A World Without Heroes (Book One in the Beyonders Series) / Brandon Mull / 447 pages

If you enjoyed the Fablehaven series (and even if you haven't yet read it), author Brandon Mull has a most unusual treat in store for you.  Accompany 13-year-old Jason Walker as he loses his balance while working at the zoo after being struck by a baseball during batting practice.  He falls into a hippo's mouth and throat - and perhaps other body regions - and emerges through a tree trunk into the land of Lyrian - another place, another time.  He is told by the loremaster, a librarian, that he is a Beyonder.  He is told by the Blind King that "seeking the word is your sole chance for survival.  Remain still, or wander aimlessly, and you will be taken."  Jason encounters various friends, including Rachel, another Beyonder, and foes along the way in his search for the 6 syllable word to destroy Maldor, the evil emperor.  Jason is taken prisoner, escapes, and is returned to the Beyond - against his will.  Will he return?  We must wait for the second book in the series to find out!