Fablehaven

SPOILER ALERT - if you haven't finished reading, don't read this review. ;-)

Like Amanda, I also enjoyed Fablehaven more than Leven Thumps (and I liked Leven Thumps). I took Fablehaven on the plane during a flight to Alaska, during which I had every intention of napping. However, no nap was to be had because I had to discover more of Fablehaven.

What a great idea to have fairies and such appear as other creatures - butterflies, etc. - to the "naked" eye. I enjoyed the writing style and how the author kept the plot moving along. Now, although I knew something was up with the missing Grandma, I had no idea she would be a chicken. I enjoy this quality in a book where I can't figure out everything that happens before it does happen.

Amanda made reference to the church elements - I found several. First of all, is the word "covenant" used in everyday terminology? The context in which the word was used rang a little false with me. I forgot to mark the pages where "covenant" was used. But wait, there's more.
"Most religions are based on truths, but they are also polluted by the philosophies and imaginations of men." pg. 114
"We have not yet slept, and so the veil has not yet covered our eyes." pg. 333
Now, whether or not I would have noticed these as much if I hadn't known the author was LDS, we'll never know.

I'll make one reference to Seth - Amanda pretty much summed it up though with "Who else wanted to rip off Seth's head?" There's a statement from Dale on page 152, ironically made TO Seth, but as we know, it had no effect:
"Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others."

I anxiously await Fablehaven's sequel - although, with the simple words of a co-worker "so, do you think Dumbledore is really dead?," I was reminded how much I want the 7th Harry Potter to come out.