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Harper Hall of Pern #1-2
Dragonsong / Dragonsinger
Book by McCaffrey, Anne
Audio Cassette
First published October 1, 1992
15 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,766 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 3, 2023
A lovely slow paced trip to another world. This book was a good relief from the exciting emotionally heavy books that I’ve recently been reading. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sally Darling, who did a good job. The characters are lovely and the worldbuilding is perfection, it feels like you are simply entering another world for a while. The feel good conclusion tied it all up nicely but set itself up well for those wanting more.
July 20, 2020
always a favorite, music and dragons and Pern!
Currently reading
January 30, 2022This is the unforgettably enchanting & engaging tale that I remember. You might enjoy Ann McCaffrey's writing style; it is lively and inventive. I could really relate to the courageous Menolly as a youngster. This book started my fascination with Fantasy & SciFi. Back then the Tolkein trilogy seemed too warlike, too tragic, and I would drown in the huge lists of characters, mixing them up, frankly. Moreover, many Sci Fi writers, who are still legends, were kind of dry in their tone. As a kid I felt the main mission in Sci Fi was to impress with cutting edge tech & fancy futures. Plus tedious political commentary was poorly disguised with all sorts of drastic dystopias and etc. In the Harper Hall trilogy I found an awesome protagonist, who was resilient and hopeful. I genuinely enjoyed her instinct to protect and develop her craft. These books are a Must for all young musicians, performers, singers, poets and fans of bardic traditions. It has a medieval/renaissance (low tech.) feel, and wonderful descriptions of Dragons!
November 6, 2018
Among the many books that Anne McCaffrey wrote in her Pern series, I particularly enjoy reading (and re-reading) these two books that recount Menolly's path into becoming a Harper. This is a beautiful portrayal of a shy, talented teenager who learns how to become confident and sure of her own value. I wonder why I like these stories so much, and think it's because Menolly's path to happiness and confidence is universal. We care about her, we want her to succeed, we would like to tell her that she is great when she falters, and we would, of course, like to have fire lizards. During the course of the two stories, Menolly meets several characters encountered in other books of the series, and we discover some important events of the main storyline from another perspective, which is great.
March 1, 2015
Dragonsong / Dragonsinger (Pern: Harper Hall, #1-2)
McCaffrey, Anne
dragon song:
is the thrilling and sad adventure of a young teenage Melony who find her only friend gone and her world rejecting her, she saves the mythical fire lizards, and finds new friendship in them, while the rest of Pern is looking for this new song writer...
Dragonsinger:
is melony's adventuer in harper hall, and how she finds new friends and a place for herself.
McCaffrey, Anne
dragon song:
is the thrilling and sad adventure of a young teenage Melony who find her only friend gone and her world rejecting her, she saves the mythical fire lizards, and finds new friendship in them, while the rest of Pern is looking for this new song writer...
Dragonsinger:
is melony's adventuer in harper hall, and how she finds new friends and a place for herself.
April 19, 2024
Read it because I was having an Anne McCaffrey craving and this was the only one available on audio. Great story though definitely YA oriented. Starts with the background of the dragonriders of Pern series, but readers would definitely have benefited from reading those first. Reminded me of why I love Anne McCaffrey. Going to have to check the dragonriders series out of the library.
October 25, 2019
Really, really enjoyed DRAGONSONG by Anne McCaffrey. Giving it 4-star rating. I believe that, years ago, our daughter's best friend (like another daughter to me) recommended this book, and I never got around to it. My Bad. Now I have to get the next books in the series to find out further happenings... but probably not until I'm done with this Goodreads 2019 group challenge (Around the Year in 52 Books) that prompted me to finally purchase and read it. It meets #11 challenge on my list, which reads, "A book related to one of the 12 Zodiac Chinese Animals (title, cover, subject)!"
What I loved about it:
-Dragons are not just about being a Zodiac animal - they're great Fairy Tale characters too. Which is always a draw for me toward reading a story! I've read a few books over the years with "dragon" being in the title that first caught my attention!
-The main character is a woman who wants to sing & create music - 2 more "triggers" that will draw me to a book - female main character & music.
-Plot grabbed me right away: backwards-thinking area where main character is "kept in her place" by father who won't let her pursue what she loves. Women just don't do this. (A budding feminist!)
-Actions via threats that fall from the sky, with potential to eliminate any life it lands on. Fear by the population is a major factor.
-Excellent writing that kept me reading, not wanting to put the book down.
If any of the above speaks to you, see if your library carries it - or, since it's one of those pocket-sized books, it wouldn't cost much to buy it, read it, and then pass it on to a friend (or donate to a library for their book sales - which is what I often do!).
What I loved about it:
-Dragons are not just about being a Zodiac animal - they're great Fairy Tale characters too. Which is always a draw for me toward reading a story! I've read a few books over the years with "dragon" being in the title that first caught my attention!
-The main character is a woman who wants to sing & create music - 2 more "triggers" that will draw me to a book - female main character & music.
-Plot grabbed me right away: backwards-thinking area where main character is "kept in her place" by father who won't let her pursue what she loves. Women just don't do this. (A budding feminist!)
-Actions via threats that fall from the sky, with potential to eliminate any life it lands on. Fear by the population is a major factor.
-Excellent writing that kept me reading, not wanting to put the book down.
If any of the above speaks to you, see if your library carries it - or, since it's one of those pocket-sized books, it wouldn't cost much to buy it, read it, and then pass it on to a friend (or donate to a library for their book sales - which is what I often do!).
May 6, 2025
Book 1 was ok, so I rate it at 3*s. Book 2, felt like I wasted a couple of hours of my life, 1*.
Book 1: Felt like it was going to be a prologue to book 2. Not much happens, but it builds up the characters and world for a follow-up adventure. (The main character is Mellony and the books are written from her perspective, but since she is a talented musician, song-writer and singer I assume this is the local spelling of Melody. )
Book 2: The adventure never happens. The story is, wake up, feed the pet dragon lizards, tend to injuries, meet someone, practice music, feed the dragon-lizards again, rinse and repeat for 7 days until I graduate. There is an incident where she has a hostile encounter, but all the people that don't like her get sent away and everyone lives happily ever after.
You would think that being presumed dead in book 1, after 7 days someone would inform her family that she is safe and well in book 2, but that would add too much complexity to the story.
It's a happy tale about a special young person living in a commune where every day is the same. A bit like Harry Potter at Hogwarts, but without any mystery or villains and a lot of pets that need feeding all the time.
Book 1: Felt like it was going to be a prologue to book 2. Not much happens, but it builds up the characters and world for a follow-up adventure. (The main character is Mellony and the books are written from her perspective, but since she is a talented musician, song-writer and singer I assume this is the local spelling of Melody. )
Book 2: The adventure never happens. The story is, wake up, feed the pet dragon lizards, tend to injuries, meet someone, practice music, feed the dragon-lizards again, rinse and repeat for 7 days until I graduate. There is an incident where she has a hostile encounter, but all the people that don't like her get sent away and everyone lives happily ever after.
You would think that being presumed dead in book 1, after 7 days someone would inform her family that she is safe and well in book 2, but that would add too much complexity to the story.
It's a happy tale about a special young person living in a commune where every day is the same. A bit like Harry Potter at Hogwarts, but without any mystery or villains and a lot of pets that need feeding all the time.
December 31, 2025
For both books
CONTENT minor sware words/bad laugage (~3 times), underaged drinking (considered ok in this world), maybe minor abuse/mistreatment from parents? The MC gets dressed a few times, and there are a few mentions of underwear, but nothing excplicitly shone
(for book one)
MESSAGES sometimes it's ok to rebel against parental authorety or un away - loving people are happier - be kind and compassionate - obey the dragonriders
WRITING Entertaining enough. Thete were points when i didnt want to put the book down, and it painted some pretty vivid pictures in my mind. I felt the auther prioritized world bulding and hepling the reader get the facts straight over conecting to the charactures or immersive descriptions.
CONCLUSION Overall, i enjoyed it! The world was interesting, and I had a lot if fun at Benden Weyr, particularly when they cooked things.
(for book two)
MESSAGES we need to belong - if someone is mean enough to you, being mean back is justified - be smart
WRITING neat and too the point. Not flowery, but there is a fair amount of description. This book covers about a week.
CONCLUSION I don't have much more to say. If you liked the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
CONTENT minor sware words/bad laugage (~3 times), underaged drinking (considered ok in this world), maybe minor abuse/mistreatment from parents? The MC gets dressed a few times, and there are a few mentions of underwear, but nothing excplicitly shone
(for book one)
MESSAGES sometimes it's ok to rebel against parental authorety or un away - loving people are happier - be kind and compassionate - obey the dragonriders
WRITING Entertaining enough. Thete were points when i didnt want to put the book down, and it painted some pretty vivid pictures in my mind. I felt the auther prioritized world bulding and hepling the reader get the facts straight over conecting to the charactures or immersive descriptions.
CONCLUSION Overall, i enjoyed it! The world was interesting, and I had a lot if fun at Benden Weyr, particularly when they cooked things.
(for book two)
MESSAGES we need to belong - if someone is mean enough to you, being mean back is justified - be smart
WRITING neat and too the point. Not flowery, but there is a fair amount of description. This book covers about a week.
CONCLUSION I don't have much more to say. If you liked the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
January 21, 2020
I have read these two books again and I still love them. I had no work today and I stared this afternoon. Certainly books I can’t put down. If you like a sci-fi world this is a great one. Another world with dragons and singing and fire lizards if it sounds compelling pick up the book you won’t regret it.
November 23, 2022
I read Dragonsong in my teens, so was delighted to find an audio version that brought it to life for me again. Anne McCaffrey is excellent in creating a believable world and characters that intrigue and engage the senses. Why yes, I would like to find and impress a fire lizard! And, I'm looking forward to listening to book 2.
April 24, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read -- not long, not challenging. Escapist. For those who have not read of Pern before, the Foreward gives enough information to be prepared for the story. For fans of Pern, this story centers less on dragonriders and weyr and moves more to hold, holders, harpers and fir lizards. First in a series of 3.
May 20, 2020
A very good story of dragons and songs, and a girl whose talent cannot be kept down. I liked the girl power message, the kind characters, and the world building. But mostly I just really rooted for Menolly
February 12, 2022
I received this book for my birthday when I was in Grade 6. I have reread this book over & over through the years, probably 20 times! One of my favs! Inspired me to buy and read every book authored by Anne McCaffrey.
August 31, 2023
An old favorite. I started reading the Dragon of Pern books in 6th grade, and I loved them.
Even when I revisited this book, it still was captivating.
I wouldn't recommend read this book first if they want to into the world of Pern. Start with the Dragons of Pern trilogy.
Even when I revisited this book, it still was captivating.
I wouldn't recommend read this book first if they want to into the world of Pern. Start with the Dragons of Pern trilogy.
September 13, 2024
Great books, great writer, great story. A classic fantasy series. If you like dragons, fantasy and sci-fi you should read these books about the planet Pern, its human inhabitants, dragons and dolphins.
January 8, 2025
Dragonsong is just as enchanting as the first time I read it! Menolly is a captivating character. I love her determination and spirit. There is more "impressing" here than just dragons and fire lizards!. I strongly encourage readers to experience McCaffrey's Pern!
December 14, 2018
Read it long ago, but it was the first fantasy I read willingly and enjoyed thouroughly!
June 16, 2019
One of my all time favorite books!
July 25, 2019
Not a fav for me.
January 24, 2020
This book is a favorite I have read over and over.
April 14, 2020
Ok, where do I get a fire lizard?
July 13, 2020
Anne McCaffrey was an amazing sci-fi writer, one of my favorites! Just reread these two books, and enjoyed the journey once again.
June 9, 2021
I've read and re-read these books since middle school. They are a happy place, a world where unusual people find acceptance and there are dragons!
November 27, 2021
Dragonsong felt like some of the ideas presented have not aged well with modern society. But Dragonsinger was quite enjoyable a read.
July 16, 2022
Wonderful storyline.
December 27, 2023
I've read many of Anne's books, but my favorites will always be the Dragonriders of Pern books.
June 25, 2025
always a fun quick read for YA
July 11, 2025
My absolute favorite of the entire Pern series.
November 21, 2012
I...... Am so confused. Why did she write this? Yes, technically its about a girl overcoming the odds for music, but really it just seemed like a mopey girl going through a fairly normal life at the Harper Hall. With everybody in the book continuously bringing up how important the fire lizards would be, I actually expected something to happen. Nope.
Even reading the sneak peak of the third book annoyed me. Oh no! Piemur's voice broke! Since when is that book-worthy?
I did like Menolly, but she really didn't do much. People pretty much dragged her from place to place. Not to mention the'misunderstood teenager' part. A little is ok, but its not like we haven't seen it a million times before. Also, I feel like the fire lizards didn't have much personality. Most of the time, it seems like there's only Beauty.
I think I will read the third one, just to finish out the series. Hopefully, it will be better than the first two.
Even reading the sneak peak of the third book annoyed me. Oh no! Piemur's voice broke! Since when is that book-worthy?
I did like Menolly, but she really didn't do much. People pretty much dragged her from place to place. Not to mention the'misunderstood teenager' part. A little is ok, but its not like we haven't seen it a million times before. Also, I feel like the fire lizards didn't have much personality. Most of the time, it seems like there's only Beauty.
I think I will read the third one, just to finish out the series. Hopefully, it will be better than the first two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews