A strange metal cylinder. A three-foot-tall bug-man. A dangerous world beneath the earth. Eleven-year-old Harper Graybridge never expects that one junkyard discovery will launch him into an underground realm filled with bizarre creatures, ancient ruins, and secrets powerful enough to change his life forever.
When Harper meets Lyt—an insectoid traveler searching for the mysterious “keeper”—he’s offered the adventure he’s always dreamed of in the subterranean world of Murkmor. But Murkmor is far from safe. Poisonous jelly-monkeys stalk the forest, giant worms double as underground slides, and an evil overlord named Baron Vyndot believes Harper’s discovery is the key to unlocking a long-forgotten legend.
With the help of Lyt and a fierce bird-warrior named Crowll, Harper must navigate deadly tunnels, crumbling ruins, strange new allies, and a villain determined to control Murkmor’s most dangerous secrets.
Courage, friendship, and quick thinking may be the only things that can get him back home—alive.
Perfect for readers who imaginative underground fantasy worldscreature-filled adventuresfast-paced, page-turning actionfriendships forged under impossible circumstancesmiddle grade heroes facing danger with heart AwardsGold Medal Winner – Readers' Favorite Awards 2025First Place – The BookFest Spring 2025Finalist – Colorado Authors' League 2025Finalist – National Indie Excellence Awards 2025Winner – Best Indie Book Awards 2025 Keeper of the Gremkat Key is a wildly imaginative, creature-packed middle-grade fantasy perfect for fans of adventure, humor, mythic worlds, and unforgettable heroes.
John Lyon is an overgrown child. At least, that’s what his kids call him. He is also a middle-grade fantasy adventure author co-writing with his brother, Brad Lyon. John’s inspirations are drawn from growing up in the Midwest during the 1970s and 1980s, where he had endless adventures with his brother and other neighborhood kids.
Let your imagination run wild, be silly, play make-believe, and keep chasing your dreams.
The book kept my interest to point where I couldn’t put it down! I read it all in one sitting. The world they created is so unique and captivating along with the creatures and characters. The ending will have you begging for the second book! Perfect story for any age!
“Keeper of the Gremkat Key” is an absolute blast! From the moment eleven-year-old Harper Graybridge stumbles upon a metal cylinder in the junkyard, you know you’re in for an adventure. His discovery leads him to meet Lyt, a three-foot-tall bug-man, and together they dive into the underground world of Murkmor.
Murkmor is a dangerous and exciting place filled with many interesting creatures. Harper faces many challenges in this daring adventure while being pursued by the villainous Baron Vyndot.
John Lyon and Brad Lyon have written a fantastic adventure story enjoyable for both children and adults. You'll be captivated by the plot's twists and turns, and you'll find yourself rooting for Harper and his new friends.
That epilogue gave me chills! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
A well-paced page-turner for all ages especially middle schoolers. The authors have created a fun and beautifully described new world full of vivid characters that you’ll want to join on their next adventure. I hope this book is the first in many more in a series!!!