Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

Dragon Haven - Robin Hobb

April 15, 2020.

I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[That was a long chapter! Those snakes burrowing into the dragons like giant ticks were very creepy and disgusting! I'm glad Leftrin knew a way to get them out safely. The poor little copper though :( a dozen of them on her belly! I'm assuming this is why Sedric is so sick?! He drank blood from a sick dragon, those parasites must have affected the blood no doubt. I can't say he doesn't deserve this!!
That was a strange scene with Thymara watching those two have sex in the forest! 🙈 Their chat confirmed what we suspected about Greft I think. Dickhead! (hide spoiler)]

I'll start later tonight or tomorrow.

Uuuh! I forgot that the BR already starts today! I'll finish Mistborn 4 first and will start this one tomorrow or Friday :) I'm really excited!

Sir Anni wrote: "Uuuh! I forgot that the BR already starts today! I'll finish Mistborn 4 first and will start this one tomorrow or Friday :) I'm really excited!"

I'll be here a while, Anni, so don't worry! 😂

Siobhan wrote: "I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1..."

Chapter 1(view spoiler)[ It was indeed long. I hope the copper can pull through now that they know why it was sick and agree about the disgustingness of the snakes. Anything that burrows into other animals/humans really grosses me out. I didn’t even think of Sedric’s sickness being because of the dragon being sick but it makes more sense. I just thought that it was a natural reaction to dragon blood itself.

So Thymara is kind of a perv lol. I hope this book isn’t too focused on the budding relationships of the dragon keepers but I fear that it will be. Lots to digest from just one chapter. (hide spoiler)]

Bill wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1..."

Chapter 1 ."

(view spoiler)[Hahaha total perve! 😅 Oh yeah, I really hope it's not just focused on their relationships too. (hide spoiler)]

I can hopefully start this weekend! Got a bit of a situation at work right now (my boss isn't being very nice to us, so me and three of my colleagues have a meeting with HR about it Monday – fun times 😅)

Siobhan wrote: "I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1 That was a long chapter! "

Agree on the grossness and characters being perves 🤢

Seven chapters in and I'm beginning to see what Petrik meant when he said this series is a bunch of characters going on a STD-spree 😅

(view spoiler)[Seriously, that dialogue between Thymara and Greft made me uncomfortable somehow. Why do they have to choose mates now? Guys, you're literally out there trying to survive! You can think about getting kids later! Why should it be a girl's duty to choose a guy in this situation? Because the guys can't keep it in their pants??! But then he talks about equal rights for women. Dickhead indeed.
Everybody's hormones are going crazy and it's taking over the plot a bit too much for my liking!

I hope Rapskal isn't really dead...and Heeby too. Those two were so cute!

Also I'm glad that Jess is dead, what an uncomfortable character.

I hope Sedric can finally cut himself loose from Hest emotionally.

Does anybody else find it weird to have a male character called Jess? xD

I also don't know how to feel about Alise and Leftrin either. On the one hand I want her to find a good partner who truly loves and respects her but on the other hands something is bothering me about the two of them. I can't put my finger on it though. Maybe it is because in my head Leftrin is an older man and she so much younger. I'm not sure about his actual age though

Sintara is so unlikeable. It makes sense that dragons think themselves way above humans but still (hide spoiler)]

Oh dear... I'm only 2 chapters in but I suspect what you may be talking about haha!

Siobhan wrote: "I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1 That was a long chapter! ..."

Urgh, that was indeed gros! Re: Your theory on Sedric (Chapter 2) (view spoiler)[ It seems to me much more of a connection. I think Sedric felt sick because the copper dragon felt sick too... They seem to have some kind of connection now. I really don't know what to think of that, how will Sedric change? And even more importantly, will he be eaten anyhow?

By removing the worms Thymara got blood in her mouth as well and now her connection with Sintara is stronger than before, isn't it?

I'm not enthusiastic about the direction we're heading in... Way too much relationship drama. As if the tension between Alise and Leftrin wasn't enough 🙈 (hide spoiler)]

One thing I forgot to mention: I'm so glad we again have the messages from Erek and Detozi here ♥️

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Uh wait! Sintara said that it was an accident that Thymara had contact with her blood and that she never planned to create an elderling. Does that mean Sedric and Thymara will become elderlings? (hide spoiler)]

Finished! A little slow and a bit too much focus on teenagers' love life but I still enjoyed it.


(view spoiler)[Erek/Detozi is the new ship!! I somehow didn't realize she's a woman (was it mentioned and i just overlooked it??) but their engagement is such a cool twist!

I was a little surprised that Greft died, I was fearing that he'd show up again later and cause some trouble. But glad he's gone.
Somehow I also fear that Hest might show up again...and there might be problems for the keepers when news reaches Trehaug and Bingtwon that Kelsingra has been found. I can't see the Traders letting them rebuild the city without demanding a share...

I actually liked Bellin's lecture for the girls. Really harsh, but true in their circumstances. It's sad that men not caring about their children/the pregnant women who have to raise them is still an issue in our world, too. (hide spoiler)]

Also, can we appreciate how Robin Hobb creates complex characters that you are really able to hate (yes, I see that as something positive) while she still manages to present a backstory of why they are this way? And I like that the good guys always have some flaws, too.

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "I made a start on this tonight! The prologue was pretty much a 'previously on the Rain Wild Chronicles...' lol.

Chapter 1 That was a long chapter! ..."

Urgh, that was indeed gros!..."

RE chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ Ah yes you're right, Anni. The blood has made a connection between them so that's why he's sick. It seems a very strong connection when he couldn't even understand dragons talk previously.
I still hope he gets eaten anyhow! 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Bea wrote: "Also, can we appreciate how Robin Hobb creates complex characters that you are really able to hate (yes, I see that as something positive) while she still manages to present a backstory of why they..."

Yes! Absolutely love this about Hobb's characters. She's created some of the most hateable characters ever I think!

Sir Anni wrote: "One thing I forgot to mention: I'm so glad we again have the messages from Erek and Detozi here ♥️

Chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"

I am so glad we have the messages again too! :)

RE chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ It sounds to me like the keepers will all become Elderlings, and the blood is a part of that (accelerates it), but it requires more time and effort from the dragon.

I really liked the scene with Alise and Thymara fishing together, she was so happy to catch a fish bless her! Not nice that Sintara would choose a fish over Thymara's life though haha. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 - (view spoiler)[I feel Rapskal had no idea what Tats and Thymara were talking about 😂

Leftrin and Jess, god I hope Leftrin kills him, what a disgraceful man.

I hope everyone survives that flood, I was scared for them, but was nice to see Sintara rescue Thymara and proclaim her "mine". ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

Just started this one today! I can't believe you already finished it Bea! lol You speed reader you. I'm glad you still enjoyed the book ^~^ I know this one is ranked among the lowest among her series when up against the others~

Chapter 1~
Yupp. Agree with you all here. Lots of grossness. >_<
(view spoiler)[I know all of the dragon caring may seem tedious in these chapters, but I really really love it. The mundane tasks and everyday jungle life of these kids~

I really really hope that removing those nasty snake parasites helps the copper dragon heal. She seems like such a sweetheart. I've dipped a little into Chapter 2 and I really wanna see where a certain bond is going...

I can't believe Thamaya watched Geft and that girlie like that. lol. It is an interesting perspective for her though. Sex is tabboo because of her flawed dragon body :/ I just really home Thamaya grows a little and makes more friends with all these peeps.

Also, Greft is a jerk.

And Sedric...well...he's obviously connected to the copper dragon now. Thamaya moreso now too because of what you mentioned Anni. I won't how these bonds will alter things.... (hide spoiler)]

Okay, so I was reading this book aloud to my boy and oh my gosh I have some thoughts during Chapter 2~

Page 52 -- Oh Sedric. no no no.
(view spoiler)[When he's hears the call of the copper dragon in his mind seeking comfort, he can't refuse because ~

"But he had never been a hard-hearted man."

Since when??!!! lol. He's keeping everything from Alise! Gosh, lol. I dunno seemed out of character. (hide spoiler)]

Page 57 -- It's happeninggggg <3
(view spoiler)[
Alise had never seen the captain so clearly enraged and yet so controlled. It frightened her, and at the same time it spurred a powerful surge of attraction toward him. This, she suddenly knew, was the sort man she wanted in her life.

I ship it, I ship it, I ship it <3 It may be cliche, but I don't care, lol. I just want Alise to find a man that actually cares for her~ (hide spoiler)]

Page 59 -- my new favorite quote
(view spoiler)[...It was like peeling a clingy kitten from himself to ease free of her grip, and all the harder because he didn't want to do so.

Kitten comparisons and romance, you've got me, lol (hide spoiler)]

Yes this was only 10 pages of things, and I'm a goofball, but I had to share some thoughts, lol

Katie wrote: "Okay, so I was reading this book aloud to my boy and oh my gosh I have some thoughts during Chapter 2~

Page 52 -- Oh Sedric. no no no. .."

❤️❤️❤️ I love these thoughts!! I love it when like 10 pages of a book can make you feel so much! XD
I'm totally there with you on the page 57 shipping! 😅

Hehe, I’m glad you like them Siobhan 😆 And yes! I want that relationship to happen so badly! That damn Jess. Lol

Bea wrote: "Finished! A little slow and a bit too much focus on teenagers' love life but I still enjoyed it."

I felt the same. I enjoyed it though because it had a focus on characters rather than fighting and war which is what I’m finding myself gravitate to more these days.

(view spoiler)[I absolutely loved the development of Erek and Detozi’s relationship despite also not realizing Detozi was female. It’s amazing to me that Hobb can make me care so much about them with such limited passages.

I’m hoping Hest gets an equally quick death once he reappears and hope Alise and Sedric are strong enough in their new lives that he causes them no more lasting harm but that’s not really Hobb’s way.

Bellinis lecture was so important to get them to see the consequences of their actions and I really liked that she included all the girls. Now if someone could just do the same for the boys and dragons. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 - I had a lot of feels about this chapter....

(view spoiler)[Thank god Sedric did the right thing!! I couldn't believe how chapter 6 left it, and then I had to read about Thymara first! :O I so hoped he would be loyal to Relpda and tell her what Jess was planning! ❤️ He might have just redeemed himself fully in my eyes! And, he's even solved Leftrin's problem by killing Jess for him! XD Is it bad that I found it funny when Relpda ate Jess?! 😅

The dynamic in the group with Thymara is beyond weird now. They must have all thought she was sleeping with Rapskal and now she's up for grabs?! Oh please let him not be dead! Poor thing, he's so sweet. Greft is awful, I hate that he thinks he can rule these people, and "claim" whoever he wants. Threatening Thymara with rape! What a disgusting man.
Anyone who wants to take Thymara will have to go through Sintara first I feel...
What is Jerd thinking having a pregnancy in these conditions?! I couldn't think of anything worse. They're living on a raft!
I'm getting the horrible skin crawling vibe I got from reading Lord of the Flies... (hide spoiler)]

Bea wrote: "Seven chapters in and I'm beginning to see what Petrik meant when he said this series is a bunch of characters going on a STD-spree 😅

Seriously.."

SO UNCOMFORTABLE! Totally made my skin crawl!

Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[Sedric is gonna be an Elderling! :D I laughed so much when Relpda threatened to eat him! 😂 It's what we've been wishing for but he didn't deserve it this time haha.

And Carson is gay too?! Maybe Sedric can find happiness after Hest too... I vote they just never go home!
Poor delusional Alise is the only one who can't see it in Sedric. That locket, god, come on woman!

The Silver naming himself Spit was great too. I like that him and Relpda have become more sentient somehow. And all the dragons are getting stronger and discovering more skills like their poison! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 - (view spoiler)[Yessss Alise!!!

Also, when Sedric told Carson the truth and Relpda chipped in with "and I ate him!", I actually spat my tea out! 🤣🤣 (hide spoiler)]

Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 7 - I had a lot of feels about this chapter..."

If I were lazy, I would just copy your comment and re-post it! 😂 I feel exactly the same about everything. ...actually I guess I'm even more lazy because I will just state that.

Katie wrote: "Okay, so I was reading this book aloud to my boy and oh my gosh I have some thoughts during Chapter 2~

Page 52 --..."

I agree with Siobhan! Such a great update, that's something I really enjoy doing Buddy Reads, seing otheres in love with the book, makes it even more special

I wrote this before on the Dragon Keeper thread, but I'm still thinking about it, can someone please helo me out? My memory is a bit foggy

'I'm afraid it's far too long since I've read the other books, but wasn't there a scene with Fitz traveling to an abandoned city with a big building with doors wide enough for dragons. I think he also had a vision of someone wearing the roostercrown there. Could that have been Kelsingra?'

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 7 - I had a lot of feels about this chapter..."

If I were lazy, I would just copy your comment and re-post it! 😂 I feel exactly the same about everything. ...actually I gue..."

Hahaha I'll allow it! XD Was just wondering how you're getting on with it! Have you read this one before?

Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Okay, so I was reading this book aloud to my boy and oh my gosh I have some thoughts during Chapter 2~

Page 52 --..."

I agree with Siobhan! Such a great update, that's something I r..."

Totally agree! ❤️

Siobhan wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 7 - I had a lot of feels about this chapter..."

If I were lazy, I would just copy your comment and re-post it! 😂 I feel exactly the same about everything. ..."

No I haven't, I only read Dragon Keeper last year and then decided to read the whole series another time :)

Even with the bothering bits it's still a very enjoyable read, I personally think it's a bit more superficial than hobbs other books, but I like it. Especially the interaction with the dragons of course and (Chapter 8) (view spoiler)[ right now I'm very curious what will happen with Sedric and the copper Dragon next, I can't imagine him living as a Keeper with the others :D (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "I wrote this before on the Dragon Keeper thread, but I'm still thinking about it, can someone please helo me out? My memory is a bit foggy

'I'm afraid it's far too long since I've read the other b..."

Sorry I thought we'd discussed this, must have been in my head!! (view spoiler)[Yes! Fitz travels through one of the skill towers to a city where the buildings and streets are big enough for dragons. I think that most certainly must be Kelsingra!! :D So exciting! (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 7 - I had a lot of feels about this chapter..."

If I were lazy, I would just copy your comment and re-post it! 😂 I feel exactly the same ab..."

Ah yes, sorry I remember you saying you'd only read book 1 now! That's even better that we're reading the rest for the first time together :)

Even with the bothering bits it's still a very enjoyable read, I personally think it's a bit more superficial than hobbs other books, but I like it. Especially the interaction with the dragons of course

I really agree. I'm still enjoying it very much! Despite their annoying relationships and misunderstandings and blatant ignorance. The things happening behind this stuff is still really interesting to me, and the dragons interactions are gold! :D

Chapter 13 - The Erek and Detozi letter just before chapter 14 - (view spoiler)[Detozi is a woman! I don't think we knew this before?! Did we? I'm now sensing romance on the cards for our favourite bird keepers whose parents are both bugging to find spouses! XD I love hearing about their breeding programs haha! (hide spoiler)]

The rest of chapter 13 - (view spoiler)[ I like Sedric more and more, I was very sad he thought suicide was his only option, silly man. I was happy that Carson stopped him and talked to him properly. I love that Relpda knows what he did and forgives him anyway, that was such a sweet, loving moment.
I only wish Sedric wouldn't hate Leftrin. I hope Alise doesn't believe the accusations and asks Leftrin about it before getting upset. I hope he tells her the truth.
Thymara is my least favourite character in this book. Maybe after Greft. But she's pretty low down. For God's sake just be with Tats! He loves you and you clearly love him! Swallow that stupid pride already. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 - (view spoiler)[Tarman asserting his will as only a Liveship with flippers can do! He thinks they're going the wrong way doesn't he! He remembers better than any of them! ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19!

(view spoiler)[I knew it! I have been waiting all this time for Heeby and Rapskal to come back! ❤️ And they've found Kelsingra! So exciting. I hope Tarman can get there too though, I don't want the group to split up. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! :D This book made me so happy, I smiled so much towards the end! ❤️ I know there were some irritating moments, but generally I loved it!

(view spoiler)[I feel like Hobb has left me on such a high though, that she's going to bring it all crashing down in the next book!! Let's see, what beauty can she destroy? Alise and Leftrin? Sedric and Carson? Heeby and Rapskal? Erek and Detozi?? (So happy for them!!) Sintara and the other dragons finally flying!

I feel like we're so done with Hest and his hateful controlling, so she'll probably bring him back somehow...

I know, I know, it wouldn't be Hobb if everything stays happy for the next two books!

Oooh I'm so excited they're finally there. Fitz could even come visit them through the skill tower! XD
Oh when will Tintaglia realise the dragons are better now and come back to them? (hide spoiler)]

Bea wrote: "Finished! A little slow and a bit too much focus on teenagers' love life but I still enjoyed it."

Very good points, Bea!

(view spoiler)[I definitely forsee problems from the councils, no way they'll let them just get on with their own lives in Kelsingra! When Alise hadn't realised they'd have to go back to Treehaug and report their findings, and she just wanted to stay put, I was totally with her! I think I had Greft's original vision/mindset of there's no going back, wherever they land will be home.

And I agree, Bellin's lecture was really necessary. Harsh but true. I never thought about the possibility of Jerd losing the baby even though its been said many times how hard it is to have a baby for the Rainwilders. I wonder when Alise will become pregnant? Aw they will make a lovely family! (hide spoiler)]

What? How are you done already?

I'm looking forward to open your spoilers :) I think I'll finish it tomorrow or this weekend as well.

Sir Anni wrote: "What? How are you done already?

I'm looking forward to open your spoilers :) I think I'll finish it tomorrow or this weekend as well."

I've read about 120 pages a night this week! Really good going for me, but it sucked me in! :)

Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 10 "

Haha yes! That made me laugh too! Also WHAT?! (view spoiler)[ Tarman has legs? Have I missed that before? I know they modified his hull, but I somehow expected, that they just made it more streamlined or something... I wonder how mobile he would be without water. Would he be able to accompany the dragons if they have to move away from the water? Wouldn't that be crazy? I somehow have less problems with the awareness of lifeships in general, but walking ones? Wow... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ I'm so glad that Sedric told Alise everything, it's about time that she found out the truth, I'm glad that she will finally be able to close things off with Hest and move on! Also I think I might start to like Sedric, I might not be too mad if he doesn't get eaten. At least Jess was and maybe something similar could be arranged for Hest :) I enjoy the talk between Relpda and Sedric and how they both change each other :) (hide spoiler)]

Re Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ I agree with you Siobhan :) Relpda is so very sweet! I'm glad that she forgave Sedric, I think they're both good for each other. I think it's also quite cute that Sedric now tries to become helpful for the people around him and as a keeper.
Carson also seems to be a good and caring person - I like him. Thymara on the other hand is quite annoying... Do you think it has something to do with her connection to Sintara? She's also rather unbearable, maybe the connection to her makes Thymara acting more like her?

The letter: Wait what? I also haven't realized that Detozi is a woman :D You also might be right that there might be some romance at the horizon for our favorite bird keepers, but what would that mean for us? If they shoukd move together, there won't be anymore letters :(
I also love their 'experiments', I can't wait for the next chapter, to find out how much faster the faster birds were (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 10 "

Haha yes! That made me laugh too! Also WHAT?! [spoilers removed]"

You didn't miss it! This was the reveal I think. (view spoiler)[I assumed the same that they'd just made him more streamlined somehow! I love that he has little legs! I can picture him swimming along! :D
I never thought about him being able to move out of water, I wonder! (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Chapter 12 [spoilers removed]

Re Chapter 13 .."

RE chapter 13 (view spoiler)[I think Sedric and Relpda are good for each other too! They're definitely bringing about positive changes in each other.
I think she is my favourite dragon, such a loving heart!

You could be right about Thymara's connection to Sintara making her more annoying and miserable! I never thought about it like that but they are both insufferable!

That thought about our bird keepers crossed my mind too!! They can't be allowed to move in together. Long distance relationship please!
Hahaha I love that you can't wait to see how fast the birds were! 😅 ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 10 "

Haha yes! That made me laugh too! Also WHAT?! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I don't think it was mentioned befor either...I kind of have a mental image of Tarman looking like a big Dachshund waddling on his tiny legs. Imagine that, Alise and Leftrin will have a nice house someday and Tarman is allowed to roam freely. And when he's called he'll come, looking at them with loyal eyes, content to be among his friends. And when they have kids, they can play on his deck and he'll carry them around and they'll have so much fun! :)
Got carried away by these cute thoughts, I have no idea how the series is actually going to end 😅 (hide spoiler)]

You guys are speedy readers for sure! lol. I only just finished Chapter 5 lol.

(view spoiler)[I'm real worried about our dragons and keepers. That flood O.O Oh noes.

Rapskal missing!!! And that girlie's dragon! Not to mention the copper and silver :(

Also, didn't Sedric walk out that night? O.o

Other than that I'm really liking the little interactions we're getting with different characters. Alise and Thymara had a nice teaching lesson before that flood. (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "You guys are speedy readers for sure! lol. I only just finished Chapter 5 lol. .."

Only because I also have the audiobook to listen to, I wouldn't be nearly as fast if I would only read my copy 😅

And you're right (view spoiler)[ Alise and Thymara's "lesson" was pretty cool, I like how Alise think of Thymara and want to learn from her, in general I think those two could learn a lot from each other. (hide spoiler)]