Beyonders: A Review of Book 1

I just finished the book Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull, author of Fablehaven. This first installment of a trilogy is an action-packed adventure, full of gripping suspense, intrigue and enough funny scenes to keep the story moving. The plot revolves around two teens, Jason and Rachel, who find themselves transported to the world of Lyrian where they meet and become caught up in a rebellion against the evil wizard Maldor.

Among the many reasons I enjoyed the story is that the author offered the most realistic depiction of a homeschooler I've ever read in Juvenile Fiction. I hope other homeschoolers consider reading this book. It was pressed upon me by my own two homeschooled teenagers, Marina and Chase. Marina had discovered it at the library and picked it up because she "liked the cover." Which shows that sometimes it is a good idea to judge books by their covers. It is well written and full of interesting parts that appeal to my geekiness. I highly recommend this book. The only problem with it is that we will have to wait until Spring 2012 for the second installment. Gah!