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All parent reviews for Fablehaven: Fablehaven Series, Book 1

Age
8
Average rating based on 13 parent reviews:
  • 46% say there are positive messages
  • 38% say there are positive role models
Parent of 9 and 11 year old
January 30, 2011
 
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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Adult
March 20, 2009
 
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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Parent of 6, 9, 11, 18, and 19 year old
September 3, 2009
 
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.

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Parent of 12 year old
May 18, 2010
 
Read with your child - you'll both enjoy this book.
Good and bad role models. As others have stated, Seth's behavior doesn't seem to receive much punishment and he never quite seems to learn. I hope to see the character develop a little maturity soon. On the upside of negative role models, it's a great read and a perfect opportunity to read with your kids. Opens up great dialogue about appropriate behavior and the dangers of breaking the rules. Easy to equate with their own neighborhood and why we have family/friend rules. Personally, I adore these books (all of them) and my daughter does, as well. She loves to read but still looks forward to our reading time together when it comes to these books. I would highly recommend reading the book with your child! It's a great escape for both of you!

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Parent
November 4, 2011
 
Fablehaven: Book 1
This was a great book that I didn't want to put down! The main characters Seth & Kendra are likable and you can't help but wish that they make the right choices when faced with the never ending obstacles and situations they encounter while staying with their grandparents at Fablehaven. Magical creatures abound throughout the story and pay attention because many will resurface in the books 2-5. Although Seth sometimes goes against the rules, his heart is in the right place. A great beginning to a great kids series!

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Adult
March 5, 2010
 
Good read for everyone! Including adults.
I loved this book! My kids loved it, even my 10 year old that doesn't like to read. Seth does make some pretty bad choices but I feel like he suffers the consequences for those choices. I like the opposites in Kendra and Seth. It really shows kids that they don't have to make the wrong choices. I love how magical the story is and my children loved escaping into that world when they had a hard day. I also like that I don't have to worry about language or sexual references. Great read...fun storyline and fatastic characters! I would recommend it to anyone.

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Parent
August 9, 2011
 
inspiring
I think that this whole series is wonderful. I loved it! It has great messages. The first book is a little slow, but by the fifth one I was thinking it was the best book I have ever read. They all build on each other. They teach kids to dive deep within to find their strength and fight for the right regardless of how much is against you. They also teach that everyone is needed and has their own talents. Our experiences and trials in life help us get through the future. There are magical beings in this book, and lots of them are possibly classified as dark magic, but this book has no evil feel, and instead brings a spirit of hope and joy and that life is worth it and it's worth fighting for what you know is right

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Parent of 8 and 10 year old
June 15, 2010
 
I liked it very much. My daughter devoured it. It's fary tales , scary stuf, but with a good foundation.

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Parent of 8, 11, 14, and 16 year old
September 14, 2009
 
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.

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Educator and Parent of 14 year old
September 8, 2010
 
Fablehaven is a great series!
Loved this book! Actually, I loved the whole series! You can check out Brandon Mull and Fablehaven on FB. or check here: brandonmull*

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Parent of 12 and 14 year old
May 13, 2010
 
This is the book that will get kids who hate to read begging you not to turn the lights out and asking for just 5 more minutes. The series as a whole shows great character development. Characters who make stupid choices pay the price, and learn and grow from their mistakes.

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Parent of 5, 7, 10, and 11 year old
November 20, 2009
 
Fantasy, adventure and family make for a good read.
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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Adult
March 6, 2012
 
It's okay but far from amazing.
I adored the concept of the book,involving mythical creatures and putting it into a somewhat "new" context, but what made me want to stop reading it was the main character, notice I said main character here, not main characters. I find it frustrating that throughout all of the books the girl, Kendra is gifted with powers, adored by not only other people, but also favored by the family. As for the other said main character, Seth, her younger brother, he gets the butt of everything, he works for it and in the end gets a slap in the face ,not getting encouraged or thanked for helping, rather get insulted and criticized for it,completely opposite of how other minor characters treat his sister.Yes,Seth may seem annoying, downright idiotic at times, but that proved he was human, that he has flaws, for along with his bravery, he is fairly annoying, idiotic, while his sister, she is pin-pointed as "perfection" from the very beginning, or at least from the start of the second book to the end of the whole thing. This story had potential, but I couldn't stand the main protagonist long enough to finish it. The worst part is, nobody seems to see that, only that the younger brother is stupid, isn't "special" as his sister and annoying.The very least though, at least the boy has character development throughout while his sister doesn't seem to develop at all, rather the opposite and constantly treated like the princess,which was the reason that made me stop reading. Again, great concept,but the way the characters are represented, in this case mainly Kendra and Seth, it's just pathetic. To say people believe that the girl is a true role-model while her brother is just foolish is downright wrong, if I do say so myself. Humans are far from perfect so unless you don't mind that concept being neglected upon the main protagonist there, than by all means you will probably enjoy the story. Sadly, for me, I couldn't ignore it and thus were unable to finish the story thinking it was that amazing or worth my time.

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