Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong characters, spirits, violence in epic fantasy debut.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
FORBIDDEN MOUNTAIN takes place in the land of Anora, where boys and girls turning 14 have the chance to pair with an immortal spirit Guardian, meant to enhance their talents and help them in life. Choosing the wrong Guardian can go badly, though, especially if you pick one of the 20 ancient beings known as the Accursed. Also it's a death sentence if you're found out. Mako, a mysterious orphan raised by an Anoran family, is a skilled musician and has mad slingshot skills, but wants to help people as a warrior, which isn't really his skill set—and his only chance is taking Narrix, one of the Accursed, as his guardian. Meanwhile Arden, 14, longs for adventure and chafes at her mom's restrictions, so when her best friend disappears after joining a gang, Arden joins the gang to find and rescue her. Things soon get complicated and extremely violent, as the Accursed are trying to get their world back.
Is It Any Good?
Brandon Mull's richly imagined middle-grade fantasy series gets an exciting start as two teens seek adventure and glory while dark, ancient spirits try to retake the world. FORBIDDEN MOUNTAIN has complex world-building, intriguing characters, and nonstop action. Many beloved characters perish amid treachery as lead characters Mako and Arden navigate ethical pitfalls, deadly perils, fateful choices, and the lure of wealth and power. This installment promises an exciting series, as Mako and Arden continue to forge their own paths, help their loved ones, and avoid the many enemies (human and otherwise) who want to kill them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Forbidden Mountain where humans form close partnerships with gods or spirits to accomplish something important—and it usually gets complicated. What can go really well in these situations? What can go really badly?
Have you ever done something for what seemed like a good reason, realized it was harmful in ways you hadn't considered, and tried to make things right? What was the situation, and how did it turn out?
Arden's ordinary-seeming mom turns out to be very good with a crossbow. Do you think your parents have hidden talents, and if so what might they be?
What are Arden and Mako's biggest character strengths? How do they show courage and integrity? How do these strengths help them along in the story?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Competition , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Labyrinth Road
- Publication date : April 14, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 10
- Number of pages : 528
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : May 1, 2026
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