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A review by jennutley
A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull
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.