Sticking with amazons rating system I have to give this book a 4 star rating because I did like it. It's better than OK, but there are definitely some issues that hinder my enjoyment. I must say that as a whole this series is unique, fun, exciting, and full of twists. For a children's book series there isn't much more you can really ask for. As an adult reader there is more that I want.
There is plenty of action in Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, but some of it was rather boring to me. Traveling through lairs, dungeons, and across mountains doesn't have the appeal that it did in previous books. It's getting tedious instead of exciting, boring instead of thrilling, and mediocre instead of dangerous. Overall, the entire dragon sanctuary was a bit of a let down. Not to mention there is only one twist here, and a disappointing one at that. The villain is not used to his full potential, and it's annoying (think Snape in The Deathly Hallows). All of the previous novels made me want to be a part of the universe presented, this one does not. It really could have benefited from some editing. I know that I personally would have enjoyed this more if there was more intrigue and less running around. Sure there was danger, but it just never felt real. I don't understand why the author throws injuries and deaths in at all. I never felt sad when anyone got hurt, and I wasn't scared when a big dragon was breathing death in our characters' faces. I knew that Kendra and Seth would come out alive with the help of some being or object, and that really detracts from my enjoyment. "Evil" creatures turn out to be friendly, and the most complicated of tasks is solved by little effort. My favorite fantasy novels are believable, with dynamic characters, and this one does not quite cut it. As before, Seth is reckless and does not learn from his mistakes. On the other hand, his recklessness almost always leads to good things. It almost seems pointless for characters to continue pointing out his flaws, let alone trying to change him. It won't work. He is reckless. It's really hard for me to like him because he hasn't grown much from book one. Both characters act the same way that they did years ago, and that should not be. They have to face monsters and death constantly, but they are unfazed. They are always brave and always noble. Those are nice qualities for role models to have, but it doesn't make them very deep characters. I know that characters can be multifaceted in children's books, so the reading level is no excuse here. I want to see my characters grow, and with one novel left I don't think that will happen.
Of course there are good things, and this series is highly rated for a reason. It's a fun adventure with interesting creatures and strong characters. Book one made me want to visit Fablehaven. That feeling has decreased a little at this point, but it is still present. If you liked the previous books, you will like this one. There will be friendly bad guys, new creatures, puzzles that are easily solved, and difficult tasks that prove no match for our heroes. I was expecting a little more than I got from Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, but it is still an enjoyable read and pretty entertaining.Get more detail about Fablehaven - Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.
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