For centuries, the world of Pern has faced a destructive force known as Thread. But the magnificent dragons who've protected this world and the men and women who ride them are dwindling. As fewer dragons ride the winds and destruction falls from the sky, fifteen-year-old Menolly holds one dream only: to sing, play, and weave the music that comes to her so easily -- she wishes to become a Harper. But despite her great talents, her father believes that a young girl is unworthy of such a respected position and forbids her to ...
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For centuries, the world of Pern has faced a destructive force known as Thread. But the magnificent dragons who've protected this world and the men and women who ride them are dwindling. As fewer dragons ride the winds and destruction falls from the sky, fifteen-year-old Menolly holds one dream only: to sing, play, and weave the music that comes to her so easily -- she wishes to become a Harper. But despite her great talents, her father believes that a young girl is unworthy of such a respected position and forbids her to pursue her dreams. Menolly runs away and happens upon nine fire lizards that could possibly save her world...and change her life forever.
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"Dragonsong" is a fantastic alternative entry point to McCaffrey's Pern series, especially for younger readers who might not be ready for the adult situations in the Dragonriders trilogy. The book is predominantly character-driven yet it has a solid plot, focusing on the teenager Menolly, who is musically gifted. It is a compelling story of her growth from awkward misfit in her family of fishermen into the first female "harper," or formally trained musician, in generations. Along the way she manages to attract the attention of the high and mighty dragonriders, as well as that of the respected leaders of her desired craft, before ultimately taking control of her own life and coming into her talent. It's pretty great stuff. Highly recommended.
rhiamama
Jun 1, 2007
Dragonsong tells the story of Menolly, a young girl with great musical talent who just doesn't fit in with the rest of her Hold. Having been a loner much of her life, she discovers the value and the power of unconditional love and friendship when she impresses a fair of fire lizards which were mostly thought to be imaginary. She gains self confidence by caring for them, and by becoming the first female Harper, and helps to spread joy and inspiration to the people she meets-with her songs, and her fire lizards! This story is very well written, and is a good read for both adults and children. I highly recommend it.
