Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague


Mull, Brandon. 2008. Fablehaven: Grip Of the Shadow Plague.

On a muggy August day, Seth hurried along a faint path, eyes scanning the lush foliage to his left. Tall, mossy trees overshadowed a verdant sea of bushes and ferns.

The third in the series, Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague continues the story of Kendra and Seth Sorenson, an unforgettable brother-sister team that (along with several 'responsible' adults including their grandparents) enjoys spending their summer vacations fighting in the ultimate battle between good and evil. If you haven't read the first two in the series, you should definitely do so. (That is if you love fantasy.) I enjoyed the first two. I really did. But this third one is even better--if that's possible. Every page was a pleasure. I didn't want to put it down.

For those that are familiar with the series, expect more of the same. But for those unfamiliar with Brandon Mull's fabulous series here's what you can expect. Adventure. More adventure. Danger. Action. Even more adventure. Some mystery. Some intrigue. Some surprises. If you love action, adventure, and mystery, then Fablehaven is definitely for you!

What's the third one about? Well the subtitle of "Grip of the Shadow Plague" says it all. Book 2 closes with the family securing--saving--Fablehaven, doesn't it? Does it? The traitor, Vanessa, has been captured and imprisoned in the Quiet Box. The Sphinx has taken away the other prisoner--the one who was released from the Quiet Box--and all seems to be well. But then if you remember Kendra discovers a note implying or suggesting that the Sphinx is not who he appears. That he is in fact the bad guy though he's been masquerading as one of the good guys--one of the top good guys--for decades and decades. The third book explores that claim and seeks to solve that mystery once and for all. But that doesn't even begin to capture what the third book is about. It is exciting. It is intense. It is good.

471 pages

6 comments:

Erin said...

I can't wait to read this!!

Alyssa F said...

I had the chance to have dinner with Brandon Mull last Wednesday. He says he thinks the Fablehaven books get better as they go. Can't wait to read this one... and only 1 year until the next!

chrisa511 said...

Yeah this one was great!! I should have my review of it up on Friday...at least that's my aim!

J Scott Savage said...

Great review. And a killer cover. Brandon said recently that when he saw the cover art, his inner ten year-old was jumping around shouting "Yes! Yes!" Which was actually kind of a fun thing to see him act out.

Framed said...

I just got an invitation to the launch party for this book in SLC. I may have to make arrangements to go. The illustrator will be there as well. I agree, this book cover is fantastic.

Framed said...

I don't want to be misleading. It's pretty much a form invitation to an open party but sounds like fun.