A World Without Heroes

Starred review from January 31, 2011
Mull (the Fablehaven series) launches the Beyonders trilogy with a dark tale that updates classic tropes with solid contemporary characters. Thirteen-year-old Jason is transported (via hippopotamus gullet, no less) from Colorado to Lyrian, a magical world ruled by the despotic sorcerer Maldor. After witnessing some horrific deaths and learning the history of Lyrian, Jason discovers that his quest to return home might be impossible without defeating Maldor, which can only be done by finding the syllables of a long-lost magic word that erases itself from the memory of those who utter it. He's given this task by the Blind King, the last man to discover the word, who also introduces him to Rachel, another refugee from Earth. Mull throws some magical creatures—including a race that can be dismembered and still live—and plenty of challenges at Jason and Rachel, who must use their wits to survive. Death and betrayal often dominate the plot, but Mull moves his story at a brisk pace, preventing the tragedies from overwhelming the adventure, while offering ample action and feisty dialogue to keep fantasy lovers entertained. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-One day, while volunteering at the local zoo, 13-year-old Jason Walker is swallowed by a hippo and transported to Lyrian, a world threatened by Maldor, an evil emperor. After wandering to the Repository of Learning, Jason meets the Loremaster, a keeper of knowledge who informs him that he is a Beyonder, a person from another world who will be killed by the emperor if found. While exploring the repository, he discovers a syllable inside a magic book which, when combined with five other well-hidden syllables, will form a word that can destroy Maldor. Determined to find the word and a way home, Jason sets out on a quest where he meets Galloran, a blind king who was the last man to face Maldor, and Rachel, another Beyonder from Earth. With giant crabs, monstrous beasts, unseen spies, and Maldor's henchmen out to get them, they will need cunning, bravery, and luck to discover the rest of the clues and succeed. Although parts of the narration don't seem to quite match the intensity of the action in Brandon Mull's novel (Aladdin, 2011), Jeremy Bobb's pacing is fairly well done. His speech and intonations are crisp and clear. Bobb keeps true to the characters' personalities and brings to life the witty sarcasm, comradeship, and exchanges between the main characters. Fans of action-filled fantasy and adventure will enjoy this first book in a new series.-Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

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