The Agency of Magic and Mythical Creatures

by Paul Regnier

New middle school? Scary. Falling into a world of dragons and dark magic? Terrifying.

Twin siblings Kyle and Kenzie thought starting a new middle school was their biggest problem until a mysterious, golden dragon yanked them through a portal into a realm filled with mythical beasts, skeletal soldiers, and wand-wielding witches.

Stranded in a dangerous world where magic rules and nothing is as it seems, the twins join forces with a tiny dragon who’s lost his magic, and an ex-assassin with a haunted past. Their mission? Stop a power-hungry necromancer, survive an army of undead, and somehow find a way back home.

With danger lurking around every corner, Kyle and Kenzie must summon all their courage—and maybe even a little magic of their own.

Can they save this strange new world and get back home… or will they be trapped forever?

Perfect for fans of The Land of Stories, Fablehaven, and Percy Jackson, this fast-paced fantasy adventure is packed with magic, danger, and sibling teamwork.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Paul Regnier is a speculative fiction author. He believes one of the closest things to magic on this earth is imagination. His favorite type of story is filled with adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments between characters. He likes to dream up worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and the supernatural. Sometimes they end up in a book.

Paul is the writer of Monster Therapist, Bard Tidings, the Luke and Bandit cozy mystery series, the Paranormia series, and the Space Drifters series.

Paul lives in Treasure Valley, Idaho, with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to enjoy Regnier’s work for its wit, whimsy, and sheer, solid fun. This book is a romping portal fantasy with the classic elements of underdog heroes, grand adventure, and animal companions! The names in this fantastical world are exquisitely old-school, and the character of that little golden dragon is most probably my favorite. I so enjoyed the sibling aspect and how experiencing this wild thing together draws them closer, as well as the thread of courage woven throughout. This theme of overcoming fear and true power coming from a place of peace and conviction is a subtle but influential one that adds depth to this otherwise exciting story of magic and mayhem. Also? I loved the nod to Renaissance festivals. As an annual attendee, I felt that sentiment so hard! This is good, clean fun that both kiddos and adults can enjoy ginormously.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I was completely hooked from the first paragraph and loved every second of this story. Well, except for the fact that it ended. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters or this world. I didn't want the adventure to end.

Twins Kyle and Kenzie were very likable. I thought they handled themselves really well, considering how they were thrown into this new land. I thought they faced the dangerous situations with bravery. It was really cool seeing them experience it all. It had me imagining myself in the twins' shoes when I was a kid and, man, that would've been so cool.

I can't forget to mention Faltranor. He was my favorite character. I loved him.

This fun middle grade fantasy is sure to be loved by readers of all ages, young and old alike. I highly, highly recommend it. I had a blast reading it and hope there will be more adventures in the future!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ren faire being used for black market magic items, sign me up.

The young protagonists are thrown into another world full of magic and mythical creatures. There they meet an cursed dragon who ends up following them around.

This was a fun read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, I think it will appeal to kids most of all due to the lack of adult supervision.

I actually think this would have been improved by having the kids uncle come on the adventure with them. Sometimes I think authors are afraid of including the adults for fear they will steal agency from the child protagonists, but in a situation where the adult is just as ignorant as the children I feel like they would be on equal footing.

Just a thought for the next book.

*I received an advanced copy of this title for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are provided honestly based on my evaluation of the story *

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story! It had a great sibling dynamic, fun world building, and an epic battle of good vs evil. It was really great to read aloud. My boys really liked it. Some of their favorite things were the Imperium Bracer (a magic weapon Kyle gets at the beginning), Kenzie's trick with the plastic gems, Zarb (a cute little bat they meet), and the epic battle at the end.

I was given an advance copy of this book, but it was my first time reading this author. I doubt it will be the last since my boys are already speculating about what happens in book two. These are my honest thoughts.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

great for kids & adults!

Both my 11yo son and I enjoyed this story very much. As an adult I didn’t think I’d enjoy it when the kids started talking about middle school but that didn’t last long and the adventure was worth it. Great magical story and both my son and I hope there is a sequel!

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! All the usual banter and adventure that you get from a Paul Regnier book, and I’d definitely love to read more stories from this world!

~~I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.~~

[Jennie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative and fun middle grade fantasy! If you like RenFests, this one will really be your cup of tea!! There are some surprises, and you'll like the characters, especially the twins. :)
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy! All opnions expressed are entirely my own.

[Lauren]

Good review by someone in the BRCF group. ‘Villain is a necromancer and there are some zombies and skeletons’ but clear good vs evil themes.

[Becci Boersema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riviting. I found it hard to put down. I believe that young readers will find just as intrigueing as I did. It had magical creatures and loads of adventure.