Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial

Kit lives with his parents in Grotville and, like everyone else, is excited for the Dungeon Running season final. When one of the competing teams is involved in a disaster with a frost dragon, an opening comes up in the league for a new team and Kit sort of accidentally decides to join up.

I requested this book, less because the story appealed to me and more, because it looked like it would have a gaming theme to it, which I knew would appeal to the children I work with.

Also, Kieran Larwood AND Joe Todd-Stanton - what's not to love?

I really enjoyed the story and illustrations and ended up reading the book in one sitting. The story moves so quickly and the action is constant and exciting and made me think of some of my favourite children's books, which is always good for giving recommendations at school. The group of friends reminded me of those in Oliver and the Seawigs (my favourite of the brilliant Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre books) and Kit and Grotville made me think of Mort and Brutalia in Rachel Delahaye's amazing Mort the Meek books. I can already think of the children who'll want to borrow it first when it's out and I've added it to my collection.

What an absolute joy this is!

Always wanted to introduce your kids to Dungeons and Dragons at a child-friendly level? Loved those RPG books? Want something that packages this up with found family, humour, and a strong message about overcoming obstacles, building friendship, trusting yourself, and never discounting something or someone from how they appear? Kieran Larwood is ON IT, and superb illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton is here to bring it to life with character art that is immensely appealing. A short, snappy story, feel-good and filled with exciting puzzles that leaves you wanting more. And there WILL BE.

Perfect for children of all ages. I can see how this would appeal to the 6-12 range but also, to me, a fully grown adult

A really fun read from a fantastic author/illustrator team. Kit is a gnorf (half gnome, half dwarf) living with his parents in Grotville. When a Dungeon Running team fall foul of a monster and replacements are sought, Kit assembles an unlikely team to go up against older, bigger and more experienced competition - including his horrible bully. A really fun read for lower key stage 2.