Get past the first chapter and you won't be able to put it down I admit it! I love the Harry Potter books, but felt a bit silly reading something so much below my age level. But Brandon Mull's Fablehaven is just as exciting but isn't vocabulary deficient. Harry Potter is considered a 5-7 grade level book where Fablehaven is 7-9. It won't make you keep a dictionary at your side all the time, but will make you notice a new word here in there unlike the Harry Potter books. And it still does not have the unnecessary bone-breaking detail or sexual content.
In book one, the first chapter will make you wonder if you should read the rest, but once the introductions are made, hang on for a wild ride. The other reviews give a great summary of the book, so I'll simply say two things. 1) I bought book 1 to see if I would like it and now, 2 months later, I am about to complete #3. (it is going to be hard to wait for the next book) 2) I can't wait to read Fablehaven to my kids. (only the lack of pictures will force me to wait until they are in 1st or 2nd grade)
Everything In One Book! I was unsure about buying this book because im 24 yrs old and i thought this book might be childish in some way because its aimed for a younger generation that i do not fall under. Ive come across alot of fantasy books that were really a dissapointment. Im so happy i found this book, its really one of the best books ive read in a long time.Im a huge Harry Potter fan and have read the entire series 2 times now. I have been waiting for a fantasy book that could really grab my intrest like the Harry Potter series and i have FINALLY found one. "Fablehaven" is full of surprises, has everything you would want in a fantasy book and much more. It was truly a delight to read from start to finish. I recommend "Fablehaven" to anyone whos looking for a good fantasy book to read. You really wont be sorry you bought this book. I was so happy to find out there is a 2nd and 3rd book to this series, im waiting for them to arrive and i cant wait to start reading the second one. Buy this book!!! you are missing out on something great if you pass this up. I hope this review helps. Good Luck and Happy Reading
Slightly Flawed, Totally Enjoyable Mixing together parts of "The Spiderwick Chronicles," "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," with just a dash of "Harry Potter," Brandon Mull has crafted an exciting, scary, and quick-paced book that is sure to hook even reluctant readers into its web. I teach 4th grade in an elementary school and can safely say that the kids in my class love this book are all eager to read the sequels after hearing this first volume read aloud.
The one flaw the book has is with the depiction of the younger brother as a headstrong fool, and doesn't really show him in any other way.
Recommended highly.
Fablehaven An excellent book even though it's a kids book. If you liked Harry Potter, you'll love this one too. I bought it on a whim, the cover caught my eye and have already purchased the second in this series and can't wait to read it.
Lively, imaginative tale for kids & adults alike This magical, adventure-filled tale is the first book in one of the best kids' fantasy series I've come across in quite a while. And it's not just for kids; grown-ups will enjoy this too.
The story begins when Kendra and Seth, a sister and brother ages 13 and 11, are taken to stay with their grandparents, Stan and Ruth Sorenson, at their estate in Connecticut while their mother and father go on a two-week Scandinavian cruise. It turns out that their grandparents are the caretakers of a hidden sanctuary for magical and mythical creatures (fairies, naiads, brownies, trolls, satyrs, golems, etc.) to save them from extinction by encroaching human civilization.
Seth and Kendra find themselves confronted with all sorts of mysteries after they arrive at the preserve. Where is their grandmother? Who is this housekeeper/cook who likes to do her gardening out in the rain? Why is there a caged hen named Goldilocks in their attic bedroom? Why is there such an abundance of oddly behaving hummingbirds, butterflies and bumblebees in the yard? Why are the kids forbidden to go into the woods or the barn? Who is the old witch who lives in an ivy-covered shack and occupies herself by chewing on knots in a rope? The answers to all these questions will unfold as we read this enchanting tale.
This is an unusually well-told story, with characters, both human and mythical, who seem real; a fast pace with lots of action and adventure; and lively dialogue, with plenty of humor, especially between Seth and Kendra.
I liked this book so much that I reread it only a few weeks after my first read, just after I finished the first sequel. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, fun, entertaining fantasy in which good wins out over evil.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
