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A review by mal_eficent
Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
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
5.0
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, and Injury/Injury detail