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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Beautiful descriptions and style of writing. Her world is convincing and beautifully depicted. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I first read this book about 20 years ago, and after all this time, Menolly's stories are still absolutely charming for me. I still tear up multiple times throughout, and I get a deep comfort from her independence and determination. It's not perfect, but it's deeply nostalgic for me, and it hasn't aged as poorly as much of Pern did.
Boy do you ever hate Menolly's family. Also I have a vague idea I may have read this before but clearly it was long enough ago that I didn't remember it that well.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My grade eight teacher introduced me to this series, and it's one that I reread every few years. I love Menolly's strength and ability to survive on her own when she lives the sanctuary of her home for a future unknown. She's invested in her passion for music and refuses to halt that even after her father commands her to stop. She's admirable in her pursuit for her dream(s).
(ebook. physical copy in Canada)
(ebook. physical copy in Canada)
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I recognize this isn't the book equivalent of fine art. It's not a book that will change your life, but I've reread it and Dragonsinger at least 10 times.
It feels like a cup of swiss miss to me, not in any way nutritious, but I'm still going to drink it when I'm cold. It's a simple book without much fanfare, but Menolly is a likeable character and the music and dragon elements are lovely. I think I would love this book less if not for Dragonsinger. I like them together as a set, and they're short enough that I would just recommend reading them back to back if you like Dragonsong enough to finish it.
It feels like a cup of swiss miss to me, not in any way nutritious, but I'm still going to drink it when I'm cold. It's a simple book without much fanfare, but Menolly is a likeable character and the music and dragon elements are lovely. I think I would love this book less if not for Dragonsinger. I like them together as a set, and they're short enough that I would just recommend reading them back to back if you like Dragonsong enough to finish it.
This is the second Pern book I've read. It was pretty enjoyable. I liked that it was about the same world but focused on a slightly different part than the first book's.
I really liked Menolly. Possibly more than I liked Lessa in Pern #1. Menolly was a lot more relatable and sympathetic. She has these horrible parents and a sister who she doesn't get along with, and she's not allowed to be who she is because she's a girl. The sexism in this book...yikes. So infuriating.
I loved the little fire dragons, though I will always prefer dragons you can actually ride. It doesn't really feel like a whole lot happens in this book besides the discovery of the fire dragons andMenolly running away . So in that way it's a bit underwhelming and I probably wouldn't read it again. The only real conflict seems to come from the one with her family.
Overall a good book and I will probably read the next one.
I really liked Menolly. Possibly more than I liked Lessa in Pern #1. Menolly was a lot more relatable and sympathetic. She has these horrible parents and a sister who she doesn't get along with, and she's not allowed to be who she is because she's a girl. The sexism in this book...yikes. So infuriating.
I loved the little fire dragons, though I will always prefer dragons you can actually ride. It doesn't really feel like a whole lot happens in this book besides the discovery of the fire dragons and
Overall a good book and I will probably read the next one.
adventurous
emotional
tense
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:
Yes
This is my second favourite Pern novel to Dragonflight by the slimmest of nostalgia margins, and definitely one of her better written books.
If you're a fan of stories that focus on someone's daily life, rather than grand, world saving plotlines, then the world building in this should fill that niche for you. It gives enough detail without being dry or bogged down by it, and paints a vivid picture of life in a traditional, conservative sea hold (fishing town). Menolly assurance that the misogyny of her family and the way she's treated is unfair has always made me cheer her on. It's nice to have a protagonist win most of her battles without having to compromise her sense of self! Plus – firelizards. And a less grand example of dragonriders.
If you're looking to start Pern, this isn't the worst place to start, but it does mention a lot of previous events. You're expected to know the events and characters in Dragonflight but the relevant points from Dragonquest are explained enough that you could get by not reading the book. I definitely recommend it alongside Dragonflight as a must read Pern story.
If you're a fan of stories that focus on someone's daily life, rather than grand, world saving plotlines, then the world building in this should fill that niche for you. It gives enough detail without being dry or bogged down by it, and paints a vivid picture of life in a traditional, conservative sea hold (fishing town). Menolly assurance that the misogyny of her family and the way she's treated is unfair has always made me cheer her on. It's nice to have a protagonist win most of her battles without having to compromise her sense of self! Plus – firelizards. And a less grand example of dragonriders.
If you're looking to start Pern, this isn't the worst place to start, but it does mention a lot of previous events. You're expected to know the events and characters in Dragonflight but the relevant points from Dragonquest are explained enough that you could get by not reading the book. I definitely recommend it alongside Dragonflight as a must read Pern story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ah I loved this when I was a teenager so decided to re-read it. I’m glad I didn’t know what ‘a mary sue’ was when I was 13.
But it’s still sweet and fun.
But it’s still sweet and fun.
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I initially read this book as summer reading my sophomore year of high school and I remember enjoying it then. This time, I picked it off our shelf late one night because it was slight and I was having trouble sleeping. I am so glad I did! It's such a wonderful little book and I liked Menolly just as much now as I did when I was a teen girl. Now I'd like to finish the rest of the series.