616 reviews for:

Dragonsong

Anne McCaffrey

4.15 AVERAGE

fast-paced

What a lovely way to start the year! I finished 2022 with Dragonquest, only to realize that the Harper Hall trilogy really came next instead of The White Dragon. I have vague memories of these books being around when I was a kid, but I don't believe I ever got around to reading them.

Man, the anger I felt on Menolly's behalf through much of this book was real. The cruel behavior of her parents and sister were just infuriating! It was so awful to see Menolly's rare talent and love of music squashed simply because she was a girl, and sea-hold-bred. I was so happy to see her gather allies who stepped up to bat for her, and of course the fire lizards are awesome. There is a lot to think about here in regards to how family behavior, obligations, or abuse can affect a person and their self-perceived value.

I think this would be a great place for people to start with Pern, if they're not ready to jump into the politics and sex of the regular series. I'm excited to start the next book, but I will say it was also satisfying knowing all the backstory and characters from reading Dragonflight and Dragonquest.

Master Robinton continues to be SUPER AWESOME.
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is not my usual kind of read. Very rich world-building but a bit difficult to follow / keep track of so many characters. 
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was the first Pern book I read and my favourite teacher gave it to me when I was 10. Much like Menolly, I felt like my parents didn't understand me, that my sister was cruel and vindictive, that no one took proper care of me when I was ill and that I worked too hard for my family. I also loved time at school with my teachers and was punished for spending too much time there. I wanted to run away and live in the woods instead of a sea cave and spend all my time reading instead of playing music but I IDENTIFIED. I think I read this book about 10 times in a row. Then add a flock of magical shiny singing dragons that chirp and nuzzle like cats and love and defend only Menolly and my prepubescent heart was Impressed. I raced through re-reading it and loved it again but was disappointed in Menolly's lame names for her dragons.
adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I picked up this audiobook for a cozy Autumn read and I was not disappointed! Miniature dragons by the sea and finding a place to belong makes for an excellent cozy read. The narration was lovely and I am getting the next book stat.
btw the parents made me so made I wanted to scream, but once Menolly escapes everything is so much better

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seawizard's review

4.5

Such a short fun read. Loved all the little fire lizards and the ending of her getting away to finally live the life she’s meant too. 

More bloody dragons and folk singers singing kumbya
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No