(4) 4-6 Beyonders series. In this trilogy ender, Rachel, Jason, and company quest to end Maldor's despotic reign over Lyrian. Mull takes the plot device of the prophecy to an extreme: with every move mapped out in advance by an oracle, the characters struggle to set aside their doubts, taking risks on faith alone. The result is an action-packed (if telegraphed), plot-driven adventure that meditates on trust and sacrifice.

Reviewer: Amy Bennett-Zendzian

(4) 4-6 Beyonders series. Jason returns to Lyrian (A World Without Heroes) to find that Rachel is becoming adept in magic. Also, the heroes rebelling against evil wizard Maldor are being stalked by terrifying, shadowy beings. The pace plods and most characters remain two-dimensional, but genuinely funny dialogue, as well as plentiful encounters, alliances, and battles with cleverly imagined magical creatures, will keep readers turning the pages.

Reviewer: Amy Bennett-Zendzian

(4) 4-6 Beyonders series. Ordinary thirteen-year-olds Jason and Rachel stumble into the magical world of Lyrian, where an evil despot wizard's favorite entertainment is playing mind games to break the spirits of would-be heroes. Many elements remain underdeveloped in this series starter. However, Mull's strengths--action-packed fighting sequences, fantastically imagined magical races and situations, and cunning plot twists--leave readers eager for more.

Reviewer: Amy Bennett-Zendzian