Kendra and Seth are forced to spend their break with grandparents they've almost never seen. Unbeknownst to them, they are guardians of a magical haven for mystical creatures and they are about to be wrapped up in the madness.

Such a wonderful book! What an excellent take on modern-day fantasy. It manages to make everything believable while also maintaining that beloved mystery and magic that fantasy requires.

When my 10 year old, whose not a reader, told me I have to read this book, I knew it had to be good! Not as complex as Harry Potter, but good character development and action!

I read this because the author is coming to speak at my library, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable read.

The story follows Kendra and Seth (sibilings) who go to stay with their Grandpa on his big estate. But Grandpa's estate isn't what it appears to be. With a combination of Seth's snooping and Kendra's detective work, the kids figure out that Grandpa is actually the caretaker for a magical preserve called Fablehaven, home to many different types of magical creatures. But not all these creatures are good, and when Seth doesn't follow the carefully laid out rules, the two children find themselves on an epic adventure to save Fablehaven and their family.

This is a great action/adventure/fantasy book. It's a good Harry Potter read alike. I'm starting the second book now so I don't know if the series will get darker like Harry Potter did, but this book was great for middle grade readers even as young as third or fourth grade.

McKinely asked me to rate this series. We read these together and really enjoyed them.

Read for the first time when I was in fifth grade, revisited when I was stuck at my mom’s house during the initial covid lockdown. These books are all super fun. Love the idea of the sanctuaries, love the fairies and the demons, that fourth book is really fun, the stakes seem to get higher and higher every book in a fun way. Reminds me of harry potter.

In elementary school, author Brandon Mull came and spoke to our school to promote his new book, Fablehaven #2. In preparation for his visit, I read this (and another of his books). I acknowledge there may be some nostalgic bias, but 15 years later, this still holds up as a well-written book with an engaging story and fantastic world-building.

Aimed towards younger children. Interesting, but a the pacing dragged a little. I can see how it would be great for kids who might not be able to handle the darkness of the later Harry Potter books.

I must be an adult now, because I can't stand it when characters are determined to do things that people tell them specifically not to do: "DON'T OPEN THAT WINDOW, SETH!" "HEY, I'M GOING TO OPEN THIS WINDOW!" As a kid, I might've been more supportive of the rule-breaking, but as an adult, I'm a bit over it.

Envision a world where you can see monsters. In the book, Fablehaven, two kids named Seth and Kendra have to stay with their grandparents, while their parents are on a trip. They soon find out the place they are staying at is a place for monsters. Both friendly and the most dangerous monsters. One night, when the monsters are free to roam wherever, it goes totally wrong when one of the children don't follow the instructions they were given. Soon Kendra and Seth find themselves trying to save their family while going through dangerous adventures. This book is very adventurous, so if you love to read adventure books, this one is the perfect one for you. -Neyvada S., Teen Advisory Board Reviewer

Moses and I listened to this on the way to school in the mornings. (I hated the narration.) I hope it’s A different reader for the next book because Moses wants to listen to the sequel.

This book presents well-known varieties of fairies in fresh ways, which is pretty impressive, considering the books were written in the 70s! The brother and sister main characters play off of each other nicely, with different strengths and personalities. I'm glad my daughter asked me to read this series!