Crystal Singer

The Crystal Singer is one of my top 10 favorite Sci-fi books of all time. The concept of Crystal Singing, the planet Ballybran (and all of it's unique characteristics), black crystal communications... are wonderful. I almost wish that I could be a Crystal Singer too. I re-read this book almost yearly and I love it every time. The main character Killashandra is a very strong female character so I think that this book might appeal to women more than men. If you love sci fi I would highly recommend this book.

This is a different kind of sci fic series. Well written, interesting, but mostly, its a romance so if that is not what you want, most of Ms McCaffreys' books are not for you. However this is as good as this kind of story gets, and has several unique concepts. An interestiong story about losing what you thought you wanted only to find what you really love. All three books in the series are comparable.

Anne McCaffrey first wrote about Killashandra in a serialized short story. She expanded the story in Crystal Singer,which is the first of a trilogy of novels. Killashandra fails her final exam in music school and faces a life of second-billing as a choir soloist and not a top performer as she had dreamed. She will not settle for second place, and impetuously takes off with a mysterious companion for Ballybran, a forbidden planet with an alluring secret.Ballybran is the home of Crystal, which is mined and used for vital starship drives, interplanetary communications systems and most other types of equipment. It is controlled by the powerful and secretive Heptite Guild. Killashandra applies for membership and is accepted. She goes through the intensive schooling and special adaptation to become a Crystal Singer.But singing Crystal has not only its rewards (and they are many) but its heavy price. Killashandra learns about the price as she becomes a full-fledged member of the Heptite Guild and becomes involved with its enigmatic Guildmaster Lanzecki.This is one of those wonderful kinds of sci-fi novels that can create an entirely new world, complete with its slang, customs and characteristics. It's sci-fi at its best.

This is the book which introduced me to Anne McCaffrey. Until I read the Crystal Singer Trilogy I had never read anything of this author. Yes, I had heard of her, but never had had the chance of reading one of her works. I now lament the time I passed without reading anything from this wonderful author. Killashandra Ree is a character with whom you will find yourself very much connected with. She has spirit, she has determination and she has what is needed to become a Crystal Singer. So when she is given the chance to become one, she doesn't look behind. She doesn't believe in unnoticeable careers. She is ambitious and when she is told her voice is not enough for her to succeed in solo, she decides to pursue the Crystal Singing career, a dangerous job only few can suceed in. Besides, the Heptit Guild has only scarce members and she believes she can make something out of herself there.I highly recommend this book. It is like something I never saw and explores an idea I never heard of. Not only for the musically challenged... ::smiles::

Crystal Singer starts off with an immature, melodramatic perfectionist whose philosophy seems to be that if she can't be the star, then she won't even play the game. But her stubborness and ingenuity prove to be incredible assets when she discovers the opportunities and risks in the Heptite Guild. Anne McCafferty has provided us with a true treasure. A dynamic character that we can actually feel for, in a situation that grabs the immagination and the dreams of the reader. A true five star story.