Kristina Jendrysik

In the world of Pern, Harpers are more powerful than kings, for the music they play can control the minds of others. For young Menolly, her dreams of becoming a Harper have nothing to do with power, but rather her love of music. But as the Hall's first female apprentice, Menolly must contend with the Master Harper who gives her a difficult time because of her gender. As Menolly begins to despair, she finds help in the shape of nine bright allies and learns that her musical talents may prove more powerful than anyone could imagine.

Pursuing her dream to be a Harper of Pern, Menolly studies under the Masterharper and quickly learns that more is required than knowledge of music and a clever way with words. The Masterharper gives her a difficult time simply because she is a young woman, and she manages to alienate more of her fellow harpers than she makes friends. Menolly must rise up and prove that a woman is just as capable as any of her male fellow students - and if she can, she will shape the future of Pern.