Oct 092015
 

Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven

Product Details

  • Title: The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven
  • Author: Brandon Mull
  • Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
  • Hardcover: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (October 13, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1629720917
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.
Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.
My Review: by Sheila
Fablehaven has always been one of my favorite series. It is special and so unique in it’s characters and the storyline. I have found that fans of all ages love Fablehaven and this book will make all Fablehaven fans scream with delight! It was so exciting to be able to review an early e-copy of The Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven. This book is absolutely beautiful! It showcases the amazing talents of illustrator Brandon Dorman, who brings to life in colorful drawings and sketches, all of the characters and creatures found in the Fablehaven series. There are many descriptions and notes from the characters, spilling details from the series for those who’ve never read them and for those of us who need to revisit them again. 
My family is such a huge fan of Brandon Mull’s books, but especially this series. We will make sure that this book is a part of our already huge collection of Mull’s work. With a new series of Fablehaven books coming out next year (YAY!), this guide will get you pumped up for the continuation of the world of Fablehaven.
Fablehaven Caretakers
Excerpt from Introduction:

If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create a Caretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Meet: Author Brandon Mull
Brandon Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four 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.
 ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Brandon Dorman
Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in childrens books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War series.
$25 Blog Tour giveaway
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/28/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aug 162011
 

If you could read only ONE book from your to-read list, what would it be and why?
What are you looking forward to? Is it a sequel? Have all of your friends read it and you’re tired of being the odd one out? Is there a movie being released that is based on the book? Are you in love with the cover? Leave the link to your To-Read Tuesday blog post or just tell us which book you would read and why in the comments below.

Shanda

I Don’t Want to Kill You by Dan Wells.

I can hear everyone now- “You haven’t read it yet??” I have been meaning to read this book for so long. It has been sitting on my shelf for months. I finally realized that I think I’m in denial about the awesomeness of this series being over. If I haven’t read the last book, it hasn’t ended for me yet, right? I know. Time to rip off the Band-Aid.

Sheila

Heart of a Hero by Marie Higgins

I want to read this book because I started it last week, and I really want to see what happens.

Mindy

Beyonders by Brandon Mull.

I really loved the Fablehaven series and I’m excited to see what this one is all about.

Don’t forget to tell us which book on your to-read list you have been dying to read!

Apr 162010
 


Title: Fablehaven Book Five: Keys to The Demon Prison

Author: Brandon Mull
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published Date: March 2010

ISBN#: 13 978-1-60641-238-1

Hardcover: 593 pages

“Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison.

Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx’s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.”


Brandon Mull has done it again. He has written an action packed fantasy novel, with many mysteries that are finally revealed. I have to admit, I was looking forward to this book being released and hating the fact that it was finally being released. I have loved reading the Fablehaven series. I was hooked from the first book. As each book came out the stories became better and more interesting.

One aspect of the Fablehaven books is, once you start reading them it is hard to put them down. It is not any different with the fifth book, Keys to The Demon Prison. One thing that you will notice soon after you start to read, is that Seth and Kendra truly take center stage in this last book. They have grown up and are taking on the roles of hero and heroine.

Many new characters were added to the story this go around. They were essential to the storyline, but I missed some of my old, favorite characters. Tanu, is one of my favorites and he wasn’t in this final book very much. Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson were only here and there a few times. Of course we learn many new things about the Sphinx and the motivations behind his actions. Brandon Mull also includes so many twists and turns in this book, it is hard to read without feeling some anxiety! He also really knows how to bring everything together at the end that you have been wondering about. I truly was surprised a few times at things that were revealed.

Do you notice how vague I am being? I am doing it on purpose because I do not want to ruin the book for you.Let’s just say, this is a must read for anyone that has read any of the other Fablehaven books. You will not be disappointed at the ending, except for the fact the series is ending. I would have been happy with four or five more books in the series. Unfortunately, I do not think Brandon Mull would agree. He has many great ideas for a new series and other books. I look forward to seeing what else Brandon will create and I will happily dive in to whatever he writes next.

My Rating: 4 1/2 stars (Because I did not want the series to end.) 5 for the content.

-Read it again? Yes, many times in the future.

-Recommend it? Yes, to everyone who likes a great fantasy with lots of action and well developed characters.

-Read more of Brandon’s book? You can count on it!

Purchase Fablehaven Book 5: Keys of the Demon Prison here.

You can visit the Fablehaven’s website here.

To learn more about Brandon visit his website here.


Apr 062010
 

Teaser Tuesdays are back! Don’t forget to leave a teaser from your current read in the comments section below.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
Shanda’s Teaser:

“They were on the outskirts of Paris when Isabella made her move. She had almost passed a sleepy tree-lined boulevard when she swerved onto it, barley missing an older man intent on crossing the street. She gunned the engine and sped down the small road.”
Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon, page 92
Sheila’s Teaser:

“Stop!” Seth yelled, swinging his torch angrily. The corpses paused. “I’m not afraid anymore! You just startled me.” As he said the words, he realized they were true. Apparently the standing dead could sense it as well. None of them stirred.

Fablehaven Book 5: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull, page 447

Nov 172007
 
Podcast for November 17, 2007
Episode 17

Join us in episode 17 as we discuss The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull and The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright.  Don’t forget to submit your nominations for the Whitney Awards at www.whitneyawards.com.

[podcast]http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/shows/2007-11-17/ldswbr_episode17_11-17-07.mp3[/podcast]