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Dragonwatch #1
Smocza Straż
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2017)Długo oczekiwana kontynuacja bestsellerowego "Baśnioboru".
Po pokonaniu demonów następuje pozorny pokój. Tymczasem król smoków ma dość zamknięcia w azylu, podburza do walki swoich poddanych i chce przejąć władzę nad światem. Najpierw jednak musi zdobyć władzę we własnym więzieniu, w czym konsekwentnie będzie próbować mu przeszkodzić Kendra i Seth.
Czy smokom uda się przejąć władzę nad światem?
Po pokonaniu demonów następuje pozorny pokój. Tymczasem król smoków ma dość zamknięcia w azylu, podburza do walki swoich poddanych i chce przejąć władzę nad światem. Najpierw jednak musi zdobyć władzę we własnym więzieniu, w czym konsekwentnie będzie próbować mu przeszkodzić Kendra i Seth.
Czy smokom uda się przejąć władzę nad światem?
382 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
1459 people are currently reading
17722 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Mull
79 books10.7k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,756 reviews
November 27, 2018
Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Fans of Brandon Mull’s FABLEHAVEN middle grade fantasy series now have a chance to revisit that world with Dragonwatch (2017), the first book in his new FABLEHAVEN ADVENTURE series. In the world of FABLEHAVEN, mythical beings like fairies, centaurs, dragons and demons actually exist, living in hidden, protected sanctuaries where most humans are unaware of their existence. Even if you enter a preserve, unless you drink the milk of a magical milch cow, fairies look like dragonflies or butterflies, nipsies seem to be mice, satyrs appear as goats, and so on.
In the original FABLEHAVEN series, Kendra and her younger brother Seth helped protect their grandparents’ estate, Fablehaven, and the other sanctuaries against the evil magical forces that threatened them. This battle against evil culminated in the fifth book, Keys to the Demon Prison, in which dragons assisted the humans and good magical creatures in fighting demons before returning to their (very spacious) dragon sanctuaries.
Dragonwatch begins a new set of adventures for Seth and Kendra, now ages thirteen and fifteen. The dragons are now getting restive in their preserves and want their freedom … which would include minor things like, say, terrorizing the world. In the dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, king of the Dragons, is on the offensive, trying to break free of the magic that binds him and his dragons to remain in the sanctuary. The binding magic is weakening, and the Dragonwatch organization, a group of wizards, enchantresses, and others devoted to ensuring that dragons never tyrannize the world again, believe it’s because the treaty with the dragons requires a human caretaker ― which the current wizard caretaker is not, exactly. The caretaker also needs to be a “dragon tamer,” someone who is not paralyzed by fear when conversing with a dragon.
When they are physically touching each other, Seth and Kendra are a dragon tamer. Though they’re young, they also have rare magical abilities (gained through their prior adventures) that may make them the best hope for saving the world from destruction by dragons. Of course, the answer to keeping the dragons safely bound is not as simple as everyone hoped, and Kendra and Seth end up going on a quest within Wyrmroost to find the magical item that will restore the spell to its full power.
The FABLEHAVEN universe is a hugely appealing one for young readers who like magical adventures. Kendra is the cautious one who always wants to keep the rules; Seth is more reckless and willing to take a crazy chance, even if it’s dangerous, which has often gotten him into trouble in the past. But now the only way to defeat the dragon threat may be to take chances and think outside the box. Seth also has a quick wit; his often funny dialogue supplies most of the humor in Dragonwatch.
The plot periodically gives off a whiff of going down a predictable path, the magical quest where the main characters must overcome one obstacle or test, then another, then another, to achieve their goal and find theMcGuffin, excuse me, the magic scepter that will solve their dragon problem … at least for the time being. But there was enough creativity in the setting and in the nature of the obstacles Seth and Kendra encounter that even as an adult reader I didn’t get bored, and middle grade readers should find it engaging.
Dragonwatch picks up right where (and when) Keys to the Demon Prison left off, and there are many, many references to events and characters from the prior books in the FABLEHAVEN series. Although Brandon Mull fills in much of the backstory, I’d strongly recommend reading the entire set of FABLEHAVEN books before beginning this one. Speaking from personal experience ― I have three children who were rabid fans and dragged me to more than one FABLEHAVEN book launch party when they were young teens, where there were hundreds of young, screaming fans ― it’s a great, imaginative series for middle graders who like magical fantasies with exciting and perilous adventures.
Fans of Brandon Mull’s FABLEHAVEN middle grade fantasy series now have a chance to revisit that world with Dragonwatch (2017), the first book in his new FABLEHAVEN ADVENTURE series. In the world of FABLEHAVEN, mythical beings like fairies, centaurs, dragons and demons actually exist, living in hidden, protected sanctuaries where most humans are unaware of their existence. Even if you enter a preserve, unless you drink the milk of a magical milch cow, fairies look like dragonflies or butterflies, nipsies seem to be mice, satyrs appear as goats, and so on.
In the original FABLEHAVEN series, Kendra and her younger brother Seth helped protect their grandparents’ estate, Fablehaven, and the other sanctuaries against the evil magical forces that threatened them. This battle against evil culminated in the fifth book, Keys to the Demon Prison, in which dragons assisted the humans and good magical creatures in fighting demons before returning to their (very spacious) dragon sanctuaries.
Dragonwatch begins a new set of adventures for Seth and Kendra, now ages thirteen and fifteen. The dragons are now getting restive in their preserves and want their freedom … which would include minor things like, say, terrorizing the world. In the dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, king of the Dragons, is on the offensive, trying to break free of the magic that binds him and his dragons to remain in the sanctuary. The binding magic is weakening, and the Dragonwatch organization, a group of wizards, enchantresses, and others devoted to ensuring that dragons never tyrannize the world again, believe it’s because the treaty with the dragons requires a human caretaker ― which the current wizard caretaker is not, exactly. The caretaker also needs to be a “dragon tamer,” someone who is not paralyzed by fear when conversing with a dragon.
When they are physically touching each other, Seth and Kendra are a dragon tamer. Though they’re young, they also have rare magical abilities (gained through their prior adventures) that may make them the best hope for saving the world from destruction by dragons. Of course, the answer to keeping the dragons safely bound is not as simple as everyone hoped, and Kendra and Seth end up going on a quest within Wyrmroost to find the magical item that will restore the spell to its full power.
The FABLEHAVEN universe is a hugely appealing one for young readers who like magical adventures. Kendra is the cautious one who always wants to keep the rules; Seth is more reckless and willing to take a crazy chance, even if it’s dangerous, which has often gotten him into trouble in the past. But now the only way to defeat the dragon threat may be to take chances and think outside the box. Seth also has a quick wit; his often funny dialogue supplies most of the humor in Dragonwatch.
The plot periodically gives off a whiff of going down a predictable path, the magical quest where the main characters must overcome one obstacle or test, then another, then another, to achieve their goal and find the
Dragonwatch picks up right where (and when) Keys to the Demon Prison left off, and there are many, many references to events and characters from the prior books in the FABLEHAVEN series. Although Brandon Mull fills in much of the backstory, I’d strongly recommend reading the entire set of FABLEHAVEN books before beginning this one. Speaking from personal experience ― I have three children who were rabid fans and dragged me to more than one FABLEHAVEN book launch party when they were young teens, where there were hundreds of young, screaming fans ― it’s a great, imaginative series for middle graders who like magical fantasies with exciting and perilous adventures.
March 9, 2020
4.5 stars
It was great to be back in this world. I loved so many like the nipsie etc but the Luvian horses were awesome. I hope we have more of them!! They read books, play games and some can talk.
I bet my Spirit Animal, Tina Belcher, would be in horse Heaven.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
It was great to be back in this world. I loved so many like the nipsie etc but the Luvian horses were awesome. I hope we have more of them!! They read books, play games and some can talk.
I bet my Spirit Animal, Tina Belcher, would be in horse Heaven.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
July 26, 2019
Ok... Where would I start... Well, I love the world of fablehaven, the idea of magical creatures hidden in preserves/sanctuaries in an existing world. I love the idea of having two protagonist that have yin and yang features. The idea of fairy queen, dragon King, demon king, etc... I like them all... But... I'm just expecting something bigger like a fight scene not just a chasing scene... Or a blast not just a fire....
Actually, I'm expecting too much. It's just the first of the sequel. It may lack something, (don't get me wrong, still it's a good material) but for sure the next adventure will be a better one...
Thank you for the ride.
Actually, I'm expecting too much. It's just the first of the sequel. It may lack something, (don't get me wrong, still it's a good material) but for sure the next adventure will be a better one...
Thank you for the ride.
February 7, 2017
When fans heard there would be another book set in the Fablehaven world, I think they might have gone crazy with excitement. Tears might have been shed and throats might have gone hoarse from screaming in glee.
What can I say about a beloved series?
Another fabulous, wonderful addition, no extra, to the series that fans not only weren't expecting but are over the moon thrilled with. Well done Mister Mull in once again resurrecting a series that many have not forgotten and will live on in their hearts and minds.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
What can I say about a beloved series?
Another fabulous, wonderful addition, no extra, to the series that fans not only weren't expecting but are over the moon thrilled with. Well done Mister Mull in once again resurrecting a series that many have not forgotten and will live on in their hearts and minds.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
April 25, 2023
Jak ja tęskniłam za tym światem!!
Want to read
February 19, 2017Let me tell you a little story.
It was the summer that I was 14 and I was going to Zambia with my parents for three weeks. It's the sort of a once in a lifetime opportunity that most people would die for. My mother was going to help train teachers and my father and I were going to tag along.
It was the most incredible trip and definitely life-changing in ways that I cannot describe. However, at the end of it all, after staying in camps and being accepted into other people's homes, my parents decided to take two days to stay at a luxury resort near Victoria Falls. Before leaving Europe, I knew that this was going to be the most boring part of the trip for me, I hate being idle and just lazing around. So I put out an appeal to all my friends to give me good books that I could download onto my kindle and take with me. One of my American friends replied and gave me her childhood series, Fablehaven.
So I started reading it the afternoon we arrived, I'd finished the first book by dinner and I was halfway through the second book before I realised it was two in the morning and maybe it was in my best interest to sleep.
The next two days, I lived inside this vivid fantasy world that Brandon Mull had created. I read during meal, I read while my parents took advantage of the pool, I read way past when I was supposed to be asleep.
I just did the maths, I read about 2420 pages in just 48 hours (24 if you subtract eating/forced socialising/sleeping time). Assuming there's an average of 250 words per page I read 605 000 words in 24 hours. I'm usually a fast reader but even for me that's a phenomenal amount. I didn't even end up giving all the books five stars (probably because I felt like my favourite character of all time, Seth Sorenson, was treated unfairly) and I have never been able to recreate such a marathon with any other series since. So I keep asking myself, what is it about Fablehaven?
I don't know, but I do know that since those 48 hours, I've been utterly and unfailingly in love with these books. Am I excited for Dragonwatch? Absolutely. Do I hope that it can match the pure addictiveness and magic of the original series? I really, really do, but I'm not going to raise my hopes too high because the last thing I want to be is disappointed by this book.
All that I know is that I'm not doing anything important March 14th, I'm just going to sit down and read this book from cover to cover.
It was the summer that I was 14 and I was going to Zambia with my parents for three weeks. It's the sort of a once in a lifetime opportunity that most people would die for. My mother was going to help train teachers and my father and I were going to tag along.
It was the most incredible trip and definitely life-changing in ways that I cannot describe. However, at the end of it all, after staying in camps and being accepted into other people's homes, my parents decided to take two days to stay at a luxury resort near Victoria Falls. Before leaving Europe, I knew that this was going to be the most boring part of the trip for me, I hate being idle and just lazing around. So I put out an appeal to all my friends to give me good books that I could download onto my kindle and take with me. One of my American friends replied and gave me her childhood series, Fablehaven.
So I started reading it the afternoon we arrived, I'd finished the first book by dinner and I was halfway through the second book before I realised it was two in the morning and maybe it was in my best interest to sleep.
The next two days, I lived inside this vivid fantasy world that Brandon Mull had created. I read during meal, I read while my parents took advantage of the pool, I read way past when I was supposed to be asleep.
I just did the maths, I read about 2420 pages in just 48 hours (24 if you subtract eating/forced socialising/sleeping time). Assuming there's an average of 250 words per page I read 605 000 words in 24 hours. I'm usually a fast reader but even for me that's a phenomenal amount. I didn't even end up giving all the books five stars (probably because I felt like my favourite character of all time, Seth Sorenson, was treated unfairly) and I have never been able to recreate such a marathon with any other series since. So I keep asking myself, what is it about Fablehaven?
I don't know, but I do know that since those 48 hours, I've been utterly and unfailingly in love with these books. Am I excited for Dragonwatch? Absolutely. Do I hope that it can match the pure addictiveness and magic of the original series? I really, really do, but I'm not going to raise my hopes too high because the last thing I want to be is disappointed by this book.
All that I know is that I'm not doing anything important March 14th, I'm just going to sit down and read this book from cover to cover.
April 11, 2017
I was writing out notes to do a video review of this, and I have a huge list of pros without many cons. I'm a big fan of Mull's books, so this comes as no surprise at all.
January 25, 2021
After loving the Fablehaven series (not initially) by Brandon Mull and wishing to have a spinoff to continue reading about this world, my wish came true. This starts sometime after the events of Keys to the Demon Prison and we witness what takes place when our heroes and their families are trying to go about their lives.
This started out very slow but I didn't mind that. In fact, I expected as much. Mull's writing is simple, easy to read, flows from one paragraph to another. I absolutely loved coming back to this world again. I just couldn't wait to get to know what happens next.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I still have a few dislikes and complaints about this. First of all, the characters which was the main problem for me in the first book of the previous series as well. I just cannot come to like the main characters as much as I'd like to considering I love this world. Seth had grown on me so much during the previous series but in this he was just okay and sometimes even more immature than the previous series. And Kendra is still the same scared-y girl who doesn't want to step up for anything but has all these powers (I don't know why). Also, all she sees in the magical people is their beauty. Yes, she's young but still, come on.
And where were the parents? What were the grandparents even doing in this book save for just being there? Marat had a bit more to do but still just for the sake of the story. Only Henrick and Calvin were there as strong supporting characters. Everyone else was just useless. We had Mendigo with Seth and Kendra and Hugo made an appearance both of who I like. As always, Newel and Doren put a smile on my face and I always love their presence and their witty lines. But all the other characters that were introduced had little to nothing to do save for progressing the story. What were the cousins even doing in the book except to retrieve a scepter? I know it's just the first one in the series and slowly things will heat up more but still I expected a lot more.
Nothing felt dangerous to me. The way things were progressing, I could already see how they were going to get out of everything without any scratches and they did. All of it felt just so easy. We didn't have a lot of action, a lot of information is all we had. Also, how come a wizard and a unicorn weren't able to save the sanctuary? Aren't they so powerful and all?
I did love the dual narrative again. The only reason it's getting 3 stars is because of my love for this world.
3 stars
This started out very slow but I didn't mind that. In fact, I expected as much. Mull's writing is simple, easy to read, flows from one paragraph to another. I absolutely loved coming back to this world again. I just couldn't wait to get to know what happens next.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I still have a few dislikes and complaints about this. First of all, the characters which was the main problem for me in the first book of the previous series as well. I just cannot come to like the main characters as much as I'd like to considering I love this world. Seth had grown on me so much during the previous series but in this he was just okay and sometimes even more immature than the previous series. And Kendra is still the same scared-y girl who doesn't want to step up for anything but has all these powers (I don't know why). Also, all she sees in the magical people is their beauty. Yes, she's young but still, come on.
And where were the parents? What were the grandparents even doing in this book save for just being there? Marat had a bit more to do but still just for the sake of the story. Only Henrick and Calvin were there as strong supporting characters. Everyone else was just useless. We had Mendigo with Seth and Kendra and Hugo made an appearance both of who I like. As always, Newel and Doren put a smile on my face and I always love their presence and their witty lines. But all the other characters that were introduced had little to nothing to do save for progressing the story. What were the cousins even doing in the book except to retrieve a scepter? I know it's just the first one in the series and slowly things will heat up more but still I expected a lot more.
Nothing felt dangerous to me. The way things were progressing, I could already see how they were going to get out of everything without any scratches and they did. All of it felt just so easy. We didn't have a lot of action, a lot of information is all we had. Also, how come a wizard and a unicorn weren't able to save the sanctuary? Aren't they so powerful and all?
I did love the dual narrative again. The only reason it's getting 3 stars is because of my love for this world.
3 stars
April 22, 2017
Hey, man. I have to know how Grandma and Grandpa Larsen explained their sudden reappearance to the Uncle Pete, Aunt Zola, Knox, Tess, Uncle Tuck, Aunt Kim, etc. after they had been "dead" for some time, without telling them everything about the magical world.
March 10, 2017
I am a HUGE Fablehaven fan, considering it my all-time favorite middle grade series (aside from Harry Potter – the untouchable). I loved it for its fun storyline, boundless surprises, and sense of wonder. If you’d asked me which element of Fablehaven I’d wanted to read more about, the dragon sanctuary would have been my pick, hands down. Not only was it a magical place to visit, but I thought Mull had only scratched the surface of what it had to offer. I was thrilled when Dragonwatch was announced!
Before diving in, I’d been under the impression that Dragonwatch was going to be a true spinoff with new characters and everything. But it isn’t a spinoff… IT’S A CONTINUATION!!! Taking place right where Kendra and Seth left off their adventures in Keys to the Demon Prison (Book #5). Reading about these characters again felt like coming home. I remembered how sad I was when the original series ended, so Dragonwatch was a special treat for sure – and there’s more to come!
The best part of this novel for me were the dragons – I loved the different varieties and personalities, and think we’ll only get more detail as the series continues. There was also a fun adventure that included lots of creative obstacles for the characters to figure out and overcome. The plot was well constructed, but I don’t think that was completely evident from the beginning. The first third of the book, while immersed in Fablehaven awesomeness, took a long time to get to the selling point of the novel – the dragon sanctuary. While I enjoyed every moment, I can’t help but wonder if I would have enjoyed it a mite more had it moved along a bit quicker.
Overall, I’m excited for more adventures in this world and can’t wait for the next book!
--I’d like to thank NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Brandon Mull for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Dragonwatch.
Other books you might like:
The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
The Field Guide - Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Merchant of Death - DJ MacHale
The Inventor's Secret - Chad Morris
Redwall - Brian Jacques
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
Before diving in, I’d been under the impression that Dragonwatch was going to be a true spinoff with new characters and everything. But it isn’t a spinoff… IT’S A CONTINUATION!!! Taking place right where Kendra and Seth left off their adventures in Keys to the Demon Prison (Book #5). Reading about these characters again felt like coming home. I remembered how sad I was when the original series ended, so Dragonwatch was a special treat for sure – and there’s more to come!
The best part of this novel for me were the dragons – I loved the different varieties and personalities, and think we’ll only get more detail as the series continues. There was also a fun adventure that included lots of creative obstacles for the characters to figure out and overcome. The plot was well constructed, but I don’t think that was completely evident from the beginning. The first third of the book, while immersed in Fablehaven awesomeness, took a long time to get to the selling point of the novel – the dragon sanctuary. While I enjoyed every moment, I can’t help but wonder if I would have enjoyed it a mite more had it moved along a bit quicker.
Overall, I’m excited for more adventures in this world and can’t wait for the next book!
--I’d like to thank NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Brandon Mull for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Dragonwatch.
Other books you might like:
The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
The Field Guide - Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Merchant of Death - DJ MacHale
The Inventor's Secret - Chad Morris
Redwall - Brian Jacques
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
November 28, 2017
Yeah, Another Brandon Mull Book! I have to say, I love Fablehaven and it's wonderful to go back to that world. This book does not disappoint. This is all about Dragons and a whole lot of dragons. Kendra and Seth are back for more adventuring and the stakes are higher.
I've never heard of an Alcetaur. Well, they are pretty fantastic. Brandon comes up with such great characters. His imagination seems boundless. I can't believe that I always feel surprised reading his books and he is a master at world building.
The end wrapped up nice and neat. Still this was such a fun read. I hope Fablehaven's base of readers grows.
I've never heard of an Alcetaur. Well, they are pretty fantastic. Brandon comes up with such great characters. His imagination seems boundless. I can't believe that I always feel surprised reading his books and he is a master at world building.
The end wrapped up nice and neat. Still this was such a fun read. I hope Fablehaven's base of readers grows.
Want to read
August 25, 2015Please please please don't ruin the fablehaven series. Don't milk the series for all its worth.
January 3, 2023
4.75/5 Motyw smoków - fenomen!
March 4, 2017
Received from: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I loved the Fablehaven series
What I thought
Like I said I loved the Fablehaven series, so when I saw this was a Fablehaven adventure I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Luckily it showed up on NetGalley, you should have seen how fast I requested this baby. I gotta say this book didn't disappoint, it had all the elements I loved about Fablehaven plus dragons! I also loved how Seth finally got the spotlight,it was about damn time. Though I did miss some of the characters from the Fablehaven series like Warren and Vanessa I did like the new characters too. I also really liked the plot it kept me wanting more and I just hope there is more Fablehaven adventures to come.
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I loved the Fablehaven series
What I thought
Like I said I loved the Fablehaven series, so when I saw this was a Fablehaven adventure I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Luckily it showed up on NetGalley, you should have seen how fast I requested this baby. I gotta say this book didn't disappoint, it had all the elements I loved about Fablehaven plus dragons! I also loved how Seth finally got the spotlight,it was about damn time. Though I did miss some of the characters from the Fablehaven series like Warren and Vanessa I did like the new characters too. I also really liked the plot it kept me wanting more and I just hope there is more Fablehaven adventures to come.
October 23, 2018
RATING
: like 4 dragons 🐉🐉🐉🐉 (but 3.75 stars)
I didn’t realize how much I missed the Fablehaven universe until I picked up this book! (Keep this in mind.)
You can read the full review on my blog!
I’ll admit, I finished the original Fablehaven series several years ago and did not have time to reread it before reading Dragonwatch, so of course I didn’t remember everything from way back then.
I’d also like you to know that the original Fablehaven series is so good. If you haven’t read that yet, I do not want this review to discourage you from reading it!
MY THOUGHTS: (very minor spoilers)
After I was a few chapters in, I was so ready for more adventures in the Fablehaven world, you would not believe how fast my mood changed.
And dragons? Who doesn't love dragons?
Although I was almost sure that everything had been touched in the original series, it looks like there's a lot more to go! I have no idea what could possibly happen next after this book, so there's a good sign!
Around page 150, I realized that I was more or less a fourth of the way in and not that much had happened… The beginning was a lot of catching up, “remember when this specific event in our past happened and we met so-and-so?”, and even discussions about magical-world politics.
Then… when I reached the halfway point, I realized that the whole time there were two main questions being asked: it was either, “Can Kendra and Seth actually take care of Wymroost?” or “Why the heck are Kendra and Seth in charge of Wymroost?” My answers to these questions are, “Of course not (have you met Seth??)” and “I have no clue, but probably to move along this series”.
The ending was okay. It may have been a little anticlimactic, but you know what? I think that’s how a lot of first-book-in-a-series books are these days.
Overall, I liked that the main characters, Kendra and Seth, had not changed much compared to how other parts of the original series were portrayed. I still laughed at their interactions, their sibling love continued, and there was still a "SETH, NO!" moment before the ending. Yay for consistency!
In the end, though, I’m so glad reading this new series reminded me of when I read Fablehaven for the first time! I was scared it would not live up to the original series, but as far as sequel series go, I think it was okay.
I hope the next book is better!
I didn’t realize how much I missed the Fablehaven universe until I picked up this book! (Keep this in mind.)
You can read the full review on my blog!
I’ll admit, I finished the original Fablehaven series several years ago and did not have time to reread it before reading Dragonwatch, so of course I didn’t remember everything from way back then.
I’d also like you to know that the original Fablehaven series is so good. If you haven’t read that yet, I do not want this review to discourage you from reading it!
MY THOUGHTS: (very minor spoilers)
After I was a few chapters in, I was so ready for more adventures in the Fablehaven world, you would not believe how fast my mood changed.
And dragons? Who doesn't love dragons?
Although I was almost sure that everything had been touched in the original series, it looks like there's a lot more to go! I have no idea what could possibly happen next after this book, so there's a good sign!
Around page 150, I realized that I was more or less a fourth of the way in and not that much had happened… The beginning was a lot of catching up, “remember when this specific event in our past happened and we met so-and-so?”, and even discussions about magical-world politics.
Then… when I reached the halfway point, I realized that the whole time there were two main questions being asked: it was either, “Can Kendra and Seth actually take care of Wymroost?” or “Why the heck are Kendra and Seth in charge of Wymroost?” My answers to these questions are, “Of course not (have you met Seth??)” and “I have no clue, but probably to move along this series”.
The ending was okay. It may have been a little anticlimactic, but you know what? I think that’s how a lot of first-book-in-a-series books are these days.
Overall, I liked that the main characters, Kendra and Seth, had not changed much compared to how other parts of the original series were portrayed. I still laughed at their interactions, their sibling love continued, and there was still a "SETH, NO!" moment before the ending. Yay for consistency!
In the end, though, I’m so glad reading this new series reminded me of when I read Fablehaven for the first time! I was scared it would not live up to the original series, but as far as sequel series go, I think it was okay.
I hope the next book is better!
May 22, 2025
ngl i'm rooting for celebrant like you're lying if you say that you genuinely want kendra sorensen, whose sole trait is the fact that she's fairykind which means she can translate fairy languages and glow (but not even to everyone; only a select number of magical creatures can see her glow, and so far, it's as pointless as it sounds) to win over celebrant, the dragon king!
so i'm not really sure what mull is going for here because it's definitely a cool premise, but it's probably not gonna end well. but i'm only on the first book so far, so what do i know!
mull even gave the dragons such good reasons too for some reason?? like you're gonna tell me that the "dragons are prisoners" and "mortals can just as easily destroy the world as dragons" and expect me to be on the same side as our stupid, teenage main characters? nah!
so i'm not really sure what mull is going for here because it's definitely a cool premise, but it's probably not gonna end well. but i'm only on the first book so far, so what do i know!
mull even gave the dragons such good reasons too for some reason?? like you're gonna tell me that the "dragons are prisoners" and "mortals can just as easily destroy the world as dragons" and expect me to be on the same side as our stupid, teenage main characters? nah!
May 4, 2022
Spoko, ale raczej nie będzie moim ulubieńcem
June 24, 2018
3.5 stars
it was so good to be back in this world but not quite as good as the original series. i need to dwell on it for a bit.
it was so good to be back in this world but not quite as good as the original series. i need to dwell on it for a bit.
April 25, 2017
I loved, loved, LOVED the Fablehaven series (though I was admittedly older than the target audience while I was reading it), so when I was scrolling through the Goodreads popular feed and saw this, I was SO. EXCITED. Did it live up to the hype? Well...
Short Version, Sans Spoilers: Not as good as the original series, but also not bad. I think it's a good pick for middle-grade students, but maybe only ones that are already pretty psyched about reading—I'm not sure it's an easy sell to kids who don't like to read. As for those of us who *ahem* might be a little old for the series but still enjoy it, it's a new adventure in a familiar universe.
Long Version, WITH SPOILERS:
I don't get the warm fuzzy feeling I got reading the original five Fablehaven books when I read this, but it's far from bad. Mull's writing has continued to improve so that some of the more challenging technical problems with his work (mostly the over-abundance of dialogue tags) are less noticeable. There's a lot of building on previous stories and lots of continuity nods. New magic, old characters, fun and adventure. It's hard to come back when the last story had the highest stakes imaginable (imminent doom for all of mankind at the hands of vile demons), and I wouldn't say this story rises to that level, but that's probably due more to this being the first of five novels, thus providing a lot of setup than it is Mull's fault. That said, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the original series, and there are a few reasons why...
In terms of characters, we unfortunately don't get to see many returning. The majority of the novel is focused on Seth and Kendra and their nearly-solo adventure. Most of the other characters are new to the story. I never realized how much characters like Warren, Tanu, Vanessa, Patton, and even Gavin/Navarog brought to the story. The new characters are generally fine (except Calvin, who's really only there for convenience's sake and is pretty bland in the personality department), but I miss the old crew. Seth and Kendra are not quite funny or interesting enough to carry an entire novel on their own. Furthermore, Seth seems to have taken three LARGE steps backward from the learned, strong young man who watched Graulas murder a friend and destroy his home sanctuary. He's back to his old habits and seems less mature than he was in previous books, probably because without his utter fuckups there isn't much of a plot and without his boyish rambunctiousness, he and Kendra don't have much to say to one another that isn't totally dull. It's nothing unforgivable, but it is just enough to grate on me.
There are some other things missing from this book that charmed me in the original series. Most of the action takes place at Wyrmroost, so we don't get multiple locations as we have in other books. I also found the detail a little lacking; there's no scrumptious descriptions of food or lush landscaping or creepy revenant groves; it's pretty basic, almost cliché fantasy settings with little to set them apart, which is why I found the original series so endearing—here, it's castles, open fields, elvin villages, and creepy dark caves. I guess that's all fine, I just miss the charm and attention to detail of the older books.
There's another problem here which is not new to the Fablehaven series—the action/plot is not quite up to snuff, and by that I mean a lot of things. One of the most damning things in my book is that this doesn't feel like a complete stand-alone adventure. Kendra and Seth do some crazy risky things, but unlike previous books I can't give you a quick five-word synopsis to explain the plot. There is not much of a climax or story arc; a lot of this feels like set-up for the adventures to come. Even the first Fablehaven book had a major crisis that was solved by the end, but this one just kind of ends after a minor victory for the good guys. I'm hoping subsequent books will remedy this. I also feel like the stakes aren't quite as high as they were before and it's hard to avoid comparing this to the last book, where the stakes were about as high as it gets. I think it is possible to do a smaller adventure after that, but the execution wasn't necessarily there on this one. We're left feeling a little unsurprised and disenchanted when things go well because duh, you've fucking killed demons before guys.
There are some other pacing issues I have, like certain parts of the book being summarized when it would have been nice to read them out, but that might have been due to the need to keep the book to a managable length for children, since it is nearing 400 pages as it is. I almost—no, I DEFINITELY wish Mull could have aged both characters up by about three or four years and turned this into a YA series, with darker storylines and more serious characterization, danger, etc. Oh the missed opportunities.
I think my biggest problem with the book is that its very premise goes against the innovative, provocative, philosophical moral nature of the series thus far. Choosing to make dragons the main enemy in your middle grade fantasy series is a bit of a low-hanging fruit, isn't it? Especially considering that the characters spend very little time considering the moral implications of their actions, and instead jump into action to subdue the dragons, without really considering whether it's the right thing to do. On one hand, yeah, it probably is, but this series has never taken that kind of thing for granted. We're meant to be questioning—is it right to lock up magical creatures in sanctuaries? Are creatures evil by nature or by choice? What about humans? Etc etc. But here, we've got the easy target of the dragons and no moral ambiguity or conundrums to ponder. It all feels a little rushed and lacks the sinister undertone of the previous books which were filled with characters who might betray Kendra and Seth at any moment, rather than enemies who were obvious and blatant and, to be honest, a little boring.
It sounds like I really didn't like this novel but I found it extremely readable. It's not my favorite in the series so far, not by a long shot, but I'm willing to get through it to get to some more interesting stories and writing in the subsequent novels. Overall, if you're a fan, I do recommend you give this a shot. If not, I wouldn't start with this book—come back when you've read the others. Otherwise, you'll miss out on a lot of charm and excitement.
Short Version, Sans Spoilers: Not as good as the original series, but also not bad. I think it's a good pick for middle-grade students, but maybe only ones that are already pretty psyched about reading—I'm not sure it's an easy sell to kids who don't like to read. As for those of us who *ahem* might be a little old for the series but still enjoy it, it's a new adventure in a familiar universe.
Long Version, WITH SPOILERS:
I don't get the warm fuzzy feeling I got reading the original five Fablehaven books when I read this, but it's far from bad. Mull's writing has continued to improve so that some of the more challenging technical problems with his work (mostly the over-abundance of dialogue tags) are less noticeable. There's a lot of building on previous stories and lots of continuity nods. New magic, old characters, fun and adventure. It's hard to come back when the last story had the highest stakes imaginable (imminent doom for all of mankind at the hands of vile demons), and I wouldn't say this story rises to that level, but that's probably due more to this being the first of five novels, thus providing a lot of setup than it is Mull's fault. That said, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the original series, and there are a few reasons why...
In terms of characters, we unfortunately don't get to see many returning. The majority of the novel is focused on Seth and Kendra and their nearly-solo adventure. Most of the other characters are new to the story. I never realized how much characters like Warren, Tanu, Vanessa, Patton, and even Gavin/Navarog brought to the story. The new characters are generally fine (except Calvin, who's really only there for convenience's sake and is pretty bland in the personality department), but I miss the old crew. Seth and Kendra are not quite funny or interesting enough to carry an entire novel on their own. Furthermore, Seth seems to have taken three LARGE steps backward from the learned, strong young man who watched Graulas murder a friend and destroy his home sanctuary. He's back to his old habits and seems less mature than he was in previous books, probably because without his utter fuckups there isn't much of a plot and without his boyish rambunctiousness, he and Kendra don't have much to say to one another that isn't totally dull. It's nothing unforgivable, but it is just enough to grate on me.
There are some other things missing from this book that charmed me in the original series. Most of the action takes place at Wyrmroost, so we don't get multiple locations as we have in other books. I also found the detail a little lacking; there's no scrumptious descriptions of food or lush landscaping or creepy revenant groves; it's pretty basic, almost cliché fantasy settings with little to set them apart, which is why I found the original series so endearing—here, it's castles, open fields, elvin villages, and creepy dark caves. I guess that's all fine, I just miss the charm and attention to detail of the older books.
There's another problem here which is not new to the Fablehaven series—the action/plot is not quite up to snuff, and by that I mean a lot of things. One of the most damning things in my book is that this doesn't feel like a complete stand-alone adventure. Kendra and Seth do some crazy risky things, but unlike previous books I can't give you a quick five-word synopsis to explain the plot. There is not much of a climax or story arc; a lot of this feels like set-up for the adventures to come. Even the first Fablehaven book had a major crisis that was solved by the end, but this one just kind of ends after a minor victory for the good guys. I'm hoping subsequent books will remedy this. I also feel like the stakes aren't quite as high as they were before and it's hard to avoid comparing this to the last book, where the stakes were about as high as it gets. I think it is possible to do a smaller adventure after that, but the execution wasn't necessarily there on this one. We're left feeling a little unsurprised and disenchanted when things go well because duh, you've fucking killed demons before guys.
There are some other pacing issues I have, like certain parts of the book being summarized when it would have been nice to read them out, but that might have been due to the need to keep the book to a managable length for children, since it is nearing 400 pages as it is. I almost—no, I DEFINITELY wish Mull could have aged both characters up by about three or four years and turned this into a YA series, with darker storylines and more serious characterization, danger, etc. Oh the missed opportunities.
I think my biggest problem with the book is that its very premise goes against the innovative, provocative, philosophical moral nature of the series thus far. Choosing to make dragons the main enemy in your middle grade fantasy series is a bit of a low-hanging fruit, isn't it? Especially considering that the characters spend very little time considering the moral implications of their actions, and instead jump into action to subdue the dragons, without really considering whether it's the right thing to do. On one hand, yeah, it probably is, but this series has never taken that kind of thing for granted. We're meant to be questioning—is it right to lock up magical creatures in sanctuaries? Are creatures evil by nature or by choice? What about humans? Etc etc. But here, we've got the easy target of the dragons and no moral ambiguity or conundrums to ponder. It all feels a little rushed and lacks the sinister undertone of the previous books which were filled with characters who might betray Kendra and Seth at any moment, rather than enemies who were obvious and blatant and, to be honest, a little boring.
It sounds like I really didn't like this novel but I found it extremely readable. It's not my favorite in the series so far, not by a long shot, but I'm willing to get through it to get to some more interesting stories and writing in the subsequent novels. Overall, if you're a fan, I do recommend you give this a shot. If not, I wouldn't start with this book—come back when you've read the others. Otherwise, you'll miss out on a lot of charm and excitement.
October 15, 2016
Thank you to Edelweiss and Shadow Mountain for advanced access to this title. Fablehaven is hands down one of my all time favorite series and I always use it when talking to kids about reading something new. That being said, I had no idea that a new series was starting.
Dragonwatch happens after book 5 of Fablehaven and in this new series the Dragons are no longer content and threaten to destroy the world. A new caretaker must be appointed to Wymroost, however there is no one to appoint so Grandpa Sorenson is approached and must then ask Kendra and Seth if they wish to become caretakers even though they are still so young. With new found abilities (Seth is a shadow charmer and Kendra has been granted fairykind status) can they save the sanctuary from destruction and ensure that the King of the Dragons, Celebrant, doesn't kill them??? I've been searching to see how many books will be in this series and have yet to find anything but rest assured Fablehaven and Brandon Mull lovers, there is still so much to be done!
Dragonwatch happens after book 5 of Fablehaven and in this new series the Dragons are no longer content and threaten to destroy the world. A new caretaker must be appointed to Wymroost, however there is no one to appoint so Grandpa Sorenson is approached and must then ask Kendra and Seth if they wish to become caretakers even though they are still so young. With new found abilities (Seth is a shadow charmer and Kendra has been granted fairykind status) can they save the sanctuary from destruction and ensure that the King of the Dragons, Celebrant, doesn't kill them??? I've been searching to see how many books will be in this series and have yet to find anything but rest assured Fablehaven and Brandon Mull lovers, there is still so much to be done!
October 29, 2017
Sadly, Brandon Mull is losing his touch. Or I'm past his books' reading levels. Or I just don't know true awesome writing anymore.
Dragonwatch had a slow and meandering plot, annoying/boring characters, and nothing . . . special. Many things felt abrupt and cut off, and I'm still a little surprised they put two kids in charge of a DRAGON SANCTUARY. And I know, I know. They're amazing kids. They've done a lot. But . . . a DRAGON SANCTUARY?? Especially SETH??
Also, Kendra is 15 years old. And she's a girl. I can assure you, 15 year old girls do not act and talk the way she did.
But after reading book 4 of Five Kingdoms, this was a lot better than I'd expected. And yet somehow still not good.
There was also a TON of reaping old backstory from Fablehaven. Not my thing. I can handle small amounts. But paragraphs to accompany every character, place, and thing? Please, stop.
Dialogue is not Brandon Mull's forte. People just DON'T TALK like he made them . . . Don't get me started on Kendra's "dramatic" speech at the end.
:(
Dragonwatch had a slow and meandering plot, annoying/boring characters, and nothing . . . special. Many things felt abrupt and cut off, and I'm still a little surprised they put two kids in charge of a DRAGON SANCTUARY. And I know, I know. They're amazing kids. They've done a lot. But . . . a DRAGON SANCTUARY?? Especially SETH??
Also, Kendra is 15 years old. And she's a girl. I can assure you, 15 year old girls do not act and talk the way she did.
But after reading book 4 of Five Kingdoms, this was a lot better than I'd expected. And yet somehow still not good.
There was also a TON of reaping old backstory from Fablehaven. Not my thing. I can handle small amounts. But paragraphs to accompany every character, place, and thing? Please, stop.
Dialogue is not Brandon Mull's forte. People just DON'T TALK like he made them . . . Don't get me started on Kendra's "dramatic" speech at the end.
:(
February 28, 2022
4.5 / 5 ⭐
Okej, uwielbiam tę kontynuację. Nie mogę się doczekać, aż pochłonę całą tę serię. No i inne książki Brandona Mulla! To był bardzo fajny początek serii, czuję że będzie tylko lepiej! Trochę smutno z powodu Paprota, liczę że to się wyjaśni jeszcze na jego korzyść 😂 uwielbiam rozwój postaci, nowych bohaterów, fabułę, no wszystko!
Okej, uwielbiam tę kontynuację. Nie mogę się doczekać, aż pochłonę całą tę serię. No i inne książki Brandona Mulla! To był bardzo fajny początek serii, czuję że będzie tylko lepiej! Trochę smutno z powodu Paprota, liczę że to się wyjaśni jeszcze na jego korzyść 😂 uwielbiam rozwój postaci, nowych bohaterów, fabułę, no wszystko!
March 12, 2023
Kocham to uniwersum!
October 18, 2023
October 2023 - starting my "Dragonwatch" reread" after my recent "Fablehaven" reread!
1/19/2017
I truly cannot ever imagine a "Fablehaven" novel that fails to delight and entertain me to the fullest extent possible.
When I was 12, I read the first "Fablehaven" story and to say I was obsessed would be an understatement. This is a series that solidified my already firm love of fantasy into a love that has inspired me to write my own fantasy worlds and stories. This is a creative, one of a kind, and utterly delightful series written by Brandon Mull, who's imagination never ceases to amaze me.
Okay, I'm gushing a lot, but this series means so much to me! The fact that I get to revisit this world over a decade later is awesome. And I think Mull has done a epic job of reacquainting readers with Kendra and Seth Sorenson. The story meshed wonderfully with where the main series ended, and yet manages to create a brand new arc that makes perfect sense.
I am SUPER eager to see more of Kendra's and Seth's abilities as they grow more into their roles- roles from both the last books and what is given to them in this novel.
Solid 5/5! I'm going to go reread the books (again) while I await the next story...
1/19/2017
I truly cannot ever imagine a "Fablehaven" novel that fails to delight and entertain me to the fullest extent possible.
When I was 12, I read the first "Fablehaven" story and to say I was obsessed would be an understatement. This is a series that solidified my already firm love of fantasy into a love that has inspired me to write my own fantasy worlds and stories. This is a creative, one of a kind, and utterly delightful series written by Brandon Mull, who's imagination never ceases to amaze me.
Okay, I'm gushing a lot, but this series means so much to me! The fact that I get to revisit this world over a decade later is awesome. And I think Mull has done a epic job of reacquainting readers with Kendra and Seth Sorenson. The story meshed wonderfully with where the main series ended, and yet manages to create a brand new arc that makes perfect sense.
I am SUPER eager to see more of Kendra's and Seth's abilities as they grow more into their roles- roles from both the last books and what is given to them in this novel.
Solid 5/5! I'm going to go reread the books (again) while I await the next story...
October 23, 2018
I have never, never ever been more excited for a book to come out...!!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK.
Fablehaven is my childhood, and I read it whenever I need a major pick me up and exit from reality. Its such a safe haven for me. Do not ruin Kendra, Seth, ect. They are too precious.
Fablehaven is my childhood, and I read it whenever I need a major pick me up and exit from reality. Its such a safe haven for me. Do not ruin Kendra, Seth, ect. They are too precious.
December 2, 2023
powerful
September 5, 2021
Here begins the sequel series to Fablehaven. I strongly recommend reading all of Fablehaven first.
With the demons largely defeated, the dragons sense a power vacuum and are eager to break free of their sanctuaries. Kendra and Seth and others spend most of their time at Wyrmroost in this book. The story is straightforward with a quest/treasure hunt type of plot. The pacing is great, and it’s creative and funny, and I was at the end before I knew it. I don’t want to give anything else away.
Language: None
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Some monster violence
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
With the demons largely defeated, the dragons sense a power vacuum and are eager to break free of their sanctuaries. Kendra and Seth and others spend most of their time at Wyrmroost in this book. The story is straightforward with a quest/treasure hunt type of plot. The pacing is great, and it’s creative and funny, and I was at the end before I knew it. I don’t want to give anything else away.
Language: None
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Some monster violence
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
April 9, 2017
We have a cover! I repeat: WE HAVE A COVER!!!
To be totally honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this cover...It's certainly very cool, but....IDK I will have to think about it.
Still super excited for this
REVIEW AFTER READING THE BOOK:
DANG.
LIKE.
JUST.
DANG.
4.75 stars!!! This was so good! The plot was awesome as usual, and the characters were amazing and yeah. Dang.
Though I have to say...
GARRETH. Why. If this turns into a love triangle thing I swear.......
To be totally honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this cover...It's certainly very cool, but....IDK I will have to think about it.
Still super excited for this
REVIEW AFTER READING THE BOOK:
DANG.
LIKE.
JUST.
DANG.
4.75 stars!!! This was so good! The plot was awesome as usual, and the characters were amazing and yeah. Dang.
Though I have to say...
GARRETH. Why. If this turns into a love triangle thing I swear.......
Want to read
July 26, 2017SIGN ME UP FOR THIS (I'm so beyond excited for this)
September 1, 2016
I cannot wait! Fablehaven is my all time favorite series.
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