An imaginative fantastical story! This is a family who works together to preserve magical creatures. I loved the compare and contrast between the main characters Kendra and Seth. Kendra is a rule keeper and is rewarded in the end for it. Seth on the other hand is a rule breaker and suffers the natural and disciplinary consequences of that. Not that Kendra is all good or Seth is all bad but it was good to get away from the typical "ends justify the means" attitude contained in many of the books in this genre. This book contains creatures both good, evil and in between. The evil are scary at times. The series does get a little darker as the books progress.
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Fablehaven: Fablehaven Series, Book 1
(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Brandon Mull)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Exciting but flawed fantasy series launch.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Fablehaven: Fablehaven Series, Book 1
Parents need to know that aside from some fantasy violence, one of the two main characters repeatedly and stupidly disobeys adults, putting himself and others in serious danger, and seems to learn nothing from the experiences.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the idea of a hidden world in our own backyards. Why is this idea so popular right now? Is it possible? Have you ever seen anything you couldn't explain? Also, why do some authors use foolish, disobedient kids to drive the plot? Can you think of any other ways to get the action moving in this story?
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
Fantasy, adventure and family make for a good read.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
Fun fantasy read for older kids and parents too
Even though the boy continues to do dumb things it is a good time to point out the negative consequences that follow. My older girls and I thought it was a fun read and have read all 4 books. It is one of our favorite series.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Awesome......but watch out for the disobedience
Probably the best series I have ever read. My kids from 4 up to 16 enjoyed it. We listened to it on CD on a road trip. The constant disobedience of Seth is not a good role model..... this concerns me. I have had to talk to the kids about consequences to bad behaviour, because this character is not really ever punished for his disobedience.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
perfect for 10+ but not for younger
I think seth is a little disrespectful,but other than that its wonderful
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
My Fave!
My dad and I both read it last year and loved it!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
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