom when in her element.

Second in a series, this can stand alone as long as the reader has some familiarity with McCaffrey's Pern, although it is much better if one has read Dragonsong. While written for young adults, I thoroughly loved it. I think adults with a love of music would also find it interesting. Anyone who loves science fantasy will probably enjoy this book. ( )

I haven’t read this since I was a kid and I still adore it. Although I won’t lie, Dragonsinger wasn’t my favorite of the trilogy, I always felt it was a slow moving tale, and after the re-read it does still have that slow, almost boring pace.

The story is beautiful though, after everything we witness in book one, with how Menolly is treated at her hold and at the hands of her own parents, it’s satisfying seeing her treated with respect and true care, though that’s not to say everyone at Harper Hall is particularly happy she is there. But boy did I love when Menolly finally stood up to Pona and even slugged Benis a good hit! That was my favorite scene when I read this years ago and frankly it still is.

The story focuses on Menolly adapting to her new home while trying to understand her place amongst the Hall but also maintain her control over her 9 fire lizards. There is a lot of talk of instruments and music chords, that after awhile I got bored of the topic but it’s a Crucial part of Menolly’s story, so you have to follow it. It’s really is a story that just kind of follows Menolly’s every day life, which is filled with excitement. ( )

2020 reread via audiobook narrated by Sally Darling - just had to read this again after finishing my reread of "Dragonsong" to see Mennolly in Harper Hall!

2019 reread via audiobook narrated by Sally Darling, borrowed from RBDigital ( )

I'm shocked I don't have this on here. I read this every couple of years because it's comforting, easy bathtub reading and because while I don't like all parts of Pern or McCaffrey, I love the Menolly/Harper books a lot. ( )