Nope.
The series thing is another thing that tends to irk me about sci-fi. Mysteries don't *have* to be read in order...seems like most sci-fi does.
But maybe I'll check 'em out anyhow.
It's National Get Organized Month
I hate it when the holidays sneak up on you. I'll never get everything done by Wednesday...
I am not sure you'd like them Rosie... some of the Pern books are quite excellent while others are lousy. They tend to degenerate and become more and more about the sex.
That said you might enjoy the "Dragonsong", "Dragonsinger" and "Dragondrums" trilogy. It's aimed at a more teenage audience, the main characters are musicians, and they're rather gentle little stories. They do sort of expect that you know the world but it's not required.