Book Review: Fablehaven (book One)

Author: Brandon Mull

Published: 2006

Format Read: Paperback

Genre: Middle-grade fantasy

My Rating: 3/5

I currently base my reviews loosely around the CAWPILE system developed by Book Roast on YouTube. I modify the categories depending on the format of the story I’m reviewing.

My star ratings are purely by my opinion and not measured by any particular metric.

SPOILER WARNING: This review will contain spoilers! Proceed with caution!

Summary (from Goodreads)

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite . . .

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, powerful forces of evil are unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives, to save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world.

Characters

Seth is so unbelievably irritating. It’s not even because he is a little, rambunctious boy. He doesn’t listen, ever, and doesn’t learn at all! Even after BEING TURNED INTO A WALRUS, he’s like “rules aren’t for me, nothing bad could possibly happen.” I don’t think he actually had character development by the end. Kendra also had moments when she did something bad, even though she was supposedly the “good one.” Now she’s fairy-blessed or something. Of the adults, I like Dale the best, but none of the adults had solid images in my head. In fact, neither did the kids. (for real, without looking back, I have no internal visual of what these characters look like.)

Atmosphere

Fun, cool, magical area. Makes me want to run away to some remote, forest chateau.

Writing Style

Maybe I’m now out of touch with how kid’s books should read, but at times it read a lot older than it should. Other times, though, it could be a little disjointed.

Plot

It’s a fun concept. However, I think there could have been more milage out of discovering the mystery of what this place is. The end seemed rushed and maybe a little ex-machina. Honestly, the overarching story kept me reading when the kids would have made me stop.

Intrigue

The mystery and potential for wonder is the main reason I kept reading. And the only reason I MIGHT read the next one.

Logic

Made sense. Magic, monsters, obscure mystical rules.

Enjoyment and Final Thoughts

I would have enjoyed it a lot more if Seth wasn’t one of the main characters. Or in the book at all. Technically, everything that happened was his fault, all because he refused to EVER listen or learn from his mistakes. I’m not ashamed to say: I hate this kid.

I read this book originally because someone recommended it to me, saying it was one of their favorite series and I had high hopes for it. I’m disappointed it wasn’t better.

Would I Recommend?

It really depends on your taste and ability to suspend disbelief. If, like me, you don’t like characters who consistently ignore any kind of learning or growth, maybe steer clear. I, for one, have no plans on rereading it. Maybe I’ll try one of the offshoot series at some point, but we’ll see.