What Are The Best Books Similar To Fablehaven Series?

Reading 'Fablehaven' felt like uncovering a hidden treasure, and I’ve since hunted down books with that same magical allure. 'The Whispering Skull' by Jonathan Stroud (from the 'Lockwood & Co.' series) delivers eerie supernatural investigations with a dash of humor. 'The Trials of Morrigan Crow' by Jessica Townsend is another winner—imagine a cursed girl whisked away to a magical society full of wonders and dangers.

For those who adored the sibling bond in 'Fablehaven,' 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' by Trenton Lee Stewart offers a clever, puzzle-filled adventure with a tight-knit group. And if you want more creature-filled chaos, 'The Last Dragon Chronicles' by Chris d’Lacey blends dragons, magic, and modern-day life in a way that’s utterly captivating.

If you loved Fablehaven — with its mix of magical creatures, hidden sanctuaries, family-driven adventure, and a dash of danger — there are quite a few other series that can give you that same sense of wonder and excitement. Here’s a friendly, in-depth look at some of the best ones you might enjoy diving into next.

First up, Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan is a natural pick. While it leans more into Greek mythology than fairy creatures, it has that same blend of humor, fast-paced quests, and young protagonists uncovering a hidden world. Much like Kendra and Seth in Fablehaven, Percy starts off not knowing the magical side of life exists, then gets thrown into a world full of gods, monsters, and ancient secrets. It’s light enough to be fun but still has moments of real emotional weight.

Another good match is The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. This one is shorter and a bit darker in tone, but it’s loaded with magical creatures, hidden rules, and the feeling that the everyday world has mysterious doorways if you just know where to look. The combination of illustrated pages and eerie atmosphere makes it especially appealing if you enjoyed the slightly creepy side of Fablehaven.

If you want something with the same “magical sanctuary” vibe, The Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger is worth picking up. It’s about a girl who discovers she belongs to a secret world of elves and other mystical beings. Like Fablehaven, it balances big mysteries with smaller, character-driven moments. It also grows in complexity as the series goes on, so it’s perfect if you like a long, immersive journey.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer takes a different angle — it’s about a young criminal mastermind who discovers and tangles with a hidden fairy civilization. The humor is sharper, and the main character is more of an antihero compared to Kendra and Seth, but the mix of magic, cunning plots, and fantastical creatures hits some of the same sweet spots.

For a slightly older audience, The Beyonders series by Brandon Mull — the same author as Fablehaven — is a no-brainer. It swaps out magical preserves for an epic otherworldly quest, but Mull’s style is still there: adventurous pacing, a touch of darkness, and clever twists. If you liked Fablehaven, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy seeing how he builds a completely different magical universe.

You could also try Septimus Heap by Angie Sage. It’s a seven-book fantasy series full of wizards, magical creatures, and richly detailed settings. It’s lighter and a bit more whimsical than Fablehaven, but it still scratches that “immersive magical world” itch.

And finally, Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland is great if you enjoyed the creature aspect of Fablehaven. Instead of fairies and satyrs, you get dragon tribes, prophecies, and political intrigue, all told from the dragons’ perspectives. It’s adventurous and surprisingly layered for a middle-grade series.

In short, if you want to chase the same feeling Fablehaven gave you, go for series that combine magical discovery with ongoing mysteries, a mix of light and dark moments, and characters who grow with each book. Whether it’s mythology, fairy worlds, or entirely new universes, there’s a lot out there that can give you that same spark.

After finishing 'Fablehaven,' I craved more books with magical preserves and secret societies. 'The Edge Chronicles' by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell is a wild ride—floating cities, bizarre creatures, and nonstop adventure. 'The Glass Sentence' by S.E. Grove is a unique pick where different eras coexist, and a young girl must navigate a world of lost maps and hidden truths. For a shorter but equally enchanting read, 'The Wild Robot' by Peter Brown surprises with its heart and hidden depth.

I highly recommend 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. It shares that same sense of wonder and discovery, with siblings uncovering a secret field guide to faeries right in their backyard.

Another fantastic pick is 'The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel' by Michael Scott. It blends mythology, alchemy, and modern-day adventure, much like 'Fablehaven' does with its fantastical elements. For those who love the sibling dynamic and magical preserves, 'The Menagerie' by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari H. Sutherland is a delightful read filled with whimsical creatures and heartwarming teamwork.

If you're into darker, more intricate plots, 'The School for Good and Evil' by Soman Chainani offers a twisted fairy tale universe with deep moral questions. Lastly, 'Gregor the Overlander' by Suzanne Collins is an underrated gem—hidden portals, giant talking creatures, and epic battles make it a perfect follow-up to 'Fablehaven.'

I’ve been obsessed with middle-grade fantasy ever since I stumbled upon 'Fablehaven,' and I’ve found a few others that hit the same sweet spot. 'The Land of Stories' by Chris Colfer is a must-read—imagine twins falling into a book and meeting fairy tale characters in real life. The mix of adventure and nostalgia is just *chef’s kiss*.

For a more action-packed vibe, 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan has that same blend of humor, mythology, and high stakes. If you liked the idea of magical creatures hidden in plain sight, 'The Unwanteds' by Lisa McMann is a creative twist where art literally comes to life. And don’t miss 'A Tale of Magic...' by Chris Colfer—it’s got that same sense of wonder and danger lurking beneath the surface.