Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1)
by
Brandon Mull
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
...moreHardcover, 351 pages
Published
June 14th 2006
by Shadow Mountain
(first published January 1st 2006)
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This book was mediocre. The author has some good ideas but the execution is terrible. His writing is amateurish and frustrating to read. None of the main characters are likable. Still though, I find myself wanting to know what will happen next, strange as that seems. I didn't hate this book but I'm glad I didn't spend money on it.
Seth and Kendra's parents are going on a cruise and they need to dump their kids off at their grandparents' house. Of course, Seth and Kendra are grumpy for...more
Seth and Kendra's parents are going on a cruise and they need to dump their kids off at their grandparents' house. Of course, Seth and Kendra are grumpy for...more
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
It's very rare, in this day and age of Harry Potter mania (and yes, I admit I'm a very devoted victim!) to find a fantasy story that can actually hold your attention. With FABLEHAVEN, though, new author Brandon Mull manages to do just that from the very first page to the last. Not to mention, thank the fairies, that there's already another book planned in the series.
The premise is simple enough: two siblings, thirteen-year-old Kendra an...more
It's very rare, in this day and age of Harry Potter mania (and yes, I admit I'm a very devoted victim!) to find a fantasy story that can actually hold your attention. With FABLEHAVEN, though, new author Brandon Mull manages to do just that from the very first page to the last. Not to mention, thank the fairies, that there's already another book planned in the series.
The premise is simple enough: two siblings, thirteen-year-old Kendra an...more
Kathryn
rated it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Kathryn by:
lots of people on GoodReads posts
It was hard to determine what rating to give this book--I think 2.5 is my verdict. For "interesting concept" I'd give it four stars--but for execution/delivery only two stars. On "fulfilling expectations" I'd give it one star. This is one of the most disappointing reads I've come across. Thankfully the final few chapters were decent, so that saved the book from being a dismal failure in my mind.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I must say that this b...more
Without giving away too much of the plot, I must say that this b...more
At first I was thinking, "Oh great, not another story about fairies." But after a while I realized that Mull puts some very interesting twists in his version of fantastical creatures. His adds some great morals and gives the reader a chance to see how great kids can be, as if we somehow lose sight of their potential when we become adults. A great read!
.I adored this book! Absolutely gripping and wonderful. Wonderful fantasy and strong characters without being too goody goody.
Recommended to everyone!
Recommended to everyone!
Lanette
rated it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone who likes Fantasy
Recommended to Lanette by:
Kellie
Shelves:
children-fantasy
I really enjoyed this book. It's different from many other popular fantasy books, because there is a complete family structure included. No orphan, no "who could the mother / father be?", no "who's going to be the 'father/mentor' figure that gets killed?" Not here -- there's a mother, a father, and two sets of grandparents, one set of whom die before the first book in an ordinary gas leak. Due to their maternal grandparents death, they are introduced to Fablehaven and it...more
I find it very difficult to write a review for this book. I suppose I'll start with the fact that I'd expected the book to focus more on the actual "Fantastical Preserve" - ie, what a caretaker actually does day-in and day-out to care for magical creatures. However, there really wasn't any of that. Or very little at least. It was more like a giant patch of land where the magical beings could exist. Which, is fine, just not what I'd expected.
So, now for the unfortunate things...more
So, now for the unfortunate things...more
As Kendra and Seth’s parents off to a cruise, they visit their Grandfather Sorenson’s house for one summer vacation. But as they lived in their grandpa’s house, not just the rules are seem to be odd but also the place their grandpa claimed to be his own.
Kendra being the rule bearer and Seth as the rule breaker, one will try to break his grandfather’s rule while one will try to obey the said rule. However, both ways will unveil the secrets behind Fablehaven. And as they venture Fablehav...more
Kendra being the rule bearer and Seth as the rule breaker, one will try to break his grandfather’s rule while one will try to obey the said rule. However, both ways will unveil the secrets behind Fablehaven. And as they venture Fablehav...more
This book was incredibly interesting, well-paced, and had appropriate tension/conflict. I suppose I had high expectations for what is considered children's fiction. After Harry Potter and the Twilight series, I thought I'd give this a try.
I really did enjoy how dangerous magic and magical creatures are portrayed to be. The author introduced a perspective that was unexpected and fun to watch unfold. What I didn't like, though, was when the plot became intense, the author's weak writing ...more
I really did enjoy how dangerous magic and magical creatures are portrayed to be. The author introduced a perspective that was unexpected and fun to watch unfold. What I didn't like, though, was when the plot became intense, the author's weak writing ...more
I am about 2/3 through the book, and so far have not been as impressed as I thought I would be--mostly with regard to style. I find the writing cumbersome, the sense of place confusing, with the point of view, diction, and voice inconsistent. I find myself editing it as I read.
The freaky witch with the tree stump and the rope is awesome. Can't say that I really know any of the other characters or find them that interesting.
The story is intriguing, but the pacing is jag...more
The freaky witch with the tree stump and the rope is awesome. Can't say that I really know any of the other characters or find them that interesting.
The story is intriguing, but the pacing is jag...more
Bingung copas repiunya, maklum di FB dibikin rada nyeleneh ^_^
Berikut disampaikan telaah sebuah buku yang sangat layak untuk dibaca dan dikoleksi. Ceritanya sederhana , tentang petualangan sepasang kakak-adik. Namun jangan tertipu dengan kesan sederhana yang ditampilkan. Karena banyak kejutan-kejutan yang menawan.
Kisah yang disajikan sungguh luar biasa , penuh dengan hal fantasi yang mencengangkan! Sejak mulai membaca halaman pertama, segan rasanya meletakkan buk...more
Berikut disampaikan telaah sebuah buku yang sangat layak untuk dibaca dan dikoleksi. Ceritanya sederhana , tentang petualangan sepasang kakak-adik. Namun jangan tertipu dengan kesan sederhana yang ditampilkan. Karena banyak kejutan-kejutan yang menawan.
Kisah yang disajikan sungguh luar biasa , penuh dengan hal fantasi yang mencengangkan! Sejak mulai membaca halaman pertama, segan rasanya meletakkan buk...more
This book was so frustrating. I wanted desperately to like it, but it was a struggle to keep reading past the first few chapters. I had major issues with Mull's writing style, and his characters were little better than basic stock characters. His mythology seemed a little bit contrived, and the history that was offered for it was sketchy, abrupt, and in all honesty kind of difficult to believe... It did show promise though, and I'm sure that the series gets better as Mull is bound to find his st...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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My daughter, Sarah, (8 years old, but a great reader) and I have loved this book, as well as its sequel, Rise of the Evening Star. She is currently reading the third, Grip of the Shadow Plague because she snatched it up before I could! Brandon Mull (another LDS author...they seems to be everywhere...) has created a vibrant fantasy series with great characters and snappy dialogue. Because there are both a brother and sister at the center of the intrigue, this will appeal to both boys and girls...more
The rep who brought in the reader for Fablehaven was really excited about it. And, you know, I'm up for reading about sanctuaries for magical animals. Pity then, I started reading and thought - I'm supposed to care why? I'm starting to wonder if I'm getting old. Which is silly because I read plenty of kids' fantasy. Such a plentitude that I'm probably getting pickier.
The main character, Kendra, was very bland. Her characterisation was, basically, that she didn't like breaking rules (...more
The main character, Kendra, was very bland. Her characterisation was, basically, that she didn't like breaking rules (...more
While their parents are off on a 2 week cruise, Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their grandparents, which they think will be boring beyond belief... but they couldn't be more wrong! Their grandparents live on the magical preserve, Fablehaven, a refuge for fairies, trolls, satyrs, and many of the things that go BUMP! in the night.
Overwhelmed and excited by all that the house and its vast yard have to offer, Kendra and Seth both exhibit very different approaches to interacting wi...more
Overwhelmed and excited by all that the house and its vast yard have to offer, Kendra and Seth both exhibit very different approaches to interacting wi...more
Taylor
added it
"just give me your hand Seth!" Muriel said. This quote is talking about the amazing fable haven! In this book there is many different mystical creatures, but can people see them? No, they see them as bugs unless they get the special treatment that changes EVERYTHING. Seth and Kendra have to stay at grandpa Sorenson's house while there parents go on a cruise. Will it be fun or the worst thing in there life? This book is the greatest book! Well that is only ifyou like a little scary boo...more
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy books with mythological creatures, especially dark creatures. There was one scene that gave me goosebumps, and books don't scare me easily. I can't wait to read more!
This book was such an easy read that it was fun. I liked how real the characters are (especially the obnoxious teenage boy, annoyed and scardey-cat little sister). I would let my daughter read this one, it was exciting but not too scary. I'll have to read the others in the series to see if the author can continue the saga in an interesting way.
This is a great story. Despite the choppy writing in some areas, the plot and character development is very enticing. I'll be honest: this book was very difficult to put down. Just the thought of a place like Fablehaven existing in our world, right under our noses, is very exciting to my imagination. I believe this is Brandon Mull's first novel so I'm excited to see him develop a little bit more as an author. All in all, i really enjoyed this book and just ordered the second and third in the ser...more
I picked up this book after attending a "Meet the Author" event at our local library. I had to fight my 9-year old daughter for it..."Mom, are you reading my book AGAIN?" We loved it. Fablehaven is a fascinating place, brought to life vividly by Brandon Mull. But it was more than just magic, it had a moral and some very good discussion points that my daughter and I talked about after we finished. This book and its sequel were ones that you WANT to read with your kids. A...more
Imagine a place where mystical beings become reality. That magical place is real, and it is called Fablehaven. Fablehaven is a story about two kids, Kendra and Seth, who are visiting their grandparents while their parents are on a cruise. Kendra is a teenager who is cautious and always follows the rules. Seth is her younger brother who is a daring and carefree. Their grandparents house is in the middle of nowhere, at the end of a long, windy road. The house is surrounded by a lot of open l...more
El Templo de las Mil Puertas
added it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
10-eltemplo,
criticas-literarias
"Cuando Seth y Kendra, dos hermanos adolescentes que viven en la gran ciudad, se enteran de que van a tener que pasar buena parte de sus vacaciones en la finca perdida de sus abuelos, se les cae el alma a los pies. El matrimonio Sorenson no es en absoluto corriente: apenas se preocupa por el resto de su familia, raras veces han ido a visitar a sus nietos y, por si fuera poco, hace mucho tiempo que nadie sabe nada de la mujer. Definitivamente, éstas van a ser las peores vacaciones de la ...more
I loved this series, not only because it is amazingly written, full of adventure, and delightful besides, but because it was so well rounded. It entertained our entire family - from my brainy husband to my 8 and 10 year old boys, to my 5 year old girl. I loved that when the kids made mistakes, they suffered the consequences of those choices, unlike many other popular youth fiction where the kids seem to flaunt authority and save the world because of it, as if adults were all idiots messing eve...more
I really wanted to like this book. I think a kid would probably enjoy it a lot more than I did, and I'll probably read it to Frank, or have him read it some day. It wasn't all bad, there are just a couple of things I can't look past.
First problem: completely flat, annoying main characters. I wanted to smack Seth the entire time. Kendra was completely boring and whiny. And the Grandfather was clueless (how could he have possibly thought Seth would not look out the window?!?). I ha...more
First problem: completely flat, annoying main characters. I wanted to smack Seth the entire time. Kendra was completely boring and whiny. And the Grandfather was clueless (how could he have possibly thought Seth would not look out the window?!?). I ha...more
I didn't hate this book, but it didn't capture me enough to give it more stars. It has potential, but mostly it didn't impress me. I mean some of the things that happened just didn't make sense. The grandpa was cold and standoffish when the kids first got to his house, but then did a complete 180 when the kids figured out his clues. It didn't make any sense. The whole first half of the book was uneventful and boring and I really wanted to put the book down. It didn't draw me in the way that I ha...more
This book was a quick and wonderful read. The story is about Fablehaven, a mystical & magical creature preserve and it's caretakers. Kendra, aged 13 and Seth aged 10 are spending time with the caretakers of Fablehaven, their grandparents. Kendra and Seth have not spent a lot of time with their grandparents and rarely with the two of them together and they have never stayed at their house.
Kendra and Seth end up on several adventures as they discover the true nature of Fablehaven and they l...more
Kendra and Seth end up on several adventures as they discover the true nature of Fablehaven and they l...more
Von Anfang an waren mir Ähnlichkeiten zu Spiderwick stark aufgefallen. Einige Andeutungen, bei denen mir ein "nicht schon wieder" herausrutschte, verliefen sich dann glücklicherweise doch im Sande und Fabelheim verwirklichte eigene Ideen.
War es zu Beginn noch etwas fad, nahm die Geschichte doch rasant an Tempo zu und ich konnte nicht mehr aufhören, schleppte das Buch sogar mit zum Kochen.
Seth hat mich dabei sogar innerlich kochen lassen. Dieser kleine Mistkerl ging mir s...more
War es zu Beginn noch etwas fad, nahm die Geschichte doch rasant an Tempo zu und ich konnte nicht mehr aufhören, schleppte das Buch sogar mit zum Kochen.
Seth hat mich dabei sogar innerlich kochen lassen. Dieser kleine Mistkerl ging mir s...more
I'm not really a fan of Fantasy books. I try to read them, but the words just bounce off. However, I'd kindly make an exception about this one. It was a nice easy read with a pleasant childish tone. It moved at a nice fast pace, that was smooth and consistent. And had a satisfying ending, as well as likable characters.
It starts out pretty slowly. With the main characters on a drive to they're grandparents house, for a week or two while their loving parents are on a crui...more
It starts out pretty slowly. With the main characters on a drive to they're grandparents house, for a week or two while their loving parents are on a crui...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basically Books!: Fablehaven | 1 | 2 | Jan 30, 2012 11:41am | |
| how come..? | 59 | 227 | Jan 12, 2012 05:02pm | |
| Fablehaven Follow-up Trilogy | 4 | 22 | Dec 16, 2011 01:51pm | |
| NL Reader's Advisory: Fablehaven | 1 | 1 | Dec 15, 2011 06:14pm | |
| Mrs. Gross English I: Who has read this? | 4 | 5 | Oct 30, 2011 10:36am |
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"Brandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal. Brandon is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fablehaven series and The C...more
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“Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others.”
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“Drink the milk.”
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Jan 18, 2012 06:15pm
Jan 18, 2012 06:34pm