Amanda Keppner

What a disappointment after the success of the Fablehaven series. As someone who grew up with characters like Seth and Kendra, I was hoping they would be older, more experienced, and their abilities more developed so as to see a new side to the magical world. Instead, you find it takes place only a few months after the fifth Fablehaven book, and there's yet another catastrophe on the horizon. As if that wasn't enough, the main characters are back to square one with their arc: Seth is foolish and does dangerous things at the expense of others (even though he went through a transformation last series), and Kendra is still spineless and unable to use her powers. New characters are introduced, but they are two-dimensional and you care little about them. The plot has major issues and is incredibly predictable, to the point where you don't even worry for anyone's safety because it will all turn out to be dandelions and roses in the end. I'm harsh on this series because the Fablehaven was a collection I loved, and appreciated that both children AND adults could read and enjoy. If you're someone who isn't finicky and easy to please, you will like it, but if you were hoping for a flavorful adventure series...move along, it's not worth the time.