Fablehaven Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull, 477 pages

"Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice - but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure - but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven?" -Book Jacket

Someday I'll get back to reading a more diverse selection of books, but for now childrens' fantasies are providing a great escape from my stressful real life! I didn't like this one as well as the second book, but that said, I still really liked it. The thing I liked so much about the second book was that Kendra and Seth didn't know who were their friends and who were their enemies, and it had a great ending. This book declared more of the bad guys but still left you guessing about Vanessa. This book introduced a few new characters, one a dragon tamer. His relationship with Kendra will be interesting. I like how Kendra and Seth continue to learn more about their gifts and abilities. This book had me worried about a few of the main characters for awhile and I'm wishing I had already ordered the 4th one.

Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull, 431 pages

"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?" -Jacket


I was told that each book in this series gets better than the one before and so far I'd have to agree. I enjoyed the first book, but this book was definitely better. (I neglected a few loads of laundry to read today.) I like the discovery process that occurs with Kendra as a result of her encounter with the fairies in the last book. It will be interesting to see how her powers develop over the course of the series. I enjoyed spending the majority of the book trying to figure who the traitor is. There are twists and turns throughout and the ending was fantastic. I love what Seth does in this book. He seems to have grown up some, while still maintaining the sometimes reckless bravery that makes him so lovable.   

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, 351 pages

"For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called 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 of 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." -Jacket

I had so much fun reading the Percy Jackson series with my oldest daughter that I wanted to find another fantasy series for us to read. Fablehaven came recommended to me by one of my piano students. The first book was a lot of fun. (I laughed out loud when Kendra and Seth had to milk the gigantic cow.) I'm told that the other books in this series are much better than the first which means that I can't wait for the second to arrive in the mail because I enjoyed the first.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 136 pages

"Blessed with enormous talent and the energy and ambition to go with them, Franklin was a statesman, author, inventor, printer, and scientist. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later was involved in negotiating the peace treaty with Britain that ended the Revolutionary War. He also invented bifocals, a stove that is still manufactured, a water-harmonica, and the lightning rod.

Franklin's extraordinary range of interests and accomplishments are brilliantly recorded in his Autobiography, considered one of the classics of the genre. Covering his life up to his prewar stay in London as representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, this charming self-portrait recalls Franklin's boyhood, his determination to achieve high moral standards, his work as a printer, his experiments with electricity, his political career, his experiences during the French and Indian War, and more. Related in an honest, open, unaffected style, this highly readable account offers a wonderfully intimate glimpse of the Founding Father sometimes called 'the wisest American.'" -Back Cover

Though short, this book was not necessarily a quick read. There was a lot of information, names, and places to keep track of.

Here are the things that made an impression on me as I read:

• Benjamin Franklin put a great importance on books and reading. (I felt like we had a few things in common in this area.)
• He was very good at self-evaluation and seemed to work constantly at improving himself.
• If he saw a need either for himself or his fellow man, he tried to fill it - the Junto club, the Franklin stove, the first public library, even street sweeping.
• He was honest and hard-working and because of that he was well-respected.
• He understood people.
• He learned from experience.

I thought it was interesting that he makes no mention of his married life. There's no talk of having kids, nor anything said about his relationship with his wife.

I really enjoyed this book. I wish he would have written more.