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.

Gr 5-8 At the conclusion of A World Without Heroes (S &; S, 2011), Jason Walker, 13, was sent back to present-day Coloradoand normal lifeagainst his wishes. Now, he returns to Lyrian to find his friends, including fellow "Beyonder" Rachel and Galloran, the "Blind King." As the nucleus of a grassroots revolt against the malevolent and powerful wizard Maldor, Jason, and his allies embark on a quest to hear an oracle's prophecy: Can evil be bested? Quality world-building lies at the heart of any good fantasy story, and in this aspect Mull excels. The inventive characters and settings—such as the Amar Kabal people, who achieve life after death thanks to the walnut-shaped seeds at the base of their necks that can grow a reincarnated "seedperson" when planted, or the horrific swamp inhabited by giant toads, carnivorous pond scum, and hostile leeches—will enchant fans of fantasy, while plentiful adventure sequences will win over reluctant readers. Mull loses his footing just a bit near the end by including a rather unlikely encounter between the traveling companions and a zombielike people. The circumstances seem tacked on, and the group's escape is a tad implausible, but luckily this is just a small misstep en route to a cliff-hanger of an ending. Readers must be familiar with the first volume in order to understand much of the plot and character development. Recommend these books to fans of Mull's "Fablehaven" series (Shadow Mountain), John Flanagan's "Ranger's Apprentice" series (Philomel), and N.D. Wilson's "100 Cupboards" trilogy (Random).— Sam Bloom, Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati, OH

Plenty of hard-fought skirmishes and an entertainingly diverse supporting cast keep this quest fantasy's middle volume on the right track. Finding his way back to Lyrian from this world, hero-in-training Jason rejoins fellow "Beyonder" Rachel and several Lyrian allies in a nascent rebellion against evil emperor/wizard Maldor. With imperial troops constantly in hot pursuit, the company survives attacks from giant swamp monsters, blood-craving zombies, plant people and others, as well as encounters with deadly natural hazards, to gather special weapons and allies, reluctant or otherwise. Though surmounting several individual challenges, Jason is largely along for the ride here, but others pick up the slack--particularly Rachel, struggling to control rapidly developing magical talents; Ferrin, a "displacer" with suspect loyalties who can detach while continuing to use hands, eyes or any other part of himself; and Aram, a pipsqueak by day but a giant warrior at night. The author threads glib banter ("Everybody should get to clobber a princess at least once") and quirky twists into his already-speedy plot to ensure that there's never a dull moment. He brings the episode to a close with an ominous but refreshingly lucid prophecy that sends cast members off on separate missions to set up the closer's climactic confrontation. Full measures of swordplay and sorcery, along with a healthy grain or two of salt added to keep things from getting overly earnest. (Quest fantasy. 10-13)

In the second volume of the Beyonders trilogy, Jason magically journeys from Colorado back to Lyrian, where he hopes to help Prince Galloran defeat Maldor, the evil emperor. Jason's friend Rachel, a fellow visitor in this alternate world, is developing her powerful magical abilities. But even with all the strength, cunning, and weapons they have on their side, Galloran's allies are beset by vicious enemies and plagued with worries of a possible spy in their midst. Quick paced and inventive, the story is driven primarily by action. Readers enthralled by A World without Heroes (2011) will welcome this return trip to Lyrian.