Fablehaven Review (Brandon Mull): Complete with Book Club Questions

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is an amazing series that will capture your attention through its creativity and imagination from the first book to the last. I didn't have high hopes as I turned the first page, but by the time I got into the second or third chapter, I found myself thirsting for more. To the point that when the fifth book came out, I ordered it ahead of time in anticipation of hearing Seth and Kendra Sorenson's crazy adventure with the Knights of the Living Dawn. This book, although intended for preteens, is complex and interesting enough for an adult to not only enjoy, but feel anticipatory and intrigued. I strongly suggest it to those who have enjoyed the Percy Jackson and Harry Potter series. If either of these have interested you, then this one will too.

The book begins when Seth and Kendra Sorenson are in the car with their parents on their way to stay with their grandparents on their father's side, after they learn that their mother's parents have passed away. They are dropped off at their grandparent Sorenson's unsure of what to expect, as they had not spent much time in the past with these grandparents. They tour the area and although everything seems very typical, they feel like their is a mystery yet to be found. It is not until the prococious Seth begins to test his boundaries that they begin to find the reality that lies in Fablehaven.

Their discoveries are not a shock to the grandparents, in fact they had hoped that Kendra and Seth would be able to find the secrets and thus capable of helping to take care of this fantastical land. Seth finds these mysteries as he stretches his boundaries, while Kendra the more mature and older sibling, discovers this land after finding a key that leads to a puzzle. Eventually she discovers that more lies behind this beautiful setting where butterflies are really fairies along with many other fantastical creatures.

Not only do Seth and Kendra learn that the butterflies are actually fairies, but that everything they once saw has a hidden truth. Fablehaven itself is also a hidden truth as it is one of just a few remaining strongholds for magic in the world. Mull does a great job explaining this world where fairies roam, demons lurk, and unicorns are the rockstars of the world. These reserves, such as Fablehaven, are intended to protect the magical creatures that live there. Although these areas are intended to be a safe haven for these magical creatures, the Sorenson's and their friends often find themselves in unpredictable dangerous situations.

As the series goes on, Mull introduces you to a few of the other preserves where magical creatures are becoming increasingly dangerous for them. He does an exquisite job making each place unique, yet believable. Each of them with their own charm, and own creatures, and own dangers.

Not only do these magical places contain safe preserves for magical creatures, but he also does a great job explaining the setting around the demon prison. As you read each story, and each place, you find that your mind can perfectly picture where he is describing, just as we can imagine what each of the characters, even the demons look like.

Mull does an amazing job building characters who are true to themselves, and although some have surprising backgrounds, they are believable, sometimes unpredictable, and lovable.

Kendra is the older sibling and acts as the more mature responsible one. She is a bookworm who has a heart of gold. Her brother in many ways is her exact opposite. The one thing that unites them, is there sincere love for one another and their devotion to the good in this world. Mull uses Seth's curious nature as a means to move the story along. It's often Seth's disobedience to his grandfather that causes chaos, yet through his dedication to the cause of good magic, he, his sister, and the Knights of the Living Dawn learn how to save not only the magical realm, but the world as well.

Two of my favorite characters are the satyrs that Seth befriends, Doren and Newel. They love all things technology and junk food, although the grandfather strongly discourages these pastimes. Satyrs as a whole, including Doren and Newel are an unruly bunch. Satyrs are known for their obnoxious fun loving ways, which is starkly compared to the centaurs who have a superiority complex and take life very serious.

I would love to go into the details of each character, but by doing so I would reveal too much of the storyline. I can tell you that Seth and Kendra encounter many amazing friends, some that betray, some that are true to the end, and some that convert from good to bad, or bad to good. Each character has a life story that you get little glimpses that make the world of Fablehaven seem like a place that truly exists.

If you enjoy this book: here is a list of more great books you can find here!

• Kendra is generally a rule keeper, while Seth is a rule breaker. How did their attitudes evolve over the course of the book?
• When Kendra and Seth first arrive at Fablehaven, they notice a series of signs advertising they are on private property. Seth thinks the signs are funny; Kendra thinks they are creepy. The final sign reads: certain death awaits. Which of the two children do you agree with about the tone of the signs? Do you think the signs have been effective? Do they indicate what the children will really find once they are at Fablehaven? If you were to have a series of signs leading to your house, what do you think they would say?
  
• Many of the creatures in Fablehaven have roots in various mythologies, particularly Greek. Can you identify which creatures come from which mythologies?
• There is a promise at the front of the book that none who enter Fablehaven will leave unchanged. How do their experiences at Fablehaven change Seth and Kendra? Were you changed in any way by reading Fablehaven?
• Circumstances arise where many of the characters in Fablehaven have to risk their lives. Which events stick out in your mind as being the most memorable? Do you think you would risk your life for anything? If so, what?