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.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs