Harper Hall Series by Anne McCaffrey

Haper Hall - Bk. 1

Dragonsong

By Anne McCaffrey

    Menolly has a rare musical talent. Not only has she a magnificent voice, she is an inspired composer and songwriter. If she had been a son she would have been proudly sent off to the Harper Hall for training.

    Becoming a Harper is one of the most honoured positions. It is a role that teaches all the sung history of the holds, it keeps a degree of peace and also brings entertainment.

    Menolly had been encouraged and shielded by Petirion, the Harper (teacher) stationed at Half Circle Sea Hold. After Petirion’s death her father forbids her from using her talents other than to train the young children of the hold in the traditional teaching songs.

    After the new Harper arrives, her father forbids all use of her talents. He keeps all knowledge of it from the new Harper, who is actively looking for the writer of the songs Petirion sent to Harper Hall before his death.

    Disheartened and lacking concentration, Maenolly damages her hand. Her father feels that this is for the best and will interfere with her ability to play musical instruments. As a result he does not seek specialised healing for her hand.

    As life seems to be at its absolute worst she departs the Hold forgetting that the deadly thread was about to fall. Running for her life she seeks refuge in a cave and finally something wonderful happens.

    She finds and impresses a clutch of legendary fire lizards (miniature dragons). Their voices harmonises with hers in an amazing way that has never been heard before. 

    Alone in a cave with only her fire lizards for company, she is now free to sing and make her own decisions. She wants to keep her independence, and she will do anything to say out from under her father’s oppressive hand.

• Dragonsinger (Book 2) 
• Dragondrums (Book 3)

 

Simon &​ Schuster UK Covers

McCaffrey, Anne. Dragonsong, London : Simon &​ Schuster, 1978.