Fablehaven

Fablehaven is one of those books that reminds you why stories about magic and hidden worlds never get old. When siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents for the summer, they think they’re in for a quiet, boring stay. Instead, they stumble upon a sanctuary full of mythical creatures—some good, some terrifying—and suddenly, every rule they’ve ever broken starts to matter.

Brandon Mull does a great job of mixing wonder with danger. The world feels alive, full of fairies, witches, and secrets tucked behind old doors and forbidden gardens. Seth’s reckless curiosity and Kendra’s cautious nature make for a believable and often funny sibling dynamic, and watching them grow braver as the story unfolds is one of the book’s biggest strengths.