Fablehaven

It is a good time for me to talk about Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, because I intend to finish the 2nd in the series today. Hopefully. When I read a book, and I know it's part of a series, I have mixed feelings. One of my habits (quirks) is to read all of the books in the series, so I always hope that it's going to be good and I can get excited about and look forward to the next one. Usually, this is the case. But not always. A Series of Unfortunate Events - 3 books would have been plenty. I hated the series way before the 13th came out. But I read them. UGH! 39 Clues - again, just want to be done. Cut to the chase. Put me out of my misery. But I'll read them. I'm just not too thrilled with nearly everything having to belong to a series. I can really appreciate an author who can tell their story in a single, manageable book.

Fablehaven, from what I have read, is a complete 5-book set: Rise of the Evening Star, Grip of the Shadow Plague, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Keys to the Demon Prison. The last book was published March 23, 2010. Decatur Public Library owns the first 3, but I will be putting the other 2 in a book cart to order if they have not been already. I'm happy to say that I looked forward to reading book 2 and have not been disappointed!

Kendra and her younger brother Seth have been sent to their grandparents' house while their parents go on an unexpected vacation. They have never been there and hardly even know their grandparents. Thinking about it, they can't remember a time when they were visited by both grandparents together. One or the other would make a necessary appearance and stay aloof. In fact, Kendra knows that Grandpa doesn't really want them to visit. They are not too excited to be dropped off.

It turns out the sibling's grandparents are the co-guardians of a preserve called Fablehaven. It is a secret sanctuary where fairies, goblins, imps, brownies, satyrs and golems reside. Kendra and Seth have to be brought into the secret because Seth has a habit of making rash choices that go against the rules that have been laid out for them. Don't enter the woods. Don't enter the barn. Don't drink the milk. Stay in your room at night. Seth sets out for the woods never considering the possible dangers, and meets a witch. Then Kendra breaks a rule and drinks the milk and now she can see that all the butterflies and dragonflies and birds are actually fairies.

For the kids' safety, Grandpa is forced to tell them the secrets of Fablehaven. They could so easily make a mistake that could put their lives in danger. Maybe catch a fairy in a jar and keep it inside overnight. Now they are allowed to drink a mug of special milk everymorning so that they can see the preserve for what it really is. There are still rules to be followed, but now they know the reason for the rules. When you hurt a fairy, they are allowed to reciprocate. Even if it is done out of ignorance. There are many evil creatures on the preserve and they are restricted from entering the house or even the yard. Obeying the rules can be the difference between life and death.

But Seth still has not learned his lesson after being turned into a monstrous walrus-like creature. It is Midsummer Night's Eve and special precautions must be taken. It is the night when all of the magical creatures of Fablehaven will come out and celebrate the night. The instructions are to stay in the bedroom. Do NOT look out the window. Certainly, do NOT open it regardless of what is seen or heard. Wear earplugs to help. Do not leave the room until Grandpa comes in in the morning to announce breakfast. What do you think Seth goes and does?

I mentioned that books with a male main character gain a greater audience than those with heroines. Here is a possible exception. Kendra and Seth come together as a set. Occasionally they have adventures on their own and we follow them. Seth is an over-brave, not-putting-too-much-thought-in-his-actions kind of kid. Kendra is thoughtful and cautious and does not consider herself very brave. But it is up to Kendra, alone, to save her family and Fablehaven. That kind of responsibility will lead to greater courage. And she will be rewarded for it. I think even the boys can get interested in this one. There is enough of Seth to keep it boyish. And they can identify with his arguments against his over-safe older sister. There are evil, nasty creatures to compensate for the beautiful, yet snarky, fairies. There is plenty of action and adventure as well.

Kendra and Seth prove that they are capable of believing and living with their grandparents unusual life. They are let into more and more of the possibilities, opportunities and dangers of being guardians. But this is fantasy based upon the presence of magical creatures and humans who learn magic and the use of potions to keep the creatures at bay. The law is "And it harm none, do what you will." It is a tenuous treaty, that once broken, results in violent chaos.

There is another mystery. Where is Grandma really? Visiting a sick friend or in some kind of danger?