Fablehaven, Book 1

By: Brandon Mull

Narrated by: E. B. Stevens

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.

©2006 Brandon Mull (P)2006 Shadow Mountain

Critic reviews

"The dialogue snaps and sizzles... Like Harry Potter, Fablehaven can be read aloud in a family with as much pleasure for grownups as for children... Do yourself a favor, and don't miss the first novel by a writer who is clearly going to be a major figure in popular fantasy." (Orson Scott Card, New York Times Bestselling Author)

"Imagination runs wild in Fablehaven. It is a lucky book that can hold this kind of story." (Obert Skye, Author of Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo)

Great story, would have preferre a different read.

Would you listen to Fablehaven, Book 1 again? Why?

Love the story. Read all the books several times in print. Love being to listen to them on the go.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Yes. Me, and my older kids were turned off by the reader. Felt like an adult talking to a two year old.

Horrible narrater

This book is great and it was nearly ruined by the narrator. The tone and voice work were better suited for children's stories. This story is is mildly dark and meant to be scary and often sarcastic in the vein tone wise of the Harry Potter series. The reader does not know the meaning of sarcasm and is all around humorless and there are many funny parts to the story. The voice acting should have been on reading rainbow not in anything past a 1st grade reading level. What were you all thinning when you chose this guy. It is bad enough that the whole series should be rerecorded so others won't have to suffer.

Amazing!!!

This book was amazing. One of the best books I have ever read. I loved it!

Great Story

What aspect of E. B. Stevens’s performance would you have changed?

Was not a fan of the narration style. Very much geared towards children and had a slightly annoying quality to his intonation.

Any additional comments?

The chapter/book beginning /end Music overlaying the speech was highly annoying.

Great book for the whole family!

Such a sweet story! Just enough adventure and mischief to keep the kids entertained! We listened to this book in the car for about a month. My kids are ages 6 and 4 and we loved it! It might have been better for an older audience but it was very wholesome and not too deep and introspective so they were entertained!