Grip of the Shadow Plague (Fablehaven Series #3) »

Brandon Mull published his first book Fablehaven in the summer of 2006. His publisher, Shadow Mountain, rejected a manuscript he submitted in 2005 that was geared towards adults. But the editors liked his writing style and asked him to try and create a story for a younger audience. He already had the idea for Fablehaven and wrote the book during the next five months on nights and weekends while still working his day job writing marketing copy for a movie company.

Very strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem early, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long. In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice -- but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure -- but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven?

Children's Literature

Strange things have been happening in Fablehaven. A mysterious shadow plague is slowly overtaking the once peaceful magical creatures that live there. The nipsies are like regular people except they are only about half an inch big. Some of their kingdoms have recently been attacked by other nipsies who have somehow been transformed into sinister beings. Seth is the first to discover the disturbing changes. He and his sister Kendra have been staying with their grandparents at Fablehaven. Kendra has unique abilities that can possibly help, but the situation is extremely dangerous. Kendra's grandparents reluctantly grant her permission to visit a special place where she is inducted into the Knights of the Dawn. She and several other knights immediately begin an assignment to retrieve a hidden artifact. They must find it before the Society of the Evening Star does or more evil may be released. Are Kendra and the Knights powerful enough to stop this frightening spread of evil? And who is responsible for creating this havoc? No one can be trusted as Kendra and the Knights embark on a daring journey where they encounter dragons, mystical creatures, and mirages. This gripping novel takes readers on a journey into an exciting and magical world where the forces of good and evil battle. It is Book Three in the "Fablehaven" series. Reviewer: Denise Daley