by Brandon Mull (2012)
Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail. In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes. **Books in this series** 1. A World Without Heroes 2. [Seeds of Rebellion][2] 3. [Chasing the Prophecy][3] [2]: [3]:
Robert E. Howard
In ages past, the Picts ruled all of Europe. But the descendants of those proud conquerors have sunk into barbarism ... all save one, Bran Mak Morn, whose bloodline remains unbroken. Threatened by the Celts and the Romans, the Pictish tribes rally under his banner to fight for their very survival, while Bran fights to restore the glory of his race.
Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
From Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes the third installment in the New York Times bestselling series that defies what you think you know about the worlds of good and evil.
Robin McKinley
Although she is the daughter of Damar's king, Aerin was never fully accepted as royalty. People would whisper the story of her mother, the witch-woman, who they said charmed the king into marrying her, and Aerin turned into an awkward young woman, persecuted by many in the court. But none knew her hidden strength and courage until she became the hero her kingdom desperately needed.
Diana Wynne Jones
Tanqui discovers she has the only means to conquer the evil Kankredin who threatens her own people and the Heathens who have invaded prehistoric Dalemark.