

I had fun poking fun at my fangirl self while writing The Dragon Keeper's (The Rain Wild Chronicles #1) review but I'll try to be more serious and helpful this time around.
Continuing Dragon Keeper, Dragon Haven sees the cast and crew evolve under extreme conditions. It's not just the river they have to fear, but there's danger from within. We are talking about people and dragons, aka reptilian flying cats with higher intelligence than humans and magic. ~Drama~
I get confused reading other reviews where they say nothing happened, because plenty did. While there is more action than Dragon Keeper, it's mainly about the characters. They aren't in a (wait for it…) war, court intrigue, or piracy like previous Elderling series.
They are on a journey and as the clique goes it's not about the destination. I can't imagine this ragtag group finding Kelsingra as they were, let alone reaching it. I've now finished the series (I'm surprised I could stop to take notes…) and yeah, ewwww.
Let's not think about that depressing scenario. Every step, every setback, every change is necessary. And I don't mean because it gives me more Hobb to read.
Hobb has confirmed Dragon Keeper and Haven were written as one so think of it as Keeper Part 2. And it's the first book in a trilogy. What's the first book in a trilogy do, especially Hobbs? Set up and laying the foundation for the build up of the middle book, and the bomb-dropping conclusion of the third.
Pros |
Young adult love angles that I love, it’s logical, genuine, and arresting. |
So emotional, I kept tearing up |
Unexpected twists |
Ends in smart places that feels like natural |
Character growth galore |
New perspectives introduced that bring new depth without bogging down or overwhelming |
Basically, everything I said in my Dragon Keeper review applies as well |
There’s always progress made, not just towards the larger overarching plots and character arches, but minor ones that feel like accomplishments as well |
Love how Hobb’s fantasy worlds don’t stay static in technology or culture, there’s always people striving forward, which makes Hobb’s world feel more real, like it adds another dimension |
Dying to know…everything & YAY when we discover more but there’s plenty to ponder before and after reading, which I find exciting rather than frustrating because their world is so rich, it’s full of discoveries to make |
Loved the Cast of Characters descriptions (e.g., “Grisby: Ship’s cat. Orange and obnoxious.”) but I’ve never had a problem remembering characters when reading Hobb. I hadn’t even realized how many I was keeping track of until browsing the list. |
Love seeing more of Reyn, Malta, and Seldon since I’ve read (and loved) the Liveship Traders trilogy. I adore Malta’s character growth and them being an old married couple is adorable. Here’s to hoping more Althea and crew sightings as well. |
I fucking loved the journey and the payoff is so, so worth it at every book ending along the way. I cried at Dragon Haven's last sentence. I went back to my notes and highlights, re-read it months later and cried again.
For those of us who've read and loved previous Elderling books the discoveries in Dragon Haven are earth shattering. (And we get more of it in the next two as well.) Like answers you've always wanted: How are humans, elderlings, and dragons connected?
DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!!!
The Lords and Ladies of...Romance?
They're fully underway and finally making hefty realizations. Including that they're a bunch of teenagers that were told to never have sex on a co-ed journey with no one to tattle or reprimand. Oh, boy.
I wouldn't worry so much about love triangles, it's certainly not the stereotypical kind I've ranted about in young adult fiction. It's more like a web, with the lines crossing every which way, breaking, and realigning.
Beyond just feelings of heart, brain, and genitals, they're dealing with survival (the avoiding death type, not just high school), politics, and freedom for the first time. It's fascinating in a Lord of the Flies kind of way.
Thymara, Thymara, Thymara, my girl. I love you but you've got some issues, dear. I suggest you work those out promptly because hearing you and others spout bullshit regarding your “rival” is tiresome.
I don't think Dragon Haven is flawed but I did see a missed opportunity here and it continues in City of Dragons...
Sexuality, Sex Education and Lesbians
(show spoiler)
Recommended for:
if you want a vibrant fantasy realm with lifelike characters on an epic coming of age journey, The Rain Wild Chronicles are perfect. Hobbs remains my favorite author and highly recommend her books to anyone.