Blood of Dragons

Robin Hobb

Book 4 in the Rain Wilds Chronicles

The wrap up of the story, the most dragon-like dragons we have yet seen as they thrive in the city built for them. And the keepers are turning to true elderlings, both from the dragons guidance and from the city memories they are partaking. Everyone is growing -- not together or apart, just growing. And the new rules are developing too as these dragons have also changed because of their journey. The down river intrigue is thicker, begging for a dramatic dragon intervention. I guess it is a sign of a well built world that even when everything in the end is solidly resolved, we still want to know more about the characters and where they go next. A bittersweet ending for the reader in that way. 

3 stars (out of 4)

City of Dragons

Robin Hobb

Book 3 in the Rain Wilds Chronicles

How do the dragons get to Kelsingra? Well, they must fly of course. And when they do, the keeper/dragon relationship changes. Add to that the parallel stories of what is happening down river in the Rain Wilds, and further down river in Chalced with the Duke who seeks dragon parts for healing. This definitely feels like an interstitial book, the big middle. But Hobb moves the story along and begins the weaving of plots that will be necessary for the big resolve. If the last book collapsed to a single thread, this book puts everything back on the loom. 

3 stars (out of 4)

Dragon Haven

 Robin Hobb

Book 2 in the Rain Wilds Chronicles

Book 2 collapses to a single story -- the keepers and dragons walking upriver to find Kelsingra. This is the story of their journey, their developing of community and the revealing of more secrets than they wanted. Alise and Sedric find their home, and the keepers are gaining confidence in their new selves. Tragedy and trauma force the issue, but in the end, the quest is (mostly) fulfilled as the caravan reaches nearish to Keslingra. At least, they can see it across the river.  

3 stars (out of 4)