 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fablehaven: Fablehaven Series, Book 1
- By Brandon Mull
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Exciting but flawed fantasy series launch.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
When Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their grandfather while their parents take a vacation, they are sternly warned not to go into the woods. Seth does anyway, and discovers a witch, from whom he has to escape. Soon the children discover that their grandfather's lands house many creatures of myth and fairytale, both good and evil.
Warned not to mess with the creatures, Seth captures a fairy, which unleashes a retributive attack on him, and damages the alliance between his grandfather and the fairies. Warned not to open his window on Midsummer's Eve, Seth does anyway, which brings about the kidnapping of his grandfather, the unleashing of an evil and powerful monster, and the collapse of the covenants protecting humans.
Is it any good?
An old subgenre of fantasy is getting a second life these days: Call it the "Hidden World in the Backyard" genre. Brandon Mull's variation has moments of real excitement and suspense, and a few original touches. Unfortunately, Mull resorts to some of the hoariest, and most didactic and annoying, tricks in the writer's bag to get the plot moving.
His primary action-inducer is having Seth repeatedly disobey his grandfather, with predictably terrifying and life-threatening results -- from which he seems to learn nothing. Worse is the stereotyping of the two children: Seth is a boys-will-be-boys type who is not only disobedient and mischievous but also blockheaded, while Kendra is good and virtuous and clever, which enables her to save the day after Seth has messed everything up. Let's hope that in the next volume Mull has gotten the stupid-kid tricks out of his system, and can focus on developing the clever aspects of his premise.
What 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?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
March 11, 2011
AGE
I absolutely love this series! I have read them all a couple of times; you never get tired of them!
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Kid, 11 years old
August 11, 2009
AGE
My Fave!
My dad and I both read it last year and loved it!
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AGE
great, even if seth is stupid!
i love these books! although Seth is a complete idiot, and stays that way through the series, he ends up cleaning up his messes. he's a terrible role model, Kendra, however lame she is, is a terific role model, and my sister's favorate charachter. there is one scene where Grandpa and the Saytrs are celebrating, and drink a bit.
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AGE
Some very intense parts during a chapter title "Midnight Summer's Eve" where a young infant is depicted walking on a a roof to lure Seth to letting demons into the house. Other that one chapter I loved the book and the series. I recommend it highly after instructing parents to read the above chapter and decide if it is appropriate for their child's level of maturity.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 19, 2011
AGE
inappropriate!
My teacher has this book in her class and she doesn't think it is that appropriate and I agree with her which is why I think Kids my age should not read this.
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AGE
Best book EVER
I just selected 2 years old for the age cause i think everyone should be allowed to read it...moving on.
This is probably the best series I've ever read. My favorite character is Warren ( the catatonic, Dale's brother) because i like the idea that he has all these compressed emotions under his blank expression because I can relate.
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AGE
Cute, and Wonderful Idea!
Some parts are kind of scary, a bit.
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AGE
Step into a magical world right where you live!
I stumbled upon this book while seeking something to replace the gap left by Harry Potter. While the writing isn't as good, and Mull is just getting started here, I found myself swept up in the magic, and eager for more. I went into it not knowing anything about it at all, which is the way I like to approach new fantasy, so every experience is unexpected. The book is classic good and evil, where two children unite to save the world. Some scenes may be difficult for the very young, but overall, I found it enchanting and something I want to recommend. As far as stereotyping, Mull could have switched the genders, but then it would have been an obvious ploy at political correctness. I've had enough of that to last me, thanks. I give it five stars for multigenerational inclusion and family togetherness.
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AGE
Best book I've EVER Read! Positive!
It teaches you that life is not always as it seems, and that sometimes you need to get over your fears to save someone else. Seth and Kendra are willing to save each other's lives and care about each other very much. Best book ever! My 8-year-old sister read it and she LOVED it!
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AGE
perfect for 10+ but not for younger
I think seth is a little disrespectful,but other than that its wonderful
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| Author: | Brandon Mull |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Shadow Mountain Publishing |
| Publication date: | August 1, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 359 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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