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Dungeon Runners #2
Dungeon Runners 02 - Niveau 2 : Le labyrinthe céleste
Not yet published
Expected 25 Feb 26An action-packed new adventure series from Blue Peter Award-winning author Kieran Larwood and Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Joe Todd Stanton. Young readers will love discovering the world of the Dungeon Runners!
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 enemies as well as monsters. 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!
"Highly illustrated, humorous and immediately enthralling, this first volume in a new series will appeal to 7+ D&D fans in particular" - The Guardian
"Presented in large, clear font and with black and white illustrations throughout, this funny, exciting, imaginative adventure story is a great introduction to fantasy fiction for newly independent readers" - BookTrust
224 pages
Expected publication February 25, 2026
5 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Larwood
23 books282 followersKieran Larwood is the author of Freaks, and was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 16, 2025
I enjoy reading this fantasy book series this one was as better that the first book with a new land called cloudrost and a lot of bird human creatures and a suspenseful dungeon
Over all a good book 👍
Over all a good book 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
We flew through this one like a roc over Cloudroost, unable to resist squeezing in bedtime-busting extra chapters!
Triple Trouble are back in action but this time they’re in the big leagues… well, not quite… actually they’re in the Bottom Feeder League, where they’re scrapping it out to prove they deserve to be bogeyfide Dungeon Runners. But, they have a shiny…sticky…new sponsor whose support shows they have a chance, right?
The competition is full of new characters: the slightly terrifying birdkins; a stand-up bunch of sentient yarn, as full of integrity as they are fibre; and the Zoans, who bring new meaning to the ‘fish-out-of-water’ trope!
Pitched perfectly. Sky Battles gives us a fun-filled fantasy adventure with enough weirdness and peril to keep you on your toes without heralding in nightmares. (Although I reckon a birdkin could pierce my slumbering subconscious!) This has become a firm favourite with my 6-year-old, who has laughed, gasped and clapped her way through, predicting what’s to come and making links back to the first instalment! Lush.
Joe Todd Stanton’s gorgeous signature art work throughout.
Ad/PR for Troll Bogeys™️ (not)
Triple Trouble are back in action but this time they’re in the big leagues… well, not quite… actually they’re in the Bottom Feeder League, where they’re scrapping it out to prove they deserve to be bogeyfide Dungeon Runners. But, they have a shiny…sticky…new sponsor whose support shows they have a chance, right?
The competition is full of new characters: the slightly terrifying birdkins; a stand-up bunch of sentient yarn, as full of integrity as they are fibre; and the Zoans, who bring new meaning to the ‘fish-out-of-water’ trope!
Pitched perfectly. Sky Battles gives us a fun-filled fantasy adventure with enough weirdness and peril to keep you on your toes without heralding in nightmares. (Although I reckon a birdkin could pierce my slumbering subconscious!) This has become a firm favourite with my 6-year-old, who has laughed, gasped and clapped her way through, predicting what’s to come and making links back to the first instalment! Lush.
Joe Todd Stanton’s gorgeous signature art work throughout.
Ad/PR for Troll Bogeys™️ (not)
July 13, 2025
This was another great story in this series that my son loves.
In this one we join Triple Trouble as they enter their first Dungeon in their league. The dungeon itself is interesting and we meet more fantasy races which are some old classics but also some I have never seen before.
Kit goes through an arc and learns a lesson. I quite like how he isn't perfect and can learn to treat people better. I loved Sandy and Thorn in book 1 and I wished they had a bit more to do.
The art direction and the art itself is outstanding and something that really makes this series stand out.
Now we just have to wait for book 3. Hurry up!
In this one we join Triple Trouble as they enter their first Dungeon in their league. The dungeon itself is interesting and we meet more fantasy races which are some old classics but also some I have never seen before.
Kit goes through an arc and learns a lesson. I quite like how he isn't perfect and can learn to treat people better. I loved Sandy and Thorn in book 1 and I wished they had a bit more to do.
The art direction and the art itself is outstanding and something that really makes this series stand out.
Now we just have to wait for book 3. Hurry up!
Read
June 6, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/sky-battle...
SKY BATTLES is a new Dungeon Runners story with the Triple Trouble entering the Bottom Feeder League! Kit, Thorn, and Sandy have made it into the official league, and they are nervous to be traveling so far from home as a real Dungeon Runner team. As they enter their first contest, they will contend with things not being quite what they had expected - plus game-related challenges.
What I loved: This is a really engaging idea and brings video game-style sequences into a fantasy world. The world-building was fascinating, and the story explains some of the other creatures that live in it as well as some tidbits about travel and places, which will likely be expanded upon in future books as well. The book is infused with humor (such as with their sponsor) that works well to keep readers turning pages.
The story is told from Kit's perspective - and he is often a pessimist and downer, especially to his friends, dampening their excitement. This is a learning opportunity, however, and he begins to see things differently by the end of the book. His character growth was great during the story.
There are some other great themes around teamwork, appreciation, and finding your way that will speak to the intended audience well. The format of the book is really fantastic, with a share of illustrations and dialogue bubbles that helps to break up the text.
That being said, there is a lot of word complexity and full pages of unbroken text that will work better for advancing independent readers. The oversized font does help with ease of reading. This is a step up from the heavily illustrated chapter books, but it also brings in images to help tell the story and keep budding readers engaged.
What left me wanting more: There are some bullying situations from a couple characters that are not really dealt with, and it would be great to have seen some resources or potential solutions for these. The book also moves very slowly, only getting into the actual contest about halfway through the book. The story also heavily favors Kit, and it would have been great to get more from the other two on the team.
Final verdict: SKY BATTLES is an engaging new installment in the DUNGEON RUNNERS series that will work well for young middle grade readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
SKY BATTLES is a new Dungeon Runners story with the Triple Trouble entering the Bottom Feeder League! Kit, Thorn, and Sandy have made it into the official league, and they are nervous to be traveling so far from home as a real Dungeon Runner team. As they enter their first contest, they will contend with things not being quite what they had expected - plus game-related challenges.
What I loved: This is a really engaging idea and brings video game-style sequences into a fantasy world. The world-building was fascinating, and the story explains some of the other creatures that live in it as well as some tidbits about travel and places, which will likely be expanded upon in future books as well. The book is infused with humor (such as with their sponsor) that works well to keep readers turning pages.
The story is told from Kit's perspective - and he is often a pessimist and downer, especially to his friends, dampening their excitement. This is a learning opportunity, however, and he begins to see things differently by the end of the book. His character growth was great during the story.
There are some other great themes around teamwork, appreciation, and finding your way that will speak to the intended audience well. The format of the book is really fantastic, with a share of illustrations and dialogue bubbles that helps to break up the text.
That being said, there is a lot of word complexity and full pages of unbroken text that will work better for advancing independent readers. The oversized font does help with ease of reading. This is a step up from the heavily illustrated chapter books, but it also brings in images to help tell the story and keep budding readers engaged.
What left me wanting more: There are some bullying situations from a couple characters that are not really dealt with, and it would be great to have seen some resources or potential solutions for these. The book also moves very slowly, only getting into the actual contest about halfway through the book. The story also heavily favors Kit, and it would have been great to get more from the other two on the team.
Final verdict: SKY BATTLES is an engaging new installment in the DUNGEON RUNNERS series that will work well for young middle grade readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 9, 2025
What worked:
The camaraderie between Kit and his teammates sets them apart from the other competitors. Kit lacks confidence, although he wants to prove he can be a fierce, brave hero. Sandy is the team’s spell-casting mage but doesn’t know many incantations. She’s conjured a sandcastle spell before, and Kit’s grandfather gives her a staff and a second spell written on paper. Sandy’s main contribution to the group is her positivity and rosy disposition. Thorn is the third member of the team, and he’s a vegan vampire (although Kit and Sandy think he might have eaten something else during the previous competition). He’s the team’s healer but doesn’t see much action this time.
The story has humorous highlights, as you can see from Thorn being a vegan vampire. Kit shows up for his first professional Dungeon Runner competition carrying a sword and shield he made out of wood. Not very handy when battling monsters. Kit wishes the team could get a sponsor, and the only business interested is called Troll Boogers. Apparently, their snot is good for making things stick together. One of the other teams is called the Yarn Stormers, and the team members are made of living string in humanoid shapes. The Gravediggers consist of Dr. Kronkenstein and two assistants made from bits and pieces of former Dungeon Runners. They tend to fall apart in the dungeons.
What didn’t work as well:
Thorn doesn’t have much of a role this time, unless you count knitting the team uniforms with purple and orange yarn. There’s not much character or plot development in this short book, and the challenges don’t develop much drama. There are two bully-like characters, but there aren’t enough interactions to be significant. It feels like the book ends rather than builds to a big climax, which may be because it describes challenges in the first part of the overall competition.
The final verdict:
The short, quick-paced story and abundant illustrations of various monsters are perfect for emerging or reluctant middle-grade readers. It doesn’t seem to be as eventful as the first book, but I still recommend you give it a shot.
The camaraderie between Kit and his teammates sets them apart from the other competitors. Kit lacks confidence, although he wants to prove he can be a fierce, brave hero. Sandy is the team’s spell-casting mage but doesn’t know many incantations. She’s conjured a sandcastle spell before, and Kit’s grandfather gives her a staff and a second spell written on paper. Sandy’s main contribution to the group is her positivity and rosy disposition. Thorn is the third member of the team, and he’s a vegan vampire (although Kit and Sandy think he might have eaten something else during the previous competition). He’s the team’s healer but doesn’t see much action this time.
The story has humorous highlights, as you can see from Thorn being a vegan vampire. Kit shows up for his first professional Dungeon Runner competition carrying a sword and shield he made out of wood. Not very handy when battling monsters. Kit wishes the team could get a sponsor, and the only business interested is called Troll Boogers. Apparently, their snot is good for making things stick together. One of the other teams is called the Yarn Stormers, and the team members are made of living string in humanoid shapes. The Gravediggers consist of Dr. Kronkenstein and two assistants made from bits and pieces of former Dungeon Runners. They tend to fall apart in the dungeons.
What didn’t work as well:
Thorn doesn’t have much of a role this time, unless you count knitting the team uniforms with purple and orange yarn. There’s not much character or plot development in this short book, and the challenges don’t develop much drama. There are two bully-like characters, but there aren’t enough interactions to be significant. It feels like the book ends rather than builds to a big climax, which may be because it describes challenges in the first part of the overall competition.
The final verdict:
The short, quick-paced story and abundant illustrations of various monsters are perfect for emerging or reluctant middle-grade readers. It doesn’t seem to be as eventful as the first book, but I still recommend you give it a shot.
April 2, 2025
Kit and his team, known as the Triple Trouble, are excited to participate in the upcoming Dungeon Running tournament. Kit, who’s a gnorf, is the fighter; Sandy, also a gnorf, is the mage, and Thor, a vegan vampire (who also enjoys knitting), is the healer. They will duel with six other teams, and dragons and rocs are involved, a big step up from the trial of the previous level/book in the series. The recap and world building is adequate for readers new to the series. And the action gets going pretty quickly. The team has to compete with some bullies such as the Birdkins and Troggles. The Medusas, Yarn Stormers, and Gravediggers play more fairly. The team has to use their wits and teamwork, not to mention their sponsor’s Troll Boogers’s product, to do their best.
This is a cute fantasy/sci fi story that should entertain kids who enjoy D & D and other RPGs. The large bold font is easy for new chapter book readers and, despite the bullying, no one really gets hurt. The frequent black and white illustrations help to imagine the many creatures. There are a few pages with white text on black when the team is deep in a dim dungeon and the black definitely amps up the drama. And although [SPOILER ALERT] the team comes in third, they feel good about their battle, and end up with their arms around each other.
A few problems: Before I was even half way through the book, pages started detaching. And, although a small detail, the text says that the shield supplied by their sponsor has the name Troll Boogers on it with the ‘E’ backward. The illustration shows the ‘E’ correctly.
This is a cute fantasy/sci fi story that should entertain kids who enjoy D & D and other RPGs. The large bold font is easy for new chapter book readers and, despite the bullying, no one really gets hurt. The frequent black and white illustrations help to imagine the many creatures. There are a few pages with white text on black when the team is deep in a dim dungeon and the black definitely amps up the drama. And although [SPOILER ALERT] the team comes in third, they feel good about their battle, and end up with their arms around each other.
A few problems: Before I was even half way through the book, pages started detaching. And, although a small detail, the text says that the shield supplied by their sponsor has the name Troll Boogers on it with the ‘E’ backward. The illustration shows the ‘E’ correctly.
February 26, 2025
As a TA I haven't actually read Level1:Hero Trial as the children always have it (it was a Toppsta giveaway win) but I've heard lots of parts of this. This was very kindly sent to me by Nosy Crow.
Triple Trouble somehow won the Hero Trial and have a place in teh Bottom Feeder League - as real Dungeon Runners! Kit, Sandy and Thorn are still amazed. Thorn has knitted them tabards - which Kit thinks look like tea cosies! Also they don't have a sponsor - the elf that meets them says someone did apply to sponsor them though. Gilda from Troll Bogeys! A type of glue made from troll bogeys!
Kit can't imagine it can get worse - they have tea cosies for clothing and his new shield, albeit a metal one - has troll bogeys written on it!
At the start of the trial they are dropped onto a mountain and left to find their way to the end...they win the first part but can they get more points...
Find out how the friends do.
Good story of friendship and determination. And with Joe Todd-Stanton's excellent illustrations throughout.
Triple Trouble somehow won the Hero Trial and have a place in teh Bottom Feeder League - as real Dungeon Runners! Kit, Sandy and Thorn are still amazed. Thorn has knitted them tabards - which Kit thinks look like tea cosies! Also they don't have a sponsor - the elf that meets them says someone did apply to sponsor them though. Gilda from Troll Bogeys! A type of glue made from troll bogeys!
Kit can't imagine it can get worse - they have tea cosies for clothing and his new shield, albeit a metal one - has troll bogeys written on it!
At the start of the trial they are dropped onto a mountain and left to find their way to the end...they win the first part but can they get more points...
Find out how the friends do.
Good story of friendship and determination. And with Joe Todd-Stanton's excellent illustrations throughout.
February 15, 2025
I loved the first one of these so surprise post from Nosy Crow this morning proper made me smile! This was just as thrilling as the first. Kit and his friends take part in their first official Dungeon Runners round… packed with baddies, bullies, brand new treasure and brand new characters! I can’t wait for more!!
May 31, 2025
This was a solid entry in the series, but not my favorite. I think it comes down to personal preference. I can understand why Kit acted the way that he did, but it just made him seem selfish and bratty, which annoyed me. I want to see more of the Yarn Stormers. They're such a bunch of sweethearts!
November 21, 2025
Edition read: Dutch
REALLY enjoyed it, once again. However, I felt like this one was rushed and the characters didn't feel as well written as the first one.
I still really enjoy this series and I will keep recommending this to kids in my library!
REALLY enjoyed it, once again. However, I felt like this one was rushed and the characters didn't feel as well written as the first one.
I still really enjoy this series and I will keep recommending this to kids in my library!
Read
May 27, 2025it was amazing
June 10, 2025
Did anyone else recognize that amulet? It looks like that thing Brigid shows Podkin in the first book.
Maybe these are the Ancients?
That little Gobrot was sooooo cute!
Maybe these are the Ancients?
That little Gobrot was sooooo cute!
July 29, 2025
The newest book in the Dungeon Runners series and we are going to the skies and meet some new inhabitants of the world!
😍 Let’s start with the cover! I really love the cover it is such a pretty one full of details and it is as if that bird is going to fly right out the pages.
😍 The illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton are fabulous again and really bring the book to life.
😍 The new characters we are introduced to are a lot of fun, I really enjoyed meeting the new teams, see dragons and birds, and more.
😍 The team names were fab (and made me laugh), I love how well they fitted with each team.
😍 The new dungeon and how to get there, LOVE it. New puzzles that were a lot of fun, new battles with scary monsters, exciting tunnels that may lead to your doom. What more do you want? I wish I could step in with these characters and explore more of these dungeons!
😍 The magic, I love it! I love seeing what each character is capable of and what they can do.
😍 Not a fan of the bully from the first book, but BOY I love it when characters get a good portion of karma.
😍 The commentators were back and I loved seeing their commentary on things going on before, in the dungeon, and afterwards.
😍 I am definitely curious about the sword that Kit found and I hope we see him use it often and find out the potential.
🤔 I wasn’t a fan of Kit for most of the time. I found him rude, harsh, and at times just downright rude. Instead of being honest about the sweaters (yes, bite that bullet) he was making up things. When their mage wasn’t feeling up to reading the spell he forced her/did it himself. And there are other moments. He seemed to care more about fame and glory over friendship, having fun, trying his best.
🤔 Why do we need to have a new bully? Can we just drop that crap? It annoys me so much.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
😍 Let’s start with the cover! I really love the cover it is such a pretty one full of details and it is as if that bird is going to fly right out the pages.
😍 The illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton are fabulous again and really bring the book to life.
😍 The new characters we are introduced to are a lot of fun, I really enjoyed meeting the new teams, see dragons and birds, and more.
😍 The team names were fab (and made me laugh), I love how well they fitted with each team.
😍 The new dungeon and how to get there, LOVE it. New puzzles that were a lot of fun, new battles with scary monsters, exciting tunnels that may lead to your doom. What more do you want? I wish I could step in with these characters and explore more of these dungeons!
😍 The magic, I love it! I love seeing what each character is capable of and what they can do.
😍 Not a fan of the bully from the first book, but BOY I love it when characters get a good portion of karma.
😍 The commentators were back and I loved seeing their commentary on things going on before, in the dungeon, and afterwards.
😍 I am definitely curious about the sword that Kit found and I hope we see him use it often and find out the potential.
🤔 I wasn’t a fan of Kit for most of the time. I found him rude, harsh, and at times just downright rude. Instead of being honest about the sweaters (yes, bite that bullet) he was making up things. When their mage wasn’t feeling up to reading the spell he forced her/did it himself. And there are other moments. He seemed to care more about fame and glory over friendship, having fun, trying his best.
🤔 Why do we need to have a new bully? Can we just drop that crap? It annoys me so much.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 31, 2025
Adorable!!! Thank you NetGalley for the arc! I requested this book thinking it was a comic book only to find out it’s an illustrated children’s book. I decided to read it anyway and y’all, it’s so cute! As I said for the first one, my 7 yo self would have been obsessed with this. The story is great and the illustrations are so adorable!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews