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  • Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key
  • Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key
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Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key (Book 1)

Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key (Book 1)

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Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is a family-friendly 1980s fantasy adventure following Jack Zulu, a half-Appalachian, half-African kid who discovers a hidden gate to a city between twelve realms. This middle grade fantasy is perfect for readers ages 10+ and fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars. This is a paperback/softcover edition. 

About the Book

Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is an enchanting adventure in the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis, as well as Spielberg and Lucas. But this fantastical journey launches in rural West Virginia in the eighties, with a half-Appalachian, half-African kid trying to escape the town he sees defining his small, sad life. Jack discovers a gate hiding a city between twelve realms, and finds out where he truly belongs in a surprising, satisfying adventure.

Review

“This father-son duo have combined forces to create an enchanting, mythical world full of the types of dangers that create daring heroes and heroines. Our souls crave meaningful stories and Jack Zulu delivers in a family-friendly way through memorable characters and fearless adventures. You’ll be on the edge of your seat with this brand new page-tuner, the first book of an entire series to come!”

Ginny Yurich
1,000 Hours Outside

Additional Details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Story Warren Books
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1951305140
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1951305147
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 14 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 5.25 x 0.7 inches

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Praise for Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key

  • “Did you know S.D. Smith made a book not involving rabbits? The author of the popular Green Ember books is back with an exciting new series (2 books so far). This series has a lot going for it. It jumps right in with a neat baseball scene, set back in the 1980s. It includes great characters and friendships between them. ”

     

    Christian Parent Reviews

  • “Jack Zulu and the Waylanders Key is an engaging story with memorable characters and places that will capture kids’ and teens’ imaginations...It’s a book that really bridges that older middle grade younger YA age group well."

     

    Carolyn Leiloglou, award-winning author of The Restorationists

  • “This book is a delight! I loved it. The feel is a little different from The Green Ember... I loved the difference, and in the end, all the important things—family values, adventure, wonderful characters—were there...If you aren’t comfortable with Harry Potter, but your kids love “real-world” fantasy, this is a fabulous choice.”

     

    Nathan Rambeck

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“This father-son duo have combined forces to create an enchanting, mythical world full of the types of dangers that create daring heroes and heroines. Our souls crave meaningful stories and Jack Zulu delivers.” Ginny Yurich 1,000 Hours Outside

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Story Warren Store

Jack Zulu Bundle + Free T-Shirt

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Jack Zulu FAQ

What age is this for?
This is a middle-grade book, with an audience similar to The Green Ember Series, but similarly suitable for a wide age range.

Who is J. C. Smith?
Josiah C. Smith is a young author from West Virginia. He co-wrote Jack Zulu series with his father, S. D. Smith.

Who are the main characters?
Jack, Benny, and Michelle.

Is this like The Green Ember series?
In some ways, yes. Readers will find much of the heart and soul in common, but the events and settings are significantly different.

Is there magic in the book?
Less than in the Bible. Evil is faithfully represented as what it is. The authors aim to be faithful and clear while telling an excellent, honest story.

Green Ember Author S. D. Smith

About S. D. Smith

S. D. SMITH lives in West Virginia with his wife and four children. Smith creates new stories with an old soul from his writer's shed, The Forge. Sam loves his family, soccer, Africa, walks, chocolate chip cookies, and the sound of a perfect high five.

Vintage adventure. Moral imagination. Classic virtue.
Finally, stories we all love. Just one more chapter, please!