*Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
Though I tend to read more realistic middle grade than fantasy, I have a special place in my heart for portal fantasy. Maybe it’s because of my fondness for the Chronicles of Narnia series, or maybe it’s the idea that new adventures in fantasy worlds could be in our own backyards (or through an old wardrobe!).
Either way, I love a good portal fantasy. But I haven’t seen many out there for middle grade readers! (It’s possible I just haven’t been looking in the right places—please let me know if you’ve found any good ones!)
So, when I picked up Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key (Amazon Affliate Link) by S. D. Smith and J. C. Smith and realized it was a portal fantasy, it immediately had my attention.
Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is the story of Jack, a kid who is desperate to escape his rural West Viriginia town and start over somewhere new. His father died years ago, his mother is dying from cancer, and Jack’s life is just not going how he would’ve hoped.
But then, Jack discovers a gate to a city between twelve realms, and he is faced with some decisions. Will he devote himself to the fight against the darkness? Or, when he receives an offer that is hard to refuse, will he compromise what he believes in?
One of my favorite parts of this story was getting to experience both sides of Jack’s reality: the hometown he longs to escape, and the fantasy world that desperately needs help. There are so many “real world” moments—challenging family situations, awkward conversations with a crush, and great dialogue with Jack’s best friend, Benny.
But most of all, I loved the theme of being “dangerous to the darkness.”
Not only is this a great message for kids, but it’s such an important reminder for readers of all ages.
In Ephesians 5:8, Paul writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (NIV).
If we are called to live as children of light, we should be dangerous to the darkness. We should stand up for what is right. Fight back against what is wrong. Be strong in our beliefs and convictions. Speak truth into a hurting world.
So, whether or not you read Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key (though I think you’ll be glad if you do), here’s a question we can ask ourselves: How can I be dangerous to the darkness today? How can I live in the light?
And never forget . . . you are wonderfully created.
Love,
Becca
