Coming Soon

Beyonders (A world without heroes) by Brandon Mull comes out in less than 2 months (on March 15). Apparently the cover has a cool 3D effect, too. Can't wait! What books are you looking forward to reading?

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison

So two of my favorite stories concluded this week. LOST on TV and Fablehaven on the page. I'm still not sure which one I'll miss more, but Fablehaven did a much better job of tying up loose ends.

After reading the final installment in Brandon Mull’s 5-book series, my kids and I reached the final bittersweet chapter and I closed the book with a satisfied nod.

The Fablehaven series was stellar in that each installment was so completely entertaining and captivating on its own, but Keys to the Demon Prison wove all the storylines together into one epic journey. Kendra and Seth Sorenson’s adventure wraps up perfectly and although Mull swears there will not be a Book 6, he does leave the story open for future revisits.

Picking up where Dragon Sanctuary left off, Seth, Kendra and the Knights of Dawn continue their quest to collect the mysterious artifacts before The Sphinx can use them to open the Demon Prison. 

This is definitely the most action-packed of the five books, with its intense race around the globe, cool new characters, and final dramatic battle.

As sad as I was to see the series end, the wrap-up was just as wonderful a read as its predecessors. Without a doubt, this is one of my top ten favorite series for kids, and I look forward to Mull’s upcoming  The Beyonders with relish.

If there is one message Mull leaves us with, its this: don't be afraid of life's adventure. Go ahead. Drink the milk.

Another reason to love Brandon Mull

It looks like Channel 11 pulled the video story down, but I found this from his local Utah station. The boy is from Keller, not too far from me, and is a huge Fablehaven fan. He suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and may not live long enough to see the final book published. Brandon made a call to his hospital room to fill him in on some of the details.

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison revealed!

Brandon Mull hosted a fantastic live chat last night and revealed this mind-blowing cover to the final Fablehaven book.... look for it on the shelves next year!

First look at the new Fablehaven book this Friday

Brandon Mull posted this for his fans on Facebook today so I thought I'd post it here as well. Make note of the date for THIS FRIDAY for a Live Chat with the author and a reveal of the cover of the last Fablehaven book!

One of the most exciting parts of preparing my books for publication is seeing the new cover. I've been getting questions for about a year concerning what color the final book in the Fablehaven series will be, and what image it will depict. For much of the past year, I've also been asking those questions myself.

Brandon Dorman has illustrated all of my books so far, including my latest release, our picture book PINGO.I’m always excited to see what images he will create. He’s so talented that he seems to always exceed my expectations, but I think he saved the best for last. I got to help plan the cover for Fablehaven 5, but still the image he created blew me away. I think it visually helps reflect the content of the book, which contains the most action and adventure of any story I have written so far.

I will be conducting a live Q&A online this Friday, October 30th, at 6 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

During the live Q&A I will be revealing the new cover for Fablehaven 5, as well as answering questions about my books, my future plans, and of course the upcoming finale of the Fablehaven series. If you have the evening open, be sure to drop by and shoot me a few questions.

Please join me this Friday. You can watch it athttp://www.ustream.tv/channel/fablehaven or athttp://www.fablehaven.com/ustream

The broadcast will be through the web site Ustream.com. If you have a Ustream account (totally free to create) you can ask questions live. Otherwise, email me questions at brandon@fablehaven.com and tune in Friday at 6 p.m. MST.

Thanks a lot,
Brandon

Fablehaven The Movie -- casting rumors.

Apparently there are some rumors flying about some sort of casting call in Salt Lake City for a Fablehaven movie. Wanting to find out the truth, I went straight to the source: Brandon Mull himself. Here was his response:

"No casting news yet. There is still no production schedule for Fablehaven. They are still rewriting the screenplay. I'll definitely post about it on my websites and my Facebook if such info ever becomes available.

So the rumor was false!

But Fablehaven 5 will be out March 23, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out. I believe it will take readers on the best ride yet!"

I know I, for one, was disappointed to hear we are still so far away from what will no doubt be an EXCELLENT film.

On a positive note, March 23rd is only months away, so put the release date on your calendar and start re-reading the first four books NOW in preparation!!

Final Fablehaven book release date announced!

Brandon Mull posted on Facebook last night that Fablehaven 5 (Keys to the Demon Prison) will go on sale March 23, 2010.

Start counting down now!!

Also, his first picture book for younger readers is out: Pingo. Perfect for little brothers and sisters of Fablehaven fans.

Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Okay, it took me a few months to read the newest Fablehaven installment, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, but that was only because of previous reading commitments and a heavy schedule. Now that I've finally finished it, I'm thrilled to be able to post a glowing review. Because it ROCKED!

I took a few of my young reader friends to Brandon Mull's booksigning when he came through Dallas and the most gracious author not only did a great job of fielding questions, but signed stacks of books with enthusiasm.

Almost all of those young readers had finished the new book by that following weekend, and all told me how great it was. One even said it was their favorite one in the entire series. I was a little worried that over-hype might set in (you know, when everyone tells you something is SO great that your expectations are way too high) but, luckily, Mr. Mull came through in spades.

If you haven't read this series, check out the Wikipedia page for background. And see my review of Book 3 (Grip of the Shadow Plague) here.

Continuing Kendra and Seth's story, SODS picks up right where Shadow Plague leaves off. There are more artifacts to be collected, the Sphinx and the Society of the Evening Star are still out there, and Kendra's special fairy talents continue to put a target on her back.

Mull introduces new magical elements that keep the story zinging along as the gang must find their way to Wyrmroost, one of the frightening Dragon Sanctuaries, to keep the Sphinx from obtaining a key which will open the demon prison and allow the Sphinx to RULE THE WORLD (mwah ha ha ha).

Seth is his rule-breaking self, although he seems to have matured a bit, especially when faced with an emotional shock. Kendra is faced with more challenges than ever, dealing with the heavy responsibilities Patton has placed on her shoulders.

IMHO, this series ranks right up there with HP and Artemis Fowl for young fantasy readers, and book four continues to build the adventure stunningly -- complete with a "no way!" cliffhanger ending that will make waiting for the Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison achingly difficult. I know it will be for me.

Look for future news on these books being made into movies. If Hollywood doesn't do right by these, it will be a real shame.

4.75 bookmarks (because I do lend them out quite frequently). Sometimes intense, these adventures are most appropriate for readers 8 and up.

Brandon Mull Rocked the House!

Took the kids and some of their friends to see Brandon Mull at the Plano book-signing last night and he fielded some great questions from the audience. He was SUPER nice and took the time to sign stacks of books from everyone, talk earnestly to all the kids and even pose for pictures. The kids now have their noses stuck in his latest book "Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary" and look for a review very soon right here at Cool Kids Read.

Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary out tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day....

Fablehaven 4, The Secrets of theDragon Sanctuary is out and ready to be devoured by hungry Fablehaven fans everywhere! If you're lucky enough to be at the big release party in Salt Lake, I'M JEALOUS!! Please share your experiences in the comments section.

If you live in the Dallas area, a reminder that Mr. Mull himself will be at a book signing extravaganza put on by Radio Disney at the Plano Barnes & Noble. I'll be there, with all books ready for a signature from the master...

Who, by the way, was nice enough to take some time from his busy schedule and answer a few questions for Cool Kids Read.

Cool Kids Read: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Brandon Mull: For as long as I can remember, when I got bored, I made up stories in my head. And I got bored a lot. As I got older, the stories got cooler, and I eventually realized that if I wanted to share them, I needed to get good at writing them down.

CKR: What inspired the Fablehaven story?

MULL: The Chronicles of Narnia created in me not only a love of reading, but a deep and abiding interest in magical creatures and fantasy adventure stories. I used to live in Connecticut, and sometimes I would daydream about creatures inhabiting the woods around my house. As I tried to come up with excuses for magical creatures to exist in our world, I came up with the idea of secret wildlife parks for endangered mythical beings. The idea of secret wildlife refuges for magical creatures became a playground in my mind, and the Fablehaven series grew out of that concept.

CKR: We are all eagerly awaiting the release of the fourth Fablehaven Book: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. Which book of the series has been your favorite to write so far?

MULL: I think book 4 is my favorite so far. It might be because I’m a big fan of dragons. To me, they are the coolest, most iconic magical creature. We’ve only seen one dragon in the Fablehaven series so far, briefly, in book 3. Book 4 has lots of dragons, some fun twists and turns, and a bunch of great action. I think readers who are having fun with the series will only be more into it after Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.

CKR: When is Book 5 due out?

MULL: Book 5 should hit stores in the spring of 2010. I’m already working on it.

CKR: If you could visit the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe (from The Candy Shop War), and you could chose only one sweet, which would you chose?

MULL: Probably ironhides. Since those jawbreakers would make my skin invulnerable and my bones unbreakable, I could then discover what it would feel like to do crazy things like drive cars off cliffs.

CKR: What were your favorite books to read while you were growing up? What about now?

MULL: I mentioned that the Narnia books ignited my love of reading. Some other favorites include Ender’s Game, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Holes, and Dune.

CKR: What’s a book that you’ve read recently and did you like it?

MULL: I recently read the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix (Sabriel is the first) and found them fun.

CKR: If there was a movie of Fablehaven, who would you cast as Kendra and Seth? What about any other characters?

MULL: Avi Arad, the guy who produced Ironman, X-Men, and Spiderman, optioned the movie rights to Fablehaven, and the project is in the early phases of development. I’m horrible at casting, so I’m not sure who I would see as Kendra and Seth. I sort of have the characters in my head, and rarely can spot who match up perfectly.

CKR: IMDB lists CSW as in development. Any news there?

MULL: Candy Shop War was optioned by a company called New Regency, who has produced movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The project remains in the early stages of development.

CKR: What's next after you complete the Fablehaven series? A sequel to CSW perhaps?

MULL: My first picture book comes out in August. It is called Pingo, and deals with a kid whose imaginary friend becomes his imaginary enemy when he tries to stop believing in him. That might sound a little psychotic, but it is actually a sweet story about friendship and imagination. It will be illustrated by Brandon Dorman, who has illustrated all of my books so far. After Fablehaven 5, I plan to write a three-book series about a kid who crosses over to another world, as well as a sequel to The Candy Shop War.

CKR: Anything else you'd like to share?

My goal with my books is to produce family-friendly fantasy. When I say that, I mean I’m trying to write books that kids, teens, and parents can all read and enjoy. I get a lot of entire families who have all read my books, and that makes me happy. I try to write books I would love as a reader, while keeping them accessible for kids.

Reminder: Brandon Mull book signing in Plano, Tx

It's in the comments section below, but wanted to repost about the Brandon Mull book signing and Radio Disney event on Friday, April 3rd in Plano. It's at the Barnes and Nobles at 2201 Preston Road and it starts at 6:30 pm.

Be sure to look for an interview with Brandon Mull about his books, including the latest Fablehaven installment, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, right here on Cool Kids Read.

Info on the Brandon Mull book release party

Just in case you didn't read the comments in the Brandon Mull posting below, Brandon's publicist was nice enough to pass this info along....

Brandon Mull Book Signing and Release Party

Barnes & Noble

2201 Preston Road

Plano, Texas

Friday, April 3

6:30 Signing

Brandon Mull Book Tour

Okay, Fablehaven fans. I've just learned that Brandon Mull will be in Plano on April 3rd with Radio Disney, promoting the fourth book in the Fablehaven series (Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary). Mark your calendars, should be fun. Not sure of the time or which Plano location of B&N, but when I found out, you'll find it here.

Also, Brandon has promised an interview to Cool Kids Read, so check back in the next few weeks for that! And be sure to visit Fablehaven.com which is the absolutely coolest kids' book site EVER!

Brandon Mull talking about how he sees "Dragons" for Fablehaven

I think one of my absolute favorite fantasy series of all time is Fablehaven and I CAN'T WAIT until the next one comes out, especially, because it deals with dragons. Brandon posted this video on his site where he talks about how he imagines these mythical creatures, and to me he hits it right on. Dragons are by far the coolest fantasy creatures and the way he portrays them is just fantastic.

Book Trailer for Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

Just saw this on Brandon Mull's blog... can't wait.

Fablehaven 4 cover released

Brandon Mull has posted the cover art for his new book "Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary" and here it is.... the release date is March 24, 2009 so you've got about three months to re-read the first three Fablehaven books in preparation! Yay!

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (book 3)

Let me start by saying that Brandon Mull is one of my favorite authors ever, and I have immensely enjoyed every single book I've read by him. On top of that, the concept behind the Fablehaven series is just fantastic in my opinion. It's the kind of series that has "legs," as we say in the ad biz. You could tell just by reading the first installment that the storyline could go anywhere, which is cool. So I went into reading Book 3 in the series with very high expectations -- and was not disappointed. 

Mull picks up where the story left off in Book 2 and keeps painting layer after layer in this wonderful world he has created. Fablehaven is under a strange spell of darkness that is infecting all the creatures of light -- not good. We get a glimpse at what some of the other preserves are like and Seth seems to have learned some lessons from his experiences in Book 2. Both his and Kendra's characters are even more developed. We meet new (or old depending on how you look at it) members of the Knights, uncover new (and old) secrets, plus get a clearer look at who are allies and who are not. My schedule forced me to read this book in fits and starts, and it says a lot about a story that I was not only able to pick back up after a reading hiatus and still be enthusiastic about it, but that I kept feeling anxious to get back to the story when away. 

I think the Fablehaven series keeps getting better with each book -- a rarity in a series. I am already looking forward to the next installment (although since he's still writing it, there's a long wait.) I highly recommend this entire series (the ten-year-old boys I know especially enjoy it). A rarely given 5 bookmarks for this one. Loved it!