After enjoying Sara Holland’s Everless duology, I was excited when I saw that she was coming out with a new book. And as soon as I got my copy, I started reading, looking forward to seeing what unique new world Holland created this time. Unfortunately, this one reminded me a bit too much of one of my favorite series - The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews - and so I set it down at around page 50.

*Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I loved the characters, story, plot, and ending. The story was well written. The cover is quite beautiful. I fell in love with the MC’s story from the first page.

I previously received the excerpt ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and fell in love with this story! I am thankful that the full ARC was added later. It is definitely a fun weekend read that I enjoyed! I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Plus, the cover art is beautiful!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Madeline’s family has always been in charge of Havenfall, an inn that hosts a summit each year to discuss trades and treaties between all of the different magical worlds. However, this year when Maddie arrives in the small town of Haven, Colorado, things are different and it isn’t long before intense problems are arising that Maddie is unsure how to resolve.

From the moment that I started reading this, I knew I was going to enjoy it. There wasn’t any transitioning period where I was trying to get into the book; it simply hooked me from the start. Everything was easy to envision in my mind and I would get lost in the world while reading. My only complaint is that I figured out what the end was going to be pretty early on and I was annoyed at Maddie for not being able to figure it out sooner because it was so obvious to me. I can’t wait to continue on in the series when the next book is released.

I'm not sure how to review this book. First off, I think the idea was really fascinating and definitely intriguing. I like the thought of worlds converging at a central location (the Inn) and the Innkeeper being the one to hold it all together. I also enjoyed the mystery of it all. Who is who, what's going to happen, what will Maddie do???

But, I think the thing that has brought my stars down is the reality that Maddie frustrated me. Sometimes that's a good thing - the character doesn't do what you want them to etc. But for me, Maddie reacted more than acted and when she did act, it was poorly done. Perhaps that's the point? But she bothered me. Part of me was thinking, well she's a kid thrust into a situation where no kid would be prepared. But the other part of me was thinking about all of the YA books I've read where, despite their age, the MC overcomes great odds in order to be able to meet the challenge required of them.

This by no means is a bad book. It's entertaining while being a little slower in pace for my taste, and slightly locked in (locationally speaking) due to the situation of the Inn, but it is well written. The creativity is there and I loved that about this book! But part of me kept hoping for more. For the world to open up as the stakes were raised. For the scope to widen.

I think that may happen in the next book? I hope it does! And I will probably keep reading as well. I just wish that there had been a bit more at stake.

Warnings: There is a bit of language in this one as well as some sexual references.

My rating: 3.5*

Although this was good, It wasn't in line with what I have come to expect from Sara Holland. I was very disappointed.

Thank you Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an eARC of Havenfall!

This book was... Wow. This is my favorite Sara Holland read yet, and I've given all of her books a shot solely because she is an author who always has interesting plots. This time, the execution accompanying the plot was perfection for me.

I loved Maddie, the protagonist with no magic but a linage that she clings strongly to because that's all she has. She was a character that had all three dimensions and more, because every time she felt insecure or she questioned her worth, the reader could sense the realness of it all. This is a girl who didn't wield swords or have magic, and yet she was what made the book so magical. I loved her relationships with other characters a lot too, and at times it felt like I was inside her head and I could feel what she felt for other characters.

The premise of the story in itself is intriguing. It's about the in-between place that holds the peace between magical kingdoms and earth. This is the place where an Inn stands, a place where Maddie knows she belongs but always doubts if she could be worthy of. That is the main struggle in this book: Maddie's belief in her world and what she would do just to do right by it.

The only thing that falls flat is that there are many plot points that I could see from a hundred pages away, and I'm not sure if it's the talent of the author's foreshadowing or just the fact that it was predictable sometimes.

The story is still fresh, and it feels like something new in YA. I liked it enough that I read through it in a frenzy and would name it my favorite read of this month. It's more character driven than plot driven at times, and I value that a lot since the depth of Holland's characters is what stood out to me most and why I gave this book 4 stars!

I had no idea what I was getting into when I requested this book. Havenfall is a delight of twists and turns, well-plotted with strong characters and compelling prose. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about the characters, trying to knit together the various plots and see how they came to. I can’t wait for the next book. I can’t wait for more of this world. Sarah Holland is now on my auto buy list.

Maddie wants nothing more that to inherit her uncles inn in Havenfall. To everyone in town, the Inn at Havenfall is a secluded hotel on the remote side of the mountain. But to Maddie and the yearly summer attendees, it is the heart where magical worlds meet. This summer, Maddie hopes to prove her worthiness at future Innkeeper to her uncle. However, events will unfold in a way that requires Maddie to prove herself a lot sooner than she hoped; but friends, both old and new, will help her try to save Havenfall and the only place she's ever felt at home.

I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. So...overall I did enjoy this book and was interested enough to read it in just a couple of days. Just to list a few of my favorite things Holland does: the cover (OMG is it not the most gorgeous cover ever!), LBGTQ+ positive messages, and the intricate world building. However, the one issue I had with the book stems from the main character Maddie. I'm a sucker for a strong, "I don't need your help" type heroine (which yes, I know, can get the main character in to trouble all its own). Maddie struggles with the responsibility thrust on her and is often overwhelmed by tears and insecurities. While I get that her personality played a huge part in the way the plot developed, I couldn't help but want to scream, "GIRL! Get yourself together and STEP UP!". With that being my only dislike for the book, I have to say it was quite enjoyable.

I loved the concept of this book... such amazing ideas and the other realms left me wanting to visit. But I had a hard time liking the main character. I prefer a strong female lead and Maddie just wasn’t it. I think I’d almost prefer the book told from taya’s POV

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The overall setting and mythology of Havenfall is so incredibly interesting! An inn at the intersection between worlds? There are so many things that go along with it and the entire atmosphere was incredibly magical.
I really liked our protagonist Maddie! I felt that her goals and flaws were relatable. All she wants to do is take over the Inn from her Uncle, but when an accident forces the title on her, even she understands that she wasn't ready. I like how she accepts guidance and I like how her struggles and successes were relatable.
My drawbacks with this book are that the plot is sort of all over the place. There were a lot of things going on and I think the book would have benefited from the author focusing on fewer things at once and really developing those.
As for the "shocking twists and turns" hate to say it but I pretty much guessed the majority of them. The none I didn't guess still really shocked me (in a good way), but I wish the others hadn't been as obvious!
This is a nice, easy, fantasy to read and get lost in, I liked it, I just wish a few things were different but I can't wait to see what Holland does with the rest of the series!

Havenfall is a YA fantasy centered around a mysterious inn in the mountains of Colorado. Maddie's Uncle Marcus is the Innkeeper at Havenfall, a remote location where worlds converge. When Marcus is injured, Maddie must take over and manage the delegates at the annual multiverse summit. It is a job she has dreamed of obtaining, but her desire is diminished and her mettle challenged when some troubling circumstances arise.

Havenfall is a great YA fantasy read. It's imaginative, has good writing and interesting characters, and holds so many possibilities. The narrative reads easily and has a fascinating premise, along with good execution of that premise. The plot moves well and there were good moments of intrigue. I enjoyed the cast of characters and felt the central focus to be well-developed for a first novel in a series with plenty of room to grow and continue.

Admittedly, the "twists" in the plot were mostly easy to foresee, but I still enjoyed the journey from beginning to end. There were definitely a few pieces that contained plot holes...or maybe rather just ignorance on the part of the characters, but overall it was still and entertaining and enjoyable read and there are still things that I want to know more about.

The world development has a lot of potential and starts off nicely for the first in what I hope will be more than a duology. The ending of this installment was satisfying, but definitely leaves a lot of room for additional series plots. There is so much here to explore! I will definitely be continuing the series and I am curious as to where the author will take things.

Havenfall was absolutely awesome.

The world building was on point. The entire book of Havenfall reads a little slow but it captures your interest.

The main character, Maddie, was glorious in her evolution from innocent, naive young girl with ideals to a strong, confident young woman with plans. Her world gets up ended several times throughout Havenfall and she handles it like everyone else.

Having a semi-quiet breakdown and then burying it all down until it explodes and then moving on.

Ya know, healthy like.

But I kinda love that aspect of Havenfall. While most books now adays tend to showcase a healthy way to deal with life, which is fabulous, that’s not always reality. A 16 year old girl doesn’t always take a step back and think things through before saying or doing anything.

And Sara Holland definitely brought that through. Havenfall is not really about Brekken, Maddie and Taya. It’s about growing up and expanding your worldview and making difficult decisions. I would have liked a little less inner monologues but honestly, it’s not a deal breaker.

First of all, I really enjoyed the atmosphere the author created here. It was perfect for a cold, stormy night. Take Havenfall, put it in a bottle, shake it all up and add a dash of contemporary and fantasy that makes it all seem new and fresh.

Havenfall is a secret safe haven for all four realms in the universe, located on the Earth realm in Colorado. The story follows Maddie, a teenager with baggage who is the niece of the current Havenfall innkeeper, and she yearns to follow in her uncle’s footsteps one day and the next Innkeeper. But all hope of safety within Havenfall’s borders is suddenly shattered by the door to a previously sealed world cracking open and a monster being unleashed on the grounds. Suddenly, Maddie has the leadership she’s always wanted, but with that also comes her inexperience, betrayals and personal awakenings.

High fantasy, great world-building narrative, the potential for a love triangle and sprinkles of LGBTQ+ representation mixed together make this book a strong opener for its duology. The only downfall with Havenfall (aha) was the slow pacing of the storyline. This book starts off so promisingly. The story had me hooked immediately, and the first 50 pages whizzed by. The premise is so fascinating that I was sure it would pay off. But then the forward pace of the story slowed down... to a crawl. (it took me over two months to read this book because I felt disconnected at some points)

Hopefully with much of the character building and plot setting out of the way, the second book will be even better!

Beautiful scenic background opens to a strong female protagonist who is gearing up to take the mantle of managing the neutral inn where all the different magical realms come together all the while battling some very traumatic inner demons.

Now; doesn't that sound like a freaking amazing setting to a fantasy? Because trust me; Havenfall is the Holy Grail of the kind of fantasy fiction I had not realised that I was missing so freaking badly!

With Havenfall, we have a strong, stubborn bisexual female protagonist (yes! the rep in this book is done in such a brilliant nonchalant way, that had my heart and soul - but you also have hints of a love triangle; but it isn't overly done or even in your face - which has me worshiping Sara Holland as an author!

And yes, the villain; how could we forget the charming and magnetic villain of the plot - while the trope may have been tad overused; I highly doubt any other kind of villain would have ever worked in this kind of fantasy!

Now; the writing style of the author is amazingly simple - even with the whole new worlds introduced in this first book in what I hope turns in to a series - it was easy to keep track of not just the characters but also the realms interacted in this book! I am really excited to see where the author takes the wonderful characters go to in the future!

I loved this world so much, I just wish I was apart of all the magic.
Sara Holland did an amazing job writing this world out and detailing it.
More on my blog, link is listed.

A young adult fantasy fiction tale set-in modern-day Colorado on top of a mountain town surrounded by enchanted fog, sits the magical inn of Havenfall. The gateway between the realms has been entrusted to human caretakers for generations to ensure peace between the mystical beings. But something dark stirs in the shadows, threatening the very peace protecting the realms from utter chaos. 

Author Sara Holland has created yet another wonderful and enchanting best seller. The world in which young Maddie Marrow must overcome her greatest fears, presents a beautiful message of courage, truth, and finding one’s identity. Although the advanced eBook extract only provided the first two chapters, the conflict and emotional pull emitting from Maddie was enough to get me interested into the story.

Fantasy plots and magical beings have always been my go-to for stories to read; this arc reminds me of a darker and intense version of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. Maddie’s fears over her family dynamic and desire for a place to call her own is relatable. The narrative and dialogue aren’t forced but flow naturally with the story.

Readers will be introduced to a world of magical and otherworldly creatures’ intent on survival, but also on the brink of collapse as Maddie desperately searches for a way to save all the realms; while proving her mother innocent of a terrible crime.

Sound like your kind of story? Mine too. I am fully invested into finding out what happens and was more than disappointed when I finished chapter two.

Havenfall is known as the refuge located at the place where worlds meet. Maddie, our protagonist, spends every summer helping her uncle Marcus as innkeeper of the this sanctuary. After her mother is accused of murdering Maddie’s brother, Maddie can’t wait for summer to come any sooner.

After being betrayed by those closest to her multiple times, Maddie finds herself as the standing-in innkeeper of Havenfall. While it was always her dream, she never wanted to become innkeeper this way. After sifting through all of the lies, will Maddie find the source of the evil that fell upon Havenfall?

"There has always been war, that doesn’t make us all monsters."

The magic system was really unique in Havenfall. I loved figuring out the source of the opening of the door. While not a unique magic system in its entirety, how the magic was infused within the story was unique in itself.

The plot left me hanging. I want to know the status of the fourth forgotten world. Will our favorite characters return? What happened to the “bad guy”? Who does Maddie choose?

"But I know, too, that I’m not giving up, not walking away. As long as I’m the Innkeeper, official or not, I’ll be whatever Havenfall needs me to be. I will become strong enough. Whatever it takes to make this place safe again, home again. Home to anyone who needs it, with its doors open wide."

Havenfall is a story of betrayal, suspenseful, and longing for a sequel. This book is perfect for lovers of fantasy and a little bit of mystery.

AmazIng writing. The plot was completely constructed with solid characters and nice backstories that left me wanting more. I really loved the realism in this book and the author definitely knows how to capture her audience!

I'm mixed on this book. After reading Everless I fell in love with Sara's writing. When I got an ARC of this book, I was ready to dive in instantly.



As I began reading, I couldn't tell if I would like Maddie just yet. She's on her way to Havenfall. She goes every year and this year her dad wanted her to go someplace else. Well she got on the bus to Havenfall instead and her dad wasn't all that mad really. He understood what Havenfall means to her. Its home, family, it's in her blood.



Maddie hasn't been back long before things take a huge twist. She went from making a new friend, making out with the boy she's always liked to now being the innkeeper. While she worries about her uncle and the inn, she must also figure out who she can really trust and who is looking to gain from this mess.



The middle of the book was meh. There were many parts I loved and many that could have been done way better. Considering the magic from her first series I was surprised how it lacked some in this book.



However, the ending of the book does redeem the story. When the truth comes out and Maddie must fight for her home, things build up and finally it's the moment you've been waiting for. Then....your hit with the largest cliff hanger ever!



I really can't wait to dive into book two!