Journey to the wonder-filled world of Pern in the first volume of Anne McCaffrey's best-selling Harper Hall Trilogy. Dragonsong is the spellbinding tale of Menolly of Half Circle Hold, a brave young girl who flees her seaside village and discovers the legendary fire lizards of Pern. All her life, Menolly has longed to learn the ancient secrets of the Harpers, the master musicians of Harper Hall. When her stern father denies her the chance to make her dream come true, Menolly runs away from home. Hiding in a cave by the sea, she finds nine magical fire lizards who join her on a breathtaking journey to Harper Hall. Anne McCaffrey's enchanting tales of Pern, with all their colorful dragons and fantastic characters, have won her millions of fans around the world. The winner of the Hugo and Nebula Award, she is one of the best-loved writers in all of fantasy literature.
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"This is a reread from my own teen years as I am looking for decent fantasy for my own teen/pre-teen girls to read. McCaffrey is a great storyteller. Her books have much more depth and better writing than most of what is available in YA/children's fantasy these days. This is a coming of age story of a girl who doesn't fit in and isn't appreciated for her gifts and talents--especially by her parents and siblings."
— Jennifer (4 out of 5 stars)
" The Dragonriders of Pern is a fantastic series. "
— MadCartographer, 10/18/2016" Beautiful opening to the Menolly story. The way she's treated at her home is shocking to say the least, and you can't help but cheer for her as her amazing musical talent is slowly revealed. Very satisfying read. "
— Hannah, 2/16/2014" Every time I read this book I love it. You can read it on so many different levels. It's a compelling story with a good message. "
— Joni, 1/20/2014" I can't believe she just passed away - Anne McCaffrey's dragons of Pern were some of my initial fantasy readings. I love her books. "
— Tara, 1/18/2014" It's pretty good. I'd give it more like a 2.5 rating. If I was more musically inclined or talented I'd probably enjoy it more I guess. But I do enjoy the world McCaffrey has created. I'm reading the second book right now and will continue with the series to find out what happens to the herione. For those who love music you'll like this book. "
— Kimberly, 1/18/2014" Menolly is such a strong female character. I love her story. "
— Angie, 1/15/2014" Another good Pern book... "
— Barbara, 1/10/2014" Miss Anne is gone but her books live on. Great start to the dragons. "
— Pamela, 12/19/2013" One of my all time favorite trilogies. "
— Daelith, 11/15/2013" A little slow and repetitive, but charming. "
— Kayla, 11/10/2013" The first book in the Harper Hall trilogy, this is one of the best DOP books currently out there, and one of my favourites. :) "
— Freefallen, 10/14/2013" I love this book. This is one of my comfort books when I need something from my childhood that makes me feel good. "
— Child960801, 6/29/2013" Just listened to the audiobook while on a long drive with my daughter & reminded all over again of why I love the story of Menolly's coming of age. I love the slow development of her strong core and how she comes to be able to stand for herself. "
— Shoshana, 12/18/2012" The first few chapters are so depressing that I forgot why I loved this book until about half way through. "
— Robert, 11/29/2012" This is a glorious tale of mccaffrey's harper hall. I find it reassuring and positive, a little trite, but it makes up for it in spunk. This is one of my very favorite books of all time and I've ready it many times. "
— Sandi, 11/26/2012" So fun! The setting is so original! I really enjoy McCaffrey's world of Pern, and the depths of the characters that inhabit it! "
— Victoria, 10/26/2012" This book was a fun diversion. Not too deep, but it kept me reading late into the night. "
— Betsy, 1/23/2012" the next entry in the Pern saga, furthering my trip down memory lane. i just *love* these books.. "
— Debye, 11/26/2011" Loved the trilogy for you sci-fi/fantasy genre people out there who love dragons. This was a favorite set of books in middle school and I just re-read them and still love the story. McCaffrey's stories of Pern and her other stories as well are just wonderful. "
— Aileen, 10/17/2011" The first book in the Harper Hall series. A very good book, and one that is written for younger readers. I have loaned it to a 10 year old grandson, who I hope will read it. Very good and a fast easy interesting read. "
— Wilson, 8/27/2011" This was the fist book I ever read in the Dragonrider's of Pern series, and by far my favorite. This book is amazing because it really shows how a shy, lonely girl with dreams can become a strong women, who is one of the best at her career. Truly inspiring. "
— Molly, 8/27/2011" She makes me want to fly on a Dragon! She is magnificent!!! "
— Phifer,, 7/26/2011" This includes the other two books in the trilogy.<br/><br/>Ranked #7 in my top 10 fantasy list "
— Danielle, 6/28/2011" Outstanding Scifi book by an incredible author. I read the trilogy once a year and it never gets old. "
— Kelly, 6/15/2011" I read the other two in the trilogy first lol, fail. It wasn't as good as those, but still awesome. "
— Suicide-blonde, 5/21/2011" Every time I read this book I love it. You can read it on so many different levels. It's a compelling story with a good message. "
— Joni, 5/16/2011" This was my first Anne McCaffrey book. I couldn't help but be drawn into the story. "
— Croz5043, 5/13/2011" The first book in the Harper Hall trilogy, this is one of the best DOP books currently out there, and one of my favourites. :) "
— Freefallen, 5/11/2011" I love Menoly's story. Anne McCaffrey's world is enchanting. "
— Jean, 4/11/2011" Loved all the McCaffrey Pern novels I read years ago. "
— Ken, 4/11/2011" I read this book when I was about 14 and was immediately hooked on all of her stories. Undeniably amazing reading for a teenage girl. I reread the Harperhall Trilogy from time to time. It still resonates. "
— Kari, 3/24/2011" 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. "
— Jennie, 3/23/2011Anne McCaffrey (1926–2011), one of the world’s most popular authors, was best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. She was the first woman to win the two top prizes for science fiction writing, the Hugo and Nebula awards. She was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, and was named a Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Grand Master. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1926, McCaffrey relocated to Ireland in the 1970s, where she lived in a house of her own design, named Dragonhold-Underhill.
Sally Darling, a graduate of Wellesley, made her professional debut as Anna in The King and I with members of the original Broadway cast. She worked with Katherine Houghton in a production of Murder in the Cathedral performed in the chapel at West Point Military Academy. As a director, she has workshopped productions of musicals slated for Broadway. She has directed numerous regional productions and has created several revues. She is also an acclaimed audiobook narrator.