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paradoxically 's review for:
Dragonsong
by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonsong is a charming book. I actually very much like it, while for the previous Pern books (the Dragonrider ones) leave me a bit cold in comparison. It helps that the book generally sticks to Menolly for a main character, and when the POV switches, there is both good reason for it, and it doesn't last so very long in another person's POV. Menolly is also a character one can't help but cheer on, especially when she's faced in a situation that seems very much hopeless from the beginning.
The plot is fairly tight and woven well. Basically, Menolly is a gifted musician whose talents are snuffed to the point of extinction by her family who does not approve of a girl becoming a Harper (since such things weren't done--yes, it's that type of book). She runs off, finds herself amidst a group of fire lizards (which are like miniature dragons), and manages to bond with some of them. Eventually she finds herself in a new place, and strives to find her own spot within it.
The plot is fairly simple, but it works. Menolly appeals to the reader--she's strong and beaten down, but she never really gives up, even when everything seems to be going against her. The fire lizards are playful and charming and I couldn't help but love them (though that was, uh, really expected of myself). The book had good pacing once you get over the somewhat slow beginning, and it really picked up steam once you hit the fire lizards.
It's definitely not perfect though. Cliches abound and the writing is good, but not great (dare I say mediocre? Heh). The beginning was slow, and I found myself not really connecting to any of the characters except for Menolly. It did make me happy to read, however. About 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
The plot is fairly tight and woven well. Basically, Menolly is a gifted musician whose talents are snuffed to the point of extinction by her family who does not approve of a girl becoming a Harper (since such things weren't done--yes, it's that type of book). She runs off, finds herself amidst a group of fire lizards (which are like miniature dragons), and manages to bond with some of them. Eventually she finds herself in a new place, and strives to find her own spot within it.
The plot is fairly simple, but it works. Menolly appeals to the reader--she's strong and beaten down, but she never really gives up, even when everything seems to be going against her. The fire lizards are playful and charming and I couldn't help but love them (though that was, uh, really expected of myself). The book had good pacing once you get over the somewhat slow beginning, and it really picked up steam once you hit the fire lizards.
It's definitely not perfect though. Cliches abound and the writing is good, but not great (dare I say mediocre? Heh). The beginning was slow, and I found myself not really connecting to any of the characters except for Menolly. It did make me happy to read, however. About 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.