Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key

Published Dec. 30, 2022 by Story Warren.

(1 review)

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.

1 edition

Andrew Meredith reviewed Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key by S. D. Smith (Waylander)

A fantastic down-to-earth fantasy

5 stars

I read this book to my kids (eight and ten years old), and we all loved it! Being fans of S.D. Smith's earlier books, we were intrigued to see that he was writing a book with his son... and there were no rabbits. Despite my initial skepticism, the lack of rabbits in this book in no way held it back. However, the feel of this book is a departure from the Green Ember series, and it might not be for everyone. This book felt like equal parts Stranger Things and Adventures in Odyssey, which is a strange combination, but it works.

As the first book in a new series, the Smiths do an excellent job introducing the characters who will hopefully have many more adventures together. Jack is a kid who appears to have a lot of advantages - he is well-liked, a promising athlete, and a genuine friend. However, …

I read this book to my kids (eight and ten years old), and we all loved it! Being fans of S.D. Smith's earlier books, we were intrigued to see that he was writing a book with his son... and there were no rabbits. Despite my initial skepticism, the lack of rabbits in this book in no way held it back. However, the feel of this book is a departure from the Green Ember series, and it might not be for everyone. This book felt like equal parts Stranger Things and Adventures in Odyssey, which is a strange combination, but it works.

As the first book in a new series, the Smiths do an excellent job introducing the characters who will hopefully have many more adventures together. Jack is a kid who appears to have a lot of advantages - he is well-liked, a promising athlete, and a genuine friend. However, tragedy in his family and the color of his skin mean that his personal life is sometimes an uphill battle. Benny is Jack's goofy best friend and the son of the town's foremost pizza chef. Michelle is a sensitive and caring girl who tries to support Jack in his trials. Mr. Wheeler is a mysterious coveralls-clad groundskeeper/book shop owner/sage warrior. Together, they must overcome a foe who forces them to introspect about their capacity for evil.