Beyonders
Posted: May 17, 2011 Filed under: Book of Sand 1 Commentby Brandon Mull
{ 2011 | Aladdin | 464 pgs }
You may recall that both the Romgi and I are big fans of author Brandon Mull – he wrote the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War. Earlier this year, the Romgi came back from a trip to the bookstore with Mull’s newest work: Beyonders, or possibly A World Without Heroes (Beyonders). I’m still not exactly sure what the full title is or how I should reference the book. For now, I’ll stick with Beyonders. It’s the first in a new series and…holy cow, guys. Do you ever listen to my recommendations? Do it now! Read this book!
Beyonders is the story of a regular kid who gets mysteriously transported to another world. If that sounds familiar, it’s ok. When I sit back and think about it, many of the elements of Beyonders are your typical fantasy-adventure fare. The great thing about it is that it feels original. Even though it’s another circumstances-call-for-a-hero book, it’s believable! How often do you encounter a book like that?
As always, I’m hesitant to say too much about the plot. It’s such a captivating read that I really just suggest you go get a copy and sit down with it. The kids were nuts yesterday but I still managed to read Beyonders while the Romgi was at work. So worth it! For comparison, I think Beyonders is a little like A Wrinkle in Time and The Riftwar Saga (by Raymond E. Feist). And maybe The Wee Free Men, but I haven’t read that in so long – I could be wrong about the similarities. Anyway, if you’ve never read all of those books, you ought to. But first go read Beyonders. I’m not joking, this book is SUPER GREAT. Definitely one of my new favorites!
Jarom
Mika
hilleries 
Roni hates it when I spoil stuff for her, but I second her encouragement. Go read this book! It has been my favorite Brandon Mull so far. You won’t want to put it down. The strangest thing is that while you are reading everything seems very believable and reasonable, even though it is highly impossible. I find that very rare in a fantasy book and it is one of the reasons I loved this book.