Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial

Kit lives with his parents in Grotville and, like everyone else, is excited for the Dungeon Running season final. When one of the competing teams is involved in a disaster with a frost dragon, an opening comes up in the league for a new team and Kit sort of accidentally decides to join up.

I requested this book, less because the story appealed to me and more, because it looked like it would have a gaming theme to it, which I knew would appeal to the children I work with.

Also, Kieran Larwood AND Joe Todd-Stanton - what's not to love?

I really enjoyed the story and illustrations and ended up reading the book in one sitting. The story moves so quickly and the action is constant and exciting and made me think of some of my favourite children's books, which is always good for giving recommendations at school. The group of friends reminded me of those in Oliver and the Seawigs (my favourite of the brilliant Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre books) and Kit and Grotville made me think of Mort and Brutalia in Rachel Delahaye's amazing Mort the Meek books. I can already think of the children who'll want to borrow it first when it's out and I've added it to my collection.

What an absolute joy this is!

Always wanted to introduce your kids to Dungeons and Dragons at a child-friendly level? Loved those RPG books? Want something that packages this up with found family, humour, and a strong message about overcoming obstacles, building friendship, trusting yourself, and never discounting something or someone from how they appear? Kieran Larwood is ON IT, and superb illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton is here to bring it to life with character art that is immensely appealing. A short, snappy story, feel-good and filled with exciting puzzles that leaves you wanting more. And there WILL BE.

Perfect for children of all ages. I can see how this would appeal to the 6-12 range but also, to me, a fully grown adult

A really fun read from a fantastic author/illustrator team. Kit is a gnorf (half gnome, half dwarf) living with his parents in Grotville. When a Dungeon Running team fall foul of a monster and replacements are sought, Kit assembles an unlikely team to go up against older, bigger and more experienced competition - including his horrible bully. A really fun read for lower key stage 2.

New Kieran Larwood? Yes please! Already a huge fan of The Five Realms series I had high expectations for this and it did not disappoint!
Amazing characters forming a mini found family, D&D style quest styled like reality TV game show.
So much fun and heart, simple yet fully realised world building, underdogs showing everyone up, humour, high stakes and a journey of self belief.
The illustrations were gorgeous and really added to the narrative, a winning combo! Really looking forward to more from this new series.
Thanks to Nosy Crow and Netgalley for an arc all thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

The story is action-packed and so much fun, and the found family of misfits defeating bigger bullies is a delight! A perfect blend of DnD, RPGs and reality tv, and the illustrations add so much, especially the wee character score cards.

As soon as I saw the author/illustrator combination, I knew I had to request this.
What a fantastic read! This will be perfect for LKS2 children who love gaming, fantastical creatures and who have a great imagination. It is told from the point of view of the two 'narrators' and then unfolds into the traditional story layout. The creatures are brought to life through detailed description and also the clever illustrations of Joe. My particular favourites were Kit the gnorf and Kleekoo the gobrot.
Twists, turns, tension and challenges galore.
I can't wait to purchase my own copy as it will make a fantastic book for story time.

A brilliant new fantasy adventure series filled with gorgeous illustrations. We are introduced to the fantastic characters - Kit, Sandy and Thorn are a great team but the supporting characters are lovely too - and there is lots of action and humour. A bit like Hunger Games for younger readers, I think this will be very popular in years 3&4.

What an adventure! I loved this book and so did my 8 year old son. I play dungeons and dragons and have started introducing it to my children so this book was a perfect first journey into that world. We loved the characters and the lessons they learned about friendship and bravery. I would definitely recommend this book for any young adventurers.

Review to be updated once posted to Tiktok.