In the first book, we met Kendra and her younger brother Seth. Their grandparents Sorenson are the guardians of a secret preserve for magical creatures known as Fablehaven. When Kendra and Seth spent the summer with them, they were allowed to discover some of the magic and secrets of Fablehaven. They ended up saving the preserve from certain destruction by leading an army of good creatures against the demon Bahumet and the Muriel the Witch.
The second book opens with the kids back home and in school. Kendra has a new student in her class and all of the girls have fallen head over heals for his charm and good looks. Kendra doesn't understand why because when she looks at the new boy, she's sees a filthy, disgusting, smelly, droolings, goblin-like creature. Seth confirms for Kendra what she has come to suspect. Seth also sees a handsome, well-dressed boy. Kendra is able to see magical creatures without drinking the magic milk! But why is a goblin in school? And why is he wreaking havoc and to what end?
In walks smooth-talking, unusually-dressed magician, Errol. He claims to be friends with Grandpa Sorenson and he also claims he can help with the goblin problem, but he will need the kids' help. There is a magical artifact in town that must be stolen from its owner and given to the goblin. The goblin will be forced to return the artifact to its origin. It all works according to plan. Errol is heavy with the flattery and is quick to invite the kids on another adventure that requires secrecy and sneaking! Kendra's intuition is telling her something is amiss and she still cannot get a hold of Grandpa Sorenson to confirm Errol's identity!
In walks attractive and exotic Vanessa to the rescue. Grandpa Sorenson has sent her to rescue the children and bring them to Fablehaven. As the three exit the house to begin their drive, Errol is hard on their heels and there are more golem-like creatures trying to prevent their escape! Yes, the action never slows down in the second book.
Vanessa is a keeper of magical creatures and also a Knight of the Dawn. She has been invited to Fablehaven to assist in the quest for Fablehaven's hidden artifact. She in not the only Knight invited. Coulter is an expert of magical items, relics and talismans. Tanugatoa or Tanu is an expert in potions. Along with Grandma and Grandpa and Dale, the groundskeeper, these Knights of the Dawn must discover where the artifact is hidden and then extract it with as few casualties as possible.
Try as they might, the adults cannot prevent Kendra and Seth from helping them. Seth is always ready for adventure and never wants to be left behind. Kendra would be fine to stay at the mansion where it is safe, but the fairies have changed her with their kisses. She has become Fairykind and daily she is discovering new abilities that make her necessary to the questors. She can understand the fairy language. She can see in the dark. And she can recharge magical artifacts with power.
Seth is jealous of his sister's powers and her opportunities for adventure. Seth really got the short end of the stick this time. He is being chased by a demon frog who will stop at nothing until he eats Seth. And he will get eaten! I said it before and I'll say it again - there is no end to the adventure in this book. The Fablehaven books run close to 500 pages, but they fly by.
In the last book, "And it harm none, do what you will," was the prevalent moral of the book. In the second book, one idea stood blazingly out. I hope I don't massacre this too much, but Vanessa shares with Kendra a standard "setup". In order to get close to someone and earn their trust, it is not unusual for a person of evil intent to create a desperate situation for the person they are trying to get close to. Then, the "evil" person will rush to the aid of the "good" person and help them. Once the trust is gained, the "evil" person will stay in the good graces of the "good" person until the opportunity arises to take advantage of them. It's a setup that works well. It always has. It always will. It does multiple times in this book alone. You never know whom you can trust. Scary.
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