My name is Casper, and my twin brother Jasper and I were literally thrown into a crowd of people when we were only six months old. Of course, it wasn't until now that we learned our real parents have been slaving away as prisoners all these years. We don't even know what they look like. Jasper and I have never been known as rule-followers (just ask our teachers), so any sensible person could have predicted we'd run away to rescue our parents. I must admit I was a little uncomfortable about being eaten by werewolves and drowning in the swamp, but the giant troll named Guthrum the Sinister came in pretty handy. I'm sorry we tricked him into burying "magic" yarn, but desperate times called for creative thinking. I'm not sure how we'll rescue our parents and mess up the count's plans for the deadly black ice, but we'll think of something.

Some readers might not enjoy the word play in the book, but I found it amusing. Younger readers will probably miss the references to old pop culture. The twins had a special bond, and their teamwork was formidable. They used language as a weapon or tool, as they confused and manipulated people they met. They managed to get past Guthrum by bribing him with yarn, and they later escaped from the same troll by using their words. Guthrum was an endearing character, since he was sincere and only wanted to do his best. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where all of the antagonists are so simple and gullible. The only one with an actual sense of evil logic was the "princess". She was a poor, needy girl who managed to become Count Wilhelm Scream's most powerful confidante using confusion and trickery. She was as ruthless as the count, as they both enjoyed inflicting pain on others. The plot jumped around to several settings, which I don't enjoy, but the imprisoned parents displayed the same magical tongues as their sons. They were able to persuade the guards into making the prison arrangements more bearable for their fellow inmates. The author left some unfinished business after the climax, but everything was resolved in the end.

For fans of Fablehaven, this is like Christmas coming early. The characters we know and love are back-embroiled in a fight to save the world from Dragons. It will take all the skills and luck they have to figure out a way to outsmart the king of the dragons. Perfect for middle readers and the whole family

I can't wait to read the entire novel! I hope that October comes soon. This first part gives the reader a taste of the full adventure to come. Kendra and Seth are as delightful as always, the writing is fast-paced and full of adventure.

The second book in the second series of fabke haven adventure. A fun read but the author still seems to fall short in growing seth as a character

When I requested this book, there was nothing indicating it was a preview or partial book. I would never have requested it had I known because how can you write a full review on a small portion of a book. Even though I feel like I was given this under false pretenses, I will honor my obligation and review what I read.

The preview of this novel is very good. Mull is a talented writer who knows how to tell a story and write exceptional characters. I am certain the rest of this book will be just as enjoyable as the beginning.

You know what, I predicted that I would be angry at myself for requesting the preview when I knew it was only a preview, but I did it anyway and I was right. There is no physical way I can wait for the month of October, because after the first two chapters this book hit its groove and I was SO ENTHRALLED. Though this small preview didn’t really evoke the same feelings as when I’m reading the original <i>Fablehaven</i> (and maybe it’s not supposed to), it’s still so so valid. I still wish Kendra and Seth were older in this one.

We got to FINALLY meet some of my faves from the original Fablehaven series, I won’t say who because of spoilers, but I’m still waiting to see my ultimate fave,,,,, p l e a s e let him be in the other parts of this book. Brandon Mull I’ll give you anything.

And I mean, honestly, if this series had come out three or four years ago I would have wanted a well-written, intricately plotted series but at this point my standards are so low that all I want is gay characters and fan service. I feel like I’ll get the former and I can only cross my fingers on the latter. But, it does look like this series will have a good storyline, and that makes my book lover heart happy.

Kendra and Seth’s character strengths and differences really stood out in this preview, and so did Knox and Tess’s. There’s a part right in the first two pages of the preview where Marat’s like “Seth you gotta find someone to train you as a shadow charmer,” and Seth’s like “but WHO,” (and wow these are not direct quotes I hope you know that) and all I could do was look into the camera like <blockquote><img src="http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/043/disaster-girl.jpg" width="400" height="250" alt="description"/></blockquote> PLEASE for the love of God bring the Sphinx back. He’s everyone’s fave morally-grey anti-villain and he deserves a redemption arc. I could go so far into why the Sphinx is a good person at heart but I feel like that would derail my review.

Also RAXTUS my poor son. He has done nothing wrong. Does he know that I love him?? Raxtus deserves better and I’m a lil mad at Kendra and Seth for treating him so wrongly ngl.

The only thing I didn’t like in this preview was the fact that a description for a bowl of soup is <i>“gooey, creamy, punishment.”</i> what the f**k. Someone’s either never had soup before or has only ever had really, really good soup aksdjsdfk. I hope to God that’s changed in the final edition like,,,,, please.

It’s also extremely BOLD of this book to assume that I care at all about Bracken. I don’t ship Brackendra and honestly, I couldn’t give a single heck about whether Bracken is okay or not. Maybe it’s just me, but all I want is for Kendra and Seth to <s>both be gay</s> date actual humans that are their actual ages??? I feel like it’s not too much to ask?? Please no more setting them up with immortals??? P L E A S E??!?!?!?!?

But in the end, this was an explosive preview that makes me even more excited for the book to come out in October. Though this series may be an entirely different adventure than the one in <i>Fablehaven</i>, it still brings together the blend of politics, philosophy, character arcs and world-building that I’ve come to expect from Brandon Mull’s books. Even though all I want is for Kendra and Seth to be happy (and go to school, like, is Kendra ever going to graduate high school??), I can wait for a little longer for this fun and surprisingly intense series.

This is only a preview. Only the first few chapters. Looking forward to the rest of it. My kids all love Fablehaven and are enjoying this new series but we were disappointed that this is not the full book :(

I'm really not happy. This was only a preview, approx 25% of the book. Nowhere did it say this was a preview when I requested the title. I would not have requested the title had I known it was only a preview. I would have rather waited for the whole book to come out in October than get to read 25% and have to wait for months for the rest of the book. Pisses me off. I would have given this a higher rating had I not felt cheated.