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Dungeon Runners #3
Nosy Crow Dungeon Runners Ocean Chase.
The third in an 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!
"A funny and exciting fantasy adventure story" - Frank Cottrell-Boyce, The Times
ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? It's time to fight or take flight!
Kit thought he was ready for anything, but when he discovers the next dungeon is at the bottom of an ocean he's not so sure - he can't swim!
But with his trusty teammates, Sandy and Thorn, keen to do battle, solve puzzles and find treasure, Kit is up for the challenge. Now is his chance to prove himself as a hero, once and for all!
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
"A funny and exciting fantasy adventure story" - Frank Cottrell-Boyce, The Times
ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? It's time to fight or take flight!
Kit thought he was ready for anything, but when he discovers the next dungeon is at the bottom of an ocean he's not so sure - he can't swim!
But with his trusty teammates, Sandy and Thorn, keen to do battle, solve puzzles and find treasure, Kit is up for the challenge. Now is his chance to prove himself as a hero, once and for all!
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
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Larwood
33 books290 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 26, 2026
Argh this book is so good!
Triple Trouble head underwater for a deep sea dungeon. The monster is really cool, the puzzles are great, our heroes are heroic (including Mr Pinchy) and we get more worldbuilding.
This is my favourite one so far, and I can't wait until the next one comes out
Triple Trouble head underwater for a deep sea dungeon. The monster is really cool, the puzzles are great, our heroes are heroic (including Mr Pinchy) and we get more worldbuilding.
This is my favourite one so far, and I can't wait until the next one comes out
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November 9, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/ocean-chas...
OCEAN CHASE is a thrilling new installment in the DUNGEON RUNNERS series. In this book, Kit and crew are heading into their second real Dungeon Runners competition - this time under water. That is all well and good, but Kit cannot swim and must wear floaties, plus he is still not quite used to Featherblade, the sword he won in the previous books. Luckily, with Sandy and Thorn by his side, they will forge their way through any challenge.
What I loved: This is such an engaging and imaginative chapter book series. It is perfect for fans of Minecraft and fantasy action/adventure games. The challenges are dangerous and deadly with creatures to defeat - as well as puzzles to solve and bullies to fend off. Triple Trouble is once again trying to play fair but coming up against other teams who cheat and are sometimes cruel. These challenges are relatable to young readers who likely experience their own social challenges and feel like things in life are less than fair.
The characters are great with the main crew having their own personalities and talents that make them charming to read about. Illustrations throughout really bring them to life, as well as the scenes mentioned. These really add to the story nicely, helping young readers imagine each scene and the characters as well as breaking up the text for readers gaining confidence with reading independently.
In terms of the text itself, it's perfect for independent readers. The font is large and easy to follow with many easily pronounced words along with those that are more challenging, allowing young readers to gain confidence while stretching their abilities. The story is perfect for this age range with characters that are fun to follow across the stories, and a whole challenge and ranking to add plenty of action/adventure along the way.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, Kit is very negative and frequently unhappy about everything. He seemed to have a bit of a lesson in past books as he spoils the fun for his friends, but the book is once again filled with his negative dialogue. Even with nice new armor, he is upset about the color, concerned about appearance, and disappointed by the friends who care so much for him. They end up spending a bit of time getting him to come around, but it's not a fantastic pattern, and I hope the story will break away from this in future books. There is also some booger humor, which kids will love, but it is a bit prevalent (their sponsor is a troll booger glue company).
Final verdict: OCEAN CHASE is a thrilling fantasy chapter book that is perfect for independent readers who love contests, magic, and exciting new worlds!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
OCEAN CHASE is a thrilling new installment in the DUNGEON RUNNERS series. In this book, Kit and crew are heading into their second real Dungeon Runners competition - this time under water. That is all well and good, but Kit cannot swim and must wear floaties, plus he is still not quite used to Featherblade, the sword he won in the previous books. Luckily, with Sandy and Thorn by his side, they will forge their way through any challenge.
What I loved: This is such an engaging and imaginative chapter book series. It is perfect for fans of Minecraft and fantasy action/adventure games. The challenges are dangerous and deadly with creatures to defeat - as well as puzzles to solve and bullies to fend off. Triple Trouble is once again trying to play fair but coming up against other teams who cheat and are sometimes cruel. These challenges are relatable to young readers who likely experience their own social challenges and feel like things in life are less than fair.
The characters are great with the main crew having their own personalities and talents that make them charming to read about. Illustrations throughout really bring them to life, as well as the scenes mentioned. These really add to the story nicely, helping young readers imagine each scene and the characters as well as breaking up the text for readers gaining confidence with reading independently.
In terms of the text itself, it's perfect for independent readers. The font is large and easy to follow with many easily pronounced words along with those that are more challenging, allowing young readers to gain confidence while stretching their abilities. The story is perfect for this age range with characters that are fun to follow across the stories, and a whole challenge and ranking to add plenty of action/adventure along the way.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, Kit is very negative and frequently unhappy about everything. He seemed to have a bit of a lesson in past books as he spoils the fun for his friends, but the book is once again filled with his negative dialogue. Even with nice new armor, he is upset about the color, concerned about appearance, and disappointed by the friends who care so much for him. They end up spending a bit of time getting him to come around, but it's not a fantastic pattern, and I hope the story will break away from this in future books. There is also some booger humor, which kids will love, but it is a bit prevalent (their sponsor is a troll booger glue company).
Final verdict: OCEAN CHASE is a thrilling fantasy chapter book that is perfect for independent readers who love contests, magic, and exciting new worlds!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
What worked:
This book continues the adventure of Kit, Sandy, and Thorn, as their team, called Triple Trouble, competes in the Dungeon Runners tournament. The short chapters will appeal to reluctant and emerging readers, helping the plot move quickly. Black-and-white illustrations help create mental images of the characters and setting as the story progresses through an underwater cavern. Various creatures and other dangers await the competitors, with a giant Narghoul, a huge, undead, sword-wielding monster, waiting at the end. To add drama, Kit’s nemesis and school bully is on another team, and Kit’s convinced Rook Blackheart and the Roost Raiders have been cheating in the past two competitions.
Kit is the main character, but he’s an unlikely warrior and hero. He now possesses a formidable weapon called Featherblade, but it tends to have a mind of its own. It’s just as apt to send Kit flying away as it is to help him during combat. Kit has a fear of water; he can’t swim, which is an issue when competing at the bottom of the ocean. He’s forced to wear inflatable buoys on his arms, and that doesn’t make him look any more heroic. Not to mention, one of Thorn’s healing potions turns Kit’s skin orange. However, Kit’s strategic mind comes in handy, and he displays bravery to protect others. He has a strong sense of sportsmanship, which is a rare attribute among the Dungeon Runners. Young readers will find his character charming and a very likable underdog.
What didn’t work as well:
Because of the story’s fast pace, it doesn’t go into any detail, and challenges are rapidly solved. More capable readers will find the book is finished when it feels like it should be just ramping up. The character development is happening throughout the series, so readers will need to begin with the first book to understand the characters.
The final verdict:
Readers don’t need to start from the first book in the series, but choosing to read all three episodes won’t take long. Kit and his friends are entertaining characters, and I recommend you try the series for yourself.
This book continues the adventure of Kit, Sandy, and Thorn, as their team, called Triple Trouble, competes in the Dungeon Runners tournament. The short chapters will appeal to reluctant and emerging readers, helping the plot move quickly. Black-and-white illustrations help create mental images of the characters and setting as the story progresses through an underwater cavern. Various creatures and other dangers await the competitors, with a giant Narghoul, a huge, undead, sword-wielding monster, waiting at the end. To add drama, Kit’s nemesis and school bully is on another team, and Kit’s convinced Rook Blackheart and the Roost Raiders have been cheating in the past two competitions.
Kit is the main character, but he’s an unlikely warrior and hero. He now possesses a formidable weapon called Featherblade, but it tends to have a mind of its own. It’s just as apt to send Kit flying away as it is to help him during combat. Kit has a fear of water; he can’t swim, which is an issue when competing at the bottom of the ocean. He’s forced to wear inflatable buoys on his arms, and that doesn’t make him look any more heroic. Not to mention, one of Thorn’s healing potions turns Kit’s skin orange. However, Kit’s strategic mind comes in handy, and he displays bravery to protect others. He has a strong sense of sportsmanship, which is a rare attribute among the Dungeon Runners. Young readers will find his character charming and a very likable underdog.
What didn’t work as well:
Because of the story’s fast pace, it doesn’t go into any detail, and challenges are rapidly solved. More capable readers will find the book is finished when it feels like it should be just ramping up. The character development is happening throughout the series, so readers will need to begin with the first book to understand the characters.
The final verdict:
Readers don’t need to start from the first book in the series, but choosing to read all three episodes won’t take long. Kit and his friends are entertaining characters, and I recommend you try the series for yourself.
August 21, 2025
My daughter and I were supposed to be reading a couple of chapters a night but we caved and read about half the book today!
This review is brought to you by Booger-Tite™️.
We plunged into this adventure like a diving bell dropping into the Orb.
Kit, Sandy and Thorn are back in action in the NDL Bottom Feeder League and this time they’re off to the Orb! Their uniforms have had an upgrade- if you consider troll snot green an upgrade and they’re ready to try their best. Kit- a non-swimmer- is carrying some worries about being dropped to the bottom of the ocean . But, some fancy Zoan technology and a gorgeous pair of armbands keep his worries at bay, or, in the case of the armbands, replace his fear with embarrassment!
In the depths of the deep sea dungeon, they encounter the most ghoulish boss yet and Triple Trouble have to decide between the ruthless pursuit of victory, or sportsmanship and kindness. Breg’s unhappiness seems to be growing in his role as healer for the Trogton Terrors, and the Roost Raiders are up to no good again.
Kieran Larwood has set up an exciting tussle in Level 4. Will justice be served? Will the code be cracked? Will Thorn stop it with the terrible jokes?
This adventure was more absorbing than a yarnstormer. Featuring Larwood’s witty, pacy writing and Joe Todd-Stanton’s fab illustrations. We thoroughly recommend it for readers 6+.
The next instalment is called ‘Fang Attack’ per the back page, and we enjoyed studying the map to predict the next location.
This review is brought to you by Booger-Tite™️.
We plunged into this adventure like a diving bell dropping into the Orb.
Kit, Sandy and Thorn are back in action in the NDL Bottom Feeder League and this time they’re off to the Orb! Their uniforms have had an upgrade- if you consider troll snot green an upgrade and they’re ready to try their best. Kit- a non-swimmer- is carrying some worries about being dropped to the bottom of the ocean . But, some fancy Zoan technology and a gorgeous pair of armbands keep his worries at bay, or, in the case of the armbands, replace his fear with embarrassment!
In the depths of the deep sea dungeon, they encounter the most ghoulish boss yet and Triple Trouble have to decide between the ruthless pursuit of victory, or sportsmanship and kindness. Breg’s unhappiness seems to be growing in his role as healer for the Trogton Terrors, and the Roost Raiders are up to no good again.
Kieran Larwood has set up an exciting tussle in Level 4. Will justice be served? Will the code be cracked? Will Thorn stop it with the terrible jokes?
This adventure was more absorbing than a yarnstormer. Featuring Larwood’s witty, pacy writing and Joe Todd-Stanton’s fab illustrations. We thoroughly recommend it for readers 6+.
The next instalment is called ‘Fang Attack’ per the back page, and we enjoyed studying the map to predict the next location.
January 19, 2026
I mean, I had fun, but it is getting a bit less. I don't like the cheating, or the name calling, I want Kit to see more brave things instead of always acting so Kit, I want him to actually appreciate things a bit more. He is getting there, he showed some immense bravery here and sportsmanship, but it just feel a bit overshadowed by some of his whining. Plus, I also don't like how none of his teammates believe him, I mean, hello, it is quite obvious to us readers.
Oh, and there is an error in the illustrations early on. Kit gets healed by Thorn but in the next pages he is back to being bruised while it is the same scene.
But other than that, the dungeon was a delight (love that it is underwater), I loved the art (when it was correct, haha), I loved Thorn and Sandy (though she really needs to step up her game), loved the Medusas and the Yarn peeps, love the riddles, had a laugh at the sponsor and their new name, loved some backstory on the world/rift/biggest wizard.
But for now I will put this series on hold.
Review to come in March/April.
Oh, and there is an error in the illustrations early on. Kit gets healed by Thorn but in the next pages he is back to being bruised while it is the same scene.
But other than that, the dungeon was a delight (love that it is underwater), I loved the art (when it was correct, haha), I loved Thorn and Sandy (though she really needs to step up her game), loved the Medusas and the Yarn peeps, love the riddles, had a laugh at the sponsor and their new name, loved some backstory on the world/rift/biggest wizard.
But for now I will put this series on hold.
Review to come in March/April.
August 21, 2025
This is another brilliant adventure in the series! I really loved the new setting of under the water and the new monsters. Kit and his friends are true heroes and they show that it’s not always about winning (although that does seem to be important!). I loved that kindness was on show. Gorgeous illustrations that add loads to the story!
March 17, 2026
I love this book and I love this series ! I love how the author casually mentions things like octowolves, flame eels and seaweed golems. I want to know more about them !😆 but I loved all the strange creatures and the artwork. Can’t wait for book 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
Another amazing middle grade adventure. Me and my son enjoyed all the traps, adventure and monsters. We are really enjoying the series and cant wait for the next book.
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February 15, 2026DNF @ 75 %
At this point, the books are all beginning to feel same-y.
At this point, the books are all beginning to feel same-y.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews