baxterandcleo's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
paracosm's review against another edition
4.0
I think that this one is better than the previous book. We get introduced to a bunch of new characters, all of them are interesting and can offer new insights into this world. The book presents us with the main conflict of the series, which is to stop the Evening Star Society from destroying the world. I still dont like Kendra but she is less annoying in this book than in the previous one.
The main antagonist of the series is introduced, a dude named the Sphinx, who I think a lot of potential to be really great. I think the revelation that he is bad could have been done better. Throughout the book the characters keep talking about the Sphinx, but we never get to see him do anything particularly interesting or be helpful in general, so when turns out he is evil it doesn't come up as much of a shock as it could have been. His betrayal should have occurred in the next book, not this one.
The main antagonist of the series is introduced, a dude named the Sphinx, who I think a lot of potential to be really great. I think the revelation that he is bad could have been done better. Throughout the book the characters keep talking about the Sphinx, but we never get to see him do anything particularly interesting or be helpful in general, so when turns out he is evil it doesn't come up as much of a shock as it could have been. His betrayal should have occurred in the next book, not this one.
pandacat42's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED this book 4.5 stars. One complaint: there were two scenes I thought would never end. One of those scenes was the one with the cat who had nine lives.
Still waitig for Lena to come out of the pond.
I saw a lot of growth for both Seth and Kendra. Great lesson that not only applies to the characters in books but really applies to real life: Sometimes it's hard to know if someone had an agenda when they make friends with you.
Amanda
Still waitig for Lena to come out of the pond.
I saw a lot of growth for both Seth and Kendra. Great lesson that not only applies to the characters in books but really applies to real life: Sometimes it's hard to know if someone had an agenda when they make friends with you.
Amanda
charity1313's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The growth of Mull's writing is evident as less of the plot hinges on only one character's decisions. However, there's still one character upon whom most of the plot movement relies, at least at the start. The world building continues to be fantastic and the addition of new characters is welcome. I have more hope for the rest of the series than I did after the first book which hinged almost entirely on Seth's repeated immaturity and horrible decisions.
everthereader's review against another edition
4.0
Review Posted on Marvelous Eden of Books
Spoiler Free Review:
So the Fablehaven series is progressing by each book. The second book was definitely a step up from the first. There was a lot more action, character development, and the story and plot was a lot more developed and interesting. The first book felt a lot like a setup for most of the story. But in the sequel, the story just jumps to the action. I really loved Brandon Mull's writing style in this series. It's very easy to read and there wasn't as much info dump like there was in Fablehaven. The world is also very descriptive and easy to imagine in your mind.
There were a few new characters introduced which really made the story a lot more intriguing. Kendra and Seth are introduced to three mentors who were going to teach them everything they know about magic and Fablehaven. They were all very intriguing and all seem to have distinct backgrounds. I think Vanessa would have to be the most fascinating out of the two. There were times when you liked her and loathed her, but in the end, I think she is a complex character. There was also a certain "traitor" amongst them which added quite a bit of mystery and suspense.
So in this installment, Kendra and Seth are a year older. You could see some maturity growing in both of them. Kendra began to step out of her comfort zone and took risks. Seth took less rash decisions (most of the time) and his recklessness began to grow on me. I really loved when Kendra spoke up about one of her mentor's sexism. I really appreciate Brandon Mull for adding that particular scene. Kendra became more independent and less reliant on others. I also adored the banter between Seth and Kendra. I could definitely relate since my brother and I are the same. It added a lot lighthearted humour during the chaos that was occurring.
My one minor issue was the pacing at some parts of the book. Some parts were dry and boring, they felt a bit unnecessary. However, the cliffhanger at the end has me very curious about the next book. I was not expecting that ending, and I cannot wait to see where the ending takes the story.
Rating: 4.5/5
Spoiler Free Review:
So the Fablehaven series is progressing by each book. The second book was definitely a step up from the first. There was a lot more action, character development, and the story and plot was a lot more developed and interesting. The first book felt a lot like a setup for most of the story. But in the sequel, the story just jumps to the action. I really loved Brandon Mull's writing style in this series. It's very easy to read and there wasn't as much info dump like there was in Fablehaven. The world is also very descriptive and easy to imagine in your mind.
There were a few new characters introduced which really made the story a lot more intriguing. Kendra and Seth are introduced to three mentors who were going to teach them everything they know about magic and Fablehaven. They were all very intriguing and all seem to have distinct backgrounds. I think Vanessa would have to be the most fascinating out of the two. There were times when you liked her and loathed her, but in the end, I think she is a complex character. There was also a certain "traitor" amongst them which added quite a bit of mystery and suspense.
So in this installment, Kendra and Seth are a year older. You could see some maturity growing in both of them. Kendra began to step out of her comfort zone and took risks. Seth took less rash decisions (most of the time) and his recklessness began to grow on me. I really loved when Kendra spoke up about one of her mentor's sexism. I really appreciate Brandon Mull for adding that particular scene. Kendra became more independent and less reliant on others. I also adored the banter between Seth and Kendra. I could definitely relate since my brother and I are the same. It added a lot lighthearted humour during the chaos that was occurring.
My one minor issue was the pacing at some parts of the book. Some parts were dry and boring, they felt a bit unnecessary. However, the cliffhanger at the end has me very curious about the next book. I was not expecting that ending, and I cannot wait to see where the ending takes the story.
Rating: 4.5/5
_rhian7na's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
magicalbookshelbs's review against another edition
5.0
This book starts as a fantastical whodunnit story and has twists and turns and surprises around every corner. I was smiling through the entire book as I remembered how much I loved this series and still do! Could not recommend this series more if you want just a fun creative fantasy.
hana83's review against another edition
5.0
Several reviewers mention that they enjoyed the second book in the Fablehaven series, Rise of the Evening Star, much more than the first book. I have to agree. There is something more to the sequel. Perhaps it is the fact that both children are almost a year older. There is possibly a little more maturity in Kendra’s brother, Seth, although there are times he still causes trouble. Or perhaps it is the introduction of several new characters, a potion master, a collector of magical relics, or the trapper of mystical creatures that add to the depth of this fantasy.
Kendra and Seth, of course, return to Fablehaven at the beginning of the summer because they find themselves in danger at home. Once they arrive at the refuge, they are immediately apprised of the situation and are introduced to the three new residents at Fablehaven who immediately take the children under their wing to teach them some of their expertise.
As I read about their training, I wondered why these masters would share their most prized secrets with the children? They were taking an awful risk sharing their secrets with them? At one point grandma does clarify my questions about this. She says, “Running toward danger is foolhardy. … But so is closing your eyes to it. Many perils become less dangerous once you understand their potential hazards.” (p. 130) So, they are being prepared for dangers that are looming around them and therefore they are given tools to deal with those dangers. They are also being tested whether or not they can keep these secrets. This book poses a question about loyalty and trust. As the story unravels, whom will they be able to trust? A great read!
Kendra and Seth, of course, return to Fablehaven at the beginning of the summer because they find themselves in danger at home. Once they arrive at the refuge, they are immediately apprised of the situation and are introduced to the three new residents at Fablehaven who immediately take the children under their wing to teach them some of their expertise.
As I read about their training, I wondered why these masters would share their most prized secrets with the children? They were taking an awful risk sharing their secrets with them? At one point grandma does clarify my questions about this. She says, “Running toward danger is foolhardy. … But so is closing your eyes to it. Many perils become less dangerous once you understand their potential hazards.” (p. 130) So, they are being prepared for dangers that are looming around them and therefore they are given tools to deal with those dangers. They are also being tested whether or not they can keep these secrets. This book poses a question about loyalty and trust. As the story unravels, whom will they be able to trust? A great read!
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
3.0
Many of the same comments as went to the first book: simple writing (but good), themes for the younger audience, at first made it more difficult for me to get into this book. But the plot deepens in this one and was a bit easier to enjoy.