Dragonsinger

By Anne McCaffrey

Menolly needs more than music’s power to make it as a Harper in the second book in the Harper Hall trilogy, set within science fiction legend Anne McCaffrey’s beloved and bestselling Dragonriders of Pern series.

In the world of Pern, Harpers are more powerful than kings, for the music they play can control the minds of others. For young Menolly, her dreams of becoming a Harper have nothing to do with power, but rather her love of music. Now she is finally living out her musical dreams as an apprentice Harper, but it’s turning out to be more challenging than she thought. Formerly forbidden to study music because of her gender, Menolly quickly encounters hostility from a number of her male peers and masters.

With the help of new friends, teachers, and her nine tiny, colorful dragons, Menolly finds that her musical talents may be stronger than anyone could imagine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aladdin
• Release date: Sep 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665956437

Anne McCaffrey

Anne McCaffrey, a multiple Hugo and Nebula Award winner, was one of the world's most beloved and bestselling science fiction and fantasy writers. She is known for her hugely successful Dragonriders of Pern books, as well as the fantasy series that she cowrote with Elizabeth A. Scarborough that began with Acorna: The Unicorn Girl.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The little queen all golden

Flew hissing at the sea.

To stop each wave

Her clutch to save

She ventured bravely.

As she attacked the sea in rage

A holderman came nigh

Along the sand

Fishnet in hand

And saw the queen midsky.

He stared at her in wonder

For often he’d been told

That such as she

Could never be

Who hovered there, bright gold.

He saw her plight and quickly

He looked up the cliff he faced

And saw a cave

Above the wave

In which her eggs he placed.

The little queen all golden

Upon his shoulder stood

Her eyes all blue

Glowed of her true

Undying gratitude.

When Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, arrived at the Harper Craft Hall, she came in style, aboard a bronze dragon. She was seated on Monarth’s neck between his rider, T’gellan, and the Masterharper of Pern, Robinton. For one who had been told that girls could not become harpers, who had run away and actually lived holdless because she could not continue life without music, this was something of a triumphal success.

Yet it was also frightening. To be sure, music would not be denied her at the Harper Hall. True, she had written some songs that the Masterharper had heard and liked. But they were just tunings, not anything important. And what could a girl, even one who had taught her Hold’s youngsters their Teaching Songs and Ballads, do at a Harper Hall from which all teaching songs originated? Especially a girl who had inadvertently Impressed nine fire lizards when everyone else on Pern would give a left arm to own just one? What had Master Robinton in mind for her to do here in the Harper Hall?

She couldn’t think, she was so tired. She’d had a busy, exciting day at Benden Weyr on the opposite side of the continent, where night now was well advanced. Here in Fort Hold, the sky was just darkening.

Just a few minutes more, said Robinton in her ear. She heard him laugh because just then bronze Monarth trumpeted a greeting to the Fort Hold watch dragon. Hang on, Menolly. I know you must be exhausted. I’ll put you in Silvina’s care the moment we land. See, there, and she followed the line of his pointing finger and saw the lighted quadrangle of buildings at the foot of the Fort Hold cliff. That’s the Harper Hall.

She shivered then, with fatigue, the cold of their passage between and apprehension. Monarth was circling now, and figures were pouring out of the Harper Hall into the courtyard, waving wildly to cheer the Masterharper’s return. Somehow, Menolly hadn’t expected that there’d be so many people in the Harper Craft Hall.

They kept well back, though their shouts of welcome didn’t abate, while the big bronze dragon settled in the courtyard, giving him plenty of wingroom.

I’ve got two fire lizard eggs! shouted Master Robinton. Hugging the earthen pots tightly against his body, he slid from bronze Monarth’s shoulder with the ease of considerable practice in dismounting dragons. Two fire lizard eggs! he repeated joyfully, holding the precious egg pots above his head and striding quickly to show off his prizes.

My fire lizards! Anxiously Menolly glanced up and about her. "Did they follow us, T’gellan? They’re not lost between."

No chance of that, Menolly, T’gellan replied, pointing to the slated roof behind them. I asked Monarth to tell them to perch there for the time being.

With infinite relief, Menolly saw the unmistakable outlines of her fire lizards on the rooftop against the darkening sky.

If only they don’t misbehave as they did at Benden…

They won’t, T’gellan assured her easily. You’ll see to that. You’ve done more with your fair of fire lizards than F’nor has with his one little queen. And F’nor’s a trained dragonrider. He swung his right leg over Monarth’s neckridge and dropped to the ground, raising his arms to her. Bring your leg over. I’ll steady you so you won’t jar those sore feet of yours, and his hands braced her as she slid down Monarth’s shoulder. That’s the girl, and here you are, safe and sound in the Harper Hall. He gestured broadly as if only he could have accomplished this mission.

Menolly looked across the courtyard, where the Masterharper’s tall figure and presence dominated those surrounding him. Was Silvina one of them? Wearily Menolly hoped that the Harper would find her quickly. The girl could put no reliance on T’gellan’s glib assumption that her fire lizards would behave. They’d only just got used to being at Benden Weyr, among people who had some experience with winged antics.

Don’t worry so, Menolly. Just remember, said T’gellan, gripping her shoulder in awkward reassurance, every harper on Pern has been trying to find Petiron’s lost apprentice…

Because they thought that apprentice was a boy…

That made no difference to Master Robinton when he asked you to come here. Times are changing, Menolly, and it’ll make no difference to the others. You’ll see. In a sevenday you’ll have forgotten you’ve ever lived anywhere else. The bronze dragonrider chuckled. Great shells, girl, you’ve lived holdless, outrun Thread, and Impressed nine fire lizards. What’s to fear from harpers?

"Where is Silvina? The Masterharper’s voice rose above the others. There was a momentary lull and someone was sent to the Hall to find the woman. And no more answers now. You’ve the bones of the news, I’ll flesh it out for you later. Now, don’t drop these egg pots, Sebell. Right now, I’ve more good news! I’ve found Petiron’s lost apprentice!"

Amid exclamations of surprise, Robinton broke free of the crowd and beckoned T’gellan to bring Menolly forward. For a brief second, Menolly fought the urge to turn and run, impossible as it was with her feet barely healed from trying to outrun Thread and with T’gellan’s arm about her. His fingers squeezed on her shoulder as if he sensed her nervousness.

There’s nothing for you to fear from harpers, he repeated in her ear as he escorted her across the court.

Robinton met them halfway, beaming with pleasure as he took her right hand. He flung up his other arm to command silence.

This is Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, late of Half-Circle Sea Hold, and Petiron’s lost apprentice!

Whatever response the harpers made was covered by an explosion of fire lizard cries from the rooftop. Fearful that the fair might wing down on the harpers, Menolly turned, saw that their wings were indeed spread and sternly commanded them to stay where they were. Then she had no excuse for not confronting the sea of faces: some smiling, some with mouths ajar in surprise at her fire lizards, but too many, many people.

Yes, and those fire lizards are Menolly’s, Robinton went on, his voice easily projecting above the murmurs. "Just as that lovely song about the fire lizard queen is Menolly’s. Only it wasn’t a man who saved the clutch from the sea, it was Menolly. And when no one would let her play or sing in Half-Circle Sea Hold after Petiron died, she ran away to the fire lizard queen’s cave and Impressed nine of the eggs before she realized what she was doing. Furthermore, and he raised his volume above the ragged cheers of approval, furthermore, she found another clutch, which provided me with two eggs!"

The second cheer was more wholehearted, reverberating in the courtyard and answered by shrill whistles from the fire lizards. Under cover of good-natured laughter at that response, T’gellan muttered, I told you so, in her ear.

And where is Silvina? asked the Harper again, a note of impatience audible.

Here I am and you ought to be ashamed of yourself, Robinton, said a woman, pushing through the ring of harpers. Menolly had an impression of very white skin and large expressive eyes set in a broad-cheeked face framed by dark hair. Then strong but gentle hands took her from Robinton’s grasp. Subjecting the child to such an ordeal. No, no, you lot calm down. All this noise. And those poor creatures up there too scared out of their wits to come down. Haven’t you any sense, Robinton? Away! The lot of you. Into the Hall. Carry on all night if you’ve the energy but I’m putting this child to bed. T’gellan, if you’d help me…

As she upbraided everyone impartially, the woman was also making her way, with Menolly and T’gellan, through the crowd which parted respectfully but humorously before her.

It’s too late to put her with the other girls at Dunca’s, said Silvina to T’gellan. We’ll just bed her in one of the guest rooms for the night.

Unable to see clearly in the shadows of the Hall, Menolly barked her toes on the stone steps, cried out involuntarily at the pain and grabbed at the supporting hands.

What happened, child? asked Silvina, her voice kind and anxious.

My toes… my feet! Menolly choked back tears that the unexpected pain had brought to her eyes. Silvina mustn’t think her a coward.

Here! I’ll carry her, said T’gellan and swung Menolly up into his arms before she could protest. Just lead the way, Silvina.

That dratted Robinton, Silvina said, "he can go on all day and night without sleep but forgets that others—"

No, it’s not his fault. He’s done so much for me… Menolly began.

"Ha! He’s deeply in your debt, Menolly, said the dragonrider with a cryptic laugh. You’ll have to have your healer see to her feet, Silvina, T’gellan continued as he carried Menolly up the broad flight of stairs that led from the main entrance of the Hall. That’s how we found her. She was trying to outrun the leading edge of Threadfall."

She was? Silvina stared over her shoulder at Menolly, her green eyes wide with respectful astonishment.

She nearly did, too. Ran her feet raw. One of my wingmen saw her and brought her back to Benden Weyr.

In this room, T’gellan. The bed’s on the left-hand side. I’ll just open the glow baskets…

I see it, and T’gellan deposited her gently in the bed. I’ll get the shutters, Silvina, and let those fire lizards of hers in here before they do get into trouble.

Menolly had let herself sink into the thick mattress of sweet rushes. Now she loosened the thong holding the small bundle of belongings to her back but she hadn’t the energy to reach for the sleeping fur folded at the foot of the bedstead. As soon as T’gellan had the second shutter open, she called her friends in.

I’ve heard so much about the fire lizards, Silvina was saying, and had only the glimpse of Lord Groghe’s little queen that… Gracious goodness!

At Silvina’s startled remark, Menolly struggled out of the thick mattress to see the fire lizards dipping and wheeling about the woman.

How many did you say you have, Menolly?

There are only nine, replied T’gellan, laughing at Silvina’s confusion. She was twisting about, trying to get a good look at one or another of the gyrating creatures.

Menolly told them to settle down quickly and behave. Rocky and Diver landed on the table near the wall while the more daring Beauty took up her accustomed perch on Menolly’s shoulder. The others came to rest on the window ledges, their jeweled eyes whirling with the orange of uncertainty and suspicion.

Why, they’re the loveliest creatures I’ve ever seen, said Silvina, peering intently at the two bronzes on the table. Rocky chirped back, recognizing that remarks were being made about him. He flipped his wings neatly to his back and cocked his head at Silvina. And a good evening to you, young bronze fire lizard.

That bold fellow is Rocky, said T’gellan, if I remember correctly, and the other bronze is Diver. Right, Menolly? She nodded, relieved in her weariness that T’gellan was ready to speak for her. The greens are Aunties One and Two, and the pair began to chatter so like old women that Silvina laughed. The little blue is Uncle but I haven’t got the three browns sorted out… And now he turned inquiringly to Menolly.

They’re Lazybones, Mimic and Brownie, Menolly said, pointing at each in turn, and this… is Beauty, Silvina, Menolly spoke the woman’s name shyly because she didn’t know her title or rank in the Harper Hall.

And a Beauty she is, too. Just like a miniature queen dragon. And just as proud, I see. Then Silvina gave Menolly a hopeful look. By any chance, will one of Robinton’s eggs hatch a queen?

I hope so, I really do, said Menolly fervently. But it’s not easy with fire lizard eggs to tell which is the queen.

I’m sure he’ll be just as thrilled no matter what the color. And speaking of queens, T’gellan, and Silvina turned to the dragonrider, do please tell me, did Brekke re-Impress the new queen dragon at your Hatching today? We’ve been so worried about her here, since her queen was killed.

No, Brekke didn’t re-Impress, and T’gellan smiled quickly to reassure Silvina. Her fire lizard wouldn’t let her.

No?

Yes. You should have seen it, Silvina. That little bronze midget flew at the queen dragon, scolding like a wherry hen. Wouldn’t let Brekke near the new queen. But she snapped out of that depression, and she’ll be all right now, F’nor says. And it was little Berd who pulled the trick.

Well, that really is interesting. Silvina regarded the two bronzes with thoughtful respect. So they’ve a full set of wits…

They seem to, T’gellan went on. F’nor uses his little queen, Grall, to send messages to the other Dragon Weyrs. Of course, and T’gellan chuckled disparagingly, she doesn’t always return as promptly as she goes.… Menolly’s trained hers better. You’ll see. The dragonrider had been edging toward the door and now gave a huge yawn. Sorry…

I’m the one who should apologize, replied Silvina, indulging my curiosity when you two are all but asleep. Get along with you now, T’gellan, and my thanks for your help with Menolly.

Good luck, now, Menolly. I know you’ll sleep well, said T’gellan with a jaunty wink of farewell. He was out of the door, his boot heels clicking on the stone floor before she could thank him.

Now, let’s just have a quick look at these feet you ran ragged… Silvina gently tugged off Menolly’s slippers. Hmmm. They’re all but healed, Manora’s clever with her nursing, but we’ll have Master Oldive look at you tomorrow. Now, what’s this?

My things, I don’t have much.…

Here, you two watch that and keep out of mischief, Silvina said, putting the bundle on the table between Rocky and Diver. Now, slip off your skirt, Menolly, and settle down. A good long sleep, that’s what you need. Your eyes are burned holes in your head.

I’m all right, really.

To be sure you are, now you’re here. Living in a cave, did T’gellan say? With every harper on Pern looking for you in holds and craft halls. Silvina deftly tugged at skirt tapes. Just like old Petiron to forget to mention you being a girl.

I don’t think he forgot, Menolly said slowly, thinking of her father and mother and their opposition to her playing. He told me girls can’t be harpers.

Silvina gave her a long hard look. Maybe under another Masterharper. Or in the old days, but surely old Petiron knew his own son well enough to—

Petiron was Master Robinton’s father?

Did he never tell you that? Silvina paused as she was spreading the sleeping fur over Menolly. The old stubborn fool! Determined not to advance himself because his son was elected Masterharper… and then picking a place halfway to nowhere.… I beg your pardon, Menolly…

"Half-Circle Sea Hold is halfway to nowhere."

"Not if Petiron found you there, said Silvina, recovering her brisk tone, and sponsored you to this Craft. Now that’s enough talking, she added, closing the glow basket. I’ll leave the shutters open… but you sleep yourself out, you hear me?"

Menolly mumbled a reply, her eyelids closing despite her effort to remain politely awake while Silvina was in the room. She let out a soft sigh as the door banged softly shut. Beauty immediately curled up by Menolly’s ear, and the girl felt other small hard bodies making themselves comfortable against her. She composed herself for sleep, aware now of the dull throbbing of her feet and the aching of her banged toes.

She was warm, she was comfortable; she was so tired. The bag that enclosed the thick rushes was stout enough to keep stray edges from digging into her flesh, but she couldn’t sleep. She also couldn’t move because, while her mind turned over all the day’s incredible events, her body wasn’t hers to command but in some nether region of unresponsiveness.

She was conscious of the spicy odor of Beauty, of the dry sweet scent of the rushes, the earthy smell of wet fields borne in by the night wind, accented occasionally by the touch of acrid blackstone smoke. Spring was not advanced enough to dispense with evening fires.

Strange not to have the smell of sea in her nostrils, Menolly thought, for sea and fish odors had dominated all but the last sevenday of her fifteen Turns. How pleasant to realize that she had done with the sea, and fish, forever. She’d never have to gut another packtail in her life, or risk another infected cut. She couldn’t use her injured hand as much as she wanted to yet, but she would. Nothing was impossible, not if she could get to the Harper Hall in spite of all the odds against it. And she’d play gitar again, and harp. Manora had assured her she’d use the fingers properly in time. And her feet were healing. It amused Menolly, now, to think that she’d had the temerity to try to outrun the leading edge of Threadfall. Running had done more than save her skin from Threadscoring: it had brought her to Benden Weyr, to the attention of the Masterharper of Pern and to the start of a completely new life.

And her dear old friend Petiron had been Master Robinton’s father? She’d known the old Harper had been a good musician, but it had never occurred to her before to wonder why he had been sent to Half-Circle Sea Hold where only she had profited from his ability as a teacher. If only her father, Yanus, had let her play gitar when the new Harper first arrived… but they’d been so afraid that she’d disgrace the Sea Hold. Well, she hadn’t, and she wouldn’t! One day her father, and yes, her mother, too, would realize that Menolly was no disgrace to the Hold of her birth.

Menolly drifted on thoughts of triumph until sound invaded her reflections. Male voices, laughing and rumbling in conversation, carried on the clear night air. The voices of harpers; tenor, bass and baritone, in amused, argumentative, cajoling tones, and one querulous, sort of quavery, older, whiny voice. She didn’t like that one. Another, a velvet-soft, light baritone, rose above the cranky tenor, soothing. Then the Masterharper’s deeper baritone dominated and silenced the others. Though she couldn’t understand what he was saying, his voice lulled her to sleep.

Chapter 2

Harper, tell me of the road

That leads beyond this Hold,

That wends its way beyond the hill…

Does it go further on until

It ends in sunset’s gold?

Menolly roused briefly, reacting to an inner call that had nothing to do with the sun’s rising on this side of Pern. She saw dark night and stars through the window, felt the sleeping fire lizards tucked about her, and gratefully went back to sleep again. She was so tired.

Once the sun had cleared the roof of the outer side of the rectangle of buildings that comprised the main Harper Craft Hall, it shone directly at her windows, set in the eastern side of the Hall. Gradually the light penetrated the room, and the unusual combination of light and warmth on her face woke Menolly.

She lay, her body not yet responsive, wondering where she was. Remembering, she was uncertain what to do next. Had she missed some general waking call? No, Silvina had said that she was to sleep herself out. As she pushed back the sleeping furs, she heard the sound of voices chanting. The rhythm was familiar. She smiled, identifying one of the long Sagas. Apprentices were being taught the complicated timing by rote, just as she had taught the youngsters in Half-Circle Sea Hold when Petiron was sick, and later after he died. The similarity reassured her.

As she slid from the bed, she clenched her teeth in anticipation of touching the cool hard stones of the floor, but to her surprise, her feet only felt stiff, not painful, this morning. She glanced out the window at the sun. It was well into morning by the cast of shadow: she’d really slept. Then she laughed at herself, for, to be sure she had: she was halfway round Pern from Benden Weyr and Half-Circle Hold, and she had had at least six hours more rest than usual. Fortunately the fire lizards had been as tired as she or they’d have wakened her with their hunger.

She stretched and shook out her hair, then hobbled carefully to the jar and basin. After washing with soapsand, she dressed and brushed her hair, feeling able to face new experiences.

Beauty gave an impatient chirp. She was awake. And very hungry. Rocky and Diver echoed the complaint.

Menolly would have to find them food and right soon. Having nine fire lizards would prejudice enough people against her, without having unmanageably hungry ones who would irritate even the most tolerant of people.

Resolutely, Menolly opened the door to a silent hallway. The aromatic odors of klah, baking breads and meats filled the air. Menolly decided she need only follow the smells to their source to satisfy her friends.

On either side of the wide corridor were doors; those on the outside of the Hall were open to let sun and air flood the inside. She descended from the uppermost level into the large entranceway. Directly in front of the staircase were dragon-high metal doors with the most curious closings she’d ever seen: on the back of the doors were wheels, which evidently turned the heavy bars into floor and ceiling. At Half-Circle Sea Hold there had been the heavy horizontal bars, but this arrangement would be easier to lock and looked much more secure.

To the left was a double-doored entrance into a Great Hall, probably the room where the Harper had been talking last night. To the right, she looked into the dining hall, almost as large as the Great Hall, with three long tables parallel to the windows. Also to her right, by the stairwell, was an open doorway, leading to shallow steps and the kitchen, judging by the appetizing odors and familiar sounds.

The fire lizards creeled in hunger, but Menolly couldn’t have the whole fair invading the kitchen and upsetting the drudges. She ordered them to perch on the cornices in the shadows above the door. She’d bring them food, she promised them, but they had to behave. Beauty scolded until the others settled meekly into place, only their glowing, jewel-faceted eyes giving evidence of their positions.

Then Beauty assumed her favorite perch on Menolly’s shoulder, her head half-buried in Menolly’s thick hair, and her tail wrapped securely about Menolly’s throat like a golden necklace.

As Menolly reached the kitchen, the scene with the drudges and cooks scurrying about preparing the midday meal fleetingly revived memories of happier days at Half-Circle. But here, it was Silvina who noticed her and smiled, as Menolly’s mother would not have done.

You’re awake? Are you rested? Silvina gestured imperatively at a slack-featured, clumsy-looking man by the hearth. Klah, Camo, pour a mug of klah, for Menolly. You must be famished, child. How are your feet?

Fine, thank you. And I don’t want to bother anyone…

Bother? What bother? Camo, pour the klah into the mug.

It’s not for myself I’m here…

Well, you need to eat, and you must be famished.

"Please,

Reviews for Dragonsinger

[kevn57-163679 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wonder if JK Rowling read Dragonsinger before she wrote the Harry potter series. Dragonsinger reminds me of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. The protagonists are each regarded as inadequate by their families, in Harry’s case an Aunt and Uncle in Menolly’s by her biological parents. Harry however when he reaches Hogwarts finds that he has a special talent for Quidditch and is infamous as the child who survives an assassination attempt as a baby. Menolly not only has her song writing skill and musical ability she’s also the owner of nine fire lizards. Both are protected by the head of the school, Professor Dumbledore and Masterharper Robinton. Both by they’re very existence rub certain teachers and students the wrong way and both are the objects of both envy and prejudice.

For the reasons stated above I’d recommend the Harper Hall series to fans of Harry Potter who may never have heard of the series I’m sure they will find a lot to like.

[jean_sexton-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[sweetkokoro-61371 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[justchris_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey is the second book of the Harper Hall trilogy (along with Dragonsong and Dragon Drums). I first read these and the original Dragonriders of Pern trilogy (Dragonflight, Dragonquest and The White Dragon) back when I was barely a teenager. I loved all of them for many years, along with many other McCaffrey stories. It took me awhile to figure out that one of the things that I really enjoyed is that there is no religion in this fantasy setting, and no war or large-scale violence.The Harper Hall trilogy are my favorites, and the only ones I am interested in keeping now. That's because they don't involve any sex, unlike the other early trilogy. It took me a long time to figure out that McCaffrey's portrayal of sex was deeply problematic: almost always involving at least one scene where the man makes sexual overtures, the woman says no, and the man goes ahead anyway. Sex without consent is by definition rape. Add in the particular twist of the telepathic bonds with dragons or fire lizards, such that when the dragons mate, the people linked to them have sex too, swept away by the sexual urges. Which is to say, the woman bonded to the gold queen dragon doesn't get to pick her sex partner and may not even know what the hell is happening if she didn't happen to grow up in a dragon weyr. But hey, that's just biology and associated social order.The protagonist of Dragonsinger is Menolly, the youngest daughter of the chief (Holder) of a small, isolated fishing village (seahold). She's about 15 at the beginning of the second book. Menolly has just arrived at Harper Hall to great acclaim as Petiron's lost apprentice. However, she struggles to find her place in this new, unfamiliar community while still healing from the injuries, both physical and emotional, acquired in Dragonsong. She's an apprentice, but the lone female, and can't stay in the barracks with the boys. There are other girls, but they're casual students and more concerned with social status and dating. Her encounters with various students, apprentices, and masters of various musical disciplines leave her uncertain about her future at Harper Hall.This is a charming books featuring a strong female character coming of age and finding her strength and her friends. She deals with physical and emotional abuse, seeking food and shelter, social ostracism, bullying, prejudice, and overly narrow gender roles. But the story is hopeful and ultimately rewarding. I wanted to be Menolly when I read these books at her age.

[fuzzi_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While trying to escape almost certain death, Menolly has been rescued by dragon and rider, and finds herself where she's wanted to be for a long time: the Harper Hall. But not everything goes well, as petty jealousies and vindictive acts abound, from those who attempt to make her stay unpleasant, or even worse, very short-lived. Her main source of emotional support comes from her nine fire lizards, a "half-wit" kitchen drudge, and a young troublemaker.Of all Anne McCaffrey's works, I am most fond of the Harper Hall series, and especially this second volume of Menolly's tale. It's aimed at all ages, and worthy of a read, whether by an adolescent, or a granny, like me.

[memccauley6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

DRAGONSINGER is the continuing story of Menolly, the heroine of DRAGONSONG. In this book, Menolly, now revealed as Petiron's lost apprentice, comes to the Harper Hall. This center of musical learning is more, and less, than Menolly thought it would be. She is forced to face opposition and prejudice from the music masters and her fellow students. However, the care and understanding the MasterHarper, Robinton, give her make the transition less painful. So do the friendships of Piemur, an impish singing apprentice, Sebell, a journeyman harper and Robinton's right-hand man, and Camo, the sweet but dull-witted kitchen drudge. Menolly faces her demons and triumphs in true fairy-tale fashion. Another favorite book, read so many times it is in tatters.

[ailinel-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second part of the Harper Hall Trilogy takes place of the course of Menolly's first week at Harper Hall. As the only female harper apprentice and unintended owner of a clutch of fire lizards at a time when the most important men and women on Pern are fighting to one one, she cannot help but make immediate friends and enemies. Alienated by the nobles' daughters and fighting to be accepted among the men, Menolly's arrival coincides with F'nor's attempt to reach the Red Star and great upheaval throughout Pern. Melon's fire lizards and songs soon pull her into the chaos that the Masterharper and dragonriders regularly face.

[cecrow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dragonsong had a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending so it's a bit surprising that this sequel begins just minutes later, like turning the page to the next chapter. Reading this novel straight, it's approximately 250 pages of what happily-ever-after looks like. Looking a bit deeper, it's Menolly's therapy after her traumatic upbringing. She requires a lot of assurance from phenomenally pleasant people before she can begin to believe she has worth and something to contribute. The turning point arrives when she loses her temper. I fully agreed with another character who expressed relief that Menolly was willing to stand up for herself after all. Actually I scoffed a bit when it happened, since it's triggered by a silly concern following all of the many graver things that have happened to her, but it actually makes sense. As Menolly's feelings of worth are rising from zero, the first thing she rates herself above is a dog to be kicked by the lowliest minds over the pettiest matters. I'd imagine after this book ends her pride will build still further, until she's ready to take umbrage at increasingly serious challenges to her character. Menolly doesn't return to confront the family that abused her, but it's another kind of victory that she decides they don't even rate a letter.Pern rates high among imaginary worlds I'd soonest visit, but many of its novels are not aging well (beat your wife lately, F'lar?). Menolly's duology retains its shine, the brightest portion of Anne McCaffrey's legacy.

[sublunarie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read the first book in the Harper Hall Trilogy last year on the advice of a friend. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite. I found the characters hard to connect with and the world pretty difficult to jump into as this is a small part of the larger Dragonriders of Pern series.What brought me back to continue with the series was the fire lizards. When reading Dragonsong I would think about them even when I wasn’t reading and I became a little heart-sick over the fact that they were fictional. They are amazing creatures and I just wanted to see what more trouble they could get up to!I didn't find myself disappointed, as the fire lizards are front-and-center in this story and make themselves known on practically every page. While Mennoly's journey (no pun intended) is worth reading, it is really the interactions of the fire lizards, and how they may-or-may-not-be connected with people, each other, and dragons, that is the most interesting aspect of this tale to me.New characters introduced in this second volume were much more appealing than those in Dragonsong. The Masterharper, Sebell, Oldive, and Groghe were all welcome additions to the story.I can see how this could be a very defining and important series to read for a young adult. I have read many reviews of these books stating how they were integral to their childhood reading experiences. Obviously, I am only just now reading them in adulthood and I cannot help but wonder if a bit of the magic is lost on me. I hope not.

[devafagan-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

[Re-read, 2011]

Just as good as I remember it from when I was a kid!

I am impressed (hah!) all over again by the world of Pern. There are some things I find problematic but there's also so much cool stuff. The dragons! Threadfall! Between! The whole society! And I still empathize with Menolly, even if I'm not as shy/self-doubting as I was when I was a kid.

[foggidawn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mennolly is an apprentice harper now, but her troubles are far from over. Having Impressed a clutch of nine fire lizards, she faces unique challenges at the Harper Hall. There's no question Masterharper Robinton appreciates Mennolly's gift, but the attitudes of the other masters who will be teaching her range from skepticism to outright dislike. She faces jealousy from her peers, and though she makes a few friends, she's not sure whether they like her for herself or for her fire lizards. To top it off, a lifetime of being punished for writing music leaves her burdened with self-doubt. Mennolly longed to find a home at the Harper Hall, but will she be able to hold her own there?I loved this book, possibly even more than I loved the first book. The plot is not as action-packed, but the characters and setting make up for that. And I'm a sucker for boarding school stories; what can I say? Recommended for readers who enjoyed Dragonsong -- don't wait as long between books as I did!

[silentq_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Second book in the trilogy, Menolly has made it to the Harper Hall and is trying to find her place. The other young girls studying there aren't as talented and their jealousy makes for a lot of problems. She has to overcome the emotional damage that her family left her as well, beating her for her music. It gets a bit emotional as she's encouraged to sing, play and compose at the Hall. She also brings a lot of hard won knowledge about fire lizards.

[lsfayne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story follows Book One, Dragonsong, without a blink. I hold a lot of nostalgia for these books. I used to take five to six hour trips every month to see my step-son. I used to imagine dragons flying among the mountain peeks as we traveled along the boring freeway.

Anne McCaffery died in November of last year. I’m saddened that there will be no new releases. As an adult, her work inspired me to daydream. A trait I was discourage from pursuing as a child, and thought I had outgrown. She and others like her are the reason why I can write today. I hope her work continues to bring dreams and joy to all generations to come.

[suteko_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a sequel this could not be better. Picking up where Dragonsong left off it is a great book. I recommend every young person read this, preferably they should have this as part of their school work. A book that can teach much about understanding and of course about wonder.

[shellwitte · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book in sixth grade and for years after, I remembered this story, like it haunted me. Years later I finally remembered and figured out what the book was, and rediscovered an incredible world.

[steenf65 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lovely feel-good story about dragonets (fire lizards) by one of the master storytellers. Harper-girl (musician) coming of age in a medival society were harpers are one of the guilds. Book stands on it own.

[jeremypreacher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dragonsinger is essentially a boarding school novel, in contrast with Dragonsong which is an adolescent adventure. It's a good one at that - the trials are deftly woven in with the triumphs, and while McCaffrey has a heavy hand with the "bad" characters, they don't weigh too heavily on the story - the situation itself is conflict enough.

Some of the more distant events certainly has more resonance if you know the backstory - Jaxom's Impression, Canth's fall - but they make enough sense to go on with if you haven't read the earlier books.

It seems a bit too slight to justify the ending, but part of that may be that I'm not at all accustomed to the pace of YA books. I'm totally willing to let an author maunder on for 1200 pages, but I get confused when they wrap it up in a fifth of that.

[mirrani_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Continuing from where Dragonsong left off, Menolly is taken to the Harper Hall. Through her young readers can experience the upsets of feeling unwanted and useless in new surroundings and older readers can relive going through the same struggles in their youth. Though the book is full of the teases and torments of schoolchildren, that's not all it is about. The series continues the issues on Pern, interweaving all of the books together in a way that is natural and easy to read. The characters and their interactions will touch the heart and bring warm smiles and soft chuckles to the reader as they turn the pages. Most of all, many fans of Pern simply can't get enough of the Masterharper and this series is a wonderful look into his craft and hall... and gives you a tiny glimpse into his life from an outsider's perspective.

[themulhern · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book suffers from all the same flaws as its predecessor and enjoys all the same virtues. The heroine survives the malice of others and her own disillusionment and the book arrives at a happy and pleasantly brief conclusion.

[dragonfreak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everything finally seems to go right with Menolly. She is a new apprentice Harper, she can finally play her music freely and people everywhere love it, and she has nine wonderful fire lizards. Unfotunately, Menolly’s fate isn’t that easy or perfect. She’s recovering from her gutting accident and her feet being cut, her teachers are somewhat hard on her, some students at Harper Hall are really mean to her for no apparent reason, and everything that Menolly does or when someone does something to her, her fire lizards always get in her way and ends up disastrous. But throughout it all, Menolly struggles to find her place in the strange planet of Pern.Rating: Four and a Half Stars **** ½

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a sequel to Dragonsong set within the Pern universe that includes McCaffrey's Dragonrider books. I first read this as a teen and this is marketed towards young adults (or even younger). However, I found it a fun read even later as an adult. Menolly is among McCaffrey's most appealing characters; I enjoyed seeing her growth through these two books. I was fascinated with the world of dragons (and music in Harper Hall) that she's a part of, and other characters surrounding her like the Masterharper Robinton and her fellow student Piemur are memorable and appealing. Even lacking the dragons (although the events in Dragonquest are echoed here) this book in McCaffrey's Pern is among the most entrancing. (and given Menolly's nine firelizards, I don't miss the dragons too much.)

[craso_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Menolly is a talented young woman who has just arrived at the Harper Hall; a boarding school for future Harpers. She is insecure about her musical skills and isn't sure if she will fit in. The adults doubt her because there has never been a girl Harper. She is bullied by the other girls at the school who are rich paying students and are jealous of her talents. It doesn't help that Menolly has impressed nine fire lizard's that cause havoc where ever she goes.I first read this book back when I was in seventh grade. The whole Harper Hall Trilogy was important to me because as a music student I could relate to the main character. I enjoyed rereading the story. The plot line is very simple; the trials of a teenager trying to fit in, yet it is well written and engaging. The school setting reminded me of the Harry Potter stories. This is a great tale about a young woman coming into her own.

[kellswitch_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this was the first Anne McCaffrey book I ever read and it remains one of my favorite books of all time.I loved the world of Harper Hall that McCaffrey created and I really felt a kinship with Menolly even though I am nowhere near as gifted as she was or even that musical. The character of Menolly is just perfectly written to appeal and reach out to anyone who feels out of place or unaccepted for just being who you are.And even though the Harper Hall Trilogy books are some of the shortest she has written, for me the actually held the most strength and emotional punch of all the rest. I felt invested in Menolly's adventures and well being and just felt that her world just came alive and felt real.

[psychodrama_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just as good as the last book, though in a different way. Instead of following Menolly's life at Half-Circle Sea Hold and later her days of trying to survive in the wilderness, we're following her day-to-day life in the Harper Hall.

[zommbie1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Again as a teenager I could relate to Menolly’s insecurities of fitting into a new environment. Not being sure of her place and being the victim of some rather nasty girls. I loved the fact that although these books are set on another world the problems were the same as the ones I was facing (also I wanted a firelizard).

[meersan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bashful girl with nine mini dragons wins over guild of gruff musicians with mad skillz and love of music.

[cymro17_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favourite series, I almost cried when Menolly succeeds against all the bias and jealousy

[jim53_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This second volume of the Harper Hall trilogy continues the story of Menolly, an exceptionally gifted musician who has been told she can't be a harper because she is a girl. It is largely a tale of her being vindicated in her passion for music, through the recognition of the professionals in the field and her becoming welcome among them. Along the way she must deal with her self-doubt and learn how to make friends. We get a view of Pern from a different perspective from that of the first three books, seeing some of the same events from a different viewpoint, and also seeing more of how normal people who don't ride dragons spend their time. Overall I rate this the best of McCaffrey's Pern books.

[nikkles_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The harper Hall Trilogy is my favorite set by McCaffrey and interestingly the first books I read by her. I love dragons and there for dragon stories, particularly ones were dragons are not mindless monsters of destruction, so it would be odd for me not to like these books. The story is very original and the characters well written. If your not sure of getting into the Pern books, this is the series to read! Dragonsinger is a really strong book, despite being in the middle of a set. The story keeps going strong and the characters stay true to themselves.

[scampus_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The second of the two books about Menolly, harper of Pern. These stories are among the best of the Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, perhaps because, for once, the mighty Dragons and their riders are not the primary focus of the stories. Read these for a refreshing change from stoic F'lar and the huge bronze Mnementh, sly F'nor and brown Canth, irritable Lessa and golden Ramoth, and the smell of all that oiled, leather flying gear.