Even more than in the Menolly books ("Dragonsong" and "Dragonsinger: Harper of Pern") the special position of the harpers in the complex social structure of Pern is portrayed and their important role between tradition and advance. The authors expertise in music makes Masterharper of Pern one of the best Pern books which are not part of the main story line but rather of the general Pernese history. It is a nice book in many respects: as it mainly tells the story of the Masterharper the social and political structure of Pern becomes clearer to the reader and one of the of the most likeable characters comes to life. Most of the narrative is located before the main series starting even before Robintons birth and therefore in the intervall before Threat returns to Pern. This means as well that the parents and the history of a number of other characters of the first books of the series ("Dragonflight", "Dragonquest", the Menolly books and "The White Dragon" ) is told via the Masterharper and the Harpers and a number of events of these books are retold but from a different perspective. While this makes for an interesting and exciting reading - some part of the book have an unusual high pace for Anne McCaffrey - and explains in a nearly historical way before unknown influences and aspects of weel known events, it throws up new questions, including a few contradictions with the first books. It would have been nice if all details had been check by the publisher unless you want to excuse it as the failings of any biographer. On the whole: "Masterharper of Pern" is a typical Anne McCaffrey Pern story: Nobody who loved the Menolly books and would like to know more about the harpers should avoid this.


Return to the wonderful world of dragons   September 11, 2000
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

For readers familiar with the dragon series this novel written about the greatest Master Harper in Perns history is deffinately well worth the wait. Robinton, the Master Harper of Pern is undoubtedly many a readers favourite character from the whole series of Miss McCaffrey's Pern books and now here is a book that follows his life and and his love not only of music but of Pern itself. The story starts with the formative years of this musical genius and child prodigy where his father,Petiron, a master composer more involved with his composing than his son, ignores Robinton's amazing talent. His mother, Merelan, a master singer with the help of the other masters of Harper hall nuture and train Robinton who is destined to become the most loved man on the planet. The book continues through his training and follows the years his life before the fall of thread, when both harpers and dragonriders are scorned. His friendship with F'lon the father of F'lar and F'nor who knows thread will return and his life as Master Harper. To the confrontation of the tyrant Fax while the dragonriders are on search for Lessa. Facing many a wall to climb and river to cross trying to bring music and education to the people of Pern. This heart warming and touching book is one of the best of the series which as a whole a joy to read, with many little surprises along the way. I first read this back in 1998 when it was first published but time and time again I return to my old favourites, this being one of them. It was only recently I picked up this book again and experienced a truly magical adventure. Well done Miss McCaffrey and Thank You for many hours of enjoyment


Is it time to leave Pern?   May 3, 2000
 2 out of 9 found this review helpful

I have read all the other books in the series, and this is the first time I have ever been disappointed. I found that there were omissions and errors that Ms. McCaffrey does not usually make. Not one of the best- any of the Catteni sequence is far superior to this one.