Scan barcode
A review by ashmeanything
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
5.0
This book came out of nowhere and surprised me in the best way - I loved everything about it! Every element was so magical, varied, and delightful, and the characters felt believable in the way they interacted with each new element. Plot-wise, the action came as a huge surprise, but it was a lot of fun. I'm so pleased to have ended the year with this book.
I was SO READY to do away with one of the characters myself, because the person is so well-written and annoying. I loved that each character was able to develop alongside an action-packed plot; there was so much to enjoy. Given the bounds of the world, nothing felt too convenient to me, either, which is a huge plus. I could maybe argue that a few of the scenes didn't advance the plot much, but the world-building and character moments made me enjoy them anyway. The book stands alone well but has me very intrigued to continue the series. I'm so excited.
Only a few issues I saw - describing people as obese (not a word I personally prefer) and a few (I think three) brief descriptors of someone being Asian or exotic in a way that felt "othering". Content warning for non-consensual kissing and brief, intentional animal harm that both are for the greater good. Thankfully, it was all over quickly and was not a repeated point.
I was SO READY to do away with one of the characters myself, because the person is so well-written and annoying. I loved that each character was able to develop alongside an action-packed plot; there was so much to enjoy. Given the bounds of the world, nothing felt too convenient to me, either, which is a huge plus. I could maybe argue that a few of the scenes didn't advance the plot much, but the world-building and character moments made me enjoy them anyway. The book stands alone well but has me very intrigued to continue the series. I'm so excited.
Only a few issues I saw - describing people as obese (not a word I personally prefer) and a few (I think three) brief descriptors of someone being Asian or exotic in a way that felt "othering". Content warning for non-consensual kissing and brief, intentional animal harm that both are for the greater good. Thankfully, it was all over quickly and was not a repeated point.