REVIEW: Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague

Book three is finally here!With a much anticipated release, those Fablehaven fanatics who have already read "Grip of the Shadow Plague" can now fantasize about book four.To those who are new to LDS author Brandon Mull and his Fablehaven series, here is a little recap as to what has been going on in this magical kingdom.Fablehaven is a story of mystical and magical creatures. For centuries, these creatures have been gathering in hidden refuges all over the world in an effort to preserve the culture, traditions and line of these creatures.In book one, Kendra and Seth Sorenson discover their own grandfather is the human caretaker of Fablehaven, one of many of these hidden preserves. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order. However, rules are broken and an arcane evil is unleashed on Fablehaven, leaving it to Kendra, Seth and her grandparents to keep the creatures safe and preserve the life of this hidden world of Fablehaven.In "The Rise of the Evening Star," trouble continues when an ancient organization called The Society of the Evening Star is determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of the preserve. Uncertain of what to do, cool-headed, responsible Kendra and adventurous trouble-maker Seth find friends and enemies is some of the most unlikely individuals. In Book Three — "Grip of the Shadow Plague" — Seth continues to find trouble, or does trouble seem to find him when he discovers an evil darkness is taking over creatures of light?With the plague spreading quickly, Kendra must for the first time visit another magical preserve in hunt for another hidden artifact, leaving Seth and Grandpa to fight the plague. Will Kendra find the artifact and will she make it home in time to save the preserve?Book Three brings growth and maturity in Kendra but more in Seth as he takes on greater responsibility and is able to prove that he is trustworthy during Kendra's absence. And will Kendra find more than just a friend in Gavin?"Grip of the Shadow Plague" captures readers from the moment they start reading. Mull's writing puts readers in the action so they begin to really see and become part of this magical preserve. Readers of all ages will get so involved with this series they will forget they are reading a children's fantasy book.Although this is the third book of a series, with book four in the works, readers don't need to feel they need to read the first two books to understand what is going on in "Shadow Plague." Yet I would recommend that you do, just because they are good, interesting reads that will keep you coming back anxious for more.For more information on Fablehaven please visit www.fablehaven.com.