l Utah author Brandon Mull launches "A World Without Heroes" (Aladdin, $19.99), the first book in his new "Beyonders" series, at a special event Tuesday at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 East, Murray. Mull is the author of the best-selling "Fablehaven" series.
In the story, 13-year-old Jason Walker enjoys volunteering at the zoo where life is always a bit less predictable. A routine cleaning of the hippo tank sends him falling through a tunnel into Lyrian, a magical world ruled by the despotic sorcerer Maldor. Jason just wants to find a way back home, but his search for answers leads to the discovery of Maldor's secret vulnerability. Very few know the truth -- that there is a magical, ancient word that holds the power to destroy this terrifying ruler.
Jason's knowledge makes him the target of Maldor's wrath and his only choice is to destroy his powerful new enemy. Jason is joined by Rachel, a fellow "Beyonder," who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian. With the help of a few scattered rebels, they become entangled in an 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.
Admission to the launch party is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. Visit http://brandonmull.com for more information.
* Holly Tucker reads from and signs her new book, "Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution" (W. W. Norton & Company, $25.95), at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. The book is a history of blood transfusion and how it became embroiled in contentious religious and ethical debates in 17th-century Europe. Tucker is an associate professor at Vanderbilt University's Center for Medicine. This is a free event.
*San Francisco author Jennifer Fosberry reads from and signs copies of her latest children's book "My Name is Not Alexander" (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $16.99) at 11 a.m. Saturday at the King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. Fosberry will also sign copies at 1 p.m. Saturday, at Barnes & Noble, 1780 N. Woodland Park Drive, Layton. This companion book to "My Name Is Not Isabella" is aimed at boys and introduces them to legendary role models while encouraging them to strive for their dreams. This is a free event.
* The Davis County Library System will host a Spring Mini-Book Sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the North Branch, 562 S. 1000 East, Clearfield. Prices are $1 for hardbacks and 25 cents for paperbacks. DVDs, VHS tapes, and audio books on disc and cassette will also be for on sale. Quantities are limited. Due to space limitations, items will not be put on hold during the sale. For easiest access, park in the lower lot on the west side behind the library and enter the sale area in the auditorium through the southwest doors. Call 801-451-2322 for more information.
*Bonni Burrows, author of "Death? It's a Journey to Life" (DMT Publishing, $6.95), and Ranelle Wallace, author of "The Burning Within" (Gold Leaf Press, $16.95), will give a presentation about their near-death experiences followed by a signing of their books from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Hastings, 340 E. 525 North, Harrisville. This is a free event. Both women are from Utah and their books recount how their experiences transformed their lives. This is a free event.
* Georgia author Cindy Woodsmall discusses and signs her book "Plain Wisdom" (WaterBrook Press, $14.99) 1-2 p.m. Saturday at LifeWay Christian Store, 6336 S. State Street, Murray. Woodsmall co-wrote the story with her Amish friend Miriam Flaud. The book is about two friends from vastly different backgrounds who find common connections. This is a free event.
* Salt Lake City author Anne Zimmerman reads from and signs her first book, "An Extravagant Hunger: The Passionate Years of M. F. K. Fisher" (Counterpoint, $26), at 7 p.m. Saturday at The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City. The book explores the legendary M.F.K. Fisher and how her iconic writing forever changed the food literature genre.
* Russell Banks, author of "The Sweet Hereafter," "Continental Drift" and "The Reserve," will speak March 31 during Weber State University's annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference.
The Pulitzer Prize finalist and poet will speak at the 6:30 p.m. opening banquet at the Timbermine, 1701 Park Blvd., Ogden. Tickets are $30; reservations are due March 25 at 801-626-6600 or http://weber.edu/nulc.
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