Source: Purchased from Goodwill
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Series: Fablehaven #1
Edition: Paperback, 351 pages
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository*
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Rating: 4/5

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as 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 that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

This is a series that has caught my attention many times in the bookstore but I simply never had enough money to get it or I forgot it about once I found my intended purchases. I’m kind of sorry I hadn’t picked it up one of those times instead, because it turned out to be a really fun read.

I really enjoy well thought out and researched Fae stories and this is definitely one of them. There are a large variety of Fae involved, both “good and bad”, and Fablehaven is a wonderfully imagined place where they are all kept. I love the idea of sanctuaries for the Fae instead of having them all running around in environments that are un-suitable for them. I really liked Lena, she had a unique story about her; I also enjoyed Kendra who was the better of the two siblings.

However there are a few things I didn’t like. For instance I hated Seth, and I’m so glad I don’t have a little brother like that. It would drive me nuts and I’d never want to be around him, ever. He was important to storyline and I get why he did the things he did but that doesn’t make me like him more. I found him annoying, stupid and boneheaded. I do wish the part involving the demon was a little longer as well, it went by a bit too fast and was a little bit anticlimactic for me.

I do look forever to reading the second one as soon as I get the chance, because I’m really curious to see how well Kendra and Seth do the next time they are at Fablehaven. This was a wonderful book and I’d definitely recommend this to those who enjoy Fae related fantasy books. I honestly believe that even adults would enjoy this some.