Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.16, 2008, under BookCasts, Fantasy, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Pre-teens and teens who like fantasy, mythical creatures (especially fairies), danger, adventure, and some sibling rivalry.
Why? Kendra and Seth’s parents get to go on a vacation and need some place for the kids to stay. After much convincing, their grandfather agrees and the two siblings arrive at the house in the countryside. Kendra and Seth are full of insults for each other and unhappiness over their grandfather’s seemingly arbitrary rules. Seth, of course, has to break them right away and plunges into trouble. Through events that follow, Seth and Kendra discover that their grandfather is the caretaker of “Fablehaven,” a preserve for mythical creatures who are in danger of extinction. Ancient laws hold the preserve in harmony, but the “celebration” of Midsummer Eve threatens to upend this harmony, with perilous consequences for the caretakers, Seth and Kendra. Though some of the plot and characterizations are predictable, developments related to their grandmother and Lena, the housekeeper, lead to some good surprises. Also, I now take a second look at various insects! The Cal Young Library also has the sequel, Fablehaven: The Rise of the Evening Star (2007).
The details: 368 p. 2006
