"Dragonsinger" book review
by:  Anne McCaffrey
October 10, 2003

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    "Dragonsinger" was written by Anne McCaffrey, set in the world of Pern, the second in the "Harper Hall Trilogy." The main characters in this book are: Menolly, a recognized musician who must make her place at Harper Hall; Robinton, the Masterharper of Pern; Jerint, Master Instrument maker; Domick, Master of Composition; Shonagar, Master of Voice; Oldive, Master Healer; Journeymen Sebell, a favorite of Robinton's and friend of Menolly's; Piemur, an apprentice and Menolly's first and best friend; Silvina, headwoman of Harper Hall; Lord Holder Groghe, the nearest Lord Holder; and several other random people, dragons, and fire lizards.
    Menolly arrives at Harper Hall on dragonback with Masterharper Robinton, and her new life begins.  She has to situate herself and learns that life isn't as great as she'd suspect at the hall, as there are still petty and spiteful people who will cause trouble just to do it.  Making enemies faster than friends, Menolly is also rather intimidated by all of the Masters who are to become her teachers, and quite disconcerted at the fact that she no longer has to hide her music, and that people willingly want her to make it and spread it around.  After a life of repression and hardships, she finds this the hardest thing to adjust to, and life in general at Harper Hall.
    This was a very good sequel to the first, starting right after that one left off.  The plot was good, continuing Menolly's life and the new hardships she faces as an apprentice harper.  The characters were more developed and new ones were introduced, making it more in depth and enjoyable.  It had an appropriate structure and it's an easy read, especially if read directly after the first.
    Overall, the book was very good for all that enjoyed the first.  It contains more uncertainty a girl feels as she's trying to fit in and do what's right in the face of new challenges and troubles, and it's full of growing up and, of course, music.