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Fablehaven #5
Keys to the Demon Prison
After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx—leader of the Society of the Evening Star—is after the final artifacts needed to open the great demon prison, Zzyxx. If the legendary prison is opened, a tide of evil is certain to usurp control of the world.
In an effort to intercept the final artifacts, Kendra, Seth and the Knights of the Dawn race to strange and exotic preserves across the globe. The stakes have never been higher. The risks have never been more deadly.
In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate, climactic battle to control the keys to the demon prison.
In an effort to intercept the final artifacts, Kendra, Seth and the Knights of the Dawn race to strange and exotic preserves across the globe. The stakes have never been higher. The risks have never been more deadly.
In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate, climactic battle to control the keys to the demon prison.
593 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Brandon Mull
61 books10.1k followersBrandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal. Brandon is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,183 reviews
December 3, 2009
For the record, I'm the publisher. Yes, I've read it. Sorry, I won't be giving anything away. Well, maybe a little something. Chapter 5 in book 5 is the most intense, the most gripping chapter of all the Fablehaven books. Jaw-dropping. I was not prepared for what Brandon Mull pulled out of his sleeve. I doubt anyone will see this coming.
Brandon takes us all over the world, several continents. It's a breathless race to find the remaining artifacts. The artifact vault in Austrailia is a wicked ride. The Society of the Evening Star seems unbeatable. The Sphinx's history is revealed!
My favorite characters are Seth and Vanessa. I wish I could tell you what Vanessa knows. The truth is some secrets really are worth keeping.
March 23, 2010. And if you're in Salt Lake City on March 23 you won't want to miss the release party. We'll announce all the details at Fablehaven.com and BrandonMull.com.
Drink the Milk!
Brandon takes us all over the world, several continents. It's a breathless race to find the remaining artifacts. The artifact vault in Austrailia is a wicked ride. The Society of the Evening Star seems unbeatable. The Sphinx's history is revealed!
My favorite characters are Seth and Vanessa. I wish I could tell you what Vanessa knows. The truth is some secrets really are worth keeping.
March 23, 2010. And if you're in Salt Lake City on March 23 you won't want to miss the release party. We'll announce all the details at Fablehaven.com and BrandonMull.com.
Drink the Milk!
December 9, 2015
[4.5 Stars]
January 3, 2023
Idealne zakończenie. Kocham ten świat, kocham tą fabułę, kocham tych bohaterów i ich humor. Niedługo na pewno sięgnę po kontynuację. Z czystym sumieniem polecam ❤️
September 27, 2010
I had to stay up until 4 A.M. it was way too exciting to put it down. I even loved the end of the book, end of the series. I didn't think "thank heaven's it's over," like I have with others. Their was a lot of comic relief.
At the every end of the book, Brandon mentions that he might do more with the characters, but it will be with a complete different series. I would like to see that happen. The Characters are fun and very likable. It would be smart to start a completely different series if he would do more with these particular characters.
I've got my mother hooked on the series. She got so frustrated with Seth's character, and she almost through a couple of my books. I looked as Seth's character just as a normal brother. Lets face it, natural boy curiosity; if one of my brothers had the same choices, they would do the same thing.
Thank you Brandon Mull for letting me be part of your journey though Fableheaven. It was fun.
At the every end of the book, Brandon mentions that he might do more with the characters, but it will be with a complete different series. I would like to see that happen. The Characters are fun and very likable. It would be smart to start a completely different series if he would do more with these particular characters.
I've got my mother hooked on the series. She got so frustrated with Seth's character, and she almost through a couple of my books. I looked as Seth's character just as a normal brother. Lets face it, natural boy curiosity; if one of my brothers had the same choices, they would do the same thing.
Thank you Brandon Mull for letting me be part of your journey though Fableheaven. It was fun.
November 3, 2017
Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5), Brandon Mull
Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison is the fifth and final installment in The New York Times' bestselling Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سیزدهم ماه ژانویه سال 2015 میلادی
عنوان: پنجگانه افسانه 5 کلیدهای زندان اهریمن؛ نویسنده: براندن (براندون) مال (مول)؛ مترجم: میلاد فشتمی؛ تهران، بهنام، 1393، در 591 ص؛ از مجموعه پنجگانه افسانه - کتاب پنجم؛ شابک: 9789645668837؛ موضوع: داستانهای کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 21 م
ا. شربیانی
Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison is the fifth and final installment in The New York Times' bestselling Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سیزدهم ماه ژانویه سال 2015 میلادی
عنوان: پنجگانه افسانه 5 کلیدهای زندان اهریمن؛ نویسنده: براندن (براندون) مال (مول)؛ مترجم: میلاد فشتمی؛ تهران، بهنام، 1393، در 591 ص؛ از مجموعه پنجگانه افسانه - کتاب پنجم؛ شابک: 9789645668837؛ موضوع: داستانهای کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی قرن 21 م
ا. شربیانی
July 5, 2020
i'm like no, oh my god, what the hell.
but boy was it a good ending.
but boy was it a good ending.
June 1, 2018
a little long but a good ending to a good series.
i will absolutly pick this series up to reread again sometime.
i will absolutly pick this series up to reread again sometime.
June 11, 2012
Ugh. Where to start with this one?
It wasn't as hard to read as Breaking Dawn. But it wasn't easy. Most of the time I would be in the middle of reading the book... wishing I was doing something else. That's never a good sign by the way. You don't want your readers to be wishing they were not reading your story.
This book had a major strike against it. I just didn't give a crap anymore. All these bad things are happening to the characters, but I really couldn't care less.
Seth gets kidnapped... but I don't remember how. Oh right. They were trying to go through another secret preserve. Yawn. I think the major problem with this book was that Mull was trying to make you feel how terrible the bad guys are, how terrifying, how threatening by killing off character that we don't care about at all. Mull even goes as far as to introduce these Eternals who are immortals that must die before the demon prison can be opened. Kendra and the gang rushes to stop these Eternals from dying without knowing that the readers don't really care... at all. In fact we're hoping that she won't rescue them so that something exciting might happen. The game of cat and mouse gets real dull after awhile.
In fact, you need these Eternals to die to get a move on with the plot. So why bother even introducing us to them? Why bother taking up valuable chapter space to introduce the Eternal to us, attempt to make us sympathize with him, when you know and I know that the Eternal must die. A much more effect way to handle the Eternals is just to make Kendra and the gang always too late. Or maybe they come just in time to watch one of the Eternals die. The last one, we can get to meet, feel bad for her, and then you can kill her. That death would be more meaningful. She was the last one, the last hope. We meet her, get to know her- and the readers generally want to save her. You'll even trick them into thinking "Oh! She's still alive! They've got time! They might win this!" THEN YOU KILL HER! That will create natural tension. It would make the readers actually mourn her loss, even if we never got a chance to really know her.
In all honesty, I wouldn't have included the stupid plot device in the first place.
So two new characters get introduced in this book. Nagi Luna, an evil demon witch mastermind which I guess is supposed to mirror the evil witch with the knots from the first story. And Gavin 2.0. No, his name isn't Gavin. But really that's all he appeared to be. His real name is Bracken... (I like Gavin 2.0 better) and he's a unicorn. Meaning he's Kendra's new love buddy. I kind of saw him as Mull's way of apologizing to all those Gavin fans who were upset when Gavin turned out to be evil (rather randomly I might add) in the last book. He's a unicorn, Kendra! So it's safe for you to fall hopelessly in love with him!
Anyway, stuff happens. Kendra's leads a rescue mission to save Seth. Which fails. Then Kendra leads a rescue mission to save the Eternals which also fails. I mean so far, the book's looking great!
Seth rescues himself and goes on an epic quest involving Patton, creepy fate witches and a sword. I mean, his whole half of the story starts with him being skewered, imprisoned, and then coming back to Fablehaven to... accidently let loose a demon a hundred times worse than the bad guy they were already fighting.
Way to go Seth. Way to fall into the most obvious trap ever.
I'm sorry Seth. I don't hate you. It's not your fault that your author doesn't take you seriously.
Anyway so Seth ends up accidently killing one of his friends. Which is... semi touching. I actually thought Coulter's sacrifice in the second book was much more noble and touching. Really if Mull put the same emotion behind that scene into this one, it might have made me sad... maybe. Anyway, so his friend dies, and yet again I'm not really sad about it. Seth goes on a quest to make things right.
And already it's more interesting than whatever Kendra's doing. After all Seth's team consists of Vanessa (who I always thought was pretty awesome) and the satyrs (who I automatically liked because their grandpa didn't like them). I mean already you have the makings for a more interesting adventure. And for the most part it is. And a more fruitful one at that. Seth's actions very well saved all their lives.
But then, of course, Mull has to take it all away. Because of course, Seth can't possibly save the day can he? Only Kendra has that deus ex machina power. Even if it would make more sense that Seth be the hero. Kendra has to yank the spot light away... again.
So we get to the island the prison is on. And all the characters are moaning about how they're all about to die. And I say "No such luck, guys! I wouldn't get that lucky!" Then Mr. Gavin 2.0- Unicorn guy pipes up and says "Hey! We might not have to die after all! I have a vague plan up my sleeve! Just trust me!" And in all honesty, the way the pull the whole stupid thing off isn't important. In fact, it was the most stupidly obvious plan I'm kind of annoyed that I didn't see it coming. Not as bad as the first book but still...
What is important is that Seth gets a whole chapter to be a hero. And in that chapter he takes out not one but two really powerful demons. With the awesome sword that he collected on his quest, I might add. The task of defeating these demons very nearly kills him, but it still was a pretty sweet moment.
And just when I have the smallest... oh who am I kidding. I was pretty sure at the end of that chapter, Mull was going to piss me off again.
So Seth comes back to the sidelines all beaten up. And Kendra, seeing her brother in this state, is really upset. She picks up his sword and... turns super sayian.
Now to understand why I hate this part of the book you have to understand something about this sword. Seth went on a half a book long quest to get this sword. His blood sweat and tears are in it now. And not only did he have to go kill people for the sword, it chose him as its new owner. The first new owner in over a century. Seth was supposed to be seen as this remarkable human being for having accomplished such a feat. It was his one true outshining of his sister. It may not have been as pretty a accomplishment as her "fairy born" crap was. But it was something he worked hard for. He earned that sword.
Kendra picks it up after it "calls to her" and freaking turns into a super fairy chick. She goes all berserker on the biggest and baddest king of demons and manages to KILL him WITHOUT a single scratch. You can't say this wouldn't sicken you. I mean it sickens me just typing this.
Might I also add that both the Fairy Queen herself and her son (Gavin 2.0) were fighting the demon without so much as scratching him. And little Kendra comes out of nowhere and hacks him to pieces. This should piss every reader off. Obviously it didn't, because people put this book on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
How Seth must have felt when his sister picked up "his" sword! He kind of laughs it off but you can tell through Seth's body language and dialogue (even if Mull didn't mean it) that Seth is not thrilled with his sister's success. I may be reading into something that isn't there. But when Seth started downplaying his own role in their victory when explaining to his parents and praising Kendra's- I just wanted to give him a hug. Wouldn't you feel like crap if that happened to you? I mean, sure you'd be happy to be alive. And you'd be glad that the demon king was defeated. But wouldn't you feel like all your hard work was just to be a messenger boy for your elder sister? Talk about incoming inferiority complex.
Mull even writes in something along the lines of "Seth wasn't even upset that Kendra defeated the demon king singlehandedly..." in exposition. But really, that was more like Mull trying to cover up his mistake. He knew Seth would be pissed. But instead of writing his character like his character were a real person, he pretends that Seth is okay with the whole thing. So that in the final scenes, Seth seems real distant and out of character.
I think Mull just realized that he was almost done with this stupid series and just couldn't stand to write anymore. So he didn't put any serious thought into how Seth might have felt. And instead focused on the Gavin 2.0 and Kendra love story. Which is really not that cute. Most of the time I was just like... oh just kiss her and go away already. I'm tired of both of you.
Seth was supposed to have a minor quest at the end. Something he promised the fates. But Mull didn't think it was important to follow up on it because it would mean Seth would get to do something awesome and Mull hates Seth.
So he ends the series with Kendra sharing a tender moment with unicorn boy. And Seth kinda off to the side, wondering when he will get his own book series.
It wasn't as hard to read as Breaking Dawn. But it wasn't easy. Most of the time I would be in the middle of reading the book... wishing I was doing something else. That's never a good sign by the way. You don't want your readers to be wishing they were not reading your story.
This book had a major strike against it. I just didn't give a crap anymore. All these bad things are happening to the characters, but I really couldn't care less.
Seth gets kidnapped... but I don't remember how. Oh right. They were trying to go through another secret preserve. Yawn. I think the major problem with this book was that Mull was trying to make you feel how terrible the bad guys are, how terrifying, how threatening by killing off character that we don't care about at all. Mull even goes as far as to introduce these Eternals who are immortals that must die before the demon prison can be opened. Kendra and the gang rushes to stop these Eternals from dying without knowing that the readers don't really care... at all. In fact we're hoping that she won't rescue them so that something exciting might happen. The game of cat and mouse gets real dull after awhile.
In fact, you need these Eternals to die to get a move on with the plot. So why bother even introducing us to them? Why bother taking up valuable chapter space to introduce the Eternal to us, attempt to make us sympathize with him, when you know and I know that the Eternal must die. A much more effect way to handle the Eternals is just to make Kendra and the gang always too late. Or maybe they come just in time to watch one of the Eternals die. The last one, we can get to meet, feel bad for her, and then you can kill her. That death would be more meaningful. She was the last one, the last hope. We meet her, get to know her- and the readers generally want to save her. You'll even trick them into thinking "Oh! She's still alive! They've got time! They might win this!" THEN YOU KILL HER! That will create natural tension. It would make the readers actually mourn her loss, even if we never got a chance to really know her.
In all honesty, I wouldn't have included the stupid plot device in the first place.
So two new characters get introduced in this book. Nagi Luna, an evil demon witch mastermind which I guess is supposed to mirror the evil witch with the knots from the first story. And Gavin 2.0. No, his name isn't Gavin. But really that's all he appeared to be. His real name is Bracken... (I like Gavin 2.0 better) and he's a unicorn. Meaning he's Kendra's new love buddy. I kind of saw him as Mull's way of apologizing to all those Gavin fans who were upset when Gavin turned out to be evil (rather randomly I might add) in the last book. He's a unicorn, Kendra! So it's safe for you to fall hopelessly in love with him!
Anyway, stuff happens. Kendra's leads a rescue mission to save Seth. Which fails. Then Kendra leads a rescue mission to save the Eternals which also fails. I mean so far, the book's looking great!
Seth rescues himself and goes on an epic quest involving Patton, creepy fate witches and a sword. I mean, his whole half of the story starts with him being skewered, imprisoned, and then coming back to Fablehaven to... accidently let loose a demon a hundred times worse than the bad guy they were already fighting.
Way to go Seth. Way to fall into the most obvious trap ever.
I'm sorry Seth. I don't hate you. It's not your fault that your author doesn't take you seriously.
Anyway so Seth ends up accidently killing one of his friends. Which is... semi touching. I actually thought Coulter's sacrifice in the second book was much more noble and touching. Really if Mull put the same emotion behind that scene into this one, it might have made me sad... maybe. Anyway, so his friend dies, and yet again I'm not really sad about it. Seth goes on a quest to make things right.
And already it's more interesting than whatever Kendra's doing. After all Seth's team consists of Vanessa (who I always thought was pretty awesome) and the satyrs (who I automatically liked because their grandpa didn't like them). I mean already you have the makings for a more interesting adventure. And for the most part it is. And a more fruitful one at that. Seth's actions very well saved all their lives.
But then, of course, Mull has to take it all away. Because of course, Seth can't possibly save the day can he? Only Kendra has that deus ex machina power. Even if it would make more sense that Seth be the hero. Kendra has to yank the spot light away... again.
So we get to the island the prison is on. And all the characters are moaning about how they're all about to die. And I say "No such luck, guys! I wouldn't get that lucky!" Then Mr. Gavin 2.0- Unicorn guy pipes up and says "Hey! We might not have to die after all! I have a vague plan up my sleeve! Just trust me!" And in all honesty, the way the pull the whole stupid thing off isn't important. In fact, it was the most stupidly obvious plan I'm kind of annoyed that I didn't see it coming. Not as bad as the first book but still...
What is important is that Seth gets a whole chapter to be a hero. And in that chapter he takes out not one but two really powerful demons. With the awesome sword that he collected on his quest, I might add. The task of defeating these demons very nearly kills him, but it still was a pretty sweet moment.
And just when I have the smallest... oh who am I kidding. I was pretty sure at the end of that chapter, Mull was going to piss me off again.
So Seth comes back to the sidelines all beaten up. And Kendra, seeing her brother in this state, is really upset. She picks up his sword and... turns super sayian.
Now to understand why I hate this part of the book you have to understand something about this sword. Seth went on a half a book long quest to get this sword. His blood sweat and tears are in it now. And not only did he have to go kill people for the sword, it chose him as its new owner. The first new owner in over a century. Seth was supposed to be seen as this remarkable human being for having accomplished such a feat. It was his one true outshining of his sister. It may not have been as pretty a accomplishment as her "fairy born" crap was. But it was something he worked hard for. He earned that sword.
Kendra picks it up after it "calls to her" and freaking turns into a super fairy chick. She goes all berserker on the biggest and baddest king of demons and manages to KILL him WITHOUT a single scratch. You can't say this wouldn't sicken you. I mean it sickens me just typing this.
Might I also add that both the Fairy Queen herself and her son (Gavin 2.0) were fighting the demon without so much as scratching him. And little Kendra comes out of nowhere and hacks him to pieces. This should piss every reader off. Obviously it didn't, because people put this book on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
How Seth must have felt when his sister picked up "his" sword! He kind of laughs it off but you can tell through Seth's body language and dialogue (even if Mull didn't mean it) that Seth is not thrilled with his sister's success. I may be reading into something that isn't there. But when Seth started downplaying his own role in their victory when explaining to his parents and praising Kendra's- I just wanted to give him a hug. Wouldn't you feel like crap if that happened to you? I mean, sure you'd be happy to be alive. And you'd be glad that the demon king was defeated. But wouldn't you feel like all your hard work was just to be a messenger boy for your elder sister? Talk about incoming inferiority complex.
Mull even writes in something along the lines of "Seth wasn't even upset that Kendra defeated the demon king singlehandedly..." in exposition. But really, that was more like Mull trying to cover up his mistake. He knew Seth would be pissed. But instead of writing his character like his character were a real person, he pretends that Seth is okay with the whole thing. So that in the final scenes, Seth seems real distant and out of character.
I think Mull just realized that he was almost done with this stupid series and just couldn't stand to write anymore. So he didn't put any serious thought into how Seth might have felt. And instead focused on the Gavin 2.0 and Kendra love story. Which is really not that cute. Most of the time I was just like... oh just kiss her and go away already. I'm tired of both of you.
Seth was supposed to have a minor quest at the end. Something he promised the fates. But Mull didn't think it was important to follow up on it because it would mean Seth would get to do something awesome and Mull hates Seth.
So he ends the series with Kendra sharing a tender moment with unicorn boy. And Seth kinda off to the side, wondering when he will get his own book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
I hate saying goodbye especially to the series that I have come to love so much. I can't get the world of Fablehaven out of my head and heart. I feel like life's not going to be the same without this series. Yep I'm being emotional but it's true.
Kendra and Seth Sorensen, brother and sister duo whom I didn't like at all in the first book have grown on me a lot especially Seth. Seth kept me completely hooked and entertained. We are introduced with Bracken in this book. Although he's great as he's a unicorn and Fairy Queen's only son, he's no Gavin. This is one part where I felt like that Brandon Mull manipulated with my emotions where he gives Kendra what she's always been fascinated with (Kendra loves unicorns and she didn't even know if they truly existed) because Gavin died in the last book.
Oh boy! I totally saw it coming with Graulas. I still don't know how I feel about how the tables turned and The Sphinx ended up helping them. I mean none of it would have happened if The Sphinx hadn't started all that in the first place.
I also wish there was more role of The Eternals. Because the whole thing felt rushed to tie all the loose ends. Also about Seth not being able to use the sword but Kendra gets to use it made me mad. I felt so bad for Seth that he goes through all this only not to be able to use the sword. And Kendra gets everything in the end. Yes Bracken felt like another piece to tie the loose end. I didn't really like the idea of Bracken and Kendra ending up together.
Again I wanted more of Vanessa and I loved how Warren and Vanessa end up together. Doren and Newel always put a smile on my face. So do Hugo and Mendigo. Rex was pretty amazing too.
Minus few things, I really liked the book and can't wait to read the spin-off.
4.5 stars
Kendra and Seth Sorensen, brother and sister duo whom I didn't like at all in the first book have grown on me a lot especially Seth. Seth kept me completely hooked and entertained. We are introduced with Bracken in this book. Although he's great as he's a unicorn and Fairy Queen's only son, he's no Gavin. This is one part where I felt like that Brandon Mull manipulated with my emotions where he gives Kendra what she's always been fascinated with (Kendra loves unicorns and she didn't even know if they truly existed) because Gavin died in the last book.
Oh boy! I totally saw it coming with Graulas. I still don't know how I feel about how the tables turned and The Sphinx ended up helping them. I mean none of it would have happened if The Sphinx hadn't started all that in the first place.
I also wish there was more role of The Eternals. Because the whole thing felt rushed to tie all the loose ends. Also about Seth not being able to use the sword but Kendra gets to use it made me mad. I felt so bad for Seth that he goes through all this only not to be able to use the sword. And Kendra gets everything in the end. Yes Bracken felt like another piece to tie the loose end. I didn't really like the idea of Bracken and Kendra ending up together.
Again I wanted more of Vanessa and I loved how Warren and Vanessa end up together. Doren and Newel always put a smile on my face. So do Hugo and Mendigo. Rex was pretty amazing too.
Minus few things, I really liked the book and can't wait to read the spin-off.
4.5 stars
June 6, 2010
I feel like the last few weeks of my life have been consumed by the Fablehaven series. I get home from work, play with my family, and then I finally get to dedicate a short amount of time to reading. One of the greatest things about summer is that you can read fun books that don't make you think, and Fablehaven gave me the diversion I needed. As I reached the last 20 or so pages of the series, I found myself reading slower, not wanting the ride to end. It was a good ride, but like all good things, the ride must end at some point. (However, there is no rule that says you can't go on the ride more than once.)
Usually, I get annoyed by happily-ever-after endings. My English major training has done that to me. The only exception I have been able to make is Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books are perfect in every way and the characters paid a steep price to get their happy ending. I didn't feel that the Fablehaven characters paid that steep of a price to get their happy ending; however, the ending didn't annoy me--it was actually quite satisfying. I find myself comparing the book to the battles that we all must face while here in mortality. The fight seems hopeless at times, but there is always a ray of hope that things will be better--eternally better. I think the most strong parallel of this is seen in the Fairy Queen giving up her realm for the good of all of mankind. That was the biggest sacrifice she could have made, and yet, she was rewarded a hundredfold in the end. She got to build up bigger and better kingdom, and this time she had her husband and her son by her side. I am a firm believer that if we are willing to sacrifice now, we will be rewarded an uncountable amount of time in the future. All we have to do is play our part, and we will experience eternal joy in the end.
I really enjoyed the role Doren and Newel played in these books. And Hugo. Hugo has become one of my most favorite characters. He is kind of synonomous with Hurley from Lost. Seth no longer drives me crazy--in fact, his sense of humor had me laughing out loud many times, something that usually only happens when I am reading Harry Potter. I am glad that Warren was able to play such a big part in the books. He is probably my most favorite character. However, I am still not a huge fan of Kendra. Despite the amazing things she has done, she still seems like a little girl to me, a little girl that is too afraid to jump off the high dive. That made the whole romance with Bracken even weirder. I must admit, I didn't see that coming. But alas, romance abounds everywhere. Bracken and Kendra's romance weirded me out less than the whole Warren and Vanessa thing. But maybe that is just because I wanted Warren to myself.
Now the books have come to an end, and it is time for me to start thinking about a new series to keep me occupied. However, whenever I think back on Doren and Newel's fondness for television, on Seth's and Warren's boyish fantasies, on the magical beauty of Fablehaven, I don't think I'll be able to stop the smile. Even in the world that I live in, Fablehaven can still work its magic.
Usually, I get annoyed by happily-ever-after endings. My English major training has done that to me. The only exception I have been able to make is Harry Potter. The Harry Potter books are perfect in every way and the characters paid a steep price to get their happy ending. I didn't feel that the Fablehaven characters paid that steep of a price to get their happy ending; however, the ending didn't annoy me--it was actually quite satisfying. I find myself comparing the book to the battles that we all must face while here in mortality. The fight seems hopeless at times, but there is always a ray of hope that things will be better--eternally better. I think the most strong parallel of this is seen in the Fairy Queen giving up her realm for the good of all of mankind. That was the biggest sacrifice she could have made, and yet, she was rewarded a hundredfold in the end. She got to build up bigger and better kingdom, and this time she had her husband and her son by her side. I am a firm believer that if we are willing to sacrifice now, we will be rewarded an uncountable amount of time in the future. All we have to do is play our part, and we will experience eternal joy in the end.
I really enjoyed the role Doren and Newel played in these books. And Hugo. Hugo has become one of my most favorite characters. He is kind of synonomous with Hurley from Lost. Seth no longer drives me crazy--in fact, his sense of humor had me laughing out loud many times, something that usually only happens when I am reading Harry Potter. I am glad that Warren was able to play such a big part in the books. He is probably my most favorite character. However, I am still not a huge fan of Kendra. Despite the amazing things she has done, she still seems like a little girl to me, a little girl that is too afraid to jump off the high dive. That made the whole romance with Bracken even weirder. I must admit, I didn't see that coming. But alas, romance abounds everywhere. Bracken and Kendra's romance weirded me out less than the whole Warren and Vanessa thing. But maybe that is just because I wanted Warren to myself.
Now the books have come to an end, and it is time for me to start thinking about a new series to keep me occupied. However, whenever I think back on Doren and Newel's fondness for television, on Seth's and Warren's boyish fantasies, on the magical beauty of Fablehaven, I don't think I'll be able to stop the smile. Even in the world that I live in, Fablehaven can still work its magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
❝ Causes have a way of tainting your reason until a person takes much bigger risks than sanity would otherwise allow.❞
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
sitting here depressed because I just finished another series. why do I do this to myself? 😔
⤷ but seriously, this series was way too much fun. 😻 I loved every second of it! Out of the five books in the series, none of them were under four stars which earns the author an infinity of awesome points in my book. And yes, this is going to be a series recap bc I wrote lowkey boring one-liner reviews for most of the others lol. 🫢🫢🫢
⤷ what really astounded me was the originality of the plot! I've never read any other fantasy like this one. So many unique details, storylines, and twists. Brandon Mull has an amazing brain. I very much enjoyed learning about all the characters, creatures and reserves.
⤷ character breakdown because I loved all of them!
∿ Kendra: girlie pop was my favorite! I admired her courage, clear headedness, forbearance, and patience. And she's super cool! I wish I had been blessed my fairies lol.🧚🏻♀️✨
∿ Seth: this little rat had some much needed character development. He was super problematic in the first few but did provide comical relief.
∿ Warren: tehehehe who said middle grade couldn't have hot male characters? Definitely not me! 😏😏😏 I loved him so much.
∿ Bracken: he was sooooooooooo cute omg??? And his romance with Kendra!! maniac laughing They're so Lover coded HAHAHAHA.
that's all I just did my absolute favs!
the Fablehaven series is 100% worth your time, and so much better quality then some of the crappy books out there! This is definitely a series my kids are going to read one day. 🤍
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
sitting here depressed because I just finished another series. why do I do this to myself? 😔
⤷ but seriously, this series was way too much fun. 😻 I loved every second of it! Out of the five books in the series, none of them were under four stars which earns the author an infinity of awesome points in my book. And yes, this is going to be a series recap bc I wrote lowkey boring one-liner reviews for most of the others lol. 🫢🫢🫢
⤷ what really astounded me was the originality of the plot! I've never read any other fantasy like this one. So many unique details, storylines, and twists. Brandon Mull has an amazing brain. I very much enjoyed learning about all the characters, creatures and reserves.
⤷ character breakdown because I loved all of them!
∿ Kendra: girlie pop was my favorite! I admired her courage, clear headedness, forbearance, and patience. And she's super cool! I wish I had been blessed my fairies lol.🧚🏻♀️✨
∿ Seth: this little rat had some much needed character development. He was super problematic in the first few but did provide comical relief.
∿ Warren: tehehehe who said middle grade couldn't have hot male characters? Definitely not me! 😏😏😏 I loved him so much.
∿ Bracken: he was sooooooooooo cute omg??? And his romance with Kendra!! maniac laughing They're so Lover coded HAHAHAHA.
that's all I just did my absolute favs!
the Fablehaven series is 100% worth your time, and so much better quality then some of the crappy books out there! This is definitely a series my kids are going to read one day. 🤍
April 9, 2009
Very exciting. I liked meeting new people and traveling to another preserve. The dragons were amazing. And whether or not it was intentional, Raxtus made me laugh. It's interesting to see Kendra's relationship with the Fairy Queen develop. I'm glad Seth's character is growing up; he's a lot like Warren now. Unfortunately, Warren has the worst luck of anyone.
March 30, 2022
Cudowna seria ❤️
Szczególnie polecam audiobooki, Janusz Zadura zrobił świetną robotę 👌
Szczególnie polecam audiobooki, Janusz Zadura zrobił świetną robotę 👌
July 16, 2022
Poddaję się.
Basniobór jest dla mnie jak ten mem z rysunkiem konia
Basniobór jest dla mnie jak ten mem z rysunkiem konia
March 20, 2014
The conclusion to the five book series focusing on a brother and sister who discover a magical world run by their grandparents. I'm in the minority for loving it way more than Harry Schmotter, er, Potter. :)
Anyway, without giving spoilers there are a good number of twists and minor to moderate surprises. Mind you, that's for an adult reading the book. I suspect teen agers might be more amazed by things and such. Bracken was the most interesting secondary character and the verbal duels with the Sphinx as well as the many fairy preserves were thought provoking.
PAGE COUNT: 544 pp.; WHEN READ: March to July 2010; MY GRADE: B to B plus.
Anyway, without giving spoilers there are a good number of twists and minor to moderate surprises. Mind you, that's for an adult reading the book. I suspect teen agers might be more amazed by things and such. Bracken was the most interesting secondary character and the verbal duels with the Sphinx as well as the many fairy preserves were thought provoking.
PAGE COUNT: 544 pp.; WHEN READ: March to July 2010; MY GRADE: B to B plus.
May 3, 2022
✨4,5✨
Jezujezujezujezuuu, kocham ta serię całym sercem! Troche smutno, że to już ostatni tom, alee na szczęście jeszcze mam smocza straz! 😌❤️❤️ Czytajcie koniecznie ludziska! <33
Jezujezujezujezuuu, kocham ta serię całym sercem! Troche smutno, że to już ostatni tom, alee na szczęście jeszcze mam smocza straz! 😌❤️❤️ Czytajcie koniecznie ludziska! <33
February 7, 2019
A good ending for a lovely series!
And I'll be looking out for more Brandon Mull books. Because they are great!!!
And I'll be looking out for more Brandon Mull books. Because they are great!!!
Read
January 4, 2020کل مجموعه رو بعد از چند سال برای بار دوم خوندم که سنگینی این روزها کمی قابل تحملتر بشه...
این هم اولین کتاب 2020
هر چند تکراری
این هم اولین کتاب 2020
هر چند تکراری
December 7, 2020
This is a long book, and it’s jam-packed. It’s like four books in one. This is the thrilling conclusion to the Fablehaven series (at least until Dragonwatch). I had forgotten a lot of this book!
Seth and Kendra are on separate adventures for most of the book. There are new and old characters, some surprises, and a respectable body count. It’s all very exciting, and as always Mull’s imagination is enviable. Definitely read the previous books first.
I’m not crazy about the narrator. He sounds like he’s reading to a bunch of 5-year-olds. I guess it’s fine for young kids, but for anyone else it’s kind of slow and patronizing.
Seth and Kendra are on separate adventures for most of the book. There are new and old characters, some surprises, and a respectable body count. It’s all very exciting, and as always Mull’s imagination is enviable. Definitely read the previous books first.
I’m not crazy about the narrator. He sounds like he’s reading to a bunch of 5-year-olds. I guess it’s fine for young kids, but for anyone else it’s kind of slow and patronizing.
June 14, 2017
God, this series is my everything.
April 8, 2010
I started this book a few evenings after it came out and told myself I would put it down and go to bed as soon as I reached a stopping point. I finished the book seven hours later, having read the entire thing straight through, because as it turned out, there are no stopping points. The book sucks you in from the first chapter and doesn't let you go until it's done.
The story follows Kendra, Seth and their friends all over the world, from the Middle East to the American deep south to Scotland to the Canadian wilderness. There they encounter Mull's usual array of original magical beings and familiar mythical creatures with the author's unique twist. Kendra and Seth both grow immensely in this book, with Kendra learning that sometimes you have to take action and Seth learning that sometimes you have to think. Reading the last battle scene, it's really incredible to see how far they've come, when you think of how in the first book, Kendra was shy and scared and Seth was pretty much an idiot.
And the book is surprisingly profound in places, commenting, without preaching, about the nature of good and evil and temptation and choices. A great read and an excellent end to an excellent series.
The story follows Kendra, Seth and their friends all over the world, from the Middle East to the American deep south to Scotland to the Canadian wilderness. There they encounter Mull's usual array of original magical beings and familiar mythical creatures with the author's unique twist. Kendra and Seth both grow immensely in this book, with Kendra learning that sometimes you have to take action and Seth learning that sometimes you have to think. Reading the last battle scene, it's really incredible to see how far they've come, when you think of how in the first book, Kendra was shy and scared and Seth was pretty much an idiot.
And the book is surprisingly profound in places, commenting, without preaching, about the nature of good and evil and temptation and choices. A great read and an excellent end to an excellent series.
February 18, 2022
4.75/5 ⭐
WOW WOW WOW! Cóż za poruszające zakończenie serii! Tyle emocji, tyle zwrotów akcji, tyle zaskoczeń! No i oczywiście łzy w oczach na koniec. Ten tom był chyba najlepszy ze wszystkich ❤ Pokochałam tę serię, stała się ona moim totalnym comfort readem, na maxa się cieszę, że poznałam przygody Kendry i Setha! No i całym serduchem pokochałam Raxtusa, Bubdę, Patona i wielu, wielu innych bohaterów! Audiobook całej serii jest wykonany mistrzowsko! Właśnie w takiej formie zapoznawałam si�� z jej treścią :) już się nie mogę doczekać, aż baśniobór trafi na moje półki, muszę mieć te książki w wersji fizycznej! No i oczywiście, Smocza Straż też będzie czytana! Nie jestem gotowa na rozstanie z tymi bohaterami!
WOW WOW WOW! Cóż za poruszające zakończenie serii! Tyle emocji, tyle zwrotów akcji, tyle zaskoczeń! No i oczywiście łzy w oczach na koniec. Ten tom był chyba najlepszy ze wszystkich ❤ Pokochałam tę serię, stała się ona moim totalnym comfort readem, na maxa się cieszę, że poznałam przygody Kendry i Setha! No i całym serduchem pokochałam Raxtusa, Bubdę, Patona i wielu, wielu innych bohaterów! Audiobook całej serii jest wykonany mistrzowsko! Właśnie w takiej formie zapoznawałam si�� z jej treścią :) już się nie mogę doczekać, aż baśniobór trafi na moje półki, muszę mieć te książki w wersji fizycznej! No i oczywiście, Smocza Straż też będzie czytana! Nie jestem gotowa na rozstanie z tymi bohaterami!
November 18, 2015
This last book in the Fablehaven series was Is Everything
I Laughed, Cried. Cheered and Fell in Love, whilst reading this Gem. I did not want this to end. I wanted more, so much more. The plot twist was believable and enjoyable, the characters ( new and old ) were Amazing and the action and suspense was most certainly, a Euphoric Experience.
I Love these Memorable Characters Immensely. Middle Grade book my Ass, this read is for any and all age groups.
10 ~ I'm sad that is over, but feel honored that I experience it ~ Stars
I Laughed, Cried. Cheered and Fell in Love, whilst reading this Gem. I did not want this to end. I wanted more, so much more. The plot twist was believable and enjoyable, the characters ( new and old ) were Amazing and the action and suspense was most certainly, a Euphoric Experience.
I Love these Memorable Characters Immensely. Middle Grade book my Ass, this read is for any and all age groups.
10 ~ I'm sad that is over, but feel honored that I experience it ~ Stars
March 18, 2021
4,5⭐
Będę tęsknić!❤️
Będę tęsknić!❤️
August 30, 2011
There seems to be a generation of Harry Potter fans who are looking for the fun, adventure, and growth that we experienced in that series. When cop-outs like Percy Jackson came out, we snatched them up in order to quench our thirst for more. What we got from these wanna-be stories is a sense of fun and adventure, but a lack of something deeper.
Don’t get me wrong. I both read and enjoyed the Percy Jackson books. They were adventurous and a whole lot of fun. However, I think most people would agree with my assessment that held up to Harry Potter, it was missing something.
Fablehaven is no cop-out. It’s a fantastic story that bows to no cliche’s without stretching them. It is a story about kids thrown into a world of magic, kids that still have families. (I know right? For awhile there we began to think that kids HAD to be orphans in order to have adventures.) It has the fun. It has the family-friendly appropriateness for all ages. It has the depth of character and theme. One of the strongest themes of the series is in the different types of heroism displayed by the two main characters.
Kendra vs. Seth
Kendra appeals to the sense that purity wins. She has her stuff together, she thinks things through, and she follows the rules (unless it would be more prudent not to). Throughout the series, this attribute, combined with her pure intentions, have won the day several times over.
Seth, on the other hand, is headstrong, rambunctious, and a little bit of a troublemaker – a man after my heart. In another world, he might have been named Calvin. Seth is consistently breaking rules, with the best of intentions, and making a mess of things. His mistakes needlessly throw others into danger, and though Seth does care, he doesn’t ever seem to gain his sister’s cool head.
Both are heroes. We have the pure hero, and the one who screwed up and has to fix it. Thematically, we have two lessons; first, that it is better not to screw up in the first place and second, that if you’ve already screwed up, you can learn from this by doing what you can to make it better.
But theme isn’t the only thing the book has going for it. With a world full of fairies, demons, Eternals, powerful artifacts and satyrs who are addicted to TV and junk food… well, to quote a certain Star Trek character,
“You don’t have to take my word for it”
Go pick one up for yourself. Or better yet, for us students, borrow from a friend – this is a series worth discussing with buddies.
Don’t get me wrong. I both read and enjoyed the Percy Jackson books. They were adventurous and a whole lot of fun. However, I think most people would agree with my assessment that held up to Harry Potter, it was missing something.
Fablehaven is no cop-out. It’s a fantastic story that bows to no cliche’s without stretching them. It is a story about kids thrown into a world of magic, kids that still have families. (I know right? For awhile there we began to think that kids HAD to be orphans in order to have adventures.) It has the fun. It has the family-friendly appropriateness for all ages. It has the depth of character and theme. One of the strongest themes of the series is in the different types of heroism displayed by the two main characters.
Kendra vs. Seth
Kendra appeals to the sense that purity wins. She has her stuff together, she thinks things through, and she follows the rules (unless it would be more prudent not to). Throughout the series, this attribute, combined with her pure intentions, have won the day several times over.
Seth, on the other hand, is headstrong, rambunctious, and a little bit of a troublemaker – a man after my heart. In another world, he might have been named Calvin. Seth is consistently breaking rules, with the best of intentions, and making a mess of things. His mistakes needlessly throw others into danger, and though Seth does care, he doesn’t ever seem to gain his sister’s cool head.
Both are heroes. We have the pure hero, and the one who screwed up and has to fix it. Thematically, we have two lessons; first, that it is better not to screw up in the first place and second, that if you’ve already screwed up, you can learn from this by doing what you can to make it better.
But theme isn’t the only thing the book has going for it. With a world full of fairies, demons, Eternals, powerful artifacts and satyrs who are addicted to TV and junk food… well, to quote a certain Star Trek character,
“You don’t have to take my word for it”
Go pick one up for yourself. Or better yet, for us students, borrow from a friend – this is a series worth discussing with buddies.
June 5, 2022
خب، پنجگاه افسانه هم تمام شد
یادم نمیاد برای جلدهای قبل چیزی نوشتم یا نه ولی گفتم نظر کلیمو برای پایان مجموعه بنویسم
هر پنج جلد فوق العاده بود و اصلا حس نمیکردم که حتی کوچکترین مشکلی داشته باشه.
داستان حول محور یه خواهر و برادر بود که پدربزرگ و مادربزرگشون یه پناهگاه افسانه دارند. یعنی درواقع یه پناهگاه برای موجودات جادویی از سنتورها تا پری ها و .... ماجرا ولی به همین سادگی نیست و یک سازمانی بنام ستاره ی مغرب میخواد دری به دنیای شیاطین باز کنه و همه ی هیولاهارو آزاد کنه. و این سازمان و افراد شروری که براش کار میکنن به دلایلی به دنبال برادر وخواهر داستان ما هستن و کلا سرنوشتشون به این جنگ گره میخوره.
فضای داستان به هیچ عنوان سیاه نیست. حتی طنز هم داره ولی به موقع خودش داستان پر از اکشن،خیانت، غافلگیری، خشونت و همدستان نامحتملیه که هر کدوم به نحوی داستان رو پیش میبرن.
یادم نمیاد برای جلدهای قبل چیزی نوشتم یا نه ولی گفتم نظر کلیمو برای پایان مجموعه بنویسم
هر پنج جلد فوق العاده بود و اصلا حس نمیکردم که حتی کوچکترین مشکلی داشته باشه.
داستان حول محور یه خواهر و برادر بود که پدربزرگ و مادربزرگشون یه پناهگاه افسانه دارند. یعنی درواقع یه پناهگاه برای موجودات جادویی از سنتورها تا پری ها و .... ماجرا ولی به همین سادگی نیست و یک سازمانی بنام ستاره ی مغرب میخواد دری به دنیای شیاطین باز کنه و همه ی هیولاهارو آزاد کنه. و این سازمان و افراد شروری که براش کار میکنن به دلایلی به دنبال برادر وخواهر داستان ما هستن و کلا سرنوشتشون به این جنگ گره میخوره.
فضای داستان به هیچ عنوان سیاه نیست. حتی طنز هم داره ولی به موقع خودش داستان پر از اکشن،خیانت، غافلگیری، خشونت و همدستان نامحتملیه که هر کدوم به نحوی داستان رو پیش میبرن.
September 9, 2024
Na pewno sięgnę po smoczą straż. Ta seria była naprawdę dobra i jestem w szoku że tak bardzo się wciągnęła w nią. Jeszcze nie wiem który tom z pięciu był najlepszy bo dla mnie wszystkie były. Zakończenie było idealne.
April 1, 2010
My issue with this book is the same issue I've had with all of Mull's other books. The execution of his ideas is just mediocre. From a technical/grammatical standpoint, it's written pretty poorly. He employs very little imagery, and sometimes sounds like he learned to write by reading too many fantasy novels. Most good writers will show me what is happening. Mull just tells me. Lengthy descriptions and big words don't necessarily make good writing.
He took a long time to get into the flow of this book, which makes the first half seems very sporadic. I also think it was a mistake to introduce so many new characters in the last book of a series. In my mind, there were more concise ways to accomplish his goals without bringing in new people.
His ideas are good, he's pretty creative, and his characters are well developed, so in general, I like the story. I just wish it had been better written.
He took a long time to get into the flow of this book, which makes the first half seems very sporadic. I also think it was a mistake to introduce so many new characters in the last book of a series. In my mind, there were more concise ways to accomplish his goals without bringing in new people.
His ideas are good, he's pretty creative, and his characters are well developed, so in general, I like the story. I just wish it had been better written.
April 17, 2010
Brandon Mull is simply a wonderful writer. If I had kids, I'd MAKE them read this series.
All the other rave reviews are right on, and written by more talented reviewers than myself. I will add two points. First, I really like how Mr Mull weaves in little "life lessons," quite directly but without being preachy.
And, Mr. Mull, if you really are contemplating writing more Fabelhaven-related books, I would love to see more of Doren and Newel! I haven't laughed out loud at dialogue in a book in a very long time.
All the other rave reviews are right on, and written by more talented reviewers than myself. I will add two points. First, I really like how Mr Mull weaves in little "life lessons," quite directly but without being preachy.
And, Mr. Mull, if you really are contemplating writing more Fabelhaven-related books, I would love to see more of Doren and Newel! I haven't laughed out loud at dialogue in a book in a very long time.
December 5, 2021
Po pierwsze bóstwiam to w jaki sposób Seth dojrzewa na przestrzeni tomów. Chłopak staje się bardziej odpowiedzialny i mniej lekkomyślny.
Po drugie uważam, że to najciekawszy tom baśniobóru, dostajemy wiele akcji, bohaterów i opisów które są naprawdę cudowne. Myślę, że będę tęsknić za tymi bohaterami ( tak wiem,jest jeszcze smocza straż ale to już nie będzie to samo).Zaczęło się od przymusowych wakacji a skończyło na walce przeciw siłą zła. Podsumowując: CZYTAJCIE BAŚNIOBÓR!
Po drugie uważam, że to najciekawszy tom baśniobóru, dostajemy wiele akcji, bohaterów i opisów które są naprawdę cudowne. Myślę, że będę tęsknić za tymi bohaterami ( tak wiem,jest jeszcze smocza straż ale to już nie będzie to samo).Zaczęło się od przymusowych wakacji a skończyło na walce przeciw siłą zła. Podsumowując: CZYTAJCIE BAŚNIOBÓR!
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