Small Wonder

by Ross Montgomery

Remember everything I taught you, Small Wonder. Take care of Leaf. Take care of Pebble. I’ve done all I can. The rest is up to you…

Small Wonder lives peacefully at the edge of Ellia, along with his little brother and faithful horse.

But then a deadly assassin descends. Enemies are invading and the kingdom is in danger. Small Wonder has six moons to get to Kings’ Keep and warn their ruler.

Travelling forests and mountains, encountering bandits and rogue knights, Small Wonder is determined to honour his grandfather’s last advice…

Make it count.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fantasy

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2025

About the author

Ross Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 3.75 stars ✰

“If you only have one chance, Small Wonder, you have to make it count.”

​


Set in a magical kingdom of Ellia on the brink of a neighboring enemy invasion, it is a fast-paced, adrenaline rush adventure of a middle grade read, one where assassins and avalanches are just a few of the many dangers lurking in the midst that Tick has to fight off as he travels through the treacherous forests and mountains all in his spirited efforts to get him and his brother, Leaf to the safety of King's Keep and warn of the impending danger. 🏰

Yes, their adventure and journey is heavily inspired, even loosely-based on existing literary media; it's painfully apparent, as the twists were not entirely surprising, even if each of the reveals was finely and evenly balanced throughout the plot - buried beneath the others, burning deep inside Tick like embers. However, it was the realistic portrayal of the brotherly bond between Tick and Leaf, the loyalty and bravery and whimsy of their faithful steed, Pebble, racing against time and turmoil, with only Grandfather's words of wisdom to his grandson as the trio's guide that kept me invested and interested. 👍🏻

“A brother is a precious thing, Small Wonder. You’ll be grateful for him one day.”

I adored Leaf; I adored that he behaved like a five-year-old would, who can throw tantrums, can be argumentative and disagreeable but still see the subtle changes when he senses the tension of their plight or even when his brother is in pain. When Tick scolds him to man up and bury the sadness and loneliness, that he doesn't see him crying, and Leaf gently tells him that it's okay to cry... I felt like crying! 😭

It was heartwarming to see the tenderness and affection between the two, an unyielding shield of protectiveness that has Tick always putting Leaf's well-being at the helm of his endeavors. The little inclusion of Pebble having to bend down, so that Leaf could ride him was such a sweet touch. 🫂 It's more than just love, it's Tick's innate goodness that shines when he's looking out for him, determined to never let himself waver when it comes to keeping him out of harm's way.

“And it is clear as day, boy, how much you love.”

Tick is a character you can root for. Tasked with the impossible burden of keeping his brother safe, his Grandfather's survival teachings are his guide, you want him to succeed. Pebble was so awesome, with such spirit and beauty! I loved her humor, her courage, how she rose to defend her masters at every chance she could, the fight and resilience in her. 👑 🐴 She never shied or cowered, she carried an air of wisdom that Tick sometimes failed to adhere to with her reprimanding warnings, but she was such a comfort and support. I loved that the author gave her a figurative voice of reason and humor - Finally some recognition 😆 - that made it easier for Tick to find it himself the courage he feared he lacked. ❤️‍🩹

There was an even balance to the death and darkness against the lighter moments, one that speaks of haunting secrets of a kingdom, and honor tested and questioned of their allegiance. One where even nature is its own worst kind enemy that puts them in even more peril than humans. You’re the air that barely stirs the trees.' 🥺 Yet, when Tick's path crosses with that of the royal guard, it brings forth a new set of responsibility on his shoulders, one which will test his own strength and capabilities of everything he's learned. One which may have been slightly pushing the credulity bit, but in the face of loyalty and sacrifice, wit and wisdom, it was no Small Wonder that he rose to the challenge with all that he was capable of. ✨

*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The closest thing to a children’s classic I’ve read in years! What a novel. Tears were streaming down my face at the end, and I didn’t even notice. How do you write a near-perfect story for children? Ask Ross Montgomery. Easily one of my favourite books of 2025.

[Katrina Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much faultless. What a brave adventure!

[Tom Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent adventure novel was a recommendation from my 10-year-old son, who absolutely loved it. I can only agree - it's twisty, exciting, has villainous baddies, and a central hero for the ages.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Small Wonder (which I am affectionately calling ‘I am Pebble’). Ross Montgomery has done it again: masterful story telling with such economy and succinctness that makes for great accessibility in the 8-12 age bracket.

Tick remembers the fateful night when a baby, Leaf, was delivered to his grandfather’s door. Brought up together by their warm, wise and practical grandfather, they learn a lot about survival and just as well.

When their grandfather dies, the children must set out on the journey he said they must take to the King’s Keep on the other side of the kingdom. Here they should find safety. But the long journey is full of dangers as the young boys, and their trusty steed, Pebble, are tracked by a terrifying ‘Hunter’ and intercepted by bandits.

A gorgeous fantasy adventure, shrouded in mystery, which pits the young children and their horse against some fierce foes. Tick is a brilliant lead–brimming with courage; fighting off uncertainty; and above all trying to keep his promise to he ‘Grandfer’ to lead Leaf and Pebble to safety.

As the journey to safety continues, some shocking revelations come to light, making the stakes much higher: it’s not just their safety they need to secure, but that if the whole kingdom! Prepare for an almighty conclusion.

An excellent fantasy adventure, that gallops along at pace; and leaves you champing at the bit for more from the author. Expect to have your heart in your mouth for the majority of this book.

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent adventure story! There was no magic, but set in a medieval kingdom. No diary format but extremely well paced. A story for action lovers, adventure lovers, animal lovers cause Pebble is definitely the best horse around!
This is the story of Tick, his little brother Leaf and their horse Pebble. When Tick finds a hunter from the enemy country snooping around their cabin, he knows what this means - invasion - and he wastes no times setting off to King’s Keep. He’ll do anything to keep his little brother safe, though the road is anything but!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central

Tick and his younger brother Leaf have been raised by their grandfather in a remote cabin along the coast of Ellia. Since he has passed away, Tick is trying to prepare for the upcoming winter. When he and Leaf see Drene ships with black sails approaching, Tick remembers his grandfather's warnings and heads home to pack so the boys can flee to the Kings Keep. When he gets home, however, there is already a Drene Hunter there. Tick roots in his bag for supplies and grabs a handful of papers before he needs to escape. With their horse, Pebble, the boys take off across the Forest, planning on making the six day journey to the Keep so that they can shelter there. Along the way, they find a wagon overturned, and try to get some supplies, but get attacked by bandits. Later, they come across the bandits again, and Tick daringly frees the man they have captured. The current king, Cass, is the son of the Good King Avery, but has not done a good job ruling, and is even rumored to have killed his son Brandon and his wife Brianna. The emperor of Drene needs to conquer Ellia, because it is the gateway to the Five Kingdoms. Kings Keep is situated at a critical point of access to the other kingdoms, which is why it is so well fortified. The papers that Tick has found indicate that there is a weakness in the keep's walls, and he feels even more compelled to get there to warn everyone. At one point the boys stop at an old woman's house, and while she seems helpful, she ends up drugging their food and drink and stealing their supplies! Luckily, Pebble comes to the rescue. The mountains are the hardest part of the journey, and while Tick realizing some shocking information about his brother, Leaf becomes ill. The boys are helped by Ffiona and Daniyal, knights of Ellia who have been banished by King Cass. They help Leaf recover, tell Tick to look for a knight named Lara, and help the boys take a daring ride up to the Keep. The narrowly make it inside, and luckily find Lara right away. Tick has an audience with king Cass. The king is determined to surrender Elia, but Tick confronts him with proof of his betrayal of the country. The Hunter who has been stalking Tick shows up, as does the entire Drene army and the emperor. Will Tick be able to use his knowledge and skills to save Ellia?

Even though there isn't any magic, Small Wonder does read like a medieval fantasy quest. There's even a map at the beginning of the book so that we can track our hero's journey. While the grandfather is dead, he is with Tick every step of the way, and the lessons he taught the boys save them many times. There are plenty of good details about riding through the Forest, across the Deep, and struggling up the mountains to the Keep. The Hunter is quite ominous, and his hawk frightening! Luckily, Tick is extremely clever, even pitted against the emperor of the Drene!

There are some excellent twists and turns in this story that I don't want to ruin, and some great hidden identities. Some of these I got early on, but there was a big one that was quite a surprise! The pacing of this was extremely good, and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a perfect choice for young readers who desperately want to read Tolkein but are not quite ready for The Fellowship of the Ring.

I'm not sure why the book description says this is "perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Michael Morpurgo and Wild Robot". It's much more of a fantasy adventure title similar to Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series of Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain, and made me wistful for Banks' 1976 The Farthest-Away Mountain. It had a classic feel to it, and my feelings would not be hurt if this became a series. The Keith Robertson cover is fantastic!

[BookLoverLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an awesome read. Ross Montgomery can never fail to disappoint me. :)

[EM WATSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot

Tick, age ten, and his younger brother, Leaf, about five, have lived with their grandpa on the farthest edge of the forest of Ellia, right by the sea.

Tick recalls the stormy night when someone brought a baby to his grandfather’s cottage. The baby soon became known as Leaf, and the three had lived happily for years, right until grandfather died. Now Tick has to be the man of the cottage. They were out collecting wood before the snows came, when Tick spotted the black sails of the Drene warships massed across the horizon. The war-hungry, bloodthirsty emperor of the Drene is invading. Tick had been warned that this day might come, and knows they must now flee to the Ellian stronghold called King’s Keep. Set far inland, it is an impregnable fortress at the end of a valley. Ideal for defending, and for holding out against a siege.

Winter is coming, and Tick knows that in such an emergency he has only six moons to get there before they raise the drawbridge. With snow already forming inland and around the mountain pass to the the Keep, they need to travel quickly. Their grandfathers horse is called Pebble a mighty sixteen hand dapple grey mare. And even though she is almost twenty she has the stamina and fight of a far younger horse, will carry both boys and he will be their salvation. They need to get supplies from their home before the flee. Dashing back to the cabin, Tick discovers there is someone there, a man dressed all in black. He is advance guard for the Drene army who can clear the way of locals; despatching them in the night as they sleep. They are called Hunters, ride a black horse, and use big hawks to hunt as well as carry messages.

With no way of getting the provisions and equipment they need for the journey, Tick steals from the Hunter’s saddlebag. In his hurry to search the bag for anything useful, he stuffs some of the mans papers from the bag into his pocket.

But when the Hunter returns, they flee the scene and head for the hills and safety.

This is where the adventure snowballs. Along his path, guided by Pebble, who is both mount and guide and nanny, the boys will encounter bandits, knights with unknown loyalty, strangers who may or may not be what they seem, and increasingly threatening weather.

It soon becomes a life or death chase when the hunter and his black hawk come after them. But surely nothing Tick took could be worth the pursuit? Checking the pieces of paper he took, he realises they contain precious information that will affect King Cass, the ruler of Ellia, as well as the safety of all in the Keep.

Has Tick bitten off more than he can handle? Will the snow or the hunter get to them before they make King’s Keep, and will they be welcomed at the Keep when they arrive? Can he keep young Leaf alive and well through the ordeal and cold that awaits? Whatever happens now, with thousands of Drene warriors behind them, there is NO turning back.


So, what did we think?

My mum had read The Lord of the Rings many (many) moons ago, under the covers and late into the night. She also read T. H. White’s Arthurian saga. Again at a very young age. He wrote The Sword in the Stone (1938), and later, The Once and Future King series (1958). I think this is why this adventure resonates with her so much.

In those days, she says there were few good books for children; you jumped from Janet and John early learning books to Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven (or the Famous Five) and then on to adult books. Or that is how it seemed in retrospect.

What a joy it is to read so many brilliantly creative, compelling and well-executed reads. This adventure hits the mark in every way. The author says he set out to create a story that was not overly complicated, had knights and an evil army intent on overthrowing good. And a horse that would fight to the bitter end to protect him and his brother. Apparently, the horse role was going to be taken by an enormous dog. Frankly, the story works brilliantly with a horse. As a horse lady herself, Mrs H would have loved a steed such as Pebble. Our own steed would balk at such a task as Tick had set for them all. But this is a fantasy adventure, and the ups, downs, joys and sadness work well.

The author has achieved all that they set out to do and more, and created the perfect contender for an instant classic. One that Mrs H and I would dearly have loved to have growing up.

The author wrote Tick in the very best way. Being ten years old means that his innocence feels genuine. His desire to do good, to care, to put others first, and above all to fulfil his now dead grandfather’s wish that he look after his five-year-old brother, all feel so very tangible and unforced by the writer.

It very much feels like it is Tick’s story that drives the tale rather than a plot formula. There is a difference in our eyes, and we feel this raises this tale to classic status. Some lovely twists also caught us off guard when they were revealed at the end.
And if all that is not enough, we fell in love with the artwork on the cover. It is so captivating, powerful and expressive. It certainly is memorable.


To sum up

An Arthurian and Tolkienesque epic masterpiece of middle-grade adventure. A distillation of everything a young reader could wish for in a form that carries you faultlessly through an emotional range to the climatic and even heartwarming conclusion. An avalanche of creativity, fantasy, action and adventure that is huge fun to read.

Why, oh why were such books not there in our youth? But they are here now, and this one is a cracker. AND, it has a map, and who doesn't like one of those in an adventure!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central

Tick and his younger brother Leaf have been raised by their grandfather in a remote cabin along the coast of Ellia. Since he has passed away, Tick is trying to prepare for the upcoming winter. When he and Leaf see Drene ships with black sails approaching, Tick remembers his grandfather's warnings and heads home to pack so the boys can flee to the Kings Keep. When he gets home, however, there is already a Drene Hunter there. Tick roots in his bag for supplies and grabs a handful of papers before he needs to escape. With their horse, Pebble, the boys take off across the Forest, planning on making the six day journey to the Keep so that they can shelter there. Along the way, they find a wagon overturned, and try to get some supplies, but get attacked by bandits. Later, they come across the bandits again, and Tick daringly frees the man they have captured. The current king, Cass, is the son of the Good King Avery, but has not done a good job ruling, and is even rumored to have killed his son Brandon and his wife Brianna. The emperor of Drene needs to conquer Ellia, because it is the gateway to the Five Kingdoms. Kings Keep is situated at a critical point of access to the other kingdoms, which is why it is so well fortified. The papers that Tick has found indicate that there is a weakness in the keep's walls, and he feels even more compelled to get there to warn everyone. At one point the boys stop at an old woman's house, and while she seems helpful, she ends up drugging their food and drink and stealing their supplies! Luckily, Pebble comes to the rescue. The mountains are the hardest part of the journey, and while Tick realizing some shocking information about his brother, Leaf becomes ill. The boys are helped by Ffiona and Daniyal, knights of Ellia who have been banished by King Cass. They help Leaf recover, tell Tick to look for a knight named Lara, and help the boys take a daring ride up to the Keep. The narrowly make it inside, and luckily find Lara right away. Tick has an audience with king Cass. The king is determined to surrender Elia, but Tick confronts him with proof of his betrayal of the country. The Hunter who has been stalking Tick shows up, as does the entire Drene army and the emperor. Will Tick be able to use his knowledge and skills to save Ellia?

Even though there isn't any magic, Small Wonder does read like a medieval fantasy quest. There's even a map at the beginning of the book so that we can track our hero's journey. While the grandfather is dead, he is with Tick every step of the way, and the lessons he taught the boys save them many times. There are plenty of good details about riding through the Forest, across the Deep, and struggling up the mountains to the Keep. The Hunter is quite ominous, and his hawk frightening! Luckily, Tick is extremely clever, even pitted against the emperor of the Drene!

There are some excellent twists and turns in this story that I don't want to ruin, and some great hidden identities. Some of these I got early on, but there was a big one that was quite a surprise! The pacing of this was extremely good, and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a perfect choice for young readers who desperately want to read Tolkein but are not quite ready for The Fellowship of the Ring.

I'm not sure why the book description says this is "perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Michael Morpurgo and Wild Robot". It's much more of a fantasy adventure title similar to Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series of Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain, and made me wistful for Banks' 1976 The Farthest-Away Mountain. It had a classic feel to it, and my feelings would not be hurt if this became a series. The Keith Robertson cover is fantastic!

This was much more interesting than Montgomery's I Am Rebel (the fictional unnamed war bothered me in that one), and I liked this so much that I considered keeping the ARC for my grandson, since he is being raised in a Tolkien loving household.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Historical fantasy that feels epic in scope and gives us a wonderful lead.

He's only 10, but Tick is already having to step up and look after himself and 5 year old brother Leaf, since the death of their Grandfather. He's been taught to hunt and look after himself, but is grieving and resentful. But in their world, even this hard task isn't as bad as it can be, as invaders are coming. The kingdom, Tick knows from his grandfather's stories, is in danger of being the first of all the kingdoms to fall, and he must get himself and Leaf to King's Keep before it closes its huge protective walls to the population in just a few days.

Fleeing with nothing but their horse Pebble, Tick is about to do what most grown adults would baulk at, with Hunters on their tail, snow coming, bandits, and only a rough idea of how to get to King's Keep.

When Tick tries to find food and weapons in a Hunter's bags and instead finds letters showing King's Keep is vulnerable, it becomes even more necessary that he get there as soon as possible, as it's not just his brother and himself that are in danger.

I found this very immersive, exciting and mature writing for the age group. It doesn't pull punches with what it asks of Tick, it shows the hazards of his world, how even children would have had to grow up quickly, what war is like (these scenes reminded me of the LotR films). And Tick himself is resourceful, brave and a character readers will look up to.

The backstory becoming apparent through the novel adds an almost fairy-tale element to the story, and still has some surprises for readers.

Wonderful, wonderful book. My eight year old may read this himself, but I might want to read it aloud to him and experience it again.

For ages 8-13.

With thanks to the Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Walker for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

There's a map! That gets full marks for me already.

In his introduction, Ross talks about his desire to write a simple, classic, epic adventure story, good vs. evil, and I love it. I love complicated books, layered books etc. but sometimes you want a simple, joyful, fun story - and you don't get that often with adult books, which is why I so often turn to children's fiction. And you can't do much better than Ross Montgomery in my opinion.

I know I'm only two books of his in (although I do own others), but what I love about his books is this connection he creates between people - mainly children - and animals...it's really beautiful.

As I was reading it, I kept having this nostalgic feeling, like it reminded me of something, and I think that 'something' is The Hobbit. Whilst it may not be in-depth or perilous as that, it has the same themes - fighting, hope, trust, love, revenge, adventure - and I could really feel that influence.

It is quite predictable but I don't see that as a negative I this context. It follows the fantastical elements we love from the classics but gives us something fresh.

I think I loved I Am Rebel just a smidge more, but this has everything that made that such a beautiful book. I have made a list of his other books too (or the ones I don't already have), because his stories are beautiful. They are what I want from a good classic kids book, but it has enough heart to thrill older readers.

[Louise Wilkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Walker for this ARC.

When I first started reading it it immediately reminded me of Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings but if they were siblings.
Although I would say it's all predictable, it still felt like
going on an adventure.
If you like adventures that have typical sibling things, fighting, companionship, love, and fighting this is for you.
It was a quick read for me :)
Also, I like that the names are easy to say as most in this sort of world you tend to get names everyone struggles to say.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent adventure story for older children, with an emotional storyline and plenty of action.

The main protagonist, Tick, is left looking after his younger brother Leaf after their grandfather dies. When a stranger appears at the hut, Tick bundles Leaf onto Pebble, their horse, and they quietly escape.

The tension builds as Tick, Leaf and Pebble face hunger and cold, trying to save themselves and the kingdom from an invading army.

This is a heartwarming story of family, friendship and loyalty that will appeal to middle-grade readers and adults. Highly recommend!

[Marjorie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read and beautifully structured. You hit the ground running and the pace never stops.

One resourceful boy and his small brother flee a threat. Discoveries are made, horses are revealed to be amazing and avalanches fought and won! Small heroes can make a big difference with their courage.

Any reasonably confident reader will not stop until they have turned the last page on this one.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a riveting story! Proper adventure, epic journey full of peril, race against time with a lot in stake, twists and turns and narrow escapes, satisfying conclusion. A making of a hero, has a feel of a classic. Made it into top three of my fav. Ross Montfomery books, did not expect that. Wonderful read.

[Omiai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Montgomery's books, but I just felt this wasn't up to his usual standard. it didn't quite have the same charm and previous books, and the storyline was pretty predictable throughout.
I mean, it's worth a read if you're a bit fan but otherwise don't bother.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ross Montgomery’s Small Wonder is pure magic - a heart-racing, big-hearted adventure that’s as thrilling as it is beautiful. Brave characters, lyrical writing and a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh… this one’s destined to be a classic.

[Orla Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 I thought this was really sweet, and pretty addicting! I just wish it had been more developed, it kinda seemed like he just didn't bother bc it's a kids book, but I did see a lot of plot holes. honestly this was really good tho.

[Sean Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, both my kids (7 & 10) loved listening to me read this to them, one of the few chapter books that really caught both of them. Clear language, pacy storytelling and a strong but uncomplicated plot, made this a perfect bedtime book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two brothers flee towards the safety of the keep on their grandfather's horse ahead of invading forces. Its page turning action and choices as they get closer and closer. But when they get to the keep, is it really safe? I especially loved the character of the horse (but then I would).

[Mab · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good, solid children's fantasy, which leans a little too hard on genre conventions for me but I am a horrible adult reader who's opinions shouldn't be listened to when it comes to fun children's fiction. Give it to a ten-year-old and see what they think. (I suspect they'll love it.)

[Demi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great adventure book for younger readers, but pretty basic in terms of prose. The plot was also rather predictable. Maybe that's to be expected in a kids' book, but then again, there's also plenty of cool and inventive stuff out there!

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two small boys. One huge adventure.

Small Wonder is fast paced, funny and full of heart. Tick and Leaf face danger, disaster and impossible choices in this gorgeous story about courage, family, and proving that even the smallest voice can change everything. I couldn’t put it down.

[Hannah (the.baristas.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful adventure

[Judy Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book.
I disagree with the age range though. I am 59 and loved it.

[watermelonreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ross Montgomery never fails to stress me out, break my heart and later give me all the warm fuzzies and piece my heart back together

[Vitalija Lakaviciene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both me and my two sons - 7 and 9 years old - adored this great story.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rolliocking good children's adventure story!

[Claire Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun adventurous tale of two brothers and their horse trying to outrun invaders and get to the safety of Kings Keep. Perfect for middle grade readers.