Dragonhaven
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| Dragonhaven | |
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| Author | Robin McKinley |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Putnam |
| Publication date | 2007 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 352 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 978-0-399-24675-3 |
Dragonhaven is a fantasy novel written by Robin McKinley, published by Putnam in 2007.
[edit] Plot summary
The story is set in the Smokehill National Park, a wildlife preserve that specifically caters to the preservation and study of dragons. Real dragons. But the dragons are elusive. Evidence of their existence can be found everywhere, but no one ever gets to see them. Young Jake Mendoza, who lives with his father, the owner and director of the park, goes out hiking one day and comes across a real dragon. Unfortunately, the dragon is in the throes of death. According to the rules governing wildlife preserves, it is illegal to interfere in the life of a dragon, even if it is to save the dragon's life (maybe especially to save a dragon's life). But when Jake discovers that the dragon has just given birth, he cannot just let the little one die. So, he takes the young "dragonlet" and runs for it.
The bulk of the story involves Jake's growing relationship with the young dragon, all the responsibilities that come along with caring for an orphaned wild animal, and his own maturation from teen to young adult. A great deal of the story is written using words and phrases that a young boy might use, which eventually matures toward the end.
[edit] Characters
Jake - the main character
Lois - the dragonlet that Jake finds
Martha - a friend of Jake's
Eleanor - the sister of Martha
Billy - a Ranger at Smokehill National Park
