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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonsong series, originally published in 1976, drew me in to their world in a way no other series has- Menolly and her endearing Fire Lizards felt like my constant companions. Fans of Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey will love Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonsong.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
This little book took me by surprise. It is certainly a book I never would have chosen on my own, but it was for a challenge on GR that I had to read a book from the Dragon Listopia and a person on my team recommended this one when I stated that dragon books are not my thing.
First off, it's part of a series (which is part of an even bigger series), but easy to read as a stand alone. I was happy to see that the ending was a real, satisfying ending, unlike most series books.
Now for the book itself. It is ideal for pre-teen and teen girls, although lots to be gleamed from it as an adult also. The protagonist, a 14 year old girl, is not of heroic strength or mind. Instead her strength lies in her musical prowess. Yes, the genre is fantasy and people are flying around on dragons, but the fact the girl is so real helps tame down the fantasy part. I loved her relationship with the mini dragons! There is no foul language or sexual scenes keeping it very appropriate for young girls. I would advise parents to pre-read, as there is a scene where the father lashes the daughter's back...fitting with the book, but still disturbing. Overall, there are large themes of acceptance, kindness, creativity, inclusion and following your dream to live your own true life.
4 solid stars
First off, it's part of a series (which is part of an even bigger series), but easy to read as a stand alone. I was happy to see that the ending was a real, satisfying ending, unlike most series books.
Now for the book itself. It is ideal for pre-teen and teen girls, although lots to be gleamed from it as an adult also. The protagonist, a 14 year old girl, is not of heroic strength or mind. Instead her strength lies in her musical prowess. Yes, the genre is fantasy and people are flying around on dragons, but the fact the girl is so real helps tame down the fantasy part. I loved her relationship with the mini dragons! There is no foul language or sexual scenes keeping it very appropriate for young girls. I would advise parents to pre-read, as there is a scene where the father lashes the daughter's back...fitting with the book, but still disturbing. Overall, there are large themes of acceptance, kindness, creativity, inclusion and following your dream to live your own true life.
4 solid stars
As much as I loved the original Dragonriders of Pern trilogy (particularly The White Dragon), I really enjoyed this foray into a different aspect of the Pern series. I loved Menolly and her love for music and storytelling. She is stubborn and brave and strong. I find the harpers of Pern utterly fascinating; they maintain Pern's history and encourage change from each Hold and Weyr. Seeing this different side of the story was such fun, and I'm super excited for the next two books.
The Harper Hall trilogy runs along the same timeframe as the first three Dragonriders books, but from the point of view of Menolly and Harper Hall.
Not a bad fantasy read-aloud for the kids (14, 12). Strong female lead and good intro to dragons and Medieval-themed fantasy. I wish I had known about this series when I was 12. I always felt there weren't enough books with girls like me.
The most recent read-aloud at home. At first there were complaints about not knowing the back story (which is legit, I'll give you, since they hadn't read the Dragonriders of Pern), but eventually I had them asking me each night to read more.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
This was the first Anne McCaffrey I've ever read, because I am BEHIND THE TIMES. What a delight. I don't know if all of Anne's books are this delightful and fun, but I love that they do exist, even when there's big huge dangerous and sad plot going on, Anne has her eye on the smaller characters in the background of the kitchens.
Also TINY DRAGONS.
Also TINY DRAGONS.