Fallen Empire
CAN YOU SAVE THE WORLD FROM THE ENEMY WITHIN?
In the sequel to the New York Times bestselling fantasy Forbidden Mountain, two friends on a quest to protect their home find out whether their supernatural abilities and spirit guardian will be their salvation, or their downfall—from the beloved author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series.
Mako spent his life dreaming of the day he could train to be a warrior, and risked everything by bonding with one of the Accursed spirit guardians . . . a choice that means death if discovered. His journey led him to Arden, whose ability to read others made her dreams of adventure a dangerous reality. But neither of them suspected the kind of devastation that they barely survived with their friend Tuck.
Now, after being attacked by the Accursed and forced into hiding, the three young teens are on the run, desperate to find allies they can trust and facing new betrayals at each turn. Arden must use her powers to navigate the shifting landscape around them, and Mako struggles to protect his friends when that means relying more on his guardian, Narrix—someone he can’t trust, and who has established Mako as an enemy of his own people.
Arden hopes to find her father. Mako yearns to redeem his name. Their world grows larger and stranger as they discover more of the magic and secrets of the Empire they are hoping to save, but all the while the threat of evil is closing in on them. Arden’s and Mako’s skills and loyalties will be tested, leading to shocking discoveries—and even more shocking choices.
Brandon Mull
Brandon Mull has a rare talent for turning childhood daydreams into epic adventures that captivate millions of readers around the world. His fantasy novels, from the beloved Fablehaven series to the sweeping sagas of Beyonders, Five Kingdoms, and Dragonwatch, invite readers into hidden realms where magic lives alongside danger, and the choices of ordinary kids can change the fate of entire worlds.
Born in California in 1974 and raised with an imagination that never seemed to rest, Mull spent much of his childhood inventing elaborate games and imagining creatures that lurked just out of sight. That creative spark carried into his studies at Brigham Young University, where he not only honed his storytelling voice but also embraced performance as part of a sketch comedy troupe. After graduation he worked a string of day jobs—from movie promoter to filing clerk—while quietly chasing the stories that filled his mind.
Guardians
In the land of Anora, no child grows up alone. Each is bound to a guardian spirit, a bond that shapes their gifts, their future, and sometimes their fate. These guardians whisper power into mortal hands, some guiding with light, others tempting with ruin. At the heart of this world lie two paths: the trusted Advocates, who promise strength and honor, and the Accursed, forbidden beings whose power carries the price of death.
Guardians consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
