Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial - by Kieran Larwood

Book Synopsis

"For collections needing Role-Playing Games (RPG) and funny sci-fi/ fantasy series such as Max Brallier's 'The Last Kids on Earth, ' Kazu Kibuishi's 'Amulet, ' and Tui T. Sutherland's 'Wings of Fire, ' this is a must-add to the list." --School Library Journal

A new action-packed series for fans of fantasy and RPG games!

CALLING ALL DUNGEON RUNNERS--There's space for a new team of heroes. This is your chance to enter the leagues and fight your way to the top!

Kit has dreamed of being a Dungeon Runner all his life, although being a gnorf (part gnome, part dwarf) means he's much smaller than the other competitors.

But when a space opens up for a new team in the Dungeon Running League, Kit doesn't want to miss this chance to try out! With his new friends Sandy and Thorn, they're ready to take on anything--mazes, puzzles, monsters, treasure, and most of all adventure!

Are you ready for the games to begin? Welcome to the Dungeon!

Review Quotes

With good friends in your corner, you don't have to be the biggest, strongest, or fastest to win.
It's time for the season final of the Dungeon Run, a televised game in which teams compete in a race to escape a dungeon. Kit, a diminutive young gnorf-"part gnome, part dwarf"-is content to merely watch, until, in a thrilling twist, one team meets an untimely end and a spot opens up in the competition. Backed into a corner by a bully named Breg, Kit decides to enter despite having no experience, no magical powers, and no team. With the application deadline looming, Kit scrambles to pull together a group, eventually meeting a gnorf named Sandy, whose magical claim to fame is making sandcastles, and Thorn, a vegan vampire who knows first aid: a ragtag group of misfits if ever there was one. Upon entering the dungeon, the three quickly learn that their friendship and loyalty to one another are their greatest strengths and may just give them the edge they need to beat out the competition. Humor, relatable characters, a fast and fun storyline, and some interactive elements will hook young readers from the start. Todd-Stanton's illustrations are charming and plentiful, an asset both for new chapter-book readers and those who typically prefer graphic novels. This series opener will leave kids eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Friendship and gamesmanship form the core of this heartwarming underdog adventure. (map) (Fantasy. 7-10)

--Kirkus

Readers join the telecast of "Dungeon Runners" as the teams enter the Armageddon Arena (Hunger Games for the mythical creature set). An accident with a dragon (it ate a team) creates an opening for a new team with a mage, fighter, and healer. Kit, the main character, is a gnorf-part gnome, part dwarf-who has always wanted to be a Dungeon Runner. Through sheer will and overcoming bullying and naysayers, Kit, along with his new friend Sandy, a mage-in-training, and Thorn, a vegan vampire, become team Triple Trouble. They are ready to run through a maze, meet monsters, find a treasure, and get help from tiny creatures as they complete the Dragon Trials so they can compete on Dungeon Runners. Team Triple Trouble is a crew that wants to belong. Throughout their experience, they learn to deal with bullying and some powerful emotions. This entertaining story contains well-developed descriptions and illustrations that allow readers to immerse themselves in the action. The story-specific vocabulary refers to the creatures encountered: gobrot, troggles, and gnorf. Written descriptions and character illustrations make these words easy to decipher. There are a few things to be aware of-the death of characters off-page but referred to, as well as bullying on-page. VERDICT For collections needing Role-Playing Games (RPG) and funny sci-fi/fantasy series such as Max Brallier's "The Last Kids on Earth," Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet", and Tui T. Sutherland's "Wings of Fire," this is a must-add to the list.--Katie B. Loomis, School Library Journal

For collections needing Role-Playing Games (RPG) and funny sci-fi/fantasy series such as Max Brallier's "The Last Kids on Earth," Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet", and Tui T. Sutherland's "Wings of Fire," this is a must-add to the list.--Katie B. Loomis, School Library Journal

"Friendship and gamesmanship form the core of this heartwarming underdog adventure."--Kirkus

About the Author

Kieran Larwood is the author of several middle-grade fantasy books published around the world. His lifelong love of fantasy stories began when he picked up a copy of The Hobbit as a boy and saw the map inside. It just goes to show--you never know where opening a book will lead. Kieran lives on the Isle of Wight, a windswept island off the coast of England.

Joe Todd-Stanton grew up in Brighton, England, and was taught to draw by his mother, who is also an illustrator. He is author-illustrator of the Brownstone's Mythical Collection series, and has illustrated many acclaimed books for children in the UK. He now lives in London.