School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-In the third title (Aladdin, 2013) of Mull's series, Jason and Rachael are on two different quests given to them by the Oracle in order to save Lyrian from the evil emperor, Maldor. Jason and his friends, Aram and Corinne, set out to Windbreak Island to find a scroll in the Celestine Library that will lead them to Darian the Seer's secret abode. There, Jason hopes to find information that will help bring down the emperor. Meanwhile, Rachel sets out to Trensicourt along with Galloran, Ferrin, Nedwin, and a few others in order to take back Galloran's rightful throne and find willing volunteers to help conquer Felrook, the home of the evil emperor. Both quests are vital and depend on the other's success. The Oracle warned that her prophecy was the only chance for victory. Although Jeremy Bobb's narration of action scenes at the beginning seems to lack some intensity, he quickly draws listeners into the world of Lyrian with his use of different, entertaining voices that masterfully capture each character's personality and quirks. The pacing is good and the narrator's transitions between scenes and changing points of view are smooth. Those who have read the other books in the series and like action-filled fantasy adventure will enjoy the final volume in the trilogy.-Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
In this trilogy ender, Rachel, Jason, and company quest to end Maldor's despotic reign over Lyrian. Mull takes the plot device of the prophecy to an extreme: with every move mapped out in advance by an oracle, the characters struggle to set aside their doubts, taking risks on faith alone. The result is an action-packed (if telegraphed), plot-driven adventure that meditates on trust and sacrifice. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Jason and Rachel, teens who entered Lyrian by chance in A World without Heroes (2011) and stayed to fight for its inhabitants' freedom from the emperor in Seeds of Rebellion (2012), now risk their lives to fulfill the prophecy that offers the only gleam of hope. Those who enjoyed the many action scenes in the previous books will find plenty here as well, though the characters also spend a good deal of time in reflection and conversation. The question of whether to trust the prophecy looms large. While this volume concludes the Beyonders series, Mull leaves the door open for another series set in Lyrian.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist