Fablehaven: Volume 1 (Fablehaven, #1)

by Brandon Mull

Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

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 the greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. But when the rules get broken, powerful forces are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and maybe even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most...

• ISBN10: 1416947205
• ISBN13: 9781416947202
• Publish Date: 1 May 2007 (first published 7 June 2006)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 30 November 2009
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 368
• Language: English

Reviews

[nannah]

This is a pretty enjoyable book: it's got a lot of action and magic that is really entertaining to read. But I can't help feel that something is missing. The story is about two siblings, Kendra and Seth, who go to their Grandpa's house while their parents are on a cruise. However, it turns out their Grandpa's house is really a preserve for magical creatures.

Now, I sort of found the characters to be a little flat. There was no room for characterization, although I did like when Kendra got the guts to try and rescue her family. But there was no build-up to get there. I feel as though the characters could have been worked out more.

Mull's writing, though sometimes he's got this fantastical images, gets annoying after a while. I don't even know how to explain it really, but it seems really, really functional and a lot less fluid.

But all in all, it's a pretty decent book. There were some really shining scenes, like when Kendra and Seth were hiding on Midsummer's Eve and Kendra's heroic act near the end. But other than that the plot was simply left to exploring the magical preserve and seeing what mischief and/or wonders that could happen.

[inlibrisveritas]

This is a series that has caught my attention many times in the bookstore but I simply never had enough money to get it or I forgot it about once I found my my intended purchases. I'm kind of sorry I hadn't picked it up one of those times instead.
I really enjoy well thought out and researched Fae stories and this is definitely one of them. There are a large varsity of Fae involved, both "good and bad", and Fablehaven is a wonderfully imagined place where they are all kept. I love the idea of sanctuaries for the Fae instead of having them all running around in environments that are suitable for them. I really liked Lena, she had a unique story about her; I also enjoyed Kendra who was the better of the two siblings.
However there are a few things I didn't like. For instance I hated Seth, and I'm so glad I don't have a little brother like that. It would drive me nuts and I'd never want to be around him, ever. He was important to storyline and I get why he did things but that doesn't make me like him more. I found him annoying, stupid and boneheaded. I wish the part involving the demon was a little longer, it kind of went by too fast and was a little bit anticlimactic for me.
I do look forever to reading the second one as soon as I get the chance. This was a wonderful book and I'd definitely recommend this to those who enjoy Fae related fantasy books. I honestly believe that even adults would enjoy this some.

[wyvernfriend]

Two children are sent to their grandparents while their parents go on a cruise. While at the house they discover that in fact it's a refuge for mythic creatures and that there is trouble brewing.

There is an evil conspiracy to set free forces of evil and this is what the various havens were set up to stop. So the children have to get involved when the adults are disabled from saving the world.

There's a lot about consequences and dealing with panic and all sorts of fun stuff like that. The two children behave a lot like real children. There are moments where credulity is a little strained but overall I found it a satisfying read.