A World Without Heroes

By: Brandon Mull

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

Length: 14 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable - until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

©2011 Brandon Mull (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Outstanding book and Narrator!

I loved it. Brandon Mull is one of the best authors out there and has created a gem here. Jeremy does a great job bringing the memorable characters and the well written action to life.

Not too shabby!

I am a Brandon Mull fan. I haven't really been interested in this series though. I decided to start listening because I needed a light read. I was really impressed! Deeper storyline and plot than his other series. I will keep listening!

Slow start, but really fun story once it gets goin

Where does A World Without Heroes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its up there with some good ones.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A World Without Heroes?

The notion of the plot, and gathering up components of a word to destroy the wizard. Pretty cool.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes with the lore master.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Any additional comments?

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes Book Review

I give this book 4 out of 5 Bubblefruits.

By Brandon Mull

I'm listening to the end of this book on audio as I begin to write this review. The first book of the Beyonders series is a good story. Brandon Mull certainly has a very creative mind, and that shows through brilliantly in this novel.

From a pacing perspective, this book starts slow. I remember trying to listen to the audiobook version before, months ago in fact, and after falling in love with the prologue and getting excited for the rest of the story, I ran into chapter 1. I got so bored that I stopped listening to it. It was all kids, baseball, and look, those girls are cute. I'm not sure what finally brought me back to the book again, but I am glad that I gave it another chance. Once the main character, Jason, gets into the other world, and on with his quest, the book takes off nicely. (Yes, you'll come to find out that baseball actually matters later.)

From a world-building perspective, Brandon Mull leverages his wild imagination to create a fascinating environment with crazy creatures, strange food customs, and shifty characters. This world is devoid of heroes, which is by the villain, Maldor's design. As the main characters from our world visit that one, Jason and Rachel fumble their way through distraught cities, questionable taverns, and the open road.

The plot is fantastic. The world has no heroes, and there is an evil emperor that rules the land through fear, control, and manipulation. The Emporer also happens to be a wizard, but a wizard with one serious flaw—there is a magic word, that, if spoken will be his instant demise. Jason comes across this information, and the first clue to learning the word. This starts his quest.

The one thing I struggle with in Brandon Mull books is his characters' dialogue. Sometimes it just doesn't sound right. In some cases it's related to diction, and in other cases its just the way it flows and how it sounds. I suppose this is a minor thing, but I thought I'd call it out.

If you are looking for a fun summertime read that can help you escape reality a little bit. This book can definitely fit the bill. Check it out. It's a fun read.

Great Book!

I love the Fablehaven series and this is turning into one that I love as well. It starts a little slow at first, but the world and the characters are very interesting. Would read again!

Great book

Love the book
Great story can’t wait for the next one
So cool
Very nice

yas i love it

i loved it the narirater was amazing
the story line is good along with the cariktors

Great adventure

This is an adventure in a parallel universe. The protagonist, a very tall 13 year old young man, is very likable. In the parallel reality he meets an accomplished, very capable young woman about his own age and from his own modern reality. Together they must try to help this world and themselves; they have little choice. It’s a great series! Be patient with the far-fetched beginning. It will come together as the story unfolds.

Fabulous story and narrator!

What did you love best about A World Without Heroes?

This is an amazing tale of two "normal" teenagers who get transported to a magical land, and who embark on a perilous quest to save this land from an evil emperor. The general plot might sound cliche - but the book isn't at all! There are so many amazing, imaginative characters in a well developed, unique world!

What other book might you compare A World Without Heroes to and why?

I'd compare it to Harry Potter - which was my all time favorite series - until I finished this Beyonders series.
In both series, the protagonist enters a new world, and through that protagonist's experiences we learn about this new world - which is a great way to introduce a new world!
Both series also feature a memorable and amazing cast of characters, a fantastic storyline, and a beautifully detailed new world.

Have you listened to any of Jeremy Bobb’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to Jeremy Bobb's performances in the second book of this series as well - and I find both of these performances to be exemplary.
He does such a good job portraying all the different characters with unique voices, and his inflections and performance is just phenomenal.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The protagonist engages in a battle of wits with a nobleman who has been undefeated for decades - yet the protagonist wins, not due to an unthinkable riddle or complex question - but by a simple question that he had discussed with his friends before being transported to this new world. In general, the protagonist is not extraordinary - but by simple, out of the box thinking, performs some remarkable feats.

Any additional comments?

A must-listen!

Fantastic!

Extremely well read. Fantastic story leaves you wanting more. Listened to it on road trips with all ages of children. It’s appropriate for all ages. Very well written series. Can’t wait to hear more!

Great start to a wonderful story!

Great story, characters and narration! Definitely worth a credit! Nice and long, with a 3 book trilogy. Highly recommend.