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)

Fun book! Narration needs some help.

Would you be willing to try another one of E. B. Stevens’s performances?

No

Any additional comments?

I read the book first and really enjoyed it. Very imaginative and clever for children and adults alike. When I listened to the audiobook, I cringed. I have to admit the guy has some very good character voices such as the troll and Muriel. However, his narrator voice made me feel like a preschooler listening to it--so sing-songy throughout. No variation whether it was a serious moment or a funny one. I hate to be negative about it, but I am having a hard time wanting to download the second book.

Narrator's voice bugs us

My 2 boys and I have been listening to this series and throughly enjoying it. The only issue is that none of us care for the narrator's voice. It's very grating and sounds phony. The same guy also narrates the Adventures Wanted series, unfortunately.

A good story overacted.

I read the book years ago. I bought this audiobook at my children's request before a road trip on which I was unable to accompany them. They complained of the narrator, so I decided to listen on my own. I like the story but was not a fan of the narration. It was overdramatic and felt like the narrator was narrating to a 2 year old. I do think it worked for the most part with the exuberance of Seth's character, however. In short, I like the story, not the narration.

Great adventure book, lots of fantastic Myth

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to someone that loves Fairy Tale adventure type books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Kendra. She had a great performance in this book.

What about E. B. Stevens’s performance did you like?

Very lively. He brought Each character to life very well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this could be a great book to sit and read while snowed in or just have a lot of time. It held my attention the whole time.

Any additional comments?

(SPOILER ALERT) However, I Did NOT like Seth... His blatant disregard for the Rules set forth and how he repeatedly kept breaking them, was exhausting and made me want to Punch him in the face.

Love these books, but...

I am a huge fan of this series. It has clever storytelling and twists.

The one thing that ruins the audiobook for me is the narrator. TERRIBLE!! If you listen to a sample you'll hear that he speaks every sentence as if he's imparting the most important news in the world. Even when it comes to Dad eating a Toblerone.

I get that the series is for kids, but that doesn't mean you need to talk down to them.

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY