DRAGONHAVEN
Robin McKinley
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Fantasy
ISBN: 9780399246753
272 pages

Jake Mendoza’s entire life revolves around the unique wildlife refuge designed for the study and protection of dragons. He has lived at the Smokehill National Park dragon refuge since he was born, with his dad as the refuge’s director and his mom as one of his research assistants, until she died a few years ago. Just outside of the highly specialized fencing system that keeps the 200 or so dragons safely inside sits the small compound of buildings that makes up the business side of Smokehill, including the employee living quarters, the museum, the gift shop, the zoo of dragon-like creatures (lizards and such) and the parking lot for the unending procession of visitors. Jake rarely leaves the park; he has eaten fast food once.

The entire dragon project buzzes with controversy. Some are screeching that dragons pose too much risk (even though they aren’t in the habit of killing people), some are bellowing that it costs far too much money (it does take quite a bit) and some are howling for the dragons’ rights (though so little is known about dragons). Jake is 100 percent for the dragons; he plans on eventually studying for several PhDs and returning to assist in the dragon studies. Until then, he helps out in every other aspect of Smokehill, including the gift shop, cleaning cages in the zoo and shuffling the tourists.

When Jake turns 14, he finally earns the chance to take his first solo trip into the fenced refuge. Excitement churns as Jake hikes into the wilderness. Maybe he’ll even get to see a dragon! Jake has only ever caught a glimpse of the reclusive creatures, a mere shadowy form flying on the horizon. Not too many people in the world have ever actually seen one, as they are now extinct in the wild. Even the Rangers, who traverse the park conducting studies and research, rarely do. More often, the Rangers find shed scales and other signs the dragons left behind. So Jake finally sets out on his first adventure into the park. He has no idea that his excursion, and his choices, will change the entire world.

Deep in the park, Jake stumbles upon the body of the poacher and the dying dragon. It is easy enough to see that the poacher fired first, and the dragon reacted in self-defense. But it won’t matter to the park protesters; they will just use it as an excuse to convince the government to shut down the park and exterminate all of the remaining dragons. But before Jake turns away from the horror, he catches a glimpse of life. The dragon had just given birth, and one of the babies struggles to live. Without hesitation and without thought to the consequences or responsibilities, Jake scoops up the wiggling form, determined to do all he can to keep the creature alive. He names her Lois.

Robin McKinley spins out an exciting, touching and thought-provoking tale that many people from all age groups, genders and interests will connect with from the first chapter and find hard to put down. The author delves into many different brewing themes, including dealing with death, standing up for what’s right (even if in the minority), making choices and coping with the consequences. Plus, she creates a fantasy controversy that parallels many existing wildlife concerns. What an amazing and captivating story!

    --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

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