LEGEND OF THE DRAGON SLAYER by Brandon Mull

 LEGEND OF THE DRAGON SLAYER by Brandon Mull. I feel like I'm going to be copying the synopsis when I say this, but this beautifully illustrated story of the Legend we read about in the first Dragonwatch is the perfect addition to the Dragonwatch series. The pictures enhance the legend and bring it more to life. It's a book that is sure to get somewhat reluctant readers interested in this series. It's definitely worth taking a look at this summer. 

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The beautifully illustrated edition of the origin story of Dragonwatch the #1 New York Times best-selling series is an extraordinary collaboration between writer Brandon Mull and series illustrator Brandon Dorman. This exclusive volume also features a never-before-published dragon slayer genealogy, a detailed map of the Kingdom of Selona, and more than fifty full-color illustrations.

In ancient times dragons were the ultimate threat to the rest of the mythical world. At the height of the Age of Dragons, it appeared that dragons might not only gain dominion over the magical races, but could potentially overrun the nonmagical world as well.

A group of specially-trained dragon slayers called Dragonwatch banded together to stand against the dragons. Together, these dragon slayers confined the majority of them to dragon sanctuaries. Legend of the Dragon Slayer is the illustrated story of the very first dragon slayer who took to battle.

This epic legend comes to life with imaginatively rendered full-color illustrations. Powerful monsters have surrounded the Kingdom of Selona. A native and unlikely hero named Konrad, the cobbler's son, accepts the king's challenge to defeat the monsters: fierce yeti, a merciless vampire, a dangerous gorgon, and a deadly phoenix. Even still, Selona's biggest threat will come from the Dragon, and it will take every ounce of wit and experience that Konrad's acquired to stand a chance against such a formidable foe.

Legend of the Dragon Slayer is a stand-alone tale of valor, destiny, and magic sure to reward fantasy lovers.

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITAN GAMES

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITANS GAMES  by Brandon Mull. This is a series I wish I had complete before reading. Alas, we have to wait another year for the next one. When that day comes, I will be sitting down with FABLEHAVEN and DRAGONWATCH and bing reading the entire series. This story was wonderful. I enjoyed being in Crescent Lagoon and having characters reunited. I loved the games. I loved the new friends, and I loved the action and twists and turns. It is an amazing addition to the DRAGONWATCH series and I cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend it to everyone.

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The war against dragons intensifies. Will Kendra and Seth find the help they desperately need from the Giant Queen? This fourth book in a five-book series leaves the underwater dragon preserve of Crescent Lagoon for a gladiator-style arena at Titan Valley—the magical realm of towering giants and enslaved dragons. Our two young heroes have never felt so small or faced a challenge so ... giant!

SMARTER THAN A MONSTER by Brandon Mull

SMARTER THAN A MONSTER by Brandon Mull.  This book is pure genius. Every child needs to read this book. It will cure any monster problems at home. Not only that, but it will help with other issues like taking baths, cleaning rooms, and other things that will help children understand how to be smarter than a monster. I would say it's this year's book to read.

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Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing "Monster Facts" can help kids outwit them.

Want to avoid monsters? 

Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time. 

And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster. 

Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.

DRAGONWATCH 3: MASTER OF THE PHANTOM ISLE by Brandon Mull

DRAGONWATCH 3: MASTER OF THE PHANTOM ISLE by Brandon Mull. The hardest part about series as fantastic as this one, is you have to wait for the next installment. I have loved Seth and Kendra since the beginning of FABELHAVEN. DRAGONWATCH has continued the story so well. I was wrapped up in the story and couldn't put the book down. Ideas of how Seth would pull through swirled through my head. I couldn't figure out how Kendra was going find her brother. It felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The sacrifices others made brought tears to my eyes. It ends just right but at the same time, now I have to wait another year for the next one. It is such a great story that I can recommend to everyone. If you love a great fantasy full of adventure and mystical creatures, this is the book for you.

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Cursed by the Key of Forgetting, Seth has lost all memory of his past—his relationships, his experiences, and who he really is. For now he will align with his new mentor, Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who takes him to the Phantom Isle, the secret gateway to the Under Realm. Though Seth is not formally a prisoner, Ronodin wants to use him and his shadow charmer powers for his own dark ends. Kendra is frantic to find her missing brother, but the quest will take her and her companions, including Warren, Tanu, and Vanessa, far from Wyrmroost to Crescent Lagoon—a recently fallen dragon sanctuary made up of many islands and underwater domains. Its caretaker has regained a foothold on one of the islands. If Kendra and her friends can save that sanctuary, they might uncover the answers they need to rescue Seth. With each sanctuary the dragons overthrow, Celebrant, the Dragon King, comes closer to the dawn of a new Age of Dragons. With the forces of darkness on the march, can Kendra and her allies gather enough power to win the epic dragon war? 

TOUR SCHEDULE:

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DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull

DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull. I have loved every single book in the FABLEHAVEN series and was very excited about getting back with Kendra and Seth. This book is as fantastic as the first five. I loved learning more about some of the characters that were introduced in the fifth FABLEHAVEN as well as getting to know new characters that will be with us through the next series. The dragons are incredible. The tension is high. The kids are amazing. The story will be one you won't be able to put down. I am so glad to be back in this world. The only downside is having to wait for the next book.

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In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens but prisons, and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies...

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, king of the dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the gathering of the ancient order of Dragonwatch if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who confined the dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help. 

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge, as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?

DRAGONWATCH Book Trailer

Check out this book trailer. I'm super excited for this book to come out. :)

DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull

FABLEHAVEN BOOK OF IMAGINATION by Brandon Mull — Spotlight

FABLEHAVEN: BOOK OF IMAGINATION by Brandon Mull. As a lover of the Fabelhaven Series, this book looks like it will be a lot of fun to dive into the series even more. Check it out!




Don't open this book without a pen or pencil in hand!

Unlike the other Fablehaven books, this one is only half-finished...The missing ingredient is you!

Begin by writing your name in the space provided on the front cover. Then get ready to write, draw, solve, and create, guided by the many activities inside!

Draw a map for your own magical preserve
Color pictures of a dryad, a dragon, a demon, and lots of fairies
Solve the Tauran Maze
Fold origami figures of Raxtus and Olloch the Glutton
Bake desserts like a brownie would
Create wizard slime
Make a rain stick or a unicorn horn
Draw a dragon's head
Solve the Sphinx's riddles
Mix your own potion


The secret world of enchanted preserves is waiting for you to jump in—just make sure to avoid any deep pools filled with naiads!

THE CARETAKER'S GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN by Brandon Mull — #amreading #books #reviews #fablehaven

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. I enjoyed this book, although it was the notations in the margin that I enjoyed most. This fun read anyone will love, especially FABLEHAVEN fans.

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This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

Amazon

Excerpt from Introduction

If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Author Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.

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$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Review

Keys to the Demon Prison
Brandon Mull

What a finish to a fantastic series! The more I read the more the rug was completely and utterly pulled out from under Kendra and Seth. When things got bad, they really got back. I loved seeing how it all ended. The lessons learned, the teamwork that happened, the friendships that were built all came together at the end. I have to admit that some of it was a bit on the cheesy side, but I loved it. He left some unanswered questions but really rounded out the series nicely. I’m sure in several years we might see the fruits of those unanswered questions . . . at least I’m hoping we will!
Previous book reviews for Brandon's books.

Book Buzzin'

Well, Brandon Mull's Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison was released this week. I'm really excited about it and learned something about Amazon. If you pick the Free Shipping that is offered when you order $25 or more, you don't get your book for a really long time because they figure you don't mind waiting since you didn't want to pay for shipping. Now, the book's been out since Tuesday and mine hasn't even been shipped. Not sure I'm going to do that again! I'll let you know about the book . . . as soon as I get it.

Here's some other exciting news I've heard about. For those of you that loved hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, there is finally a summary for it! I'm really excited. Take a look and let me know what you think! CRESCENDO

Lots o' Stuff

Isn't it funny how quickly time flies and life just seems to keep moving forward whether you want it too or not. So, since I wasn't able to post more than once last week, this gets to be a long one!

1) It's a Super Spring Break Mary Kay Sale! From today (March 15) till midnight March 20 you can get up to 25% off your Mary Kay order. Here's how it works. Everyone automatically gets 15% off your purchase. You get another 5% off if you become a follower of my blog for a total of 20%(Those of you who are already followers automatically get the 5% plus a little something extra :) ). Then if I can get a total order of $250 or more (from everyone ordering between now and Saturday), I'll give everyone an additional 5% for a grand total of 25% off your order. So tell everyone, hope online, have fun doing a virtual makeover on my website, take a look at new colors and products for the spring and place an order! http://www.marykay.com/bonnie.andrus

2) Karen Hoover's book, The Sapphire Flute is available tomorrow!! YEAH!!!! :)

3) Here's a great book that was released in January. D. N. Giles aka Nichole Giles' The Sharp Edge of a Knife is based on a true story that sounds amazing. Here's the backliner for the book:

Most people would have panicked, sitting bound and gagged on a boulder in the middle of the desert as I was, but for some reason, I didn’t. A strange kind of reassurance washed over me from somewhere deep within. Whether it was peace that I’d go quickly, or comfort that I was being protected, I wasn’t sure.

Mel Petersen leaves for work on the morning of February 7, 1958, he has no idea what awaits him. A few miles from his house, Mel picks up a pair of young men who appear to be college students, hoping to prevent them from having to walk in the cold. What Mel doesn’t know is that the men are actually convicts on the run, who are desperate to get away by any means necessary.
When one of his passengers holds a knife to Mel’s throat, he has no choice but to submit to the demands of the criminals. Mel hopes he has what it takes to talk his captors into letting him live so he can return to his wife and children, but fears they will kill him before he has the chance.
Based on a true story, The Sharp Edge of a Knife follows Mel and his captors on an unforgettable ride that will have you questioning the depth of your faith and sitting on the edge of your seat as it grabs your attention from the first sentence and keeps you riveted until the very end.

For a sample chapter and more about the author take a look at her website and blog.
http://www.sharpedgeofaknife.blogspot.com/
http:/www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com/

4) Book Reviews
I've been reading through the Fablehaven (Fablehaven, Rise of the Evening Star, Grip of the Shadow Plague and Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuaries) series again by Brandon Mull. If you like magical creatures and all the havoc that can happen around them, this is a series for you. I discovered that I had read the first three around this time of year last year in preparation for the release of the fourth book. That explains why I remembered more about those three than the last one. For me, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuaries was the best one. I loved the descriptions, the detail and the plot twists. I also really like the lessons that are learned by Seth throughout the series. Here are two quotes that really stuck out.

"I hate how my past actions keep messing up my future options," Seth muttered.
"Then you've started down the road to wisdom," Grandpa replied.

"Choices determine character."

Great lessons not matter the context. I'm excited for the conclusion that is coming out next week.

5) There was something else I had in mind that I would post about but of course I would remember it now. I'll just have to do another post later!

Life's a Journey! Enjoy the Ride!

Book Review

Fablehaven Brandon Mull

I have always enjoyed this book and decided to read the series again since the final book is coming out in March. It is always interesting to go back and read books from the beginning. They aren’t always what you remember and since I’ve been working on writing I enjoy seeing the growth of an author through a series like this. The story is wonderful. I love Kendra and Seth. It’s a good reminder of where they began and helps me see how much they grow over the series. If you like magical creatures good and evil alike, this is a wonderful series for you. I can’t wait for the fifth book!