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Crystal Singer #2
Killashandra
The second in a mesmeric trilogy that runs the gamut of human experience and emotion from Anne McCaffrey, storyteller extraordinare and New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author. Perfect for fans of David Eddings, Brandon Sanderson and Douglas Adams.
'Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants' —The Times
She was one of the Crystal Singers, the élite, mysterious ones, who cut the crystals from the planet Ballybran—precious glittering crystals without which the universe could not function.
Sent to the planet of Optheria to repair the famous crystal organ, she was—at first—accorded all the honour and pomp due to her rank. Then her life became threatened and she found herself isolated at the very heart of the planet, knowing that she alone had the power to confront and destroy the evil that had permeated the world of Optheria.
Would she be able to find the strength she needed?
'Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants' —The Times
She was one of the Crystal Singers, the élite, mysterious ones, who cut the crystals from the planet Ballybran—precious glittering crystals without which the universe could not function.
Sent to the planet of Optheria to repair the famous crystal organ, she was—at first—accorded all the honour and pomp due to her rank. Then her life became threatened and she found herself isolated at the very heart of the planet, knowing that she alone had the power to confront and destroy the evil that had permeated the world of Optheria.
Would she be able to find the strength she needed?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
377 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,753 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
January 17, 2024
Killashanda is part of a 2024 reading project where I'll be catching up on some series that I've started and enjoyed during my time on Goodreads, but didn't finish. I read Crystal Singer, the first book in this trilogy, all the way back in 2014!
Our story starts with Killashandra feeling down and wanting to spend some time away from Ballybran. The opportunity comes with an offworld assignment to Optheria, to repair an organ that has crystals as a major element of its "manuals" (I was never super clear how all this worked, even though I looked up the workings of an Earth pipe organ online). The previous engineer was killed when the repair went wrong, and there's no one else qualified to take care of it, so the government on Optheria hires the Crystal Singers' Guild for a substitute on a short-term basis, as a major music festival is coming up soon. Killashandra wins the assignment, and it doesn't take long after her arrival on Optheria for her to be caught up in political unrest and violence that may be directly connected with it.
There's a longish section midway through the book that I enjoyed a lot. Killashandra is dumped on a tropical island as part of the aforementioned political unrest, and through effort and luck, eventually is able to make her way to civilization on another one of the islands near by. She meets a handsome fellow named Lars and falls in love, and gets to know the people there, enjoys beachside barbecues, and has a lot of sex, and also learns why no one who lives on Optheria is allowed to leave the planet.
Other than that, though, things often got very, very slow. In my very limited experience with her writing, McCaffrey is really good at showing small groups of people enjoying food and drink, and being companionable with each other. (The kind of vibe that I've also been enjoying in the foodie manga I've been reading, come to think of it.) The middle section of the book had a few scenes along these lines.
When it comes to the actual plot, though, my interest level was nowhere near as high. In a good number of the SFF novels from this time period that I've read, you have a repressive hidebound group running the place and making things joyless for everyone, and the freewheeling, easygoing rebels who very obviously have the right of things. This one's no different. Toward the end of the book, the automated and bureaucratic galactic Federation enacts an injustice that directly affects Killashandra, and that had a bit (not a lot) more nuance.
The prose often gets bogged down and stodgy-feeling, and just as in the first book, the slight content doesn't live up to the vocabulary level. An omniscient point of view is usually enjoyable for me (for its novelty in a limited point of view-standard era, if nothing else), but here it sometimes created additional distance between me and what was going on. For example:
There's always, though, an uncomfortable assumption--until corrected by herself--that Killashandra might hop into bed with any man who's single and has an ongoing connection with her. And she frequently seems to fall into situations where men "naturally" take charge, or she's shepherded around with only a brassy attitude keeping her from being completely inert in the scene she's in. In the eleventh hour of the story . And Killashandra, hilariously to me, is always the one called upon to push the buttons on the automatic sandwich-making machine:
As has always been the case with the older SFF I've been reading off and on, this was fun to read, but also had its infuriating parts that show how far we've come in the meantime. It was better than the first book in a number of ways, and I'm grateful for that. I'm interested in seeing what lies in store for Killashandra in the last book of this series. Ideally it won't take another ten years for that to happen....
Our story starts with Killashandra feeling down and wanting to spend some time away from Ballybran. The opportunity comes with an offworld assignment to Optheria, to repair an organ that has crystals as a major element of its "manuals" (I was never super clear how all this worked, even though I looked up the workings of an Earth pipe organ online). The previous engineer was killed when the repair went wrong, and there's no one else qualified to take care of it, so the government on Optheria hires the Crystal Singers' Guild for a substitute on a short-term basis, as a major music festival is coming up soon. Killashandra wins the assignment, and it doesn't take long after her arrival on Optheria for her to be caught up in political unrest and violence that may be directly connected with it.
There's a longish section midway through the book that I enjoyed a lot. Killashandra is dumped on a tropical island as part of the aforementioned political unrest, and through effort and luck, eventually is able to make her way to civilization on another one of the islands near by. She meets a handsome fellow named Lars and falls in love, and gets to know the people there, enjoys beachside barbecues, and has a lot of sex, and also learns why no one who lives on Optheria is allowed to leave the planet.
Other than that, though, things often got very, very slow. In my very limited experience with her writing, McCaffrey is really good at showing small groups of people enjoying food and drink, and being companionable with each other. (The kind of vibe that I've also been enjoying in the foodie manga I've been reading, come to think of it.) The middle section of the book had a few scenes along these lines.
When it comes to the actual plot, though, my interest level was nowhere near as high. In a good number of the SFF novels from this time period that I've read, you have a repressive hidebound group running the place and making things joyless for everyone, and the freewheeling, easygoing rebels who very obviously have the right of things. This one's no different. Toward the end of the book, the automated and bureaucratic galactic Federation enacts an injustice that directly affects Killashandra, and that had a bit (not a lot) more nuance.
The prose often gets bogged down and stodgy-feeling, and just as in the first book, the slight content doesn't live up to the vocabulary level. An omniscient point of view is usually enjoyable for me (for its novelty in a limited point of view-standard era, if nothing else), but here it sometimes created additional distance between me and what was going on. For example:
The ignominy of such a humiliating expedient combined with fear, disappointment, and her recent physical ordeal sent Killashandra into a trembling posture of aggrieved and contained fury.Also similarly to the first book, women's roles are a mixed bag. As a crystal singer, Killashandra works independently and very much earns her own keep on Ballybran. The symbiont she took on when she trained as a crystal singer conveniently makes her infertile but doesn't diminish her sex drive (and also makes her immune to disease that isn't caused by crystal or the symbiont themselves), so she can have all the unprotected sex she wants, and she makes ample use of that convenience with Lars. She is never slut-shamed, either by the narrative or by anyone around her.
There's always, though, an uncomfortable assumption--until corrected by herself--that Killashandra might hop into bed with any man who's single and has an ongoing connection with her. And she frequently seems to fall into situations where men "naturally" take charge, or she's shepherded around with only a brassy attitude keeping her from being completely inert in the scene she's in. In the eleventh hour of the story . And Killashandra, hilariously to me, is always the one called upon to push the buttons on the automatic sandwich-making machine:
Ch. 13: "Carrigana? [the alias Killashandra took on when she was stranded on the islands] Would you mind fixing some hungry storm watchers more of those excellent sandwiches?"Killashandra has a heroine's nadir once returning to Ballybran after completing her missions on Optheria, and then a . It's the kind of arc that's pleasing even when you know where it's going.
Ch. 21: Killashandra had punched up sandwiches which she now passed to the men.
As has always been the case with the older SFF I've been reading off and on, this was fun to read, but also had its infuriating parts that show how far we've come in the meantime. It was better than the first book in a number of ways, and I'm grateful for that. I'm interested in seeing what lies in store for Killashandra in the last book of this series. Ideally it won't take another ten years for that to happen....
June 6, 2018
This was a re-read. It was a re-read to the power of n, where n= 'impossible to calculate as I have been re-reading this book since the 80's-90's'.
Killashandra Ree, after successfully training to be a 'singer' of black crystal in the first novel of the series, has unfortunately lost her claim for the immensely rare black crystal. Desperate to earn enough to get an extended holiday (who cannot sympathise with that?) from the planet Ballybran she cuts white crystal and accepts the assignment thrust upon her to install the crystal in a smashed organ on a distant planet. Of course, when she gets there, she discovers that all is not as it should be on the planet; there are rebels and dissidents and she is caught up in the middle.
While I am very fond of all three of the Crystal Singer books, this is the one I re-read most often. A lot of that has to do with the world of Optheria because the time Killashandra spends in the tropical islands never fails to enchant me. I love tropical islands and the author has done full justice to them in this one. The anti-political plot too, I think is quite fascinating and well written. A bit of a comfort book, this one is.
Killashandra Ree, after successfully training to be a 'singer' of black crystal in the first novel of the series, has unfortunately lost her claim for the immensely rare black crystal. Desperate to earn enough to get an extended holiday (who cannot sympathise with that?) from the planet Ballybran she cuts white crystal and accepts the assignment thrust upon her to install the crystal in a smashed organ on a distant planet. Of course, when she gets there, she discovers that all is not as it should be on the planet; there are rebels and dissidents and she is caught up in the middle.
While I am very fond of all three of the Crystal Singer books, this is the one I re-read most often. A lot of that has to do with the world of Optheria because the time Killashandra spends in the tropical islands never fails to enchant me. I love tropical islands and the author has done full justice to them in this one. The anti-political plot too, I think is quite fascinating and well written. A bit of a comfort book, this one is.
March 5, 2022
Lars Dahl! So many hearts. And Killashandra has also held up really well between when I first read it as a teenager and now. Love this series!
reread March 2022:
This book holds up much better than the first in the series, with a lot less of the casual sexism that made up a goodly amount of background noise in Crystal Singer. (Certainly a product of the time it was written!) I appreciate that
I feel like there is so much in this world that could have been explored in spin-off companion titles, if McCaffrey had wanted to build something bigger. The secondary character cast provides such a wealth of perspectives and opportunity for fanfic writers to adventure into and the whole time I was reading I couldn't help but think about what an awesome high production miniseries this trilogy would make for someplace like HBO or Netflix. Update it for the modern age (most of the casual sexism is just a question of putting a different line of dialogue in a man's mouth to tweak the scenario and that's really the biggest thing that has to be changed and most of it is just in book one) I would subscribe on the spot. Literally you could not keep me away.
reread March 2022:
This book holds up much better than the first in the series, with a lot less of the casual sexism that made up a goodly amount of background noise in Crystal Singer. (Certainly a product of the time it was written!) I appreciate that
I feel like there is so much in this world that could have been explored in spin-off companion titles, if McCaffrey had wanted to build something bigger. The secondary character cast provides such a wealth of perspectives and opportunity for fanfic writers to adventure into and the whole time I was reading I couldn't help but think about what an awesome high production miniseries this trilogy would make for someplace like HBO or Netflix. Update it for the modern age (most of the casual sexism is just a question of putting a different line of dialogue in a man's mouth to tweak the scenario and that's really the biggest thing that has to be changed and most of it is just in book one) I would subscribe on the spot. Literally you could not keep me away.
February 24, 2018
Again, I read this book when it first was published. Almost none of the story takes place on the crystal cutting planet. Killa is desperate to get off-planet, before crystal resonance shakes her apart, so after she cuts 44 white crystals for an organ-- the kind that plays music-- she gets to go install them in the organ for the planet that buys them. She's also requested to look around the plan because people go there, but only the tourists leave. None of the citizens ever do. Which is weird. So, she goes and has a huge adventure, not a whole lot of crystal stuff, but enough. It's a good read and I liked it a lot.
March 7, 2023
I need a good light read and McCaffrey delivered as always. As usual, her novel delivered a strong female character perfectly capable of taking care of herself, yet willing to be swept off her feet. Over sentimental and thick on the love struck, the novel made for an enjoyable light read. The second book in a series, the novel itself stands alone, since I've never actually read the first. McCaffrey does insert back information with a time that assumes foreknowledge; rather than delving into the explanatory review so many authors fall into, she lets the characters actions and thoughts serve as explanation. If I am left feeling there is more to the story, out doesn't leave me confused but instead desirous of locating the first novel. Though the characters at times feel a bit over-the-top, they are amusing and enjoyable. The novel itself is wanting in depth, but the science fiction setting and characters make it clear why McCaffrey achieved such fame.
June 14, 2021
Less crystal prospecting and more desert island adventure vibe going on is this second Crystal Singer book - I still found myself enjoying it quite a bit despite it all. I should try get to Crystal Line somewhere down the line to finish the trilogy...
First finished: 30July2020
Source: Bought new from Book Depository
First finished: 30July2020
Source: Bought new from Book Depository
August 21, 2020
Killashandra Ree, failed Opera singer turned Crystal Singer, has had a run of bad luck. She's desperate to get off the planet and a lucrative, but high risk from how long it'll take her away, contract comes up to install the 40 white crystals she was able to find last minute into an organ on far away Opherian. She's undecided, Lanzecki the Guild Master doesn't think she should take it, and Trag his assistant? Can't wait for her to leave. Why? Lanzecki is putting off singing crystal himself to spend time with her and out of fear that he'll forget the woman he's in love with. It's putting his life at risk, because without singing the symbiant spore will not be rejuvenated and will die off.
Killashandra makes the sacrifice and goes, once she learns the real truth of the matter.
I quite liked this book, I loved her wit, I loved how she dealt with the stodgy, political machinations of the Elders of Opherian and I loved how she combined forces with the rebels to bring to light the injustices being done to the people. I did not love, despite how much I liked the character Lars, Which is why it only has four and not five stars.
Great story, a keeper for sure, and I loved the discovery that Ballybran is in the same universe as her other books with the Brain/Brawn ship that arrives at the end. I knew, but I guess I didn't KNOW, it didn't really click in until that point. Ballybran just seems like an entirely different world because of the crystals.
Killashandra makes the sacrifice and goes, once she learns the real truth of the matter.
I quite liked this book, I loved her wit, I loved how she dealt with the stodgy, political machinations of the Elders of Opherian and I loved how she combined forces with the rebels to bring to light the injustices being done to the people. I did not love, despite how much I liked the character Lars, Which is why it only has four and not five stars.
Great story, a keeper for sure, and I loved the discovery that Ballybran is in the same universe as her other books with the Brain/Brawn ship that arrives at the end. I knew, but I guess I didn't KNOW, it didn't really click in until that point. Ballybran just seems like an entirely different world because of the crystals.
August 24, 2021
https://delivreenlivres.blogspot.com/...
Relecture de la série 20 ans après.
Un petit space opera vraiment sympa. Même si ce second tome n'aborde finalement pas du tout le thème principal de la série, l'intrigue était agréable, pleine d'aventure.
Dans cette série on suit Killashandra, une chanteuse crystal.
Le crystal est une formation spécifique qui "pousse" exclusivement sur la planète Ballybran. Ce crystal entraîne des raisonnantes énorme et seules les personnes arrivant à entrer en symbiose avec un micro organisme local arrivent à survivre sur cette planète étrange.
Killashandra a eu de la chance et elle a pu devenir Chanteuse crystal, le rang le plus élevé qui lui permet de sortir à la surface et d'aller chercher le fameux crystal.
Il existe de nombreuses couleurs de crystal qui lui donnent des fonction différentes.
Tout le monde aimerait trouver du Noir. Le noir est le plus recherché, il s'agit de celui permettant une communication instantanée entre deux crystaux accordés. Il est utilisé de partout et c'est aussi le plus rare.
Cette fois ci Killashandra n'a pas eu cette chance, mais elle a trouvé une veine de blanc. Le blanc est utilisé pour faire les meilleurs orgues de l'univers. Et justement, la planète Ophtéria vient de casser un de ses orgues les plus connus et a besoin d'un remplacement d'urgence avant le début du festival d'été, très réputé.
L'occasion rêvée pour Killa de quitter enfin Ballybran après un an et demi de travail car elle doit se débarrasser des résonances du crystal qui à long terme peuvent être mauvais pour sa santé.
Mais tout n'est pas ce qu'il semble car cette planète la aussi semble très étrange. Il s'agit d'une des seules planètes qui n'ai jamais envoyé de personnel dans les grandes institutions de la galaxie. Killa reçoit donc une autre mission secrète : essayer de découvrir pourquoi ...
Ce tome ci est surement le moins intéressant de la série. C'est limite une histoire secondaire de Killashandra dans un autre monde, qui n'a plus rien à voir avec Ballybran. Ça ne m'a pas empêché de l'apprécier, bien sur, mais il est plus anecdotique dans l'ensemble, il faut le reconnaitre.
Celle ci n'a pas encore les pertes de mémoires du au crystal, mais ça ne saurait tarder. Elle hésite toujours à enregistrer sa vie pour la sauvegarder et s'en rappeler plus tard car il lui semble qu'il y a plus de mauvais souvenirs qu'elle souhaiterai oublier dedans que de bons. Ce qui est sur c'est qu'elle s'en mordra surement les doigts après.
Dans ce tome, plein d'action. Killashandra se retrouve plongé dans une révolte de certains habitants d'Ophtéria pour voir le droit de quitter leur planète. Étant étrangère elle va devoir faire des choix et prendre des risques pour s'en sortir.
Le tout en rajoutant une romance à l'ensemble histoire de compliquer les choses.
Dans l'ensemble j'ai bien apprécié cette aventure. C'est reposant finalement, bon enfant aussi et on a l'impression que tout coule de source tellement le style est fluide. C'est vrai que ce n'est pas de la "grande SF" (du moins pas ce tome ci), mais les personnages, leurs relations, et le monde sont tellement agréable à suivre qu'on n'en demande pas plus finalement.
C'est le genre de livre qui m'a laissé une très bonne impression lors de ma première lecture et que j'ai relu avec grand plaisir !
16/20
Relecture de la série 20 ans après.
Un petit space opera vraiment sympa. Même si ce second tome n'aborde finalement pas du tout le thème principal de la série, l'intrigue était agréable, pleine d'aventure.
Dans cette série on suit Killashandra, une chanteuse crystal.
Le crystal est une formation spécifique qui "pousse" exclusivement sur la planète Ballybran. Ce crystal entraîne des raisonnantes énorme et seules les personnes arrivant à entrer en symbiose avec un micro organisme local arrivent à survivre sur cette planète étrange.
Killashandra a eu de la chance et elle a pu devenir Chanteuse crystal, le rang le plus élevé qui lui permet de sortir à la surface et d'aller chercher le fameux crystal.
Il existe de nombreuses couleurs de crystal qui lui donnent des fonction différentes.
Tout le monde aimerait trouver du Noir. Le noir est le plus recherché, il s'agit de celui permettant une communication instantanée entre deux crystaux accordés. Il est utilisé de partout et c'est aussi le plus rare.
Cette fois ci Killashandra n'a pas eu cette chance, mais elle a trouvé une veine de blanc. Le blanc est utilisé pour faire les meilleurs orgues de l'univers. Et justement, la planète Ophtéria vient de casser un de ses orgues les plus connus et a besoin d'un remplacement d'urgence avant le début du festival d'été, très réputé.
L'occasion rêvée pour Killa de quitter enfin Ballybran après un an et demi de travail car elle doit se débarrasser des résonances du crystal qui à long terme peuvent être mauvais pour sa santé.
Mais tout n'est pas ce qu'il semble car cette planète la aussi semble très étrange. Il s'agit d'une des seules planètes qui n'ai jamais envoyé de personnel dans les grandes institutions de la galaxie. Killa reçoit donc une autre mission secrète : essayer de découvrir pourquoi ...
Ce tome ci est surement le moins intéressant de la série. C'est limite une histoire secondaire de Killashandra dans un autre monde, qui n'a plus rien à voir avec Ballybran. Ça ne m'a pas empêché de l'apprécier, bien sur, mais il est plus anecdotique dans l'ensemble, il faut le reconnaitre.
Celle ci n'a pas encore les pertes de mémoires du au crystal, mais ça ne saurait tarder. Elle hésite toujours à enregistrer sa vie pour la sauvegarder et s'en rappeler plus tard car il lui semble qu'il y a plus de mauvais souvenirs qu'elle souhaiterai oublier dedans que de bons. Ce qui est sur c'est qu'elle s'en mordra surement les doigts après.
Dans ce tome, plein d'action. Killashandra se retrouve plongé dans une révolte de certains habitants d'Ophtéria pour voir le droit de quitter leur planète. Étant étrangère elle va devoir faire des choix et prendre des risques pour s'en sortir.
Le tout en rajoutant une romance à l'ensemble histoire de compliquer les choses.
Dans l'ensemble j'ai bien apprécié cette aventure. C'est reposant finalement, bon enfant aussi et on a l'impression que tout coule de source tellement le style est fluide. C'est vrai que ce n'est pas de la "grande SF" (du moins pas ce tome ci), mais les personnages, leurs relations, et le monde sont tellement agréable à suivre qu'on n'en demande pas plus finalement.
C'est le genre de livre qui m'a laissé une très bonne impression lors de ma première lecture et que j'ai relu avec grand plaisir !
16/20
November 3, 2025
Another old read that really hasn't stood the test of time. It's very long, very windy, and very, very dry. The chapters are very drawn-out, taking a huge amount of time to actually do anything, instead incorporating endless, 'he said, she said', while the characters painstakingly thrash to death every last, minute plot detail.
I'm also not a romance fan, and found the relationship between Killa and Lars quite hard work, involving a lot of eye-rolling (tho' that's probably me, tbf).
I'm also not a romance fan, and found the relationship between Killa and Lars quite hard work, involving a lot of eye-rolling (tho' that's probably me, tbf).
January 11, 2020
The crystal singer returns in a sequel that is better than the first book. This musical mystery story uses elements of politics and isolationism to add to individual character goals.
Where the first book was coming of age, this book presents the main character as an adult. When sent as a guild representative to perform a job on another world, she must adapt her outlook, especially when external forces try to use her to achieve their own goals. Where the first book was about her job (crystal singer), this book is about her.
The plot that drives her to this new assignment is somewhat contrived. Unlike the first book, this one focuses on the politics of a single planet. The descriptions of the islands are rich, which lead me to believe McCaffrey wrote some or all of this part on island time. An enjoyable read.
Where the first book was coming of age, this book presents the main character as an adult. When sent as a guild representative to perform a job on another world, she must adapt her outlook, especially when external forces try to use her to achieve their own goals. Where the first book was about her job (crystal singer), this book is about her.
The plot that drives her to this new assignment is somewhat contrived. Unlike the first book, this one focuses on the politics of a single planet. The descriptions of the islands are rich, which lead me to believe McCaffrey wrote some or all of this part on island time. An enjoyable read.
Read
March 13, 2011Very readable, moderately recommended.: The second of Anne McCaffrey's books about Killashandra Ree is a pleasure to read although highly predictable and somewhat over-sentimental in places. The fact is that while you may have guessed exactly what will happen next you still want to read on. Unlike many books I could mention you end up caring about what happens to the characters, you can't help it - they are so well written. While Killashandra is hardly intellectually taxing I would still recommend it. Perhaps as a holiday book. It certainly contains the sun, sand and sex to get you into a holiday frame of mind.
May 3, 2025
Alas. I still enjoyed reading it, but I'm afraid this will be the last time I reread this particular novel.
It wasn't quite as well-worn and comfortable as it used to be, which is a real shame because I truly enjoyed this book as a younger woman.
I have come to the sad realization that if I were to stumble across this for a quarter in a goodwill, I should just keep on perusing. Killashandra really is unbearable, I see too much of my own arrogant ignorance in her.
It wasn't quite as well-worn and comfortable as it used to be, which is a real shame because I truly enjoyed this book as a younger woman.
I have come to the sad realization that if I were to stumble across this for a quarter in a goodwill, I should just keep on perusing. Killashandra really is unbearable, I see too much of my own arrogant ignorance in her.
January 2, 2022
Never thought I'd say this about an Anne McCaffrey book, but about two-thirds of the way through, I started to feel it was going on too long, mostly because I was suffering from an overdose of romance. I really didn't need quite so much detail about Killashandra's love affair. Perhaps I'm just getting old.
The writing was up to the author's usual standard, and the main characters well realised, except the unpleasant ones all seemed to be elderly. Another symptom of my advancing years as I don't think I noticed this when I first read the book many years ago.
The plot revolves around nefarious political practices on Optheria, a planet to which our heroine has been sent to repair the magnificent crystal organ. The place seems pleasant enough but terribly formal and stiff and bland. She is warned about 'dangerous dissidents ' but when she finally encounters them, they turn out to be the people who love music, singing, colour, bright clothes and good food. Can she do anything to help free the constrained population in the grey cities?
The writing was up to the author's usual standard, and the main characters well realised, except the unpleasant ones all seemed to be elderly. Another symptom of my advancing years as I don't think I noticed this when I first read the book many years ago.
The plot revolves around nefarious political practices on Optheria, a planet to which our heroine has been sent to repair the magnificent crystal organ. The place seems pleasant enough but terribly formal and stiff and bland. She is warned about 'dangerous dissidents ' but when she finally encounters them, they turn out to be the people who love music, singing, colour, bright clothes and good food. Can she do anything to help free the constrained population in the grey cities?
December 12, 2023
In this second book of the Crystal Singer trilogy, Killashandra Ree leaves Ballybran again, this time to replace white crystals that were shattered in the largest of the grand musical organs of Optharia.
Adventures, intrigue, romance and another interesting world that author McCaffrey brought to her readers makes this another winner in my opinion. This trilogy has long been a favorite of mine, with its strong female protagonist, and I'm enjoying it just as much reading it this time as when it was first printed.
Adventures, intrigue, romance and another interesting world that author McCaffrey brought to her readers makes this another winner in my opinion. This trilogy has long been a favorite of mine, with its strong female protagonist, and I'm enjoying it just as much reading it this time as when it was first printed.
July 30, 2017
another hospital reread
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January 2, 2018Action, Drama, Mystery and Romance
Anne McCaffrey has reached a new high point of literary success with this work.
A page Turner you will not want to put down.
Anne McCaffrey has reached a new high point of literary success with this work.
A page Turner you will not want to put down.
June 28, 2018
Review to come :)
September 15, 2022
Fantastic trilogy
August 30, 2020
I probably read this for the first time 25+ years ago. Loved it as much the second time.
As with most books I've re-read years later, there are bits that I had forgotten, so it was almost like new.
Others have called her self-centered & judgmental. That's true. In this story, she also seems a bit jaded & tired probably from the crystal humming through her.
Watching her love with Lars grow was fun & then the heartbreak of having to leave him.
I'll definitely re-read this in the future.
As with most books I've re-read years later, there are bits that I had forgotten, so it was almost like new.
Others have called her self-centered & judgmental. That's true. In this story, she also seems a bit jaded & tired probably from the crystal humming through her.
Watching her love with Lars grow was fun & then the heartbreak of having to leave him.
I'll definitely re-read this in the future.
January 7, 2025
Romans, akcja, pseudonaukowy bełkot i lojalni konspiranci. Dodaj do tego plot armor i guilty pleasure skrojone na wymiar.
August 18, 2017
Excellent character development. Tight narrative. Second of a trilogy. Couldn't put it down!
May 9, 2020
A good sequel to Crystal Singer. Long on romance, but still some good conflict. Throughout all; the magic McCaffrey touch.
April 16, 2011
The second book of the Crystal Singer series, Killashandra takes the down on her luck main character and puts her on another world where she is to repair a broken organ. However, things are not as they seem with an assassination attempt and the undercurrents of unrest that flicker among the populace.
Among a few other things, I found it hilarious that Lars--a new male character that appears in the main character's life--would so easily confide in Killashandra (though she's under a pseudonym at the time), considering what he is saying and what he did. Not to mention how blase Killashandra is about most of everything, Yes, we get that Killashandra is a capable character, but it's a little much.
She also somehow manages to convince several officials that she needs good beer for her metabolic processes and while it made me crack a grin, her interactions with others aren't very believable at all. It mostly seems like a rah rah Killashandra! sort of thing, except for the parts of the story when she's in trouble.
The end was almost... hm. Not quite sure about it. It was very dramatic and it made me roll my eyes at parts, but it did wrap up the book fairly well. All in all, the book was average for me. 3 stars.
Among a few other things, I found it hilarious that Lars--a new male character that appears in the main character's life--would so easily confide in Killashandra (though she's under a pseudonym at the time), considering what he is saying and what he did. Not to mention how blase Killashandra is about most of everything, Yes, we get that Killashandra is a capable character, but it's a little much.
She also somehow manages to convince several officials that she needs good beer for her metabolic processes and while it made me crack a grin, her interactions with others aren't very believable at all. It mostly seems like a rah rah Killashandra! sort of thing, except for the parts of the story when she's in trouble.
The end was almost... hm. Not quite sure about it. It was very dramatic and it made me roll my eyes at parts, but it did wrap up the book fairly well. All in all, the book was average for me. 3 stars.
January 21, 2014
Some books are so much better in memory than when reread with fresh perspective and adult tastes.
In some ways this is a better book than Crystal Singer as it has far more of an actual plot. On the other, the interest and uniqueness of the world of crystal which supports the first book is rather absent here with the rather boring world of Optheria. We know it is boring as we are repeatedly told it is boring, dull and lacking of any interest. Why it suddenly becomes interesting later on, I am not entirely sure, but it generally seems that McCaffrey's position is that interest is measured on first of all how much alcohol one can consume and then secondly, how much (uninteresting) violent sex one can manage to get away with; though I am mildly curious about what Killashandra was doing that caused her bruises which lasted for days when her crystal symbiont can close cuts in minutes.
What a shame... but then rereading this does remind me why I originally went off McCaffrey and stopped reading her work.
In some ways this is a better book than Crystal Singer as it has far more of an actual plot. On the other, the interest and uniqueness of the world of crystal which supports the first book is rather absent here with the rather boring world of Optheria. We know it is boring as we are repeatedly told it is boring, dull and lacking of any interest. Why it suddenly becomes interesting later on, I am not entirely sure, but it generally seems that McCaffrey's position is that interest is measured on first of all how much alcohol one can consume and then secondly, how much (uninteresting) violent sex one can manage to get away with; though I am mildly curious about what Killashandra was doing that caused her bruises which lasted for days when her crystal symbiont can close cuts in minutes.
What a shame... but then rereading this does remind me why I originally went off McCaffrey and stopped reading her work.
July 25, 2011
This book deserves a full star higher rating than it's predecessor, in my mind. While 'Crystal Singer' certainly builds you a helpful basis to ensure you know what's going on, this book is where the action is at.
Killa is shown as a much more well rounded character, beyond headstrong and capable of great cunning and self-sacrifice. In short, she didn't feel 'real' to me until this book. Again, McCaffrey's interweaving of her personal musical background came came through in a delightful form of insight. And the sense of interplanetary intrigue developed into a compelling plot device.
Here also the romantic elements felt far more significant and authentic. In fact, I'd almost hazard to call this a sci-fi romance, were the ultimate love interest introduced earlier on. By the end, the emotional elements seemed well developed and believable. And without giving too much away, I'll say that I found the ending both fitting and satisfying.
Killa is shown as a much more well rounded character, beyond headstrong and capable of great cunning and self-sacrifice. In short, she didn't feel 'real' to me until this book. Again, McCaffrey's interweaving of her personal musical background came came through in a delightful form of insight. And the sense of interplanetary intrigue developed into a compelling plot device.
Here also the romantic elements felt far more significant and authentic. In fact, I'd almost hazard to call this a sci-fi romance, were the ultimate love interest introduced earlier on. By the end, the emotional elements seemed well developed and believable. And without giving too much away, I'll say that I found the ending both fitting and satisfying.
February 6, 2018
Okay, I must have read this at least a half dozen times. I really enjoy the spunky main character of Killashandra. She kind of reminds me of my little sister. Feisty. Determined. Practical. If you enjoyed the first book, Crystal Singer, you will enjoy this one too. I also like the jabs McCaffrey takes at those who feel it is their responsibility to decide for others what is best for them. It is almost over the top with the symbolism she uses to do it, but it works in the context of this narrative.
July 27, 2024
An old favourite I reread for a readathon in June. This was a book that I snagged from my mother's bookshelf, and while I never got into the Pern books, this trilogy from Anne McCaffrey (or at least the first two books of it), have been a multiple reread since I was a teenager.
I think this was actually one of the books that set me up to love a combination of interstellar travel and on-planet culture within a book, a big story but also a small world in some ways.
I think this was actually one of the books that set me up to love a combination of interstellar travel and on-planet culture within a book, a big story but also a small world in some ways.
May 22, 2016
It's a shame when a sequel of a book you really liked falls flat. Not entirely, but enough that you wonder why you remembered it as being better than it is. Most of the story revolves around something being wrong in the idyllic, utopian paradise, add some intrigue and a fairly creepy bit of romance, and you've got the essentials of Killashandra.
June 2, 2010
A pleasant and quick read, continuing the story of Killashandra Ree, crystal singer. This book isn't as interesting as the first, mostly because of the preponderance of the story dedicated to the romantic interest. The story raps up too neatly for my taste.
September 9, 2014
When a family member bought me this book as a gift I read it so much that the cover fell off and the pages started to wear out.
One of these days I'll write a more intelligent review than this but I had to say I loved this book that much.
One of these days I'll write a more intelligent review than this but I had to say I loved this book that much.
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