THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
5/5 Stars
I have been following Kendra and Seth's adventures for almost ten years, I'm now twenty, and yet I never seem to outgrow these characters or stop finding them interesting. This series holds such a special place in my heart. I was weary going into both this book and it's predecessor because spin off series in general make me nervous, I was terrified I wasn't going to like it as much as I did the original series, but there is something so fresh and new about this continuation that it holds the same place in my heart.
The Setting
Once again this book takes place primarily at Wrymroost, one of the Dragon Sanctuaries, and a magical preserve so intense that it makes Fablehaven look like a petting zoo. We really get to see more of the preserve in this book, even more then what was revealed in Fablehaven 4. I loved seeing more of Terrabelle, and I found the realm of the talking animals very cool as well. I also loved seeing more of the dragon's castle, and the Bewildered was so fascinating as well!
The Characters
Seth and Kendra are really starting to grow up (finally) they've been the same age for the past four books, which is the only grievance I have of this book. I really feel like they've grown though. The decision Seth makes at the end!! was so unlike him, and was incredibly shocking. I did not see that coming at all. I also feel like Kendra really starts to come into her own and is more confident with her abilities as well.
We see some of the secondary characters in this book as well. Tanu is one of my favorites, I've had a soft spot for him since the second Fablehaven book. Also, it was so cool to see Patton again, I absolutely adore him. He is definitely one of my favorite characters.
Calvin, the giant nipsie is also such a fascinating character. I love the dynamic he and Seth have and I'm curious to see how the ending is going to affect Calvin in future books.
I have to admit, Knox isn't my favorite, but I do think there is some potential for him to prove himself in later books.
The Plot
This book does contain some elements that we've seen in previous Fablehaven novels, such as a booby trapped tower, and magical items, but the odds felt so much different this time around. The villain is so up close and personal that I'm rooting for Kendra and Seth so much more this time around. I also really liked how the plot followed the characters through Wyrmroost. I don't know, I just really liked it. The ending in the castle with the three brothers was absolutely phenomenal! I loved it.
So, what next?
I seriously have so many questions! What happens to Seth, will he get his identity back? Does the Sphinx come back? Where is Bracken? What about Knox and Tanu? Is Agad evil? I'm really suspecting that he is, the part at the end, really has me wondering!!