I really wanted to like this book. I expected to like this book. But it ended up feeling really shallow and bland. Maybe it's because I'm 25 and this is a book for young readers. But then again, I still enjoy Disney movies and picture books. 
 The characters were completely unremarkable. Seth (was that his name?) was an obnoxious little twit. The girl wasn't much better. 
 I like the idea of a magical preserve. I just don't think the story went deep enough of explored enough of the magic of Fablehaven. I know this is a series-- maybe the subsequent books will develop the characters and the story better. I just didn't enjoy the first book enough to follow the rest of the series.