Beyonders #1: A World Without Heroes By Brandon Mull

Jason is transported to a strange world ruled by a ruthless wizard named Maldor. One word spoken in Maldor's presence can defeat him, but the word is made up of six separate, secret syllables. Jason accidentally learns one syllable which immediately makes him one of Maldor's enemies. His only hope of survival is to search the kingdom, find the entire word, and defeat Maldor. Of course, Maldor is trying to stop Jason, and there are many thieves and creatures that would happily kill him. Jason finds another Beyonder, Rachel, and they are joined by various characters in their quest. They are not aware that one of their companions is actually a spy for Maldor.

The plot is pretty straightforward, but the solution to the conflict is unique. Jason faces a unique internal conflict in his character, as Maldor keeps track of his progress. He takes on the quest even though he has no connection to the world, and later, Maldor offers  him a life of luxury if he gives it up. A couple characters have strange characteristics. One character is able to lose parts of his body, even his head, and reattach them later. Another character has died nine times but is able to regrow, with all of his memories, if the seed at the base of his neck is planted after his death. The story's climax has an unexpected twist.