Fablehaven: a book recommendation
5 out of 5 stars.
I swear, I have been reading some of the most amazing MG in the past few weeks, and Fablehaven is just one more to add to the list.
Brandon Mull has created a very, very cool world–the sort of world I would have desperately wanted to be part of as a kid. A nature preserve for magical creatures? Sign me up!
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.
On top of the amazing world, Mull has created two very likable–and believable–siblings: straight-edge, nervous Kendra and daredevil, rule-breaking Seth. They have great chemistry and sound a lot like some brothers and sisters I know (ahem, my own). Seth gets them into trouble on more than one occasion, and Kendra gets them out–but only with her brother’s resourcefulness.
Oh, and did I mention how quickly I read this? The plot takes a bit of time to pick up (not that I minded–the world was just too cool to care about lagging story!), but once it kicked in, it really kicked in! Terrifying monsters and witches and demons abounded.
If you’re in the mood for a fun action/adventure, a fantastical world of magic and mayhem, or a great brother/sister team, then be sure to check out Fablehaven. And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on the great website! It’s got games and info and super cool graphics–perfect for younger readers (or…er…older ones too).
You tell me: Have you read Fablehaven? Or have you read anything else by Brandon Mull?
September 18, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
Ooh, this sounds great too! You’re churning out some awesome-sounding recs these days. I checked out The Penderwicks after you posted about it, and holy crap. I love this book. More than words can express love this book. I can’t wait to read the sequels. 🙂
September 19, 2011 @ 9:00 am
AAAAH!!!! This makes me SOOOO happy. I’m absolutely delighted you picked up the book, and even more happy you love it too!! 😀
September 18, 2011 @ 5:02 pm
Okay, I’ll admit it…I looked at the book and immediately thought, “Darnit, I don’t like MG.”
Then I took a moment to think about that and remembered that some of the books I desperately want to get my hands on because they’re among my all-time favorites are MG. Unicorns of Balinor, along with the Avalon series. Plus the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, and I think the Warriors novels are sort of the cusp of YA…they’re more MG with the animal aspect, but they get really violent and there are kitty affairs and stuff.
Apparently I do like MG. I will look into this book 😀
September 19, 2011 @ 9:01 am
See!!!??? I had the same epiphany, Arianna! All those books that stand out in my mind were MG, too! And FABLEHAVEN would have been a fave for sure.
September 18, 2011 @ 5:06 pm
This sounds like a wonderful story! It’s great when characters who are supposed to be related actually sound like siblings, that doesn’t always come across as authentic in books. I’ll definitely check this one out, I’m always down for fantastical worlds of magic and mayhem 😉
September 19, 2011 @ 9:02 am
You’re right that siblings are hard to get right. The brother and sister are totally snarky with each other–not hateful, but not loving either. Just like I was with MY siblings… 😉
September 18, 2011 @ 5:49 pm
I worked in the children’s department of Barnes & Noble when I found this series. I loved it! He also wrote a picture book called Pingo with the same illustrator as Fablehaven. It’s about a boy and his ‘imaginary friend’ Pingo. When the boy doesn’t believe in him anymore, Pingo plays tricks on him and gets him in trouble. It’s a cute book with amazingly detailed illustrations (look out for the covers of Fablehaven)!
September 19, 2011 @ 9:03 am
I’ve heard of PINGO, but I haven’t picked it up–YET. I will definitely look into it, though. Thanks for the great rec!!!
And yay for more FABLEHAVEN fans!!
September 18, 2011 @ 10:38 pm
Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds great.
September 19, 2011 @ 9:04 am
You’re so welcome, Faith!!! 😀
September 18, 2011 @ 11:43 pm
Ooh, this showed up in my recommendations on Goodreads the other day, and I marked it to read. Glad to hear it’s as awesome as it sounds! May have to bump it up on the list. 😉
September 19, 2011 @ 9:03 am
Actually, Holly, your book EMERALD is kinda similar to this–in the feel of the world and determination of the heroine, at least. 😀
September 19, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
Oh, now I’m really intrigued! *runs to bookstore*