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orcaseatingstrawberries's review
4.0
I'd rate the first half of the book at 3 and the second half at four, but at the same time the world he's building gets so much more interesting partway through, that I just can't wait to see what happens next.
A couple of unusual ideas that I've never seen used before (well, one I saw on Mythbusters, but I'd never have thought it'd be in any novel, let alone a fantasy one, and it's use is wonderfully clever and makes sense).
A couple of unusual ideas that I've never seen used before (well, one I saw on Mythbusters, but I'd never have thought it'd be in any novel, let alone a fantasy one, and it's use is wonderfully clever and makes sense).
ameliabedeliagoesonline's review
4.0
Creative and fun, Brandon Mull’s fantasy world is an interesting read. With likeable characters and some dark twists, this book is great for middle grade fantasy fans.
cleah's review
4.0
Jason Walker's life as a normal American boy get turned upside down when he accidentally falls into the hippopotamus tank at the local zoo. Instead of being eaten though, he finds himself in a completely new world. Thus begins his journey through Lyria, a land run by the evil King Maldor. He joins up with Rachel, a girl who also accidentally found herself transported to the strange kingdom, and together the two of them meet many others on their quest for a magic word. The trick will not only be to survive the enemies and treacherous landscapes, but also to find their way home.
I have to say, Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series is one of my FAVORITES of all times. I've recommended it to more people than I can keep track of. I was sad to see it end but was thrilled how the final book wrapped up so nicely. I've had Fablehaven-inspired dreams and fantasies. So Mr. Mull had some pretty large expectations to meet with this new series of his. And meet them he does, mostly. A World Without Heroes did not strike my fancy as much as I had hoped it would, but it was still a fantastic adventure and reading experience. I thought the premise of finding the pieces of a magic word was fun and clever. As with Fablehaven, there is a fun boy/girl duo pulling the story along. Rachel and Jason both brought their own skills and weaknesses to the team, but the two of them together provides all readers with something with which to identify. The story was stuffed so full of exposition, people, and places that it sometimes felt as though I would never be able to keep it all straight. But Mull is no stranger to creating complex worlds and so I found that I was never completely lost. I definitely think this series is aimed at a much older audience than his Fablehaven books were. There are some very dark moments in the plot, as well as a slew of slightly more difficult words and concepts. I loved how witty and intelligent Jason was. Plus there were so many other interesting and unique characters introduced in this first book that readers are bound to be rewarded with seeing more of their favorites in future installments. Fans of Cornelia Funke's Inkheart series will love jumping into the world of Lyria as well. Book two, Seeds of Rebellion, is due to arrive next year!
I have to say, Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series is one of my FAVORITES of all times. I've recommended it to more people than I can keep track of. I was sad to see it end but was thrilled how the final book wrapped up so nicely. I've had Fablehaven-inspired dreams and fantasies. So Mr. Mull had some pretty large expectations to meet with this new series of his. And meet them he does, mostly. A World Without Heroes did not strike my fancy as much as I had hoped it would, but it was still a fantastic adventure and reading experience. I thought the premise of finding the pieces of a magic word was fun and clever. As with Fablehaven, there is a fun boy/girl duo pulling the story along. Rachel and Jason both brought their own skills and weaknesses to the team, but the two of them together provides all readers with something with which to identify. The story was stuffed so full of exposition, people, and places that it sometimes felt as though I would never be able to keep it all straight. But Mull is no stranger to creating complex worlds and so I found that I was never completely lost. I definitely think this series is aimed at a much older audience than his Fablehaven books were. There are some very dark moments in the plot, as well as a slew of slightly more difficult words and concepts. I loved how witty and intelligent Jason was. Plus there were so many other interesting and unique characters introduced in this first book that readers are bound to be rewarded with seeing more of their favorites in future installments. Fans of Cornelia Funke's Inkheart series will love jumping into the world of Lyria as well. Book two, Seeds of Rebellion, is due to arrive next year!
chelse34's review
4.0
What a great book! I really do love Brandon Mull's writing. He tricks me up every time. His endings are NEVER predictable, but they always end great. But I can never guess what's going to happen.
Anyway, great book. Leaves you hanging for the next book though.
Anyway, great book. Leaves you hanging for the next book though.
kacie_marria's review
3.0
2.5 stars rounded up because the ending surprised me :P
Unfortunately I had a lot of problems with this book. Most notable were the annoying characters, questionable word choices and speaking in general, the narrator, and of course: 14 year olds on a quest to save the world!
First off, the characters: When I first met Rachel, she was sooooo annoying. And so was Jason towards her and in their interactions. Rachel was slightly--ok a lot concerned (putting it mildly)--about justice, fairness, and women's rights. While that's great and all, the way she went about it was to the point of absolutely bugging me to the point that I didn't like her. That being said, I feel like she had some good character growth throughout the book. Jason for the most part was okay but he made one comment that rankled me. He said "That's the problem with homeschoolers. They haven't learned how to interact with their peers." ;-; Thanks a lot Mull, jump on the bandwagon of stereotyping homeschoolers. Sure, it's for the purpose of the book and the characters, since Rachel was homeschooled, but it still bothered me a lot. Being homeschooled for most of my life, I don't appreciate comments like this because they're not true. It's not true! At least for most homeschoolers. I think it depends on the individual person. Not the group. Individuals in public school all their life may act like the "stereotypical homeschooler." I guess Mull used this comment and Jason and Rachel's bickering to start the road of their growth as friends. Of course, Jason comes to understand Rachel, Rachel comes to understand Jason, and they become really really good friends. I'd hope so since they come face to face with death almost every day!
Next, the questionable word choice and overall speaking: Disclaimer, this is all just a matter of opinion. Some people may love this style of writing, and that's great! It just wasn't for me. Now I understand that the purpose was probably to set apart this strange world that Jason gets dropped into (quite literally), but the way the people interacted in the book was just....weird to me. Let me give a few examples: "Bringing urgent tidings." "...had perished." "Elected to join him." To me it felt like Mull was either trying a little too hard, or he was writing with Thesaurus by his side XD. I guess that's just how he chose how to portray the Lyrians' way of speaking. Unfortunately, I didn't like it. Waaaaay on the other side of the spectrum is 14 year old Jason saying things like the room was full of "super cool weapons." Super. Cool. Weapons. I have never had such a bland description in my life!
I feel bad not liking the narrator, but I didn't. I can't imagine how many hours he put into this book, as well as Brandon Mull of course, so I definitely commend them for this book. The narration is just another matter of opinion. I felt like some of the inflections were incorrect for the situations presented. Even though this narrator wasn't for me, I'm so grateful for everyone who puts so much work into audiobooks so that I can listen to them at work when I'm doing mindless tasks :P
And of course, we have our 14 year old heroes!! Woohooo!! No. No. Yes, this is middle-grade/YA, and yes, books need to be written for certain audiences, but it's just a little too much for me when this 14 year old comes in and is able to accomplish what no other person in the world could succeed in. What's more, in one of the situations, he figured the problem out in like 3 seconds. Sometimes this bothers me more than others, but it was just a little too much in The Beyonders. He definitely didn't act like an 8th grader. And I mean, getting suddenly shoved into a new world, he's going to have to make some hard, mature decisions. But still, I think it was a little too easy based on his age and experience (or lack thereof). That's why I prefer reading middle grade contemporary over middle grade fantasy; it's a little more realistic and believable.
Ok so I've rambled enough about everything I dislike about this book, I'd better also talk about what I did like! I liked the concept of the story. It was really unique. I liked the ending a lot--I didn't really expect it. I liked all of Jason's and Rachel's companion travelers, especially Ferrin. He was such a morally flawed character that he was almost likable XD. (I was kind of disturbed by the detaching body parts.....especially the heads....but that's besides the point). I definitely thought the book got better as it went along. Despite my rating, I'm definitely going to listen to the rest of the books because I really need to know what happens--especially after that cliffhanger!! I'm dying to know!!
Sorry for my very long and likely tedious review, but if you got to this point then thank you for sticking around:P And of course, happy reading everyone!
Unfortunately I had a lot of problems with this book. Most notable were the annoying characters, questionable word choices and speaking in general, the narrator, and of course: 14 year olds on a quest to save the world!
First off, the characters: When I first met Rachel, she was sooooo annoying. And so was Jason towards her and in their interactions. Rachel was slightly--ok a lot concerned (putting it mildly)--about justice, fairness, and women's rights. While that's great and all, the way she went about it was to the point of absolutely bugging me to the point that I didn't like her. That being said, I feel like she had some good character growth throughout the book. Jason for the most part was okay but he made one comment that rankled me. He said "That's the problem with homeschoolers. They haven't learned how to interact with their peers." ;-; Thanks a lot Mull, jump on the bandwagon of stereotyping homeschoolers. Sure, it's for the purpose of the book and the characters, since Rachel was homeschooled, but it still bothered me a lot. Being homeschooled for most of my life, I don't appreciate comments like this because they're not true. It's not true! At least for most homeschoolers. I think it depends on the individual person. Not the group. Individuals in public school all their life may act like the "stereotypical homeschooler." I guess Mull used this comment and Jason and Rachel's bickering to start the road of their growth as friends. Of course, Jason comes to understand Rachel, Rachel comes to understand Jason, and they become really really good friends. I'd hope so since they come face to face with death almost every day!
Next, the questionable word choice and overall speaking: Disclaimer, this is all just a matter of opinion. Some people may love this style of writing, and that's great! It just wasn't for me. Now I understand that the purpose was probably to set apart this strange world that Jason gets dropped into (quite literally), but the way the people interacted in the book was just....weird to me. Let me give a few examples: "Bringing urgent tidings." "...had perished." "Elected to join him." To me it felt like Mull was either trying a little too hard, or he was writing with Thesaurus by his side XD. I guess that's just how he chose how to portray the Lyrians' way of speaking. Unfortunately, I didn't like it. Waaaaay on the other side of the spectrum is 14 year old Jason saying things like the room was full of "super cool weapons." Super. Cool. Weapons. I have never had such a bland description in my life!
I feel bad not liking the narrator, but I didn't. I can't imagine how many hours he put into this book, as well as Brandon Mull of course, so I definitely commend them for this book. The narration is just another matter of opinion. I felt like some of the inflections were incorrect for the situations presented. Even though this narrator wasn't for me, I'm so grateful for everyone who puts so much work into audiobooks so that I can listen to them at work when I'm doing mindless tasks :P
And of course, we have our 14 year old heroes!! Woohooo!! No. No. Yes, this is middle-grade/YA, and yes, books need to be written for certain audiences, but it's just a little too much for me when this 14 year old comes in and is able to accomplish what no other person in the world could succeed in. What's more, in one of the situations, he figured the problem out in like 3 seconds. Sometimes this bothers me more than others, but it was just a little too much in The Beyonders. He definitely didn't act like an 8th grader. And I mean, getting suddenly shoved into a new world, he's going to have to make some hard, mature decisions. But still, I think it was a little too easy based on his age and experience (or lack thereof). That's why I prefer reading middle grade contemporary over middle grade fantasy; it's a little more realistic and believable.
Ok so I've rambled enough about everything I dislike about this book, I'd better also talk about what I did like! I liked the concept of the story. It was really unique. I liked the ending a lot--I didn't really expect it. I liked all of Jason's and Rachel's companion travelers, especially Ferrin. He was such a morally flawed character that he was almost likable XD. (I was kind of disturbed by the detaching body parts.....especially the heads....but that's besides the point). I definitely thought the book got better as it went along. Despite my rating, I'm definitely going to listen to the rest of the books because I really need to know what happens--especially after that cliffhanger!! I'm dying to know!!
Sorry for my very long and likely tedious review, but if you got to this point then thank you for sticking around:P And of course, happy reading everyone!
owentowns's review against another edition
4.0
After rereading this book 6 years later, I can safely say that it holds up to what I remember from the first time. While not a literary masterpiece by any means, the story is fun, fresh, and exciting. The characters are interesting and there is enough plot twists and action to always keep you on your toes. It’s a quick and easy read that was a breath of fresh air compared to the more lengthy fantasy novels I normally read.
pmiller1208's review against another edition
5.0
This was an outstanding book. I can't wait to read what happens next.
jennutley's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes YA authors work so hard to be "imaginative" that things end up being silly (ala Lemony Snicket) instead of inventive. And when the hero of A World Without Heroes enters his alternate world by being swallowed by a hippopotamus at the zoo, I was ready to call it quits. Luckily, I was on a six-hour road trip and this was the only book we brought.
Every now and then, this book goes back to silly. But there are some other ideas that more than make up for it. The world-making really shines when it comes to the peoples of this world. Displacers, for example. Displacers are able to detach parts of their body for an extended period of time and then reattach said parts when needed without any adverse effects. Obviously, the skill comes in handy when they are spying on folks for the big baddie, but the amazing ideas that Mull comes up with to use this skill in the narrative were really impressive.
Mull is also quite adept at setting up interesting problems for his characters to work out. He clearly establishes the rules and then gives the reader enough time to understand the nuances of the dilemma before the characters figure out a way to get through an obstacle.
And there are good lessons to discuss with your own child as they read the book: In one Valhalla-type environment, the characters are invited to stay with all the possible comforts provided by the main baddie who uses his paradise to divert the attention of his enemies. Here, the main delicacy is the lumba berry or hunger berry--a delicacy so fine and satisfying but with no nutritional value. As the diner/prisoner allows himself to indulge in the berries, he wastes away. The whole situation sets up a good discussion on what we are willing to sacrifice for immediate reward. A real opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with your child.
Still, I found the ending of this book more than maddening. Like being on a mission that goes nowhere or preparing for a battle that never happens. I much prefer books in a series that can actually stand on their own. I will read the next. But I will have a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
Every now and then, this book goes back to silly. But there are some other ideas that more than make up for it. The world-making really shines when it comes to the peoples of this world. Displacers, for example. Displacers are able to detach parts of their body for an extended period of time and then reattach said parts when needed without any adverse effects. Obviously, the skill comes in handy when they are spying on folks for the big baddie, but the amazing ideas that Mull comes up with to use this skill in the narrative were really impressive.
Mull is also quite adept at setting up interesting problems for his characters to work out. He clearly establishes the rules and then gives the reader enough time to understand the nuances of the dilemma before the characters figure out a way to get through an obstacle.
And there are good lessons to discuss with your own child as they read the book: In one Valhalla-type environment, the characters are invited to stay with all the possible comforts provided by the main baddie who uses his paradise to divert the attention of his enemies. Here, the main delicacy is the lumba berry or hunger berry--a delicacy so fine and satisfying but with no nutritional value. As the diner/prisoner allows himself to indulge in the berries, he wastes away. The whole situation sets up a good discussion on what we are willing to sacrifice for immediate reward. A real opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with your child.
Still, I found the ending of this book more than maddening. Like being on a mission that goes nowhere or preparing for a battle that never happens. I much prefer books in a series that can actually stand on their own. I will read the next. But I will have a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
alicee30's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0