Zio the Hero by Marc Grimston
I came across this medieval adventure story for children over Twitter. It’s by a UK author and seems to be doing very well. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I’m planning to soon. I would recommend that you take a look at the video – Marc’s tour of Framlingham Castle, one of the locations used in the book, gives a great introduction to the setting of the story.
Here’s some more information about the book from the official press release:
Travel back in time to 14th Century England and to an adventure with dragons, castles, intrigue and murder.
Robert and his twin brothers Timothy and Michael accidentally find themselves transported into medieval England. They arrive in a forest cottage, where they are expected to recover the missing crown of England. Has it been lost, or stolen? With the help of the clumsy but loyal dragon, Zio, their quest takes the boys across the centuries, where they make new friends, and enemies. Will they return home triumphant? Or die trying? The only way to know is to read Zio The Hero.
Marc Grimston has delivered a children’s adventure story which is already enthralling children, ages 7 to 107. In an age where many children lack stories with a moral battle between good and evil, Marc is reversing this trend with this exciting story. Marc takes you to Framlingham and Orford castles; both in the 14th and 21st centuries, where the children learn loyalty and honour can overcome all adversities that life can throw at them. Together with new friends, they experience the power of forgiveness, true friendship and sacrifice. Their father’s words of wisdom also being at the forefront of their minds, helping them to make the right, but not always the easiest of decisions.
Zio the Hero is a book which encourages children to stand up for truth and respect, even when all around them appears darkness and gloom.
Quotes from reviews:
“Amazing…. What a revelation.” “This gets kids reading!” “This is a wonderful book”
Marc Grimston has always been a story teller, writing poetry and short stories throughout his adult life. When challenged to write a children’s novel, Marc reluctantly agreed. Although comfortable making-up stories for his children at bed time, creating an adventure for them to read for themselves, seemed a big step. However, drawing on his experiences as a father and medieval re-enactor, Marc rose to the task of bringing his love of history, and his sense of fun and excitement together in an adventure story all children love to read.
Marc believes in the value of self-worth. With dedication and determination, you can achieve anything. Through his writing, Marc wants to empower and encourage all children to reach and achieve their goals.
Marc is in contact with several UK schools to work with them to encourage literacy, story-telling and the belief that all things are possible.
Marc takes walks along the beach, when not writing more thrilling adventures in his home town of Southend-on-Sea in Essex.
Zio The Hero (ISBN: 978 1780350479 published by FastPrint, RRP £10.99) is available at www.amazon.co.uk, and can be ordered from all good book retailers. For more information please visit: http://marcgrimston.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ZioTheHero
