Keys to the Demon Prison

"How come?" Kendra asked, heart pounding. She was way too nervous to turn and look at him again.

"I haven’t been drawn to a girl in a long time," Bracken said. "Against all odds, this time, my mother actually approves!"

He turned Kendra toward him, hands on her shoulders. "I mean, you know," he added softly, smiling, "what kind of unicorn wouldn’t be drawn to a virtuous maiden?"

"What kind of a girl doesn’t like unicorns?" Kendra teased, looking up at him.

"Here’s the problem," Bracken said, eyebrows scrunched. "I feel young. My mind doesn’t get beaten down by the passing years, and neither does my body. It’s part of my nature–time does little to sap my youthfulness. But let’s face it, however I may feel, I’ve existed for a long while. Chronologically, I make your grandparents look like infants. And you’re not an adult yet."

"You don’t seem old to me," Kendra said, unsure how much she believed her words. He looked young, but his manner sometimes betrayed glimpses of an older soul.

"I’ve been around long enough to recognize the importance of timing," Bracken said. "I care for you deeply, Kendra. A few years will give you time to mature, and offer me time to help my mother rebuild her kingdom." He took her hands in his. "This is the first shrine we restored. As I already made clear, I’ll visit, and we’ll see where the future leads."

Kendra felt like a weight had been lifted. It was clear that Bracken liked her, just as it was clear that she would have time to sort through her feelings without getting pressured into an official relationship.

Still, as she gazed up into his adoring eyes, she had a suspicion the crush might linger and grow into something more. After all, hadn’t Patton married a naiad? Maybe in time she and Bracken could find a way to make a real relationship work. Maybe when the time was right, she could become an Eternal, and they could remain ageless together, protecting the world from evil.

"I understand," Kendra said. "It makes sense."

Bracken smiled, a candid blend of relief and joy. "Want to know the best part? Once we get things more how my mother wants them, I have permission to bring you to our kingdom from time to time. You’ll be the first mortal to set foot there!"

"That sounds perfect," Kendra said. And she meant it.

Is This Really the End?

I sometimes get asked why I don’t add an extra book or two to the Fablehaven series. From the start, this series was designed to contain five books. Based on my plan, I felt I could keep the story growing with each installment, so that the books would build on each other in fun ways and hopefully never get too boring. To write more would have meant stretching the narrative in a way that I felt would harm the overall story.

In other words, this really is the last book in the Fablehaven series. Will I ever revisit the Fablehaven characters or preserves in a future book? Possibly. I see opportunities for other stories using the characters and situations introduced in Fablehaven. But it would be organized as a fresh book or series, not a sixth book added to this one. I have no plans to write such a book in the near future. However, I will be writing other fantasy adventures that should appeal to the type of readers who have enjoyed Fablehaven.

I’m currently working on a three-book series called The Beyonders. The story deals with a couple of kids from our world who cross over to a strange, imperiled land where a corrupt emperor is systematically getting rid of all the heroes. All of my books up until now have dealt with fantasy elements in our real world. I’m excited to take readers someplace else! I have been planning this new trilogy for over ten years, and feel confident that it will take readers on a terrific ride. I hope that readers who have enjoyed Fablehaven will check it out, starting in 2011.

I also have plans to create a sequel to my novel The Candy Shop War. A sizable chunk of my readers tell me that The Candy Shop War remains their favorite. Even though it was originally planned to be a single book, I have now developed what I feel will be an engaging sequel. Although still a couple of years away, it represents an important part of my short-term writing plans.

Speaking generally, over the next several years, I intend to write a book or two per year. I believe I am improving at what I do, and feel I have not yet explored my best ideas. I will focus on creating a variety of family-friendly fantasy novels. To keep an eye on my upcoming projects, sign up for the newsletter at BrandonMull.com and swing by my Facebook or Twitter pages. I’m pleased with how my Fablehaven books have unfolded, and I’m indescribably excited to tackle future projects. If you enjoyed the Fablehaven series, please spread the word, and watch for my future stuff!