Dungeon Runners: Level 2: Sky Battles - by Kieran Larwood

Book Synopsis

"As in the first book, the fast-moving plot, relatable characters, and interactive elements will captivate young readers. Todd-Stanton's plentiful and delightful illustrations add much to the story, inviting in kids who are less confident about reading chapter books and fans of graphic novels alike. A well-executed sequel that will leave fans howling for the next episode." --Kirkus Reviews

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? It's time to fight or take flight!

Kit can hardly believe he's now a professional Dungeon Runner. With his teammates Sandy and Thorn, they set off to a city in the clouds to compete.

But with new dangers at every turn, Kit and his friends will need their wits and bravery to take on a new set of dungeon monsters and opponents. Are they ready for the big leagues? There's only one way to find out!

Have you got what it takes to survive the Dungeon?

Now is your chance to prove it!

Review Quotes

Internal struggles-and a hindersome imp-complicate our heroes' chances in the Dungeon Run.Forming the team Triple Trouble, Grotville's underdogs Kit, Sandy, and Thorne have leveled up and are ready to compete in the next challenge. As in the trial that came before, they'll have to battle beasts and outwit their competitors in a dungeon race. They're part of "an actual league with actual teams and actual dungeons"-who cares if it's the Bottom Feeder League? With a flapping of dragon wings, the team is on their way. Only this time, Kit, who's a gnorf (part gnome, part dwarf), is feeling less confident. He's painfully aware of the team's ragtag appearance, subpar weaponry, and mismatched, hand-knitted tunics. When the team arrives in Cloudroost to find that their only sponsor is Troll Boogers, makers of a glue made of...well, troll boogers, and their hotel room is actually the boiler room, Kit can't help but feel defeated. It's soon clear that, aside from the actual foes in the game, Kit's toughest challenges are his own self-doubt and attitude. As in the first book, the fast-moving plot, relatable characters, and interactive elements will captivate young readers. Todd-Stanton's plentiful and delightful illustrations add much to the story, inviting in kids who are less confident about reading chapter books and fans of graphic novels alike.
A well-executed sequel that will leave fans howling for the next episode.

--Kirkus Reviews

Gr 2-4-In this fun and fast-paced fantasy adventure, Kit and his "Triple Trouble" teammates Sandy and Thorn are off to compete as professional dungeon runners in a special city in the clouds. Things are off to a rocky start when the team gets stuck with cheap swords and "Troll Boogers" as their main sponsor. But they'll have to dig deep to find the confidence and focus necessary to keep going in this new place with new monsters! Kids, especially fantasy and RPG fans, will love the mix of humor and action in this page-turning series. The frequent illustrations strengthen the story and help bring the magical -happenings to life. VERDICT Recommended for collections where series like "Dragon Masters" and "The Kingdom of -Wrenly" do well. This series is a great next step.--School Library Journal

"[A] fun and fast-paced fantasy adventure. . . . Kids, especially fantasy and RPG fans, will love the mix of humor and action in this page-turning series. The frequent illustrations strengthen the story and help bring the magical ­happenings to life."--Kirkus Reviews

"Recommended for collections where series like 'Dragon Masters' and 'The Kingdom of ­Wrenly' do well. This series is a great next step."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Kieran Larwood (Author)
Kieran Larwood was born in Kenya. He moved to the UK when he was 2 and lived in various places before settling on the Isle of Wight where he can still be found: exploring rockpools, climbing trees and writing - slowly disappearing behind a mountain of notebooks and empty coffee mugs. He taught Reception class in a primary school for fifteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Kieran's books have won several awards, including the Blue Peter Best Story and the Prix Sorcières.
He is inspired by a life-long love of fantasy stories, which all began when - as a young boy - he picked up a copy of The Hobbit and saw the map inside. It just goes to show - you never know where opening a book will lead...

Joe Todd-Stanton (Illustrator)
Joe Todd-Stanton grew up in Brighton, England, and was taught to draw by his mother, who is also an illustrator. He studied at UWE Bristol, receiving a first class degree in Illustration. Todd-Stanton has been commissioned to work for clients such as Oxford University Press, Usborne Publishing, and Aquila magazine. His work has been highly
praised and his book The Secret of Black Rock was longlisted for The C ILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2018 and won a 2018 Waterstones Children's Book Prize.