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Fablehaven

(Fablehaven #1)

Brandon Mull (Goodreads Author)

4.09 · Rating details · 140,877 ratings · 10,097 reviews

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 c ...more

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Hardcover, 351 pages

Published June 7th 2006 by Shadow Mountain

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Feb 27, 2010 Shannon rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: color-green, childrens, middle-grade, borrowed, forgot-to-drink-the-kool-aid, 2010, fantasy

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 being left ...more

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Sep 25, 2013 Ahmad Sharabiani rated it really liked it

Shelves: pdfs, 21th-century, magic, fantasy, young-adult, childrens-young-readers, british

Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1), 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.

تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز سیزدهم ماه ژانویه سال 2012میلادی

عنوان: آشیانه افسانه کتاب اول؛ نویسنده: براندن (براندون) مال (مول)؛ مترجم: میلاد فشتمی؛ تهران، بهنام، 1389، در Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1), 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.

تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز سیزدهم ماه ژانویه سال 2012میلادی

عنوان: آشیانه افسانه کتاب اول؛ نویسنده: براندن (براندون) مال (مول)؛ مترجم: میلاد فشتمی؛ تهران، بهنام، 1389، در 374ص؛ از مجموعه پنجگانه افسانه - کتاب اول؛ شابک 9789645668639؛ چاپ دوم 1391؛ موضوع داستانهای کودکان و نوجوانان از نویسندگان انگلیسی - سده 21م

کتاب: «آشیانه افسانه»؛ داستان ورود یک خواهر و برادر، به منطقه ای حفاظت شده است؛ منطقه حفاظت شده ای که گونه های مختلف جادویی و اساطیری، برای جلوگیری از انقراض نسلشان، به آنجا پناه برده اند؛ در این پناهگاه، تمام موجودات، به لطف عهدنامه ی تأسیس منطقه، از مصونیت برخوردار هستند، و هرگونه سرپیچی از قوانین، عواقبی را برای موجود خاطی در پی دارد

چکیده: «پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ لارسن به کارولینای جنوبی رفته بودند تا به یکی از اقوامشان که در یک کاراوان زندگی می‌کرد سر بزنند؛ در اثر نقص فنی کاراوان، گاز نشر کرده و همگی در خواب مرده بودند، مدت‌ها پیش از این رویداد، پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ لارسن وصیت کرده بودند، که پس از مرگشان تمام فرزندانشان به همراه همسرانشان، به خرج آن‌ها با یک کشتی تفریحی اسکاندیناویایی به مسافرت بروند. اما نوه‌ ها به این مسافرت دعوت نشده بودند.»؛

نقل نمونه متن: (فصل اول: تعطیلات اجباری؛ کندرا سرش را به شیشه پنجره ماشین تکیه داده و به تصویر مبهم گذر شاخ و برگ درختها خیره شده بود. هنگامی که سرعت حرکت تصویر بیشتر شد، دخترک چشم به درختی در دوردست دوخت و نزدیک شدن آن را دنبال کرد تا این که درخت به تدریج در پشت سرشان محو شد. چقدر شبیه زندگی بود. میتوان به آینده چشم دوخت و یا بازگشت و به گذشته نگریست، اما حال سریعتر از آن میگذرد که بتوان جذب آن شد

شاید این قانون در مورد بیشتر مواقع درست باشد، اما در مورد امروز نه؛ امروز که در بزرگراه دو لاینه ی بی انتهایی در قلب تپه های جنگلی کنکتیکت به پیش میرفتند. «ست» غرولند کنان گفت «چرا نگفتین پدربزرگ سورنسون تو هند زندگی میکنه؟» برادرش یازده ساله بود و سال آینده به کلاس ششم میرفت. از بازی کردن با بازی کامپیوتری دستیش خسته شده بود و این خود دلیل خوبی برای اثبات این نکته بود که مدت زمان طولانی را در سفر بودند. مادر به سمت صندلیهای عقب برگشت؛ - دیگه چیزی نمونده عزیزم. از منظره لذت ببر. «ست» گفت: «من گشنمه.» مادر در سبد خوراکیها را باز کرد. - بیسکویت با کره ی بادوم زمینی میخوای؟ «ست» به جلو خم شد تا بیسکویتها را بگیرد. پدر که در حال رانندگی بود نیز مقداری شکلات بادامی میخواست. کریسمس گذشته به این نتیجه رسیده بود که شکلات بادامی شیرینی محبوبش است و باید در طول سال نیز از آن بخورد. و اکنون که تقریبا شش ماه از آن روز میگذشت، هنوز هم بر تصمیمش استوار بود. - تو چیزی میخوای کندرا؟ - نه، ممنون. کندرا بار دیگر توجهش را به گذر شتابان درختها معطوف کرد. پدر و مادرش قرار بود به همراه تمام داییها و خاله هایش به صورت رایگان با یک کشتی تفریحی اسکندیناویایی به مسافرتی هفده روزه بروند. نه به این دلیل که برنده ی مسابقه ای شده بودند، بلکه به این خاطر که پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ کندرا خفه شده بودند! پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ لارسن به کارولینای جنوبی رفته بودند تا به یکی از اقوامشان که در یک کاراوان زندگی میکرد سر بزنند

در اثر نقص فنی کاراوان، گاز نشر کرده و همگی در خواب مرده بودند. مدتها پیش از این اتفاق، پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ لارسن وصیت کرده بودند که پس از مرگشان تمام فرزندانشان به همراه هسرانشان به خرج آنها با یک کشتی تفریحی اسکاندیناویایی به مسافرت بروند. اما نوه ها به این مسافرت دعوت نشده بودند. کندرا پرسید: «هفده روز رو یه کشتی روی آب خسته نمیشین؟» پدر از آینه نگاهی به کندرا کرد و گفت: «میگن غذاش عالیه. غذاهای دریایی، صدف، خاویار، و کلی مخلفات دیگه.» مادر با ناراحتی گفت: «راستش ما خیلی هم از اینکه به این مسافرت میریم خوشحال نیستیم. فکر نمیکنم اون موقع که پدربزرگ و مادربزرگت این وصیت رو کردن، حتی به ذهنشون هم خطور کرده باشه که ممکنه این جوری بمیرن. اما به هرحال سعی میکنیم ازش لذت ببریم.» پدر موضوع بحث را عوض کرد و گفت: «همش که رو آب نیستیم. کشتی تو مسیرش تو بندرهای مختلف لنگر میندازه و میتونیم از کشتی پیاده شیم.» ست پرسید: «نکنه این ماشین سواری هم قراره هفده روز طول بکشه؟» پدر گفت: «دیگه تقریبا رسیدیم.» کندرا پرسید «مجبوریم این مدت رو پیش پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ سورنسون بمونیم؟» پدر گفت: «بهتون خوش میگذره. میدونین؟ شما باید احساس غرور کنین. اونها تقریبا تا الآن هیشکی رو دعوت نکردن که پیششون بمونه.» - دقیقا. ما خیلی کم میشناسیمشون؛ تارک دنیان. پدر گفت «خب، به هر حال پدر و مادر منن. ولی من یه جورایی جون سالم به در بردم.» جاده ی پرپیچ و خم جنگلی تمام شد و به یک شهر رسیدند. هنگامی که پشت یک چراغ قرمز ایستادند، نگاه کندرا به سمت خانم سنگین وزنی برگشت که مشغول پر کردن باک ماشینش بود؛ شیشه ی جلوی ونش کثیف بود اما به نظر قصد تمیز کردن آن را نداشت. کندرا به شیشه ی ماشین خودشان نگاه کرد. با اینکه آخرین بار که برای بنزین زدن توقف کرده بودند پدر آن را تمیز کرده بود، اما اکنون کثیف بود و حشرات مرده ی زیادی به آن چسبیده بودند. مسافت طولانی را از روچستر تا آنجا پیموده بودند؛ کندرا میدانست که پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ سورنسون آنها را دعوت نکرده بودند. گفتگوی مادرش با پدربزرگ سورنسون را در روز خاکسپاری شنیده بود که مادر خواهش کرده بود بچه ها این هفده روز را نزد آنها بمانند؛ یادآوری روز خاکسپاری لرزه بر اندام کندرا انداخت. شب پیش از روز خاکسپاری، در مراسمی مخصوص، پدربزرگ و مادر بزرگ لارسن را در تابوتهای شبیه هم دیده بود. کندرا اصلاً دوست نداشت که پدربزرگ لارسن را با آرایش ببیند؛ کدام دیوانه ای این سنت را پایه گذاشته بود که برای آخرین دیدار شخص درگذشته با نزدیکانش باید یک متخصص تاکسیدرمی استخدام شود تا مرده را آرایش کند؟ کندرا ترجیح میداد آنها را زنده به یادآورد تا آن نمایش عجیب و غریب مرده ها در بهترین لباسهایشان، آخرین تصویری باشد که از پدربزرگ و مادربزرگش در ذهنش باقی میماند. لارسنها جزوی از زندگیش بودند. تعطیلات طولانی و مسافرتهای بسیاری را نزد آنها گذرانده بود.)؛ پایان نقل از متن کتاب.؛

تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 07/10/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی ...more

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May 04, 2008 Jennifer Wardrip rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-personally-by-moi, trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner

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 and her eleven-year-old br 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 and her eleven-year-old brother, Seth, are relegated to spending time with their paternal grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Sorenson, while their parents enjoy a seventeen-day Scandinavian cruise. At first glance, that might not seem so strange, but you have to understand that their family's relationship with the grandparents Sorenson is sort of an odd one. They don't visit much, they don't call; in fact, Kendra and Seth don't really know their grandparents that well at all.

This is a forced, mandatory vacation though, so the kids don't have much choice in the matter. And when they finally reach Fablehaven, where, unbeknown to them, their Grandfather is the caretaker, they're a little overwhelmed. First, there were the No Trespassing and Private Property signs that gave way to one that said Certain Death Awaits. Now, they find out that however pretty and secluded Fablehaven may be, there's no television, no radio, and a ton of rules -- not all of which make sense.

What follows is two weeks of more adventure, trouble, suspense, and magic than the kids could have ever dreamed of. When their rash actions, and disobedience to some important rules, leads to retribution from the magical world of Fablehaven, Kendra, Seth, Grandpa Sorenson, and even Grandma, who seems to be missing, are in for a ride.

FABLEHAVEN is a great fantasy novel perfect for everyone, from young adults to those young at heart. With a cast of characters ranging from witches to fairies, satyrs to imps, strange chickens and conniving trolls, there's definitely something for everyone. I plan to give my copy of FABLEHAVEN to my ten-year-old son to read next, and I'm pretty sure he'll enjoy it as much as I did (not to mention my mom, who gets it when he's done!). Kudos to Mr. Mull for such a great debut fantasy novel, and for giving me something absolutely wonderful to read during my Harry Potter-deprived winter. I can't wait for the next book in the series! ...more

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Feb 06, 2015 Kimberley doruyter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

why can't i stop re-reading this series?

no matter how many times i re-read this i still love it
and i have got the boxset, a b-day present from my mom.

i love the whole series so much, i must buy myself the boxset. ...more

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Apr 29, 2008 Kathryn rated it liked 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 book is NOT really about caring for ma 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 book is NOT really about caring for magical creatures on some sort of enchanted preserve. It is rather about all the stupid things the kids staying there do that messes things up, gets other people in trouble, unleashes terrible creatures, and makes things pretty crummy. And, yes, I felt that most of the characters were pretty dumb--certainly not very likable. Even the Grandpa--I think he was supposed to be wise, as he is in charge of the whole preserve--doesn't really have a clue what to do half the time. And his half-truths and lack of confidence in the children leads to many problems that could have been avoided had he been more open--and also if the kids had been less obnoxious, selfish and stupid. Alas, I really didn't care if an evil beast ate up the little brother after he went wandering through parts of the preserve that he had been warned not to go. Unlike the kids in Harry Potter, who usually have very good reasons for disobeying rules, Seth is just being a troublesome little boy. Many of the "deep" issues of the tale are never resolved, like how only immortal creatures have no morals...

The writing style was also not that great. A few of the scenes were quite good, but most of the story lagged. Also, a few parts just seemed a bit creepy/weird and I wondered at the appropriateness for children. That is:

******SPOILER ALERT: The children see their grandmother naked--at another point, she teaches them how to give a massage to a troll in order to send him into a state of ecstasy. In another part, the kids have to slide down the utters/tips of a giant cow. Was this supposed to be funny? It just seemed a bit icky to me.******

All in all, it was a decent enough story for me to finish but I really wished the writing and character development had been good enough to really deliver what promised to be such a neat story. There are much better fantasy books out there! ...more

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Apr 17, 2011 jenny✨ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-hold-you-above-all-else, favourites-longlist, worldbuilding-awesomeness, childrens-and-middle-grade, beautiful-writing, books-i-loved, villain-antagonist-brilliance, ya-fantasy, adventure, beautiful-design

The summer I was twelve, my best friend Grace pedalled furiously to my house on her bike, balancing something on her handlebars. There's something you gotta see, gotta read! she said.

It was this book.

The first time I picked up Fablehaven was June 1, 2010—almost exactly 10 years ago today. Grace and I were wrapping up seventh grade at separate elementary schools, both daunted and excited about the prospect of starting high school in the fall (in Vancouver, high school begins in eighth grade; we ...more

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Aug 07, 2018 Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-ya-library-catalogue

I don't know why I don't have an official review for this book, but suffice to say I've lost count of the number of times I've read it, and it will always have a special place in my heart and on my shelf. :) ...more

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Sep 22, 2015 Lindsey Rey rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, 2015, middle-grade

[4.5 Stars]

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Jul 15, 2008 Eric rated it it was amazing

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! ...more

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Dec 09, 2014 Calista rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-fantasy, z-bradon-mull, series, bage-middle-grade, 2006, bage-young-adult, favorite, award-various, own

This is one of the best kept secrets out there. This series is amazing and it's my favorite series after Harry Potter. It's surprising and twisting and you are just cheering by the end. Divergent and Hunger Games are great, but this is better. Check it out

This is about a magical creatures reserve run by an elder couple. Their grandkids have to come live with them in the summer and the fun is the kids discovering the magic surrounding them. Each step is wonderful and each book gets better and bet ...more

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Mar 22, 2014 Jason rated it did not like it

Shelves: hate-and-other-four-letter-words, magic-cc, t100-wanted-adaptations-authors-25k, grd-t125-ya, t50-potter-esque-authors

I hate these children; I kept thinking either what horrid whiny little brats they are, or else what spoiled selfish raging aholes they are. Seth cannot learn an effing lesson because his stupid grampa won’t punish him for his horrid behavior, and he thinks it’s fine to just go around capturing sentient beings - any consequences that befall him lead to him being like “well we’re even now, so whatevs” after someone else rescues his sorry ass. And Kendra says stuff like “I thought you were just the ...more

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Sep 23, 2013 Kimberley doruyter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

reminds me of the spiderwick chronicles just better.

i have just noticed how much of a drama queen kendra is.

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Jul 02, 2012 Exina rated it liked it

Shelves: adventures, something-is-missing, fae-fairies, children-s-books, magical-creatures, multi-paranormal-species, mystery, summer, series, juvenile-middle-grade

Fablehaven is a great opening book of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. It is about Kendra and Seth's adventures in Fablehaven, that is a sanctuary of mystical creatures.

Kendra & Seth. Typical siblings. As the older one, Kendra is more mature, careful, and sober than her brother. Seth, as the younger one, always breaks the rules, generating the main conflicts of the story.

Grandpa & Grandma. When Grandpa is out of the scene, Grandma appears and takes over his role. They aren’t distinguishab ...more

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Feb 09, 2009 Angela rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, sci-fan-para

.I adored this book! Absolutely gripping and wonderful. Wonderful fantasy and strong characters without being too goody goody.
Recommended to everyone!

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Jan 25, 2008 Lanette rated it really liked 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 its mythical creatures. I'v ...more

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May 13, 2008 Jolie rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-alouds-with-kids

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 (t ...more

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Jan 09, 2019 Laura rated it it was amazing

Are you looking for fun and adventure - this is your book!
Are you looking for a light and easy read - this is your book!
Are you looking for magic and all sorts of magic creatures - this is your book!

Regardless if you're 14 or 40 - you're gonna love this book!

Fablehaven 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 the ...more

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Dec 30, 2007 Ann rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Ann by: Multple people!

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, katie-and-annie-bookclub

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 - at least, in my op 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 - at least, in my opinion. I didn't really like the main characters all that well. I thought I did, for a while, but then they were just annoying. Everyone had their promising qualities, etc., but nobody really stood out to me as someone you were rooting for. The children were constantly disobeying "rules" as well as annoying each other. And while this had ramifications, it didn't seem to register with the kids... at least not as soon as it seemed it should have. On a similar topic, I found the lack of communication with the children just as disappointing, and again, the ramifications didn't seem to fit really. I wasn't very happy that one of the "messages" seemed to be "follow the rules because they are the rules." Perhaps this will be addressed in later books, but it wasn't satisfying for me in this book. Additionally, the ramifications for not telling the children all they needed to know was pretty sever, and again, I'm not sure how well the characters "learned their lessons." But, again, it is a series... so....
Also, the writing style was okay, but nothing that really astounded me. Sometimes it felt like a lot of time was spent on things that weren't really that important.
Also, a warning for squirmish readers, some parts are rather nasty. There's nothing really, really, bad, and it's fine still as a young adult fantasy story. But there are some fairly gross descriptions, and some somewhat sad moments.
Finally, I could never really grasp the "world" of Fablehaven. I wasn't clear on how and why magic did or did not work. It felt, and perhaps this is unfair, but that the author was making the rules to fit the plot he wanted, instead of working it the other way around. Some things just seemed too convenient. But again, 'tis a series.
So, why give it three stars instead of none? Because, for whatever reason, I was still interested in the story. Because the initial chapters and the final five or so were well done and held my interest quite well. Because some descriptions were very pretty, and I loved the Lake setting as well as the descriptions of the fairies! Also, I was impressed with how well things came together for the "climax" and thought the author did a better job of tying things back together than I would have expected.
So, oddly enough, I find myself curious to read the next book, but unfortunately I was not nearly as impressed as I was with other fantasy stories. Hopefully the next few will be better!
***
I'm so curious about this book! It's Katie's and my next "to-read-together" book:) ...more

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Apr 21, 2014 Sanaa rated it liked it · review of another edition

[3.5 Stars] This was pretty good, but I was a little conflicted about my rating. If I hadn't already read the Spiderwick Chronicles this would have gotten a higher rating, but alas I have. They had elements that were fairly similar and as a result I didn't enjoy this as much as I should have. I also think I'm just spoiled by Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart when it comes to middle grade. Regardless this was a fun read, and I'll definitely continue on! ...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Shauna rated it it was amazing

I have no idea this book could be so awesome! I have to admit.... the cover scared me away (not a huge "fantasy" fan, generally....) but this was honestly one of the best books I've ever read. Fantastic writing for older elementary - but held me glued to it as an adult. Off to the library to get the rest in the series.... ...more

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Mar 07, 2020 Erica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-reads, books-read-in-2020, middlegrade-march, own

Mysterious. Magical. Action packed. A series I know I will recommend over and over, even though I've only just begun this journey. ...more

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Aug 01, 2013 Brigid ✩ rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, childrens, fairies, on-my-kindle, mythology, paranormal, young-adult, middle-grade

2.5 Stars

Hugo slackened his pace, and they came to a stop in front of the shadowy doorway. The church was completely still. There was no sign anybody had been there in a hundred years.

"I'd rather have the sun, but at least we still have some light," Grandma said, using a tool to set the silver-headed arrow to the string of her undersized crossbow and pull it into position. "Let's get this over with as soon as we can. Evil likes darkness."

"Why is that?" Seth asked.

Grandma thought about the que

...more

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Aug 02, 2015 Kells Next Read rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, children, my-copy, magic, first-brandon-mull-book, magical-creatures, ebook, fairies

"None of these creatures are good. Not the way we think of good. None are safe. Much of morality is peculiar to mortality. The best creatures here are merely not evil."

This was such a wonderful mythical magical read. Kendra and Seth are ( siblings ) the leads in this fantasy filled with fairies, naiads, golems and witches. This is my first Brandon Mull book and I can boldly say, I was left feeling more than satisfied with frequent nostalgic feelings of my younger days lol. Even though this is a ...more

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Oct 07, 2018 Joey Rambles rated it really liked it

~~I am so sorry. I just couldn't resist!~~

-

Did I just have really bad taste in books growing up?

Was that it? Because the more I read MG novels, especially the fantasy ones, the more I feel the urge to kick myself in the shin for not reading them sooner. But hey, you know what they say. You're never too old to have a happy childhood.

There is a lot that I love about this novel. I love the characters, I love the writing, I love the world that they live in, and I especially love the last line. (No spoil ...more

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Jun 19, 2010 Kamilla rated it it was ok

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

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Apr 05, 2017 Prabhjot Kaur rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, children, middle-grade, contemporary

It stared out pretty slow and picked up a bit in the middle to towards the end. It was a good plot but with terrible characters. I didn't care much for any of the main characters save for Lena a bit. I did like the dual narrative though.

Kendra is a very boring teenage girl who doesn't take any risks or does anything exciting. She just exists until the end. And then in the end she's granted all these powers to save her family. Seth who's Kendra's younger brother is exactly opposite to her. He al ...more

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Feb 03, 2008 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult-fiction

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. And both of us are waiting ...more

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Feb 04, 2019 MitchL rated it it was amazing

Easily one of the most entertaining and satisfying reads! Initially, I was not too enthusiastic over the whole "fairies" thing, but this book came highly recommended! I feel the hype; I experienced it. There are some exciting twists in this story. A great read! ...more

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Dec 28, 2007 Tara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: booktalk, scifi-fantasy, todd-reads, jfic, favorites

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 with Fablehave ...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Rollie rated it really liked it

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 Fablehaven, they d 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 Fablehaven, they discover creatures and beautiful places but unfortunately set free a force of evil.

It’s been actually three years since I set the space in my bookshelf for this book. When the time I signed up for goodreads, Fablehaven and The Lightning Thief were the books that rocketed on my top wish list. Since The Lightning Thief had stricken first the availability I went for it first. Besides, Fablehaven is a little shy to show up until lately. Three years of waiting for this book is worth it, but more like three years of waiting to be in an updated bookstore is worth it. At last I bought and have read this book after as if a millennium.

I pretty enjoyed this book. I mean I enjoyed this book literally like laughing out loud while I was in my room. I am really light at laughing because I immediately laugh at simple jokes but Jesus! Drop the corny ones and thus the jokes in this book exempt from being corny for once again this book made me laugh.

I truly admire Mull for being magnificent at creating a smooth story flow. As we experienced in other books we are as if bombed in our chair while reading a certain book for a sudden pop up of a concept without a farther or even nearer notice. Drop again this book from the others because this book will not suddenly say “I am a vampire” or “You’re a werewolf”. Mull as if slowly pulled a curtain for gradual recognition and realization of his concept. A hint after hint is a good way of a better acceptance for a reader to immediately sink in the concept.

Since I can’t say other words toward how I’m amazed with this book. All I can offer with this review is just comparison and contrast from the other books. So the next to tackle is the creature in this book—the fairies. Let’s accept it, when we hear fairies all we could think of is a girlish story. Well not all because there are still Artemis Fowl and this book to spare. I couldn’t really understand the authors these days. Why? Other authors, in order for them to show their understanding towards their creature that unfortunately exist already in a mythical history, try to bend the persona of a certain mythical creature by mixing it with love story and thus they think it’s a better introduction for the reader to grasp the new persona they put into the altered mythical creature. Mull quite did an impressive way of showing his fairies without further modification of the creature and even brushing a slight touch of love story. To add my points, almost all of the books I’ve read that have fairies depict only the bad side of them and for a light change, this book has not followed the others.

I highly recommend this book to the readers who enjoyed The Lightning Thief for Rick Riordan is not the only one who can strike you with his books; so does Brandon Mull.

Drink the Milk. ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Middle Grade Madn...: Fablehaven Series Readathon/Buddy Read 2020	6	25	Jan 27, 2021 12:41PM
Brandon Mull Fan ...: Fablehaven	7	13	Dec 23, 2020 02:02AM
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA/Children's Fantasy series, 4 books. MC's are a boy called Seth and his sister who go to their uncle's house. Mythical Creatures such as Nymphs go wild on midsummer's night. [s]	4	18	Dec 15, 2020 08:43AM
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Fantasy, YA Brother and sister protag, it's kind of like Narnia. [s]	3	15	Dec 10, 2020 12:34PM
Fablehaven	2	5	Aug 16, 2020 02:31PM
Middle Grade Madn...: Fablehaven Readathon Book 1 - June 2020	44	42	Jul 27, 2020 08:17PM

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About Brandon Mull

Brandon Mull

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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 Candy S ...more