nancidrum's review against another edition
4.0
This little book took me by surprise. It is certainly a book I never would have chosen on my own, but it was for a challenge on GR that I had to read a book from the Dragon Listopia and a person on my team recommended this one when I stated that dragon books are not my thing.
First off, it's part of a series (which is part of an even bigger series), but easy to read as a stand alone. I was happy to see that the ending was a real, satisfying ending, unlike most series books.
Now for the book itself. It is ideal for pre-teen and teen girls, although lots to be gleamed from it as an adult also. The protagonist, a 14 year old girl, is not of heroic strength or mind. Instead her strength lies in her musical prowess. Yes, the genre is fantasy and people are flying around on dragons, but the fact the girl is so real helps tame down the fantasy part. I loved her relationship with the mini dragons! There is no foul language or sexual scenes keeping it very appropriate for young girls. I would advise parents to pre-read, as there is a scene where the father lashes the daughter's back...fitting with the book, but still disturbing. Overall, there are large themes of acceptance, kindness, creativity, inclusion and following your dream to live your own true life.
4 solid stars
First off, it's part of a series (which is part of an even bigger series), but easy to read as a stand alone. I was happy to see that the ending was a real, satisfying ending, unlike most series books.
Now for the book itself. It is ideal for pre-teen and teen girls, although lots to be gleamed from it as an adult also. The protagonist, a 14 year old girl, is not of heroic strength or mind. Instead her strength lies in her musical prowess. Yes, the genre is fantasy and people are flying around on dragons, but the fact the girl is so real helps tame down the fantasy part. I loved her relationship with the mini dragons! There is no foul language or sexual scenes keeping it very appropriate for young girls. I would advise parents to pre-read, as there is a scene where the father lashes the daughter's back...fitting with the book, but still disturbing. Overall, there are large themes of acceptance, kindness, creativity, inclusion and following your dream to live your own true life.
4 solid stars
meg_thebrave's review against another edition
4.0
As much as I loved the original Dragonriders of Pern trilogy (particularly The White Dragon), I really enjoyed this foray into a different aspect of the Pern series. I loved Menolly and her love for music and storytelling. She is stubborn and brave and strong. I find the harpers of Pern utterly fascinating; they maintain Pern's history and encourage change from each Hold and Weyr. Seeing this different side of the story was such fun, and I'm super excited for the next two books.
cereja78's review against another edition
5.0
The Harper Hall trilogy runs along the same timeframe as the first three Dragonriders books, but from the point of view of Menolly and Harper Hall.
apetruce's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad fantasy read-aloud for the kids (14, 12). Strong female lead and good intro to dragons and Medieval-themed fantasy. I wish I had known about this series when I was 12. I always felt there weren't enough books with girls like me.
mpetruce's review against another edition
4.0
The most recent read-aloud at home. At first there were complaints about not knowing the back story (which is legit, I'll give you, since they hadn't read the Dragonriders of Pern), but eventually I had them asking me each night to read more.
scytale's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tkfarrell's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
kemendraugh's review against another edition
5.0
This was the first Anne McCaffrey I've ever read, because I am BEHIND THE TIMES. What a delight. I don't know if all of Anne's books are this delightful and fun, but I love that they do exist, even when there's big huge dangerous and sad plot going on, Anne has her eye on the smaller characters in the background of the kitchens.
Also TINY DRAGONS.
Also TINY DRAGONS.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read ... well, listen. I've read this MANY times, and saw that my library had the audiobook, so I grabbed it and experienced it again, in audio. The narrator was good, had a bit of an accent at certain times. Sounded "older" (both in age, and thinking this was recorded a while ago?)
This book was my introduction to Pern - well over 30 years ago. This trilogy is more YA than the Dragonflight/Dragonquest/TheWhiteDragon and its sequels, but it starts years after [b:Dragonflight|61975|Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1)|Anne McCaffrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388182243l/61975._SY75_.jpg|2467422] ... it's really interesting as there is the prologue here, that basically recaps all of Dragonflight, setting up this complex world. Such imagination from the author!
It was so interesting to relive this world. It's been years, but I found I really remembered so much of what was happening, or going to happen. It was a little different to have the book read TO me, a little different pronunciation than my imagination had created for some of the names.
I still LOVE Pern!
This book was my introduction to Pern - well over 30 years ago. This trilogy is more YA than the Dragonflight/Dragonquest/TheWhiteDragon and its sequels, but it starts years after [b:Dragonflight|61975|Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1)|Anne McCaffrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388182243l/61975._SY75_.jpg|2467422] ... it's really interesting as there is the prologue here, that basically recaps all of Dragonflight, setting up this complex world. Such imagination from the author!
It was so interesting to relive this world. It's been years, but I found I really remembered so much of what was happening, or going to happen. It was a little different to have the book read TO me, a little different pronunciation than my imagination had created for some of the names.
I still LOVE Pern!