Parents' Guide to

Dragonwatch, Book 1: A Fablehaven Adventure

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Wandering fantasy sequel will appeal to franchise fans.

Book Brandon Mull Fantasy 2017
Dragonwatch, Book 1: A Fablehaven Adventure Poster Image

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Kids say (3):

Brandon Mull returns to Fablehaven with a sequel that's wandering yet still sure to please fans with familiar characters, nods to early adventures, and new thrills among the dragons of Wyrmroost. Kendra and Seth are both a little wiser in Dragonwatch, but they're tested anew as they're thrust into the role of dragon keepers. Newcomers to Mull's work might also be tested, as he spends a fair amount of the book squeezing in references to characters and scenes from the first series.

Mull (Five Kingdoms series) tends to rely on convenient devices to advance the story: Each fresh challenge is resolved by discovering another rule to manipulate or a character's magical ability. Gender roles remain frustrating: Seth is headstrong, bold, and reckless, quick to break important rules. Kendra has proven herself a thoughtful warrior, but Mull peppers her narrative with so many self-directed questions she seems timid -- and she's distracted by attractive boys. Humor and rich characters keep things lively.

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