The tremendously popular Fablehaven series of fantasy novels by Brandon Mull were written with young readers in mind, but they’ve been winning over entire families, from reluctant chapter readers to grandparents! Fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and tales of adventure, myth and magic will find a lot to love about this series. And like the Potter books, each installment in this series is LONG, so each is a great reading value for the money, too.
One parent says:
“You probably don’t need any more reviews of your book, and I might not be someone that anyone would listen to anyhow, but if it helps, I’d like to reiterate what our experience has been from a parent’s point of view. Everything about this book is interesting. My child wanted to know more after just a glance at the cover. Then we read the ‘wanted’ clipping and my child who hates to read said ‘if we had that book, I would probably read it.’ Of course I bought it immediately! When she started reading it, she was so excited about it that she would tell us about everything that happened until we were all into it. We decided that we had better read it together as a family so that no one would miss anything.
“It was great fun to have everyone excited to get together and read to each other. Sarah, my reluctant reader was so intrigued that she decided to use it as a book report book for school, at which time we agreed that she would read the rest of it to us. She went from her usual mumbling and stumbling to reading loud and clear with great emphasis. There is so much excitement, concern, humor and mystery in Fablehaven. We couldn’t stop reading and soon we all hoped it would never end. After receiving the book report, the teacher asked if she could borrow the book to read. , How much did Sarah enjoy the book? She asked for the second book ‘Rise of the Evening Star’ for her birthday present…was excited when she got it for her birthday…and started reading it immediately. Thank you so much for a book that captured her interest and hasn’t let go.” – Heather Arthur (parent) , Amesbury, MA
Fablehaven (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $6.39)
For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. 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 give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.
Rise of the Evening Star (5/5 stars, currently priced at $6.71)
At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother, Seth, find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists — a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper — to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? Can they overcome paralyzing fear? Find out in book 2 of this bestselling series.
Grip of the Shadow Plague (5/5 stars, currently priced at $6.60)
Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.
In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice—but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure—but can she be trusted?
Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven?
Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (5/5 stars, currently priced at $6.71)
Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton’s Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts. In order to retrieve it, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap — a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. The mission cannot proceed without stealing a sacred object zealously guarded by the centaurs. Anybody seen Seth?
The race is on to acquire all five of the artifact keys to the great demon prison. Will the Knights of the Dawn conquer Wyrmroost? Who can stop the Sphinx? Can Vanessa be trusted to help? What artifact will be found next?
Keys to the Demon Prison (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $6.71)
Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison.
Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx’s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.
Fablehaven: The Complete Series (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $21.94)
Includes all five books in the Fablehaven series:
Fablehaven
Rise of the Evening Star
Grip of the Shadow Plague
Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
Keys to the Demon Prison