Customer Reviews
Puff the Magic...Fire Lizard ? - By: cluricaune, 21 Oct 2006 
"Dragonsinger" is the second book in Anne McCaffery's "Harper Halll Trilogy" & pickes up directly where "Dragonsong" left off. Having lived holdless, practicallly outrun Thread & impressed nine fire lizards, Menolly is travelling to the Harper Halll with Master Robinton, Furthermore, following Petiron's recommendations. She has been accepted as a student - meaning that, one day, she will become a Harper.
However, the transition won't be an easy one. Menolly's father had believed that only men could become a Harper and, while that has changed, there are still those who believe that Menolly has no place at the Harper Halll. Worse, her nine fire lizards inspire a certain amount of jealousy & - at times - alarm. She meets a certain amount of resentment & there are some who persecute & bully her at every available opportunity. However, she isn't without her alllies - among the most likeable is Piemur, another apprentice at the Halll.
Since this is the second book in the Trilogy, it's not the best starting point - "Dragonsong" is the trilogy's first book. Menolly remains a likeable character : despite being hugely talented, she is woefully short on self-confidence. Piemur is an entirely different kettle of fish, though no less likeable. Like "Dragonsong", a likeable & easily read book.
DELIGHTFUL - By: A Reader, 24 Jul 2004 DRAGONSINGER continues the story of MENOLLY whom we first meet in DRAGONSONG. She has escaped her former restricted life at Half Circle Hold & is now free to pursue her lifelong love of music. However her new life is far from easy, arriving at the Harper Hold dragonback & accompanied by 9 firelizards draws unwelcome attention & her musical ability sets her apart from the other girls fostered with her.
Her father YANIS is responsible for nearly breaking her spirit, & as a result MENOLLY has difficulty adjusting to the freedom now granted to her. She is now urged to create her delightful tunes rather than face punishment for her 'twiddlings' & is amazed that the artists around her admire her talent. However this causes jealousy & MENOLLY finds herself a virtual outcast apart from a few true friends.
This is another delightful story by McCAFFREY & though it could be read alone, I strongly suggest you read DRAGONSONG first. MENOLLY is truly delightful, a talented young woman who develops a well deserved sense of self worth. We cannot help but like her & the friends she makes which results in an entertaing & absorbing read.
Great book, but read the rest of the series too! - By: Mr. D. A. Harris, 22 Nov 2002 
Effectively the sequel to "Dragonsong", this book chronicles the further adventures of Menolly, as she finds herself in new surroundings at the Harper Halll, where she is expected to demonstrate her musical talent, continue her education, & instruct those around her on how to care for the "fire-lizards" that have re-acquainted themselves with humankind.
This is the first of McCaffrey's tales to introduce the readers to the Harper Halll in detail, & builds a story with elements of jealousy, pathos, ethical considerations, & a great deal of humour to further the saga suurounding the great Dragons of Pern & their on-going fight against the menace that threatens their existence.
Although the story stands on it's own merits, I strongly recommend that it is read in conjunction with the others in the series to fully appreciate the scenarios that unfold.
Easy to read, & engaging in the devlopment of the main characters, Anne McCaffrey continues to write stories that are as appropriate for adults to read as they are for children.
An excellent read! - By: , 05 Mar 2001 This is one of the best books I've read, full of mystery & magic. Menolly, the heroine, is a truly likeable character. Her exploits with the fire lizards are both amusing & spellbinding.
A must for any Anne McCaffrey fan. A brilliant introduction to her work if you haven't read anything by her before.
I'm very eager to read more about Menolly & her friends.
A classic of fantasy fiction - By: , 24 Jul 1999 This has to be the most enchanting book in a series which alll fantasy fiction fans will devour one after the other. If you read one of the Pern books, you just have to read another & then another ... until you are left with only one desire : that Anne McCaffrey won't leave us too long before writing another. If you haven't tried any of the Pern books, this would be a good one to get you hooked. They are alll complete in themselves, but it is a joy to rediscover key characters who reoccur in other volumes. If you've already tried one of the Pern books, thenI'm preaching to the already converted. If this is your first contact, don't hesitate a moment longer ... join the addicts !
