charity1313's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
So. Much. Happening. I'm glad we stuck with it for the entire series. It's easy to see how he developed as a writer across the span of the books and how he built the world and plot to support each other. I'm sad it's over and looking forward to picking up Dragon Watch.
ethan_libra's review against another edition
4.0
This book isn't perfect, but the Fablehaven series as a whole very nearly is. Rereading this series was a great decision, as it's great to fully experience this series as a whole after reading it when I was younger. The books arguably get better as you go along, and this installment lives up to the high expectations. It's kind of difficult, actually, to articulate what I like about this series, and this finale, so much, but I'll try to explain what sets this above from other fantasy series in a few sentences. The plot is full of twists and constantly keeps the reader entertained with each new development in the plot. The characters actually change and learn from their experiences from book to book. One character in particular who I found to have massively changed from book one was Seth, who still makes mistakes similar to those in the first book, but has learned to take responsibility, as well as judge whether the risks he takes are justified for the ends. Also, seeing both siblings manage to accomplish big things on their own with minimal help is really cool. Finally, the setting and writing is lively and fun, and is enchanting if you're willing to give in to it. However, I did have one big issue with this book, which is the unnecessary romantic plots for some characters, but most of all Kendra. It just took up time in between the action, and I didn't feel connected to it at all.
magicalbookshelbs's review against another edition
5.0
This series reminds me why I love fantasy and fairytales so much. In a world like today, I think we could use more hope, family, and magic that can be found in these books and re-reading them has refreshed my soul in so many beautiful ways ❤️
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
3.0
Kind of strange ending. I was torn between giving this book 3 or 4 stars because I really enjoyed some of this, and was really kind of weirded out by other parts.
sarahcelia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I remember when this book came out. I was so excited to read the last installment in this wonderful series! And when I did, I felt seriously let down.
I don’t know what you were thinking, younger me.
The quests in this book are my favorites in the series. Ancient magical artifacts and impossible odds get me almost every time, but seeing the magical realms surrounding them in all their glory made the real difference. The new settings explored, characters met, weapons acquired, magic manifest, and sacrifices made were all worthy of a finale. I loved following along on Kendra’s AND Seth’s daring adventures and seeing how they’ve grown into their particular talents. I never found myself wishing that a chapter would end so I could get back to whichever adventure I preferred—it flowed perfectly. Their character development since book one shines.
This is Fablehaven at its best. I’m so glad I decided to give its conclusion another chance.
I don’t know what you were thinking, younger me.
The quests in this book are my favorites in the series. Ancient magical artifacts and impossible odds get me almost every time, but seeing the magical realms surrounding them in all their glory made the real difference. The new settings explored, characters met, weapons acquired, magic manifest, and sacrifices made were all worthy of a finale. I loved following along on Kendra’s AND Seth’s daring adventures and seeing how they’ve grown into their particular talents. I never found myself wishing that a chapter would end so I could get back to whichever adventure I preferred—it flowed perfectly. Their character development since book one shines.
This is Fablehaven at its best. I’m so glad I decided to give its conclusion another chance.
anais201717's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
4.25
zolna11's review against another edition
4.0
I’m really struggling to write a fair review on this one. I reread the whole series within two weeks, that clearly shows that I could not put the books down, literally. The peak for me was definitely the Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, but Keys to the Demon Prison is also captivating. I had a great time, but had some minor complaints through the book or rather the whole series.
I can’t bring myself to overlook the fact that Kendra’s overrated, and that really came up in this last book. Just look at what Kendra did in the span of this last book: not recognizably much. Or, if she did, I can’t really force my mind remember what it was. She travelled through the world with Bracken, but hasn’t really been that useful. She can’t fight, and it came down to one thing: everyone wanted/had to protect her.
In comparison, Seth displayed much more courage, and I admit, while reading Kendra’s POVs, I constantly waited for the story to go back to Seth.
Don’t misunderstand, I liked Kendra, but my fav was definetely Seth (even with his huge mistake in this book). He is brave, cunning, has a great humour, also really clever and has a good heart.
My major issue was when at the end Kendra slays Gorgrog with the sword occupied by Seth. It conveyed the feeling that it solely served the purpose of her doing something too, besides everyone else who actually took part in the battle.
In terms of the actual plot, I was really enjoying myself. Fast paced, fun, and I really, really liked spending time with this crew and saving the world together with them. 90% of the characters were loveable (Patton and Seth for the win!), my only complaint could be that I missed Ruth, Stan and Tanu in the second half of the book.
Overall, if Brandon Mull decided to come back to this world, let it be in any form (short stories or novels), I’d definitely buy it.
Recommend!
I can’t bring myself to overlook the fact that Kendra’s overrated, and that really came up in this last book. Just look at what Kendra did in the span of this last book: not recognizably much. Or, if she did, I can’t really force my mind remember what it was. She travelled through the world with Bracken, but hasn’t really been that useful. She can’t fight, and it came down to one thing: everyone wanted/had to protect her.
In comparison, Seth displayed much more courage, and I admit, while reading Kendra’s POVs, I constantly waited for the story to go back to Seth.
Don’t misunderstand, I liked Kendra, but my fav was definetely Seth (even with his huge mistake in this book). He is brave, cunning, has a great humour, also really clever and has a good heart.
My major issue was when at the end Kendra slays Gorgrog with the sword occupied by Seth. It conveyed the feeling that it solely served the purpose of her doing something too, besides everyone else who actually took part in the battle.
In terms of the actual plot, I was really enjoying myself. Fast paced, fun, and I really, really liked spending time with this crew and saving the world together with them. 90% of the characters were loveable (Patton and Seth for the win!), my only complaint could be that I missed Ruth, Stan and Tanu in the second half of the book.
Overall, if Brandon Mull decided to come back to this world, let it be in any form (short stories or novels), I’d definitely buy it.
Recommend!
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Final book in the series. The audio was as good as always. Satisfying end to the series, although the romance between Kendra and Bracken was a bit much.
thebrunettebookjunkie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0