Old stories come true and new stories unfold in S. D. Smith’s and J. C. Smith’s Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. Jack Zulu hopes to find a cure for his dying mother, and longs for a life of adventure and fame outside Myrtle, West Virginia. One day, that life breaks into Myrtle as an otherworldly monster. Soon Jack and his best friend, Benny, are embroiled in a conflict that covers twelve realms. Fortunately, they are joined by Mr. Wheeler, a mentor who displays actual wisdom, and Michelle, Jack’s crush who is both caring and competent. With powerful villains, compelling heroes, and touching moments of faith and everyday life, Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key opens a thrilling doorway to this new series.

Best for: Preteen and teenage fans of fantasy adventure and coming-of-age stories

Discern: Monsters and men serve the darkness, one character is said to be involved in witchcraft, acts of violence and betrayal, a few scenes of racial tension/prejudice, heroes hide otherworldly adventures from their parents