Book Review: Fablehaven

Title: Fablehaven
Author: Brandon Mull
Series: Fablehaven
Genre: Fantasy/Middle Grade/Adventure
Goodreads rating: 4.03
My rating: 4

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite ... Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

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So here's the thing about Fablehaven, the first book is really, in my opinion, not the best representation of the entire series.  I definitely feel the strongest points of the first book is really setting the scene for the following books.  It's actually really hard for me to rate the first book without taking into consideration the rest of the books.  Fablehaven happens to be in my top 3 favorite fantasy series.  But it doesn't earn that place on the merits of the first book alone.  I have some acquaintances who have not finished the series because the first book, to them, was not their favorite.  I've seen this enough that I say to everyone, "don't judge this series by the first book!! read through the second book and decide after that if you wanna continue the series or not!"

Don't get me wrong though, I do not dislike the first book or think it is bad.  It is slower paced than the rest of the books but it is a very good set up for the rest of the series.  I classified this book as middle grade and this first book is probably more solidly in the  middle grade category than the others.  I would definitely let my young kids read this series yet I myself as an adult enjoy it very much.  I really love authors that can do this.  I think it takes real talent to write something that is interesting for all ages and genders.  

Just a fun little side note, I love sort of unique and non traditional names.  Though Brandon Mull always picks fairly traditional names for his main characters a lot of his supporting characters have unique names(ie the more mystical ones).  There is one character in the 5th book in this series who I loved the moment he showed up and I thought his name was awesome.  It took a little convincing on my part but we gave that name to our little boy.  I love finding names from book series.  Our second daughter is also named from a character in Eragon.  

Back to business.  I honestly cannot recommend the Fablehaven series enough.  For anyone and everyone.  The series as a whole is a 5 star read for me.  I love it and I think you will too!