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Forbidden Mountain
CHOOSE YOUR GUARDIAN. CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where children bond with a spiritual guide—some promising greatness and glory, while others, destruction and death.
**This deluxe hardcover edition features exquisitely designed sprayed edges complete with gold swords!**
Every Anoran child dreams of the day they will enter the sacred bonding hut and match with a guardian—a spiritual guide who grants magically enhanced abilities. A lucky few will bond with Advocates, who promise greatness and glory. Others will be tempted by forbidden offers from the Accursed—dangerous spirits who bring nothing but destruction and a penalty of death to any Anoran who chooses them. But when Mako discovers that the worst of these agents of chaos has returned to spread an ancient evil through the empire, he faces an unthinkable choice: Will he bond with one of the Accursed to gain the power to stop another?
Halfway across the empire, Arden has no guardian and no prospects of adventure…until she infiltrates an underground criminal network to find her missing friend. Relying on her knack for sensing the truth through even the smoothest lies, Arden finds herself at the center of a sinister conspiracy that runs much deeper than she ever imagined.
Soon Mako’s and Arden’s fates collide, and together they must face bandit armies, dark secrets, and untold dangers to fight an enemy who could destroy all they’ve ever known.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series comes an epic new fantasy set in a world where children bond with a spiritual guide—some promising greatness and glory, while others, destruction and death.
**This deluxe hardcover edition features exquisitely designed sprayed edges complete with gold swords!**
Every Anoran child dreams of the day they will enter the sacred bonding hut and match with a guardian—a spiritual guide who grants magically enhanced abilities. A lucky few will bond with Advocates, who promise greatness and glory. Others will be tempted by forbidden offers from the Accursed—dangerous spirits who bring nothing but destruction and a penalty of death to any Anoran who chooses them. But when Mako discovers that the worst of these agents of chaos has returned to spread an ancient evil through the empire, he faces an unthinkable choice: Will he bond with one of the Accursed to gain the power to stop another?
Halfway across the empire, Arden has no guardian and no prospects of adventure…until she infiltrates an underground criminal network to find her missing friend. Relying on her knack for sensing the truth through even the smoothest lies, Arden finds herself at the center of a sinister conspiracy that runs much deeper than she ever imagined.
Soon Mako’s and Arden’s fates collide, and together they must face bandit armies, dark secrets, and untold dangers to fight an enemy who could destroy all they’ve ever known.
528 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Brandon Mull
69 books10.9k followersBRANDON MULL is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Dragonwatch, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and three mischievous cats. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.
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August 3, 2025AHHHHHH NEW BRANDON MULL SERIES THIS IS NOT A DRILL
April 15, 2026
I have been a huge Brandon Mull fan ever since the first Fablehaven book. I've read every series he's written except for The Candy Shop War books 2 and 3. Otherwise, I'm all caught up on my Mull books!
With all that said, I had a hard time with this newest book, Forbidden Mountain, book one in the new Guardians series. It took me quiet a while to place my finger on what it was exactly that I wasn't connecting with, until I hit on it: for this book, Mull seems to be taking his cues from the Cozy Fantasy genre of books that have grown in popularity lately. This book is much more a slice of life fantasy book instead of the quest, grand adventure to defeat evil, types of narratives he's written in the past. Mull admits in the acknowledgements that this is a new type of fantasy book for him to write and he wanted to push himself as he wrote this one.
This is Mull's first non-portal fantasy book he's written, and with him being away from the typical tropes that have helped him structure his fantasy books: a human narrator who is exploring the new world along with the reader, a quest for the characters to embark upon, or a grand evil slowly emerging throughout the storyline, this new book suffers from trying to find its way.
From amongst Mull's own bibliography, I feel as though this book is most similar to his Beyonders trilogy, but even that book had a killer hook and payoff at the very end of the first book. Forbidden Mountain feels more like a series of episodes with mini-climaxes throughout the story before moving to the next day with something new. By the very end, I could see the setup for book 2, and I think that has the potential for explosive action, a quest, and the typical fantasy elements Mull excels at. This first book felt more like Taran Wanderer, book 4 in The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander but without the angst which allowed that book to exist in a pedestrian space while exploring deep emotional arcs within the characters. This book, however, has not established the emotional arcs of the characters quite strongly enough yet for that kind of exploration, and it's not a later book in a series after a bunch of action / adventure to give you a break from the excitement.
So all said, this one is a 3 star from me. I'm interested to see where it goes, because I trust Brandon Mull, but for regular fans of Mull, this might not be a win. If you like cozy fantasy, this might be just the kind of book you'll love!
With all that said, I had a hard time with this newest book, Forbidden Mountain, book one in the new Guardians series. It took me quiet a while to place my finger on what it was exactly that I wasn't connecting with, until I hit on it: for this book, Mull seems to be taking his cues from the Cozy Fantasy genre of books that have grown in popularity lately. This book is much more a slice of life fantasy book instead of the quest, grand adventure to defeat evil, types of narratives he's written in the past. Mull admits in the acknowledgements that this is a new type of fantasy book for him to write and he wanted to push himself as he wrote this one.
This is Mull's first non-portal fantasy book he's written, and with him being away from the typical tropes that have helped him structure his fantasy books: a human narrator who is exploring the new world along with the reader, a quest for the characters to embark upon, or a grand evil slowly emerging throughout the storyline, this new book suffers from trying to find its way.
From amongst Mull's own bibliography, I feel as though this book is most similar to his Beyonders trilogy, but even that book had a killer hook and payoff at the very end of the first book. Forbidden Mountain feels more like a series of episodes with mini-climaxes throughout the story before moving to the next day with something new. By the very end, I could see the setup for book 2, and I think that has the potential for explosive action, a quest, and the typical fantasy elements Mull excels at. This first book felt more like Taran Wanderer, book 4 in The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander but without the angst which allowed that book to exist in a pedestrian space while exploring deep emotional arcs within the characters. This book, however, has not established the emotional arcs of the characters quite strongly enough yet for that kind of exploration, and it's not a later book in a series after a bunch of action / adventure to give you a break from the excitement.
So all said, this one is a 3 star from me. I'm interested to see where it goes, because I trust Brandon Mull, but for regular fans of Mull, this might not be a win. If you like cozy fantasy, this might be just the kind of book you'll love!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been a fan of Brandon Mull's books for 17 years now (so long ago, when I first heard his name!), and was delighted that he was starting up a new series. As I expected, this book was a blast, really setting up the potential for future works of this series.
The book alternates POVs between two 13-year olds, Mako and Arden. Mako lives on the mountain of Anora, a self-governing region within the Tinvali Empire, a place that has heavy connections to spirits. Arden is a girl living in the lowland cities within the empire. Both of them were interesting, neither significantly better than one another, and the transition between the two POVs didn't mess with the pacing. This reminds me of how the author handled the split between the two protagonists of "Fablehaven", Seth and Kendra. Same method, positive results.
Mako's storyline begins with him bonding to a spirit known as a "Guardian", as part of the coming-of-age taking place in his homeland. His selective choice of bonding (regarding the options that he has), sets forth his storyline, with him seeing plenty of blur between good and evil. Arden, with a missing father and an emotionally checked out mother, joins a criminal syndicate in an attempt to track down her close friend. She knows that her friend was involved with them and went missing, so she attempts to cautiously use this opportunity to help bring her back home. Both storylines go pretty well. There are several other complementary recurring characters that readers will grow to care about, and root for plenty too.
I can't talk about Brandon Mull without bringing up the incredible world building that his books have. The setting, races, lore, and dungeons have always been cool features, which continues here, but Mull has found a new avenue to make a mark in- in this case, it is imperial/regional politicking. The political system established is simultaneously complex but understandable, that we readers (including children) recognize what the nation is meant to do for the good of the citizens. The theme of political corruption is a large part of this story, also a parallel in our world, where we hear of instances, past and present, of government officials and agents having actions go unchecked.
The writing style and plot progression works for me. It makes me think of what a middle grade version of stories from authors Brian McClellan and Django Wexler- stories that effectively build up plot, have intense action close to the end, and then end with readers eagerly awaiting what comes next. There's an absence of what I call "deadwood", which is what I regard information and progression not related to the overall story. The storyline is something that can be enjoyed by adults, but also keep the straightforward prose where it appeals for its younger target audience.
I think this series offers a ton of potential. I hope others take notice of this too.
(I received an ARC through Random House Children's Books/Labyrinth Road and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
The book alternates POVs between two 13-year olds, Mako and Arden. Mako lives on the mountain of Anora, a self-governing region within the Tinvali Empire, a place that has heavy connections to spirits. Arden is a girl living in the lowland cities within the empire. Both of them were interesting, neither significantly better than one another, and the transition between the two POVs didn't mess with the pacing. This reminds me of how the author handled the split between the two protagonists of "Fablehaven", Seth and Kendra. Same method, positive results.
Mako's storyline begins with him bonding to a spirit known as a "Guardian", as part of the coming-of-age taking place in his homeland. His selective choice of bonding (regarding the options that he has), sets forth his storyline, with him seeing plenty of blur between good and evil. Arden, with a missing father and an emotionally checked out mother, joins a criminal syndicate in an attempt to track down her close friend. She knows that her friend was involved with them and went missing, so she attempts to cautiously use this opportunity to help bring her back home. Both storylines go pretty well. There are several other complementary recurring characters that readers will grow to care about, and root for plenty too.
I can't talk about Brandon Mull without bringing up the incredible world building that his books have. The setting, races, lore, and dungeons have always been cool features, which continues here, but Mull has found a new avenue to make a mark in- in this case, it is imperial/regional politicking. The political system established is simultaneously complex but understandable, that we readers (including children) recognize what the nation is meant to do for the good of the citizens. The theme of political corruption is a large part of this story, also a parallel in our world, where we hear of instances, past and present, of government officials and agents having actions go unchecked.
The writing style and plot progression works for me. It makes me think of what a middle grade version of stories from authors Brian McClellan and Django Wexler- stories that effectively build up plot, have intense action close to the end, and then end with readers eagerly awaiting what comes next. There's an absence of what I call "deadwood", which is what I regard information and progression not related to the overall story. The storyline is something that can be enjoyed by adults, but also keep the straightforward prose where it appeals for its younger target audience.
I think this series offers a ton of potential. I hope others take notice of this too.
(I received an ARC through Random House Children's Books/Labyrinth Road and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What worked:
The opening prologue introduces the most malevolent, feared antagonist in the book. The Matriarch traps a man who claims to have successfully transported an infant to safety. The Matriarch says his actions have been manipulated and then ruthlessly slays him. The story leaps ahead in time, leaving readers to wonder when The Matriarch will reappear. Characters with special aptitudes bond with spirits, guardians that augment those abilities. Advocates are special guardians with even greater power, while the Accused are evil spirits. All Anorans take an oath that they won’t bond with an Accursed, and violating this oath is punishable by death. Mako is one of the main characters, and he predictably, though not without an internal struggle, chooses to bond with one.
Mako is the infant mentioned above. He wants to become a warrior, but his talent is in musical tones; his ability with a sling is uncanny, too. However, music and slings aren’t the skills of a warrior, so Mako’s prospects for becoming a warrior apprentice are slim. In contrast, his brother has superior fighting skills and beats all challengers during their sparring matches. There is no animosity between the brothers, but the divergence of their destinies is clear. Mako is obsessed with becoming a warrior, which clouds his judgment. He has three guaranteed opportunities to bond with a spirit, but declining those chances does not guarantee a fourth choice. A smooth-tongued Accursed named Narrix and Mako’s desperation will lead to an ill-advised alliance. Readers will foresee the potential for conflict, confrontation, and tragedy.
Arden is the other main character, and she’s desperate to locate a friend who’s joined a street gang. Arden is so worried that she joins the Cat’s Paw gang, too. However, Arden can sense if others are being honest, and the gang’s leaders want to exploit her ability. She discovers the criminal enterprise is more widespread than she thinks, and there’s more danger than she expects. Arden is forced to make a hard decision; does she stay until she finds her friend, or does she leave before she’s asked to kill someone? The criminals are very protective of their secrets, so getting away from them will be the greatest risk she’s ever faced; the risk continues throughout the book.
What didn’t work as well:
The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 8 and older, but it’s more appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. Abstract thought is required, and the story is full of intrigue, conspiracy, and deceit. The book employs alternating chapters to follow Mako and Arden, which forces readers to remember details from one story after switching to the other. It can be frustrating when more significant things start to happen in the separate plots. The two stories eventually merge, which makes it much easier to follow.
The final verdict:
The dual plots become page-turners, but for different reasons. Arden’s suspense comes from the treacherous situation she’s gotten herself into, but her role expands beyond what she imagines. Mako’s Accursed elevates his talents, but it creates new levels of questions. Mako’s guilt and internal struggles are always on his mind. I highly recommend upper middle-grade readers give this book a chance.
The opening prologue introduces the most malevolent, feared antagonist in the book. The Matriarch traps a man who claims to have successfully transported an infant to safety. The Matriarch says his actions have been manipulated and then ruthlessly slays him. The story leaps ahead in time, leaving readers to wonder when The Matriarch will reappear. Characters with special aptitudes bond with spirits, guardians that augment those abilities. Advocates are special guardians with even greater power, while the Accused are evil spirits. All Anorans take an oath that they won’t bond with an Accursed, and violating this oath is punishable by death. Mako is one of the main characters, and he predictably, though not without an internal struggle, chooses to bond with one.
Mako is the infant mentioned above. He wants to become a warrior, but his talent is in musical tones; his ability with a sling is uncanny, too. However, music and slings aren’t the skills of a warrior, so Mako’s prospects for becoming a warrior apprentice are slim. In contrast, his brother has superior fighting skills and beats all challengers during their sparring matches. There is no animosity between the brothers, but the divergence of their destinies is clear. Mako is obsessed with becoming a warrior, which clouds his judgment. He has three guaranteed opportunities to bond with a spirit, but declining those chances does not guarantee a fourth choice. A smooth-tongued Accursed named Narrix and Mako’s desperation will lead to an ill-advised alliance. Readers will foresee the potential for conflict, confrontation, and tragedy.
Arden is the other main character, and she’s desperate to locate a friend who’s joined a street gang. Arden is so worried that she joins the Cat’s Paw gang, too. However, Arden can sense if others are being honest, and the gang’s leaders want to exploit her ability. She discovers the criminal enterprise is more widespread than she thinks, and there’s more danger than she expects. Arden is forced to make a hard decision; does she stay until she finds her friend, or does she leave before she’s asked to kill someone? The criminals are very protective of their secrets, so getting away from them will be the greatest risk she’s ever faced; the risk continues throughout the book.
What didn’t work as well:
The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 8 and older, but it’s more appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. Abstract thought is required, and the story is full of intrigue, conspiracy, and deceit. The book employs alternating chapters to follow Mako and Arden, which forces readers to remember details from one story after switching to the other. It can be frustrating when more significant things start to happen in the separate plots. The two stories eventually merge, which makes it much easier to follow.
The final verdict:
The dual plots become page-turners, but for different reasons. Arden’s suspense comes from the treacherous situation she’s gotten herself into, but her role expands beyond what she imagines. Mako’s Accursed elevates his talents, but it creates new levels of questions. Mako’s guilt and internal struggles are always on his mind. I highly recommend upper middle-grade readers give this book a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mako is a foundling, adopted and raised by an Anoran family. He dreams of bonding with a guardian who will help him achieve his goal of becoming a great warrior like his adopted father and brother. Guardians are spirits without bodies who guide and mentor their bondees throughout life to help them achieve their full potential. Unfortunately for Mako, his body isn't built for warfare, even though his brain is. When he's given the chance to bond, the guardians who want to bond with him are those with musical talents like Mako possesses, not sword fighting talents. After rejecting several offers, the last possibility Mako gets is from one of the Accursed - dangerous spirits who spread chaos and evil. Any Anoran who willingly bonds with one of the Accursed is executed. At first Mako is appalled, but when he discovers that the worst of these evil spirits is already bonded somewhere in the world and looking to destroy everything he holds dear, Mako faces an impossible choice: do the unthinkable and bond with one of the Accursed to seek out and destroy the worst of the Accursed, or live life as an outcast without a guardian.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the empire a young girl named Arden is unsatisfied with what life has to offer her. She seeks adventure and excitement in the dangerous streets of Hollock. When her friend Kita joins a street gang and subsequently goes missing, Arden and a couple other friends seek out membership in the same gang to find and rescue Kita. With her gift of sensing when people are lying, it doesn't take long for Arden to realize that she's in way over her head with no prospect of escape. Eventually Arden's and Mako's paths collide and that's where things really get interesting!
This book is really long for the target audience and the first half is so full of world building and character development, that I found myself frustrated and wanting to skip ahead to the action. (I didn't!) But, once things got going, the book was fabulous! Tough it out for the first half if it doesn't grab you, because the second half is worth the ride and I look forward to the sequel! (This one ends on a cliffhanger).
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the empire a young girl named Arden is unsatisfied with what life has to offer her. She seeks adventure and excitement in the dangerous streets of Hollock. When her friend Kita joins a street gang and subsequently goes missing, Arden and a couple other friends seek out membership in the same gang to find and rescue Kita. With her gift of sensing when people are lying, it doesn't take long for Arden to realize that she's in way over her head with no prospect of escape. Eventually Arden's and Mako's paths collide and that's where things really get interesting!
This book is really long for the target audience and the first half is so full of world building and character development, that I found myself frustrated and wanting to skip ahead to the action. (I didn't!) But, once things got going, the book was fabulous! Tough it out for the first half if it doesn't grab you, because the second half is worth the ride and I look forward to the sequel! (This one ends on a cliffhanger).
April 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW: This book was an absolute delight and sets up so much promise for the rest of the series. I already can’t wait to continue.
One of my favorite elements was the strong theme of family. Both Mako and Arden come from loving, supportive families, which feels refreshing in fantasy, where that dynamic isn’t always front and center. Loved that young readers can see what it means to go to your parents for help and to have a good sibling relationship. It added a warmth to the story that I really appreciated.
I also loved the exploration of choice and personal agency, especially through the Guardian ceremony. Mako’s struggle to choose between what he’s naturally good at and what he truly wants felt incredibly empowering and relatable. His conversations with mentors and the guardians were some of my favorite moments, and his arc gave me strong Stormlight Archive and Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes.
Arden, on the other hand, is such a compelling and complex character. I loved how her decisions led her into difficult situations, forcing her to face the consequences and ultimately turn to her mother for help, which brings her storyline into collision with Mako’s. Her ability to read intentions is such a cool and unique power, and it will play a major role moving forward. Her plotline, with its gangs and heists, reminded me of Six of Crows.
I really appreciated how Mull allows his characters to make mistakes and actually live with the consequences, all while still maintaining their desire to help others. It adds depth and realism to the story.
This book is a fantastic fit for middle-grade readers transitioning into YA, with its dual POV and more complex themes. That said, even as an adult, I found it incredibly engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
One of my favorite elements was the strong theme of family. Both Mako and Arden come from loving, supportive families, which feels refreshing in fantasy, where that dynamic isn’t always front and center. Loved that young readers can see what it means to go to your parents for help and to have a good sibling relationship. It added a warmth to the story that I really appreciated.
I also loved the exploration of choice and personal agency, especially through the Guardian ceremony. Mako’s struggle to choose between what he’s naturally good at and what he truly wants felt incredibly empowering and relatable. His conversations with mentors and the guardians were some of my favorite moments, and his arc gave me strong Stormlight Archive and Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes.
Arden, on the other hand, is such a compelling and complex character. I loved how her decisions led her into difficult situations, forcing her to face the consequences and ultimately turn to her mother for help, which brings her storyline into collision with Mako’s. Her ability to read intentions is such a cool and unique power, and it will play a major role moving forward. Her plotline, with its gangs and heists, reminded me of Six of Crows.
I really appreciated how Mull allows his characters to make mistakes and actually live with the consequences, all while still maintaining their desire to help others. It adds depth and realism to the story.
This book is a fantastic fit for middle-grade readers transitioning into YA, with its dual POV and more complex themes. That said, even as an adult, I found it incredibly engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
April 14, 2026
I was SO excited when I saw this book—total nostalgia moment for me.
I fell in love with Brandon Mull’s writing YEARS ago when I read Fablehaven (almost 20 years ago?! ) and the Dragonwatch series after that. I actually discovered them because my students insisted I had to read them… and they were absolutely right!
Somehow I lost track of his books over the years, but when I saw this one, I knew I had to pick it up—and I am so glad I did. I was NOT disappointed.
This is an amazing start to a new series that is exciting, a little dark, and completely engaging.
In this world, Anoran children must choose a spiritual guardian at age 14—some are helpful… and some are definitely not.
We follow two main characters:
⚔ Mako, an Anoran boy with a gift for music who dreams of being a warrior—and must make a life-altering (and potentially dangerous) choice
🏹 Arden, whose prospects are far less certain, and who finds herself in serious trouble while trying to help a friend
I loved how the dual storylines slowly come together as their paths cross and they are forced to work together through danger, secrets, and powerful enemies.
This book is packed with:
🔥 action and battles
🖤 dark secrets
💛 family and loyalty
🤯 tough choices
The characters are complex and compelling, and you truly feel the weight of the decisions they have to make. And as always, Mull’s world-building is incredible—his settings are so vivid and immersive that you feel like you’re right there.
I don’t want to give anything away, but I am already so invested in this series and cannot wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I fell in love with Brandon Mull’s writing YEARS ago when I read Fablehaven (almost 20 years ago?! ) and the Dragonwatch series after that. I actually discovered them because my students insisted I had to read them… and they were absolutely right!
Somehow I lost track of his books over the years, but when I saw this one, I knew I had to pick it up—and I am so glad I did. I was NOT disappointed.
This is an amazing start to a new series that is exciting, a little dark, and completely engaging.
In this world, Anoran children must choose a spiritual guardian at age 14—some are helpful… and some are definitely not.
We follow two main characters:
⚔ Mako, an Anoran boy with a gift for music who dreams of being a warrior—and must make a life-altering (and potentially dangerous) choice
🏹 Arden, whose prospects are far less certain, and who finds herself in serious trouble while trying to help a friend
I loved how the dual storylines slowly come together as their paths cross and they are forced to work together through danger, secrets, and powerful enemies.
This book is packed with:
🔥 action and battles
🖤 dark secrets
💛 family and loyalty
🤯 tough choices
The characters are complex and compelling, and you truly feel the weight of the decisions they have to make. And as always, Mull’s world-building is incredible—his settings are so vivid and immersive that you feel like you’re right there.
I don’t want to give anything away, but I am already so invested in this series and cannot wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a huge Brandon Mull fan, so when I saw an opportunity to read his new book early, I pounced.
I am going to say, it's a good thing I already trust Mull's writing. This is a middle grade fantasy, and it is over 500 pages long. That's a lot of pages for the target audience. Like, a lot.
As I've noticed with Mull's other series, being the first book in the series it is a lot of world building, character introduction, and set up. You have to really be committed to the story (or trust the author) to slog through all of that. Because I DO trust Mull, I stuck with it even though I was bored at times. It took 50% or more of the book before anything really exciting started happening. And when your book is this long, that's a lot to get through before the pay off.
We have two main POVs in this book, Mako and Arden. In the beginning of the book the POV switched so often that the pacing felt frustrating at times.
This book also felt a lot more violent and gory than his others have (granted I haven't yet read Beyonders, so I can't compare to that). It shocked me a little bit.
All this being said, Mull knows how to create a fascinating world, great characters, and an intriguing plot. By the time I got to the end of this book I was all in and will definitely pick up the next book when it's available.
I just wish it hadn't taken so long for me to feel invested in and excited about the story.
*I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own.*
I am going to say, it's a good thing I already trust Mull's writing. This is a middle grade fantasy, and it is over 500 pages long. That's a lot of pages for the target audience. Like, a lot.
As I've noticed with Mull's other series, being the first book in the series it is a lot of world building, character introduction, and set up. You have to really be committed to the story (or trust the author) to slog through all of that. Because I DO trust Mull, I stuck with it even though I was bored at times. It took 50% or more of the book before anything really exciting started happening. And when your book is this long, that's a lot to get through before the pay off.
We have two main POVs in this book, Mako and Arden. In the beginning of the book the POV switched so often that the pacing felt frustrating at times.
This book also felt a lot more violent and gory than his others have (granted I haven't yet read Beyonders, so I can't compare to that). It shocked me a little bit.
All this being said, Mull knows how to create a fascinating world, great characters, and an intriguing plot. By the time I got to the end of this book I was all in and will definitely pick up the next book when it's available.
I just wish it hadn't taken so long for me to feel invested in and excited about the story.
*I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own.*
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January 28, 2026As a huge fan of Brandon Mull, I was so excited to read this book and had very high hopes. He did not disappoint! The story follows two different teens with good hearts, strong wills, unique talents, and sometimes a lack of better judgment. Set entirely in a fantasy world, people have unique gifts and some bond with guardian spirits that can enhance their talents and abilities. Not all guardians have admirable intentions and some are downright evil. With evidence that some of the worst are back in action, Mako, Arden, and their friends have high hopes and slim odds of helping to combat this evil. After the initial exposition, the story travels quickly and is near impossible to put down. Relating to other Mull series, this has feelings most similar to 5 Kingdoms or Beyonders, but it is yet another unique and fascinating world. How one mind can create all of these realms that are extraordinarily detailed and fascinating while remaining believable never ceases to amaze me. So that I don't fan girl too much, I'll leave highly recommending the book and anxiously awaiting the rest of the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early read and allowing me to share my thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mull begins with Mako a young man who all he wants to do is to follow in his adopted father's ways and become a mighty warrior. Mull builds a world of pure fantasy with a mountain of Anora where the people gain special power from choosing a guardian. Mako is so desperate to become a warrior that he chooses one of the forbidden 20 as his guardian.
Mull then writes about a female named Arden an individual who has a special ability to be able to tell if someone is lying or withholding the truth. Her part of the story kept me wanting to rush through the opposite story to get back to what was happening to her. The woven story by Mull was well written I kept racing back to reading to the story over and over.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the next installment. I can see why this book took two and a half years to get this book completed. Building a world that is it's own unique world with it's own use of magic through born abilities and the help of guardians is unique. My only gripe with this book is that it begins with Mako in the future seeing all of his friends dead and him talking to his guardian. I was confused at first with this but later on when the story had been more flushed out it made sense.
Mull then writes about a female named Arden an individual who has a special ability to be able to tell if someone is lying or withholding the truth. Her part of the story kept me wanting to rush through the opposite story to get back to what was happening to her. The woven story by Mull was well written I kept racing back to reading to the story over and over.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the next installment. I can see why this book took two and a half years to get this book completed. Building a world that is it's own unique world with it's own use of magic through born abilities and the help of guardians is unique. My only gripe with this book is that it begins with Mako in the future seeing all of his friends dead and him talking to his guardian. I was confused at first with this but later on when the story had been more flushed out it made sense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every mountain child dreams of the day when they get to go into the bonding shed and bond with a spirit that will help enhance and/or help them to be better in their chosen field. However, there are rules. You get 3 offers you can hope for a forth but that is not a given if pass on the first three, and while some promise fame and fortune, you are never to bond with one of the accursed, if found out that is an immediate death sentence. Across the kingdom there is a girl who has some power and uses it to gain entrance in to a gang so she can find her friend. When everything goes crazy and she has to run for it she finds out her mother is not who she thinks she is and her mom calls on a friend to help smuggle her out and to a man she used to work for so everyone will be safe. When the boy from the mountain and the girl meet up in their new guardian’s camp they become friends, and that friendship will help them stay alive at least for now.
The characters and story are so good, it is so full of action and suspense it will keep your nose in the book a bit longer as you won’t want to miss any time finding out what comes next. You will really want to know what comes next. I loved the story and almost all of the characters
Review copy provided by netgalley
The characters and story are so good, it is so full of action and suspense it will keep your nose in the book a bit longer as you won’t want to miss any time finding out what comes next. You will really want to know what comes next. I loved the story and almost all of the characters
Review copy provided by netgalley
Review of advance copy
Oh, Brandon. Here we go again. You've completely sucked me into another amazing series that I will look forward to reading for years to come. The world building is unmatched. The intensity is high-stakes. The characters felt real enough to fully invest me in the outcome.
If you like high fantasy, an entirely new world and system of living, MG-YA-Adult reading, secrets, adventure, destruction and danger, look no further. Even if you don't typically enjoy these things, this book will pull you in and NOT let go.
2 youth living in completely different circumstances and an empire apart, have to join forces to face evil, chaos, lies, and conspiracy to save the empire and everything they know. That is IF they survive.
"I can help you identify paths, but you must walk them. I can enhance potential, but you must claim the increase through hard work and the choices you make."
"Others can always find a way to look down on you- don't look down on yourself."
This high stakes drama, like all of Brandon's books, finds a way to give so much insight and many life lessons as well as wisdom.
Another winner by an auto-read, auto-buy author for me. Better get another book shelf.
If you like high fantasy, an entirely new world and system of living, MG-YA-Adult reading, secrets, adventure, destruction and danger, look no further. Even if you don't typically enjoy these things, this book will pull you in and NOT let go.
2 youth living in completely different circumstances and an empire apart, have to join forces to face evil, chaos, lies, and conspiracy to save the empire and everything they know. That is IF they survive.
"I can help you identify paths, but you must walk them. I can enhance potential, but you must claim the increase through hard work and the choices you make."
"Others can always find a way to look down on you- don't look down on yourself."
This high stakes drama, like all of Brandon's books, finds a way to give so much insight and many life lessons as well as wisdom.
Another winner by an auto-read, auto-buy author for me. Better get another book shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a loyal follower of Brandon Mull, as is my entire family. I was so excited to see he has another series and Forbidden Mountain did not disappoint!
We meet Mako and his brother, Zane, young citizens of a spiritual city called Anora, who all get the chance to receive a bond with a guardian when they come of age. These guardians are spirist who will guide them and enhance their abilities throughout their lives.
The story alternates between Mako's journey and the journey of Arden, a teenage girl who joins a gang to figure out where one of her dearest friends has disappeared to. Even though Arden's life was a comfortable one, she felt pressured to live the life her mother wanted, not what she wanted. As Arden's abilities help her move up in the gang, she realizes that she needs to choose for herself and her decisions to work with the gang have taken that choice from her. She knows she needs to get out.
The story is one of adventure and self discovery, values and challenges, loyalty and choices. It flows quickly and reads well. I know this is going to be another favorite for any Brandon Mull fan out there!
We meet Mako and his brother, Zane, young citizens of a spiritual city called Anora, who all get the chance to receive a bond with a guardian when they come of age. These guardians are spirist who will guide them and enhance their abilities throughout their lives.
The story alternates between Mako's journey and the journey of Arden, a teenage girl who joins a gang to figure out where one of her dearest friends has disappeared to. Even though Arden's life was a comfortable one, she felt pressured to live the life her mother wanted, not what she wanted. As Arden's abilities help her move up in the gang, she realizes that she needs to choose for herself and her decisions to work with the gang have taken that choice from her. She knows she needs to get out.
The story is one of adventure and self discovery, values and challenges, loyalty and choices. It flows quickly and reads well. I know this is going to be another favorite for any Brandon Mull fan out there!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Everything for Mako (13yo) depends on passing his tests for a good apprenticeship and on who he receives as his guardian in three days. Arden (13yo) might not have abilities like those who live on the forbidden mountain, but her knack for reading people goes beyond average skill. While intending to do good, these teens feel lost after making mistakes and have to decide who they can trust to guide them out of it.
At first, Mako and Arden both seem to be stuck on slippery slopes due to their choices. However, their reactions to their respective consequences contrast greatly, making their similar circumstances diverge even as their stories start to intersect by ending up in the same camp. Both of them want to do good, and their examples invoke questions of whether doing something wrong for the right reasons can still be good. Expect high anticipation for the sequel!
The mature content rating is for illegal activity and mentions of alcohol and kissing. The violence rating is for assault, blood and gore, battle scenes, mentions of suicide, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Everything for Mako (13yo) depends on passing his tests for a good apprenticeship and on who he receives as his guardian in three days. Arden (13yo) might not have abilities like those who live on the forbidden mountain, but her knack for reading people goes beyond average skill. While intending to do good, these teens feel lost after making mistakes and have to decide who they can trust to guide them out of it.
At first, Mako and Arden both seem to be stuck on slippery slopes due to their choices. However, their reactions to their respective consequences contrast greatly, making their similar circumstances diverge even as their stories start to intersect by ending up in the same camp. Both of them want to do good, and their examples invoke questions of whether doing something wrong for the right reasons can still be good. Expect high anticipation for the sequel!
The mature content rating is for illegal activity and mentions of alcohol and kissing. The violence rating is for assault, blood and gore, battle scenes, mentions of suicide, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advance physical and audio copy for review. I switched between the formats and either would be a great way to go! The Narrator was easy to listen to and the physical copy comes with beautiful stenciled page edges in a sword design.
Forbidden Mountain is the first book in the Guardians middle grade fantasy series that is set in a world where children have the chance to match with a spiritual guide who will provide them magically enhanced abilities.
This book felt like all the dynamic elements I experience reading adult epic fantasy, but written for a younger audience with younger protagonists. This would be a great book for middle grade and YA readers to stretch their fantasy reading muscles. I think it will also appeal well for multiple ages of readers to bond over together.
It is definitely on the longer end for middle grade books, but I think the author has established trust from a strong fanbase that they will be willing to ride the journey with him. This book provides a lot of setup and groundwork and it feels like there are some big things coming that I am curious to see how they all play out.
Forbidden Mountain is the first book in the Guardians middle grade fantasy series that is set in a world where children have the chance to match with a spiritual guide who will provide them magically enhanced abilities.
This book felt like all the dynamic elements I experience reading adult epic fantasy, but written for a younger audience with younger protagonists. This would be a great book for middle grade and YA readers to stretch their fantasy reading muscles. I think it will also appeal well for multiple ages of readers to bond over together.
It is definitely on the longer end for middle grade books, but I think the author has established trust from a strong fanbase that they will be willing to ride the journey with him. This book provides a lot of setup and groundwork and it feels like there are some big things coming that I am curious to see how they all play out.
April 15, 2026
I received an ARC from Random House Kids at the North Texas Teen Book Festival and was excited to dive into this one. It didn't let me down!
In this epic fantasy, readers are introduced to a civilization, Anorans, where individuals can bond with powerful spirits that enhance their abilities—but not all spirits are what they seem. Our male main character, Mako, dreams of becoming a warrior, even though his talents don’t quite fit the path. When he’s faced with impossible choices, the decisions he makes could have far-reaching consequences. Alongside him, Arden, our female main character, is searching for a missing friend by penetrating an underground crime network that turns out far more dangerous than she expected.
This story completely pulled me in with its creative magic system, strong sense of adventure, and immersive world-building. It’s a gripping, imaginative read that keeps you turning the pages, and the ending will definitely have you ready for the next book. Marketed to ages 8 to 12 but feels a bit more upper middle grade, or older, to me given its length and complexities in plot. But, it's just as fun for adult audiences as well.
In this epic fantasy, readers are introduced to a civilization, Anorans, where individuals can bond with powerful spirits that enhance their abilities—but not all spirits are what they seem. Our male main character, Mako, dreams of becoming a warrior, even though his talents don’t quite fit the path. When he’s faced with impossible choices, the decisions he makes could have far-reaching consequences. Alongside him, Arden, our female main character, is searching for a missing friend by penetrating an underground crime network that turns out far more dangerous than she expected.
This story completely pulled me in with its creative magic system, strong sense of adventure, and immersive world-building. It’s a gripping, imaginative read that keeps you turning the pages, and the ending will definitely have you ready for the next book. Marketed to ages 8 to 12 but feels a bit more upper middle grade, or older, to me given its length and complexities in plot. But, it's just as fun for adult audiences as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Forbidden Mountain. I've been a fan of Brandon Mull since Fablehaven and was excited to be able to read his new book. It was very different from others I've read and dare say was one of my favorites! The magic and storyline reminded me more of something Brandon Sanderson would write. It starts off telling two different stories. The story of Mako, an orphan that desires to be a hero and Arden, who wants to save her friend. They both continue to make decisions that eventually lead their stories together. Darkness and evil wizards are coming back to take over the empire. These two may have a way to help, or they make it worse. The magic is exciting and I love the element of spirituality that is involved in the books. I can't wait for the next installment to see how these two survive the next leg of their journey.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to see this upcoming release from one of my favorite childhood authors. Fablehaven still lives in my soul. Mull’s new fantasy world is immersive and entertaining. I’m interested to see where it goes next. By the end of the book, I was determined to read the next in his series when it comes out. However, I’d give the first book a 3.5/5. It was intriguing enough to finish, and I’m glad I did, because the final few chapters really ramped up in terms of action and plot. The magic system is also fascinating to me, but I’m waiting to see it developed more before I can call it exceptional or not. I found some of the character dialogue to be overly simplistic (to the point of clunkiness), but those moments were few and far between. Overall, the world-building was my favorite element thus far, and I have hope that the characters will be able to grow more in coming releases!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm so glad this is not a portal fantasy.The book is well-divided into parts, from innocence to active involvement in war and society. We have Arden and Mako. They start in their own society, locations, and lives, making choices that already define their character. One has a knack, while the other will be bound with a guardian, perhaps not the one people wished for, but he is definitely going to stand out. Great world building, character development, rhythm, and pacing for a first in a series a lot happens. Although this is a young reader's fantasy, it will please a lot of coming-of-age adult fantasy readers as well. Looking forward to the next volume. The characters are not yet certain whom to trust and the great evil they thought was gone is still around.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Forbidden Mountain" is two hero journeys woven into one story. Two teens, Mako Boughbreaker along his path and Arden on the other side of the empire walking her path. In the story, the author addresses the subject of the spirituality of people and weaves in the factor of choice—one does have the choice to do the right thing, and that one’s actions have consequences good or bad, which I think is important. I think this is very important these days.
This is obviously the first in a series that will be equally as exciting for the fantasy as well as adventure reader.
I am interviewing Brandon on the Writers of the Future Podcast which will be posted sometime in April.
April 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Brandon Mull, and the publisher for an advanced copy of Guardians: Forbidden Mountain. I was so excited to get an advanced copy of Brandon Mull’s latest book because I have really enjoyed reading his other series. I did have a good time with this one and I think it was a great start to his new series. The storyline was unique and the characters were easy to root for. The only criticism I have is that the characters and dialogue felt young, while the subject matter felt older. I couldn’t tell if it was middle grade or YA based on my reading experience. That was really the only disconnect. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. 4🌟
December 6, 2025
"Free will is always yours."
From the start, this book was well-written. I loved the characters, and the prose was good. I was hooked right away! However, I couldn’t handle the suspense because the protagonist, Mako, makes an important choice, and I had to know the ending. I skipped ahead and figured out that the choice Mako makes isn't resolved because this is a book series. I think I’m going to wait to finish the book until more of the series is released and I know how his choice resolves. So, in summary, my review is pending!
Content warning: spirits.
From the start, this book was well-written. I loved the characters, and the prose was good. I was hooked right away! However, I couldn’t handle the suspense because the protagonist, Mako, makes an important choice, and I had to know the ending. I skipped ahead and figured out that the choice Mako makes isn't resolved because this is a book series. I think I’m going to wait to finish the book until more of the series is released and I know how his choice resolves. So, in summary, my review is pending!
Content warning: spirits.
October 9, 2025
An original fantasy plot filled with lovable characters, moral dilemmas, and intense fighting scenes, I was thoroughly entertained throughout the whole book! I think this is a great recommendation for older middle grade readers. I can't wait for future books in this new series to see how their journey continues.
Read as a DRC from Edelweiss.
Read as a DRC from Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
I love Mull's writing, and Fablehaven (2006) circulates so well even after 20 years. Whatever Mull writes, I will pick up. This is more like his Five Kingdoms and Beyonders series, and while I enjoyed it, it comes in at 528 pages. No one is reading anything but Fablehaven, so I will sadly pass on purchasing.
I love Mull's writing, and Fablehaven (2006) circulates so well even after 20 years. Whatever Mull writes, I will pick up. This is more like his Five Kingdoms and Beyonders series, and while I enjoyed it, it comes in at 528 pages. No one is reading anything but Fablehaven, so I will sadly pass on purchasing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pretty interesting world building. Very different than Mull's other books, in a good way. Enjoyed the Christian allegories of the Guardians being like the Holy Spirit, and the Accursed being Lucifer and his followers who were cast out. Also had some other allegory from Eastern religions as well. Also enjoyed the heist element subplot. Excited to see where this series goes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this author and this book didn't not disappoint. The world building and multiple povs kept the story moving so well. written for ma to ya audiences but wonderful clean fantasy for adults as well. I am excited to see where this series goes!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Intriguing book by Mull, who previously wrote Fablehaven (which I was obsessed with when I was younger). Definitely suitable for a MG to upper MG audience, and the idea is effective and unique. 4 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book was fine, I think that as the series progresses it will get better, but overall just a fine start.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is not a stand alone book! Forbidden Mountain is the first in another fantasy series from Brandon Mull. I have been a fan of Mull since Fablehaven and have read many of his books. This book is told in two points of view; Mako is a boy who wants to be a warrior like the older brother he idolizes, but his talents lie more in music and Arden, a girl who secretly infiltrates a gang to find a lost friend. The chapters bounce back and forth between the two until they meet and merge story lines. There are decisions made that may help or destroy their land. There is a lot of action and suspense, but there is no real resolution at the end of the book because this is just the beginning of the series: expect a cliffhanger!
This book is perfect for upper middle grades. The reader has to be able to follow dual points of view and plots, deceit and suspense.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
This book is perfect for upper middle grades. The reader has to be able to follow dual points of view and plots, deceit and suspense.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
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