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.

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

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