The Panacea

The Billywood Chronicles #1

by Caroline Jones

Some secrets protect you. This one could kill him.

Billywood is a haven for twelve-year-old introvert Jack. For his
Grandad, it’s a place of secrets. And for Eloy, it’s the perfect spot
to snatch Jack away.

Dragged through a portal into Orbis — a breathtaking but deadly
world — Jack learns of The Deaths, a creeping force destroying
everything in its path. If Orbis falls, Earth won’t be far behind.
Someone has to stop them.

Turns out, that someone is Jack.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2026

About the author

Caroline Jones is a fantasy author and nurse living in Queensland, originally from the UK. Some of her earliest memories are of visiting the local library with her pale salmon‑coloured card clutched to her chest—stamped full of dates, each one proof of another story devoured. She still wishes she’d kept that card.

Caroline believes imagination is a superpower we all possess. Her message to readers is simple: dream big, trust yourself, and let your imagination lead you somewhere extraordinary.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea is an exciting fantasy adventure that will appeal to readers who enjoy magical worlds, courageous heroes, and fast-paced action. The story follows twelve-year-old Jack, a quiet and introverted boy whose life changes forever when he is pulled through a portal into the mysterious world of Orbis. There, he discovers a growing threat known as The Deaths, a force capable of destroying both Orbis and Earth. Jack is far from thrilled to learn that he may be the only person capable of stopping it.

In her debut novel, Caroline Jones creates a rich and imaginative world filled with danger, mystery, and wonder. Jack is a relatable character whose self-doubt and determination make him easy to connect with. As he faces challenges and uncovers long-hidden secrets, readers are taken on a thrilling journey that explores courage, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself. The readers meets many wonderful characters throughout this book and I loved watching the bond develop between Eloy and Jack as the story unfolded.

The novel’s engaging plot and vivid world-building keep the pages turning, while its themes of resilience and personal growth add depth to the adventure. Young readers will enjoy the blend of fantasy, suspense, mystery, and heart that runs throughout the story.

The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea is a captivating novel that promises the beginning of an exciting series. This book is perfect for readers aged 9 and up who enjoy portal fantasy adventures and stories about ordinary young people discovering extraordinary strengths. I could not put this book down and am already eagerly awaiting the arrival of book number two 📖

[Lawrey Goodrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cavernous dive from forest to fantasy in an adventure that propels Jack into the mysterious Labyrinth at the heart of a broken world beyond his own, a story woven with themes of identity, self and shadow, Jack seeking to liberate the suppressed knowledge of his being.

The Labyrinth beyond the Billywood is like a dive into the unpredictable realms of the subconscious mind swirling in mysticism.

An evolution of innocence for any reader who wants to stand on the edge of volcanoes and fight dragons, risking it all to save a new world rort with risk, with means of salvation beyond their knowledge.

[Hayden Perno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea is an adventure into a whimsical, immersive world rich with life. The strangeness awaiting you is apparent from the get-go, teasing you with oddities and tension until the two worlds collide, plunging you deep into the world of Orbis. Expect characters galore, a variety of species, locations, methods of transportation, and, of course, magic. A charming debut by Caroline Jones, centred around a theme harkening back to Greek mythology: Can the Panacea provide the remedy to heal a world, or are there strings being pulled behind the scenes the characters are unaware of?

[Audrey Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book to skim read. This book beckons the reader to absorb every word. Each character is more captivating than the next and their visual representation stays vividly in your mind. The story is a fast moving adventure and takes you to places only the brilliant and ecclectic mind of the author could ever create. A true page turner and one which any thrill seeker or fantasy lover will adore. Coupled with many questionable culinary 'delights', this story is one which any age or gender will soak up!

[Hayley Lilley]

A mystical adventure into the Billywoods, where a young boy discovers that everything isn't as it seems.
Family secrets and an unknown world with mythical creatures and exciting stories to be told from Orbis.
This book is full of adventure, curiosity and surprises on every page. Full of descriptive characters and magical plots, truly a book you can't put down.
This was an exciting and adventurous book to read, where the real world meets the Billywoods Orbis, and your imagination runs wild.

[Eileen O'Hely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is thrust into an epic adventure when an uninvited guest demands his help. In a parallel world full of magical (and sometimes gross!) beings, Jack realises that his grandad's fantastical tales were all based in truth, and he alone must defeat The Deaths and heal the Panacea. Only he hasn't the faintest idea how...
Jones has built several magical worlds within worlds with hilarious creatures, hidden agendas and delicious foods. An excellent introduction to fantasy for middle grade readers.

[MELANIE GAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The world is so alive and magical that I could see it all in my head like a film. Jack is the kind of hero you just want to cheer for – brave, funny, and full of heart. There were moments that made me laugh, times I was holding my breath, and twists that completely surprised me. It’s fast, exciting, and impossible to put down. What an absolute gem of a book!’ Melanie Gam, Nurse Manager and Educator.

[Sarah James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billywood Chronicles keeps you hooked from chapter to chapter, always on the edge of your seat. Young and courageous Jack is swept from his ordinary life with his Grandad into a mythical world filled with challenges and wonder. His journey to save the realm of Orbis, restore Panacea, defeat The Deaths, and heal The Fault becomes an epic adventure that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

[Andrea]

What a fantastic fast paced read The Billywood Chronicles is. You will not get bored reading this book. The main character Jack goes from a normal life with his Grandad to a magical adventure with twisting plots and amazingly descriptive characters in order to save the mythical Orbis, heal the Panacea, stop The Deaths and heal The Fault so he can try and return home to his Grandad.

[Jill Oglethorpe]

Jack’s adventures begin when he is tasked with healing Orbis, a faraway mystical land of enchantment, before he can return home to his Grandad and Billywoods.
Caroline Jones delivers a fast paced, action packed tale of dragons, battles, potions and plenty of cherry pies. Young readers are in for a treat.

[Tracey Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey with Jack through Billywoods, Jones ’ playground of her childhood and beyond, where Jack begins the adventures of a lifetime. Making friends and enemies along the way. Hold tight, you’re in for a bumpy ride.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved being taken on the journey through the fantastical world of Orbis with Jack & Eloy. Meeting a vast cast of creative characters & creatures during this very thrilling adventure. A wonderful read with a sprinkle of Yorkshire charm.

[Maria Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing action packed novel that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last word. All the characters are very well described and loved the story line. Passionate, action, drama and so much more. Definitely recommend this novel to read.

[Tiani Davids · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billywood Chronicles has everything a middle grade fantasy book needs! Jones has masterfully woven a tale of family (born and made) and adventure alongside a magnificent world that leaves you desperately wanting more. Jones is an author to watch!

[Lisa Jayne]

Caroline Jones has taken me to another World! So, close your eyes, and take a leap of faith through the fault! You will not be disappointed!

[Jennifer Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A switchback ride of colour, amazing characters, the good guys and the bad , loved it all. Fast paced and packed with adventure and emotions, 5 star all the way, you won't be disappointed