Five Kingdoms 3: Crystal Keepers

By Brandon Mull

Cole Randolph still can’t believe the way his life has turned inside out. Stuck in a strange land far from home, he has found his friend Dalton and has survived the first two kingdoms of the Outskirts, but none of that has prepared him for the magnetic highways and robotic bounty hunters of Zeropolis.

Ruled by Abram Trench, the one Grand Shaper who stayed loyal to the evil High King, the government of Zeropolis uses advanced technologies to keep tight control. Luckily, the resistance in Zeropolis is anchored by the Crystal Keepers—a group of young rebels with unique weapons.

On the run from the High King’s secret police, Cole and Dalton hope to find more of their lost friends and help Mira locate her sister Constance. But as their enemies ruthlessly dismantle the resistance, time is running out for Cole to uncover the secrets behind the Zeropolitan government and unravel the mystery of who helped the High King steal his daughters’ powers.

I always enjoy reading Brandon Mull’s books, they are just what I like for adventure, magic, and creativity. This series has been a lot of fun, he’s created a world where he can stretch and pull in a lot of different genres into one. This book, unlike the previous two, is set in a more futuristic kingdom with advanced technology. Cole is still trying to figure out what he has to do to get his powers back, and he and Dalton are looking for the other kids from earth while helping Mira find her sisters. This book has some major plot twists that I am delighted to say I didn’t see coming, not entirely anyway. It changes the dynamic of the book and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out in March, where Cole is going to Necronum, and I expect lots of creepiness to happen. I especially liked the highlight on Joe, who is my favorite adult character in the series so far, and learning his story was one of the highlights for me. Good addition and nice twists to keep interest going.

It gets a 4 out of 5

Five Kingdoms: The Rogue Knight

By Brandon Mull

Cole Randolph never meant to come to the Outskirts, but when his friends were kidnapped on Halloween he had to try to save them. Now he’s trapped in a world that lies between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, life and death. Cole’s hunt for his lost friends has led him to the kingdom of Elloweer. Accompanied by new friends Mira, Twitch, and Jace, Cole teams up with the resistance movement and joins the search for Mira’s sister Honor.

But Elloweer has grown unstable. A mysterious enemy is wiping out towns, leaving no witnesses or survivors. And an infamous rebel known throughout the kingdom as the Rogue Knight is upsetting the balance of power. With enemies in pursuit, Cole and Mira must resort to a fascinating new kind of magic to protect themselves. Every move is filled with danger as Cole and his friends try to outwit the High King, who will stop at nothing to regain what he has lost.

The second installment is here, and I’m embarrassed to admit it took me until the third book was out to finally get to reading this. I read the first one the week it came out! Anywho, this second book was quite fun, as all of Brandon Mull’s books are. The adventure and shenanigans are top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the Half-Knight’s character. We are introduced to a few new characters that we know are important and I’m intrigued to find out what is going on in the outskirts. I can’t help but compare this series to Beyonders and I wonder if Mull will work it out that Cole will make it home or have to sacrifice and stay. Similar themes, but like with Beyonders Mull pulls out the rug from you in subtle ways just when you’re sure you have it figured out. That’s what I like. Not a huge pull-the-wool-over-your-eyes, but he gives just enough of a twist to leave me grinning and shaking my head at the sheer awesomeness of the surprise. Hold on to your seatbelts, the surprises are just starting. (I know because I’ve read the third one now too!)

I give it a 4 out of 5

Wild Born

By Brandon Mull

Four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual, watched by cloaked strangers. Four flashes of light erupt, and from them emerge the unmistakable shapes of incredible beasts—a wolf, a leopard, a panda, a falcon. Suddenly the paths of these children—and the world—have been changed forever.

Enter the world of Erdas, where every child who comes of age must discover if they have a spirit animal, a rare bond between human and beast that bestows great powers to both. A dark force has risen from distant and long-forgotten lands, and has begun an onslaught that will ravage the world. Now the fate of Erdas has fallen on the shoulders of four young strangers…and on you.

Part engrossing book series, part action role-playing game—discover your spirit animal and join the adventure.

This is one of those books that if you’re an animal lover you’ll enjoy. It’s a nice little late elementary to middle reader book that centers around a coming war and the four children chosen to have the four fallen Great Beasts for their spirit animals. Each of the children is uniquely different and bonds (or doesn’t) with their spirit animals. They each find that they are looked to for answers to end the oncoming war, and it is up to them to discover their own parts in the battle and in the process become a team. I really enjoyed the mythology of this world and wondered throughout what spirit animal I might have. There is a whole online experience for kids that I tried to check out but lost interest in pretty quickly. This is a fun young fantasy that can get a little boring for an older reader at times, but on the whole it is a great book choice for young and reluctant readers.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Sky Raiders

By Brandon Mull

Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level.

After Cole sees his friends whisked away to some mysterious place underneath the haunted house, he dives in after them and ends up in The Outskirts. The Outskirts are made up of five kingdoms that lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, life and death. It’s an in-between place. Some people are born there. Some find their way there from our world, or from other worlds.

And once you come to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave.

With the magic of the Outskirts starting to unravel, it’s up to Cole and an unusual girl named Mira to rescue his friends, set things right in the Outskirts, and hopefully find his way back home; before his existence is forgotten.

Brandon Mull is the man. I very fortunately got to meet and talk with Brandon at a book signing for Sky Raiders back in March and was impressed with his confidence in his craft and his obvious love for creating worlds and seeing fan reactions to his books. I distracted him so much that he signed my book upside down! Sky Raiders is much along the lines of his Beyonders series, in that a young boy crosses the realms into another world to save his friends who have been kidnapped. He finds a world of dreams and impossibility. He finds a lake of milk and cookies! He finds a place where the raiders live, the people who raid the castles in the sky of all their treasures, and he becomes one of them. Cole is a fun protagonist and Mira is our mysterious companion. Will Cole save his friends and find a way back home? Or will he be stuck as a slave in this strange world forever? As per usual with Brandon the characters are fun and courageous, the plot is creative and filled with wonder, and you know that somehow the courage of our heroes will win. I don’t want to spoil the fun of discovering a new world, so I’ll end my review saying in my best mesmeric voice and wiggling my fingers mysteriously, “Read it. Read it!”

P.S. If you enjoy Brandon's books you should definitely follow him on facebook, not only does he have highly entertaining posts but he also will keep you updated on school visits and signings. 

4.25 out of 5

Pingo and the Playground Bully

By Brandon Mull

Pingo and Chad are on an adventure with a few of Chad’s friends and their subsequent imaginary friends on a quest to discover who has the best imaginary friend. They may just discover something they’d never considered before.

Not as cute and warming as the first children’s book by Brandon Mull, but still sweet and full of good messages for kids, this sequel to the children’s book Pingo, is cute and fun.  I think kids will enjoy it and want to read it again and again. I really enjoy Brandon Dorman’s illustrating generally and this book has some great pictures.

I give it a 3 out of 5- it’s average.

Beyonders 3: Chasing the Prophecy

By Brandon Mull

Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowingthat the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.

 

It took me a while to get to this read because I thought I’d read the first two books as a review, but I ended up just reading it anyway. This is the last book in the Beyonders series, and it was jam-packed with adventure and Brandon Mull’s trademark creativity and amazing characters. As I’ve stated before I absolutely love his creatures that he has created. The Seed Men and Displacers are my favorites in this series. I think my favorite character (besides Galloran, how can you not love him?) Is Ferrin, the displacer that turned traitor because of Jason’s valor and friendship. I love his honesty and that he always says he may betray them at any second and makes sure they know what he will do to survive. His story in this installment is my favorite. In this novel we move between two groups of heroes and friends, Jason’s group, who are on a quest to get information from a long-dead seer, and Rachel’s group who are on their way to attack Maldor at his impregnable keep. As their adventures come together and line up the reader is surprised at the slim chance they are given for victory, but the question is; will it be enough to win the day and save the people of Lyrian from tyranny and death?

 

I give this 3.75 out of 5 – it’s fun and a great ending to a good series.

Beyonders 2: Seeds of Rebellion

By Brandon Mull

 Jason Walker needs to find a way back to Lyrian. Rachel remains stranded there, and Jason has precious information that the friends he left behind must learn in order to have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor Maldor.

When he finally succeeds in returning to the strange and imperiled world, Jason immediately finds himself in more danger than ever as the most wanted fugitive on the continent. Meanwhile, Rachel has begun to discover new abilities of her own that may prove vital against Maldor’s tyranny.

In the aftermath of a failed quest, a new mission arises—to assemble the remaining heroes of Lyrian. Can the necessary allies be convinced before the emperor crushes the young uprising? Jason, Rachel, and their and of battered heroes will face new enemies and demanding obstacles as they strive to launch a desperate rebellion.



Brandon Mull is my creative hero. I love his books for his awesome characters and magical ideas. This second installment in the Beyonders trillogy is just as great as the first one. We start off with Jason once again on earth yearning to return to Lyrian and give his friends some vital information that he learned from Maldor himself, not to mention his guilt at leaving Rachel behind, even if it was unintentional.
The action picks up immediately and we are reunited with old friends and some scarey new enemies.  Jason is able to relay his information to Galloran, the Blind King, and they begin a journey to recuit allies and build an army for the coming war. Jason is fully invested in helping his friends on Lyrian, and helping Rachel get back to her parents. Rachel is discovering some amazing new talents, but still longs to return home. The question is...will they survive the war to be able to return home?

4 out of 5 for sheer awesomeness.

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

By Brandon Mull

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable- until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason transporting from the hippo tank into a stranger, imperiled world. Lyrian is full of dangers and challenges unlike any place Jason has ever known. The people live in fear of their malicious wizard emperor, Maldor. The brave resistors who once opposed Maldor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail. In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power than can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

Death matches with billiard balls? Come on, what could be cooler?! This is the brand-spanking new trillogy from Brandon Mull, author of the fantastic and completely awesome "Fablehaven" series. I was really hoping I'd fall in love with this new story and be able to find the same magic that was in the "Fablehaven" books, but it's a completely new story filled with originality and creativity to grab on to. I liked Beyonders-a lot, and it had tons of awesome characters that tickle your imagination, and the plot is unlike anything I've read before. And I just have to put in a plug for Brandon Mull's idea of displacers; one word: FANTASTIC. What an imagination! I was laughing my head off. (But I can't tell you what they are because it would spoil the delightful surprise). The Blind King is possibly my favorite character next to Jasher, and Maldor, the evil emperor, is quite devious; let's just say I didn't see that one coming! If you are a fan of Brandon's, take a gander and find a new magical land to love. I'm pretty dang sure he's done it again...

Pingo

By Brandon Mull

Teased by his friends for having an imaginary friend, Chad tries to bid Pingo farewell but Pingo refuses to leave.

Brandon Mull does it again! The author of the Fablehaven series tries his hand at a children's picture book and captures our imaginations with Pingo. Anybody who had an imaginary friend, or ever wanted one, will love this book about a little boy who decides he is too old for his imaginary friend. But his imaginary friend isn't going anywhere without a fight!

Fablehaven 5 Keys to the Demon Prison

By Brandon Mull

Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison. Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx's designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.

Sad day. Fablehaven is officially over. Sniff sniff. This series finale was awesome though, enough to make me read it twice. Mr. Mull has made a series that I’ll definitely read again and again. This book takes off at light speed right from the get-go. It actually left me going…huh? What just happened? Who died?! It’s action packed and fun as always. Seth goes on a quest for a super-awesome sword, and Kendra meets a new Ally that might just turn out to be more than she expects. Lots of surprises in the end, and for those of you who need a little bit of romance in your books won’t be disappointed. It was awesome. The only thing that would make it better is if there were just oh say….50 more of them.

P.S. I skipped reviewing 2 and 3, even though I read them again too, because they have already been reviewed and can be found in last years books.

Fablehave Rise of the Evening Star

By Brandon Mull

At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother, Seth, find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists-a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper—to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? Can they overcome paralyzing fear? Find out in book two of this best-selling children’s fantasy series.


This is the book that made me love Fablehaven. Suddenly the book that I thought wasn’t all that great became wicked awesome. Maybe this is because of Seth’s huge role in it, and the nature of the story. It clips along at a great rate with action, intrigue, and a betrayal. As Kendra and Seth get drawn more and more into the fantastic world where myths exist they realize it isn’t all magic; a lot of it is scary and incredibly dangerous. Like Oolock the glutton, who has his sights set on Seth…as dinner. Kendra starts learning exactly what powers the fairy queen bestowed her with, and we are introduced to new characters rich and wonderful.

Fablehaven

By Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge alled Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite….
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker o Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.


Well, I have to say that when I first read this book I wasn’t all that impressed. It just didn’t resonate with me very much. It took a lot of cajoling to get me to read the second book. But most people absolutely love this book. And this being my second time around reading it, I have to say I don’t know why I didn’t like it the first time around. It is loads of fun with lots of imagination and storytelling magic. And it only gets better! If you want a good fantasy series this is an excellent one that I guarantee you’ll love.

The Candy Shop War

By Brandon Mull



Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the...unusual side. Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise.
Four young friends- Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon- meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies.
In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? Why are all these "magicians" trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who should they trust?
The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four youngsters discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure- one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins...


First I will say that this book really gives a new meaning to the old warning: never take candy from strangers. It was fun to read and very inventive. It has all the marks of the imagination of Brandon Mull (author of the Fablehaven series). There were a few things that bothered me: 1- the book was written from at least seven different perspectives as the plot progressed, but it didn't make it hard to understand, I think it was just deflecting character development. 2- It lacked that spark that I liked so much reading Fablehaven. It seemed, while creative, pretty mainstream. I was able to foretell the events of what would happen with the exception of one or two details at the end. Basically, on a whole, it was a fun book, but it wasn't spectacular. If you like Brandon's other books I'd say read it if you're waiting for the next Fablehaven, but if not, I'd read something more worth your time.

Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

By Brandon Mull


Brace yourself for a shocking secret. Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton's Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts. In order to retrieve it, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap-a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. The mission cannot proceed without stealing a sacred object zealously guarded by the centaurs. Anybody seen Seth?The race is on to acquire all five of the artifact keys to the great demon prison. Will the Knights of the Dawn conquer Wyrmroost? Who can stop the Sphinx? Can Vanessa be trusted to help? What artifact will be found next? Find out in Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.

As usual, Brandon has done an exceptional job. And I congratulate myself for being so patient to read his latest book. It started off strong and ended with a bang! Holy cliffhanger Batman! How can we wait a whole year for the last book? And how the heck will he be able to fit it all into one book? This is going to be awesome: my guess is at least 600 pages of magical goodness. To all who have not started this series, or are not up to date: you must keep reading! I love this series. And Seth is so much better in this one; he's not nearly as annoying and he gets some cool parts in this one. Gotta love the dragons too! I love Fablehaven!!!!

Fun Fact: Brandon Mull has a place on his website where you can request him to come to your school and talk about the books and about reading. If I were still in elementary, I would so have him come...I guess I still act like I'm in elementary. Does that count?

Fablehaven 3 Curse of the Shadow Plague

By Brandon Mull

Disclaimer: For heaven’s sake don’t read this if you haven’t read the other two books and don’t want spoilers!

Kendra and Seth are in store for another adventure in the 3rd installment of the Fablehaven fantasy series. A mysterious change has come over Fablehaven, turning many of the creatures of light into dark shadowy beings. The Sorenson family and friends, Tanu, Coulter, Dale, and Warren, must find out what is happening before Fablehaven collapses from the inside out. And what of the Sphinx? Who was the man that he took from the quiet box, is he a friend or enemy? Will they be able to save Fablehaven, or will they have to find refuge somewhere else? Help abounds from surprising sources, and old friends return in this epic continuing adventure.

Brandon Mull impresses me with every new book he writes in this series. Unlike many series authors, his books keep getting better and better. This book was a page-turner, and got me laughing, nearly crying, (it takes a lot to get me teary) and gripping the book pretty hard in suspense. I read it in a little more than 24 hours and it was just fun. And I have a new favorite character! I won’t say who though, or I’d ruin the whole thing. The zombies were fun to read about, and the dragons, demons, and other creatures that had a lesser stake in the last two books. We get a little romance starting in this one, and Seth might actually be maturing a little. And gasp…there is a main character death. Is that enough to get you interested? If you are still wondering whether to read this one, pick it up-right now. Read it-right now. I’m using my mind control on you. Scary isn’t it?

Fun facts: The 4th book comes out on March 24 (this Tuesday). And, drum roll please, Avi Arad has bought the rights to Fablehaven and is planning on making a movie! Let’s hope that 1: he does as good a job as he usually does, and 2: he actually makes the movie this time.