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Most Helpful Favorable Review
14 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
A fun fantasy world
All to often with fantasy books written within the past 20 years or so, it's just a rehashing of the exact same ideas and same fantasy tropes and mythological creatures. Child of promise has special powers that enable him or her to take on the great evil presence that h...Read More
All to often with fantasy books written within the past 20 years or so, it's just a rehashing of the exact same ideas and same fantasy tropes and mythological creatures. Child of promise has special powers that enable him or her to take on the great evil presence that has oppressed the entire world. Throw in some elves, dwarves, dragons, vampires, etc and you've got yourself a story.
In many respects, that was what I was expecting out of Fablehaven. Even just the name makes it seem like we're in for the exact same sort of plot structure and fantasy world. However, even though Mull hasn't created any sort of new fantasy or mythological creatures, his take on how the world has come to be and the rules that have been placed onto it are refreshingly new.
Also, Mull is a good enough writer that he doesn't just rely on the typical fantasy plot or limited growth in main characters, but instead creates characters who are complex and through their personalities cause many of the issues that they then need to resolve. The story is more about discovery and personal growth, understanding boundaries and the consequences of breaking those boundaries than it is about mythical creatures.
Not quite a rival for a Rowling world, Fablehaven is still engaging, and will captivate readers in a unique way. I recommend this series to readers 10-14.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.comShow Less
In many respects, that was what I was expecting out of Fablehaven. Even just the name makes it seem like we're in for the exact same sort of plot structure and fantasy world. However, even though Mull hasn't created any sort of new fantasy or mythological creatures, his take on how the world has come to be and the rules that have been placed onto it are refreshingly new.
Also, Mull is a good enough writer that he doesn't just rely on the typical fantasy plot or limited growth in main characters, but instead creates characters who are complex and through their personalities cause many of the issues that they then need to resolve. The story is more about discovery and personal growth, understanding boundaries and the consequences of breaking those boundaries than it is about mythical creatures.
Not quite a rival for a Rowling world, Fablehaven is still engaging, and will captivate readers in a unique way. I recommend this series to readers 10-14.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.comShow Less
posted by Lindsey_Miller on November 19, 2009
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Love this book!
I just finished reading this book yesterday. I love it! Anyone who loves mythology and folkore will love this book. I love it, and I'm just 11! My mom owns the last three, but I had to borrow this one from my school's library. This is the first book of a 5 book series, ...Read More
I just finished reading this book yesterday. I love it! Anyone who loves mythology and folkore will love this book. I love it, and I'm just 11! My mom owns the last three, but I had to borrow this one from my school's library. This is the first book of a 5 book series, and I'm sure they're all going to be as good as the first. Keep on writing, Brandon Mull!Show Less
posted by 5396126 on February 25, 2012
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A fun fantasy world
All to often with fantasy books written within the past 20 years or so, it's just a rehashing of the exact same ideas and same fantasy tropes and mythological creatures. Child of promise has special powers that enable him or her to take on the great evil presence that has oppressed the entire world. Throw in some elves, dwarves, dragons, vampires, etc and you've got yourself a story.
In many respects, that was what I was expecting out of Fablehaven. Even just the name makes it seem like we're in for the exact same sort of plot structure and fantasy world. However, even though Mull hasn't created any sort of new fantasy or mythological creatures, his take on how the world has come to be and the rules that have been placed onto it are refreshingly new.
Also, Mull is a good enough writer that he doesn't just rely on the typical fantasy plot or limited growth in main characters, but instead creates characters who are complex and through their personalities cause many of the issues that they then need to resolve. The story is more about discovery and personal growth, understanding boundaries and the consequences of breaking those boundaries than it is about mythical creatures.
Not quite a rival for a Rowling world, Fablehaven is still engaging, and will captivate readers in a unique way. I recommend this series to readers 10-14.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com14 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed by Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius" 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!8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Crazybooks123
Posted May 28, 2010
I Also Recommend:
One Of The Greatest Fantasies of All Time
I Have Read this and it only took me 3 days to read. Mostly because I read it till one in the morning every night. It was well-written, thrilling, and humorous. If you are looking for a good fantasy. I strongly suggest Fablehaven. You wouldn't want to miss a fantasy this well written. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Excellent!
I definitely will be reading the entire Fablehaven series. I love books about children who go on fantastical adventures and learn valuable lessons along the way. This book had me from page 1 - I couldn't put it down and finished it within a matter of hours. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy, fables, lore and adventure!
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 27, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Great Fantasy Reading
I read this book because my 10 year old son loves it and talks about it constantly. I have to say I love it myself. What a great book for imagination and thrill seekers. I loved it so much I have started the second one and plan to read them all. Fun, exciting story for kids of all ages.....
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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The-Biggest-Bookworm
Posted June 7, 2010
Fablehaven
The world that Brandon Mull has created is a wondrous place full of different mythical creatures - and Mull weaves a intricate tale that keeps us following right behind him, like a little puppy dog. Mull constantly makes you want more, to discover more about the characters, where Mull does a perfect job of making some shrouded in just the right amount of mystery. And of course the creatures, one of my favorite things about this series is that even though we are entranced by the creatures already unveiled, we know that all around us there is more to discover.
To say the least, I sincerely enjoyed this book, and each one has me reading it faster and faster, aching for more of the suspense and imagination that we have had so much of already!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, and has a big imagination. To say the least - this book was definitely a great read, and it would be very wrong to pass it by next time you are at the bookstore!3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 20, 2010
Excellent work!
I saw a small story about this series and decided to give it a try. I found that it took me about the first 100 pages to really get into it, but after that, I have hungrily devoured each book as soon as I get my hands on it. I especially enjoy the fact that the characters act like real-life people and don't seem to have that untouchable feeling that many characters in some books do. There are many similarities to draw from their personalities (flaws and strengths) to our own and which gives us a way to look at ourselves in the mirror. Are we the risky and oftentimes disobedient type like Seth or the observant and obedient Kendra? What is wrong with each? Are there things, people or causes that we would go to any length to save? Although their world is in danger from much different sources than our own, we likewise face dire circumstances in many ways and hopefully we can show the same spark that Kendra and Seth do. I would easily recommend this book (and the whole series) to anyone. For some it might spark an interest in reading and for others it will transport them to a different world and forget their own for a little while.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 30, 2009
Must Have book!
I read Fablehaven and it was amazing! You are right by the characters side adventuring with them, in your own world of fantasy! To be honest do NOT judge this book by its cover because when you open the book yuo CANNOtput it down...in a couple of days this book is finished from cover to cover! Kendra and Seth go on an amazing adventure that you will have to find out, and of course...read it! This book is great for your child, or YOU. This is a must have for your childs library. my daughter read this book cover to cover reading the whole series and she cant wait for the next one to come out! so go ahead and try it!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Masterful
I picked up this book because it was recommended by a friend. I am usually hesitant to buy new YA fantasies, simply because so many of them are rehashing old tropes for a younger audience, and I just can't bear to reread all the same cliches. Fablehaven, however, did none of this. As the summary indicates, Fablehaven is about a preserve for magical creatures. Kendra and Seth go to visit their grandfather who never visits and never calls and never has kids over at his house. He lives in the middle of a dark and mysterious wooods. There isn't much to do a tthe house, but there are little secrets hidden throughout the property. Seth is a little more adventurous than he should be, and he ends up awakening forces that are beyond them. Brandon Mull is masterful in the dramatic revelation of setting. The details come at exactly the right pace, tantalizing you with further details. The setting is also described beautifullly where it should be beautiful, and horrifying where it should be horrifying. The characters are very well drawn, including those who show up for only half-a-chapter. Kendra and Seth are much deeper and three-dimensional than is typical in a YA book, and they each have to make extraordinary decisions by ordinary means. Finally, the plot continue to surprise, but it always had the requisite foreshadowing. I can't find any fault with this book at all, which is a rare feat. This is a must-own book for any collection.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 31, 2012
My favorite book EVER!!!!!
A great and intruiging book. I love how Mr. Mull puts a twist on things. I've read the whole series and I would HIGHLY reccomend it. In this fascinating tale, Kendra and Seth are face to face with dangers, creatures unheard of, and magic. Join them in this crazy, fascinating, life-endangering, and magical ride. So what are you waiting for??? Hop in and start reading!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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nhovey
Posted March 25, 2012
Nice return to Fairy tale stories.
Nice to return to stories about fairies and legends. Not often do you have stories that you learn new things as you read. I cannot seem to find many stories that interest me in the fiction department. This is along the lines of the Harry Potter type of books but not the same story line at all. The author, Brandon Mull, writes with real clarity. I can "see" the story as I read. I predict that the next popular movie series will be these books. Couldn't wait until the next book and I am in now in book 3. 5 stars.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 25, 2012
One of the best book series ever, hands down.
I read all of the fabelhaven books at least ten times. The day i got book one, i finished it. Took me a month to finish the series up to book four. When i got book five it took me about a week to finsh and then read it over a good 15 times. A solid story from start to finish i both series and individual books.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2012
Price wise
Amazing book i pay 10 bucks for a crumy book almost close to like this and this is so much better.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Charcar2
Posted May 14, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Awesome draw you in series!
Looking for a great series if you love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson you will love Fablehaven! Turns out all the fairy/myths are alive and well living on a perserve. Lots of action!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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MsZeta0289
Posted March 25, 2010
Just Good Enough
In a nutshell this book is good enough to make me want to see what happens in the next one. Overall it's not a great book but enjoyable enough especially for the younger audience it was meant for. The problems with it are that there is this magical world with rules and laws that are just kind of thrown at you without allowing them to be revealed slowly so that they seem more believable. Then there is the character Seth who is probably one of the most annoying characters ever. It's due to his disobedience that all the events of the book happen to begin with. He's not endearing or likeable and it's hard to feel sorry for him when he meets trouble. The redeeming qualities are the character Kendra who remains true to form and the author does provide us with the climatic ending the book needs. I almost felt like Seth could have been left out totally and it would have been a much better book. I'm looking forward to the next book and hope there is better story and character development.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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I didnt like Fablehaven......
................. I LOVED IT!!!!! its an awesome book! very funny and it helps you with your vocabulary! thrilling toooo!its very surprising! you wont believe who saves the day!! or night! i cant wait to read the second one!!!! (p.s if you read this book have a dictionary beside you!) HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 27, 2009
Fable Haven
This book is very interesting and makes you want to keep reading until you have finished the book.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Fun Story
I found this book a little annoying. The main characters kept doing stupid things and it just seemed to me it was a bit overdone on stupidity. But the story was good and the characters were interesting with enough variety to keep you reading. I don't know if I will read the next in the series or not.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 12, 2009
fablehaven is awesome
First off everone says its a book just for kids....well its not.It can be for adults too.it has a lot of magic and magical creatures.Even though its a big book, you will keep on reading and reading it.When your done readig it you will be sad,because its sooo good.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Completely absorbing!
Although this book was not read in one night I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think this is a wonderul book and kept reminding me of the creatures in Spiderwick. However, this was more indepth and intriguing than Spiderwick. Honestly, I bought this book for my children more than a year ago and it sat on our shelf with none of my children picking it up. I liked the cover art and vowed that I would read it before discarding it from the library. I am glad I read it because it has made itself a permanent member of my library collection. Highly recommend this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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