lukeyboy07's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
chaos_tempest's review against another edition
5.0
I received an e-galley from the author/publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh the nostalgia! Reuniting with Seth and Kendra in Fablehaven was something I never expected, but sorely needed. Wrymroost is in trouble, King Celebrant the Just is causing trouble as co-caretaker, demanding the right to leave the refuge as he deems fit. Death and destruction is all that awaits if the dragons ever get free, so Seth and Kendra are called in to do the unthinkable, the impossible really, with all the skills they gained fighting demons and dragons before.
Our story begins only a short while after the original Fablehaven series ended, Seth and Kendra are living at Fablehaven with both sets of their grandparents, and are, of course, still getting into tons of trouble. Well, Seth is. Seth is still a serious troublemaker, stealing treasure, antagonizing ogres, the usual. Kendra has come into herself a little bit better than when we first met her, she sees herself much better and has learned to stand up for herself. Character wise, they complement each other very well, as planned, but considering the original series ended almost 7 years ago, it would have been nice to see both a few years older, and maybe bringing in their cousins to the secret.
Besides that, this is a wonderful addition to the original series. Don't worry, it definitely isn't milking the series! Watching the story-line unfold was fascinating and reminded me so much of the
fun I had when I was younger, reading about Seth and Kendra for the first time. I was delighted, enthralled, and mystified. I can't wait for the next installment, hopefully it isn't too long!
Oh the nostalgia! Reuniting with Seth and Kendra in Fablehaven was something I never expected, but sorely needed. Wrymroost is in trouble, King Celebrant the Just is causing trouble as co-caretaker, demanding the right to leave the refuge as he deems fit. Death and destruction is all that awaits if the dragons ever get free, so Seth and Kendra are called in to do the unthinkable, the impossible really, with all the skills they gained fighting demons and dragons before.
Our story begins only a short while after the original Fablehaven series ended, Seth and Kendra are living at Fablehaven with both sets of their grandparents, and are, of course, still getting into tons of trouble. Well, Seth is. Seth is still a serious troublemaker, stealing treasure, antagonizing ogres, the usual. Kendra has come into herself a little bit better than when we first met her, she sees herself much better and has learned to stand up for herself. Character wise, they complement each other very well, as planned, but considering the original series ended almost 7 years ago, it would have been nice to see both a few years older, and maybe bringing in their cousins to the secret.
Besides that, this is a wonderful addition to the original series. Don't worry, it definitely isn't milking the series! Watching the story-line unfold was fascinating and reminded me so much of the
fun I had when I was younger, reading about Seth and Kendra for the first time. I was delighted, enthralled, and mystified. I can't wait for the next installment, hopefully it isn't too long!
emaduchesne's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
isadorawonder's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
seth still remains to be the superior sibling
fantasyreader223's review against another edition
5.0
Brandon Mull you've done it again! I fell in love with the series in 7th grade. Fablehaven blew my mind with this depiction of magic, mystery, and wonder. I didn't think that any other series with live up to its fame and glory, but this new series I believe has surpassed its original already. The characters, plot, setting, magic, and wonder in this new series has made me realize how much I want to live in a world where Fablehaven is a reality. I have fallen in love with Seth, Kendra, Raxtus, Bracken, and all the other characters in this fantastic story. I would recommend the series to every person I know and meet. I hope other readers can come to enjoy this book series as much as I already have. Please read! (:
booksandmeforevermore's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
chris_hirsch's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing return back to the magic of Fablehaven! I held off on reading this series despite Fablehaven being one of my favorite all time books because I was nervous of being disappointed. My concern was completely undeserved and I ADORED this book!
While it’s definitely more mature in content than the original series, I would still recommend this for any 10-14 year olds with a love of magical adventure. This book feels like the natural progression of some of the best of Fablehaven; the magic of innocence, the enduring love of family, and the inspiring bravery of young ones.
There’s something beautiful and mysterious about the world of Fablehaven that I have yet to find in any other piece of literature. It brings me joy to return to my friends Kendra and Seth and feel like the little boy in the library all over again.
While it’s definitely more mature in content than the original series, I would still recommend this for any 10-14 year olds with a love of magical adventure. This book feels like the natural progression of some of the best of Fablehaven; the magic of innocence, the enduring love of family, and the inspiring bravery of young ones.
There’s something beautiful and mysterious about the world of Fablehaven that I have yet to find in any other piece of literature. It brings me joy to return to my friends Kendra and Seth and feel like the little boy in the library all over again.
adambroud's review against another edition
5.0
I have been looking forward to this book ever since it was first announced that that Brandon Mull was going to follow up the Fablehaven series with this series. I unfortunately couldn't afford to buy the book, and my library had enough people requesting the book that I wouldn't be able to get the book until about August it seemed, so I admit to going to Barnes and Noble and just reading the whole book in the store. And I have to say, it was worth it.
Now, I understand that my review is probably overly complimentary due to my excitement, so I might come back and change my review as I think about the book. As for now though, I loved it, and I'm excited to see what happens in the series.
Since this is the first book in a series that Mull claims he hadn't intended to write when writing Fablehaven, there's definitely some time taken in explaining the connecting pieces of how Fablehaven ended and what messy pieces are needed to be tied up. So, as a stand alone story, the book isn't incredibly strong, but I do think it did a good job of pointing the reader in the right direction of knowing what should be coming in the series. It even went so far as to hint that there could be more series written after the Dragonwatch series has concluded, so that is very exciting.
Ultimately, I loved the series because it maintained the magic of Fablehaven, it sparked my interest in what is to come in the series, and it layed the ground work for some fun twists on the magic that was established in the previous series. I can't wait for the next book, and hopefully by the time it comes out, I'll even be able to purchase it to read.
Now, I understand that my review is probably overly complimentary due to my excitement, so I might come back and change my review as I think about the book. As for now though, I loved it, and I'm excited to see what happens in the series.
Since this is the first book in a series that Mull claims he hadn't intended to write when writing Fablehaven, there's definitely some time taken in explaining the connecting pieces of how Fablehaven ended and what messy pieces are needed to be tied up. So, as a stand alone story, the book isn't incredibly strong, but I do think it did a good job of pointing the reader in the right direction of knowing what should be coming in the series. It even went so far as to hint that there could be more series written after the Dragonwatch series has concluded, so that is very exciting.
Ultimately, I loved the series because it maintained the magic of Fablehaven, it sparked my interest in what is to come in the series, and it layed the ground work for some fun twists on the magic that was established in the previous series. I can't wait for the next book, and hopefully by the time it comes out, I'll even be able to purchase it to read.