Already an international bestseller many times over, Kevin McLeod’s ‘The Viking's Apprentice’ grips middle-school children (and adults!) as one young boy discovers his responsibility to literally save the world from trolls, goblins and an evil Master who steals children. Critics have called the book “authoritative”, “authentic” and one reviewer even makes it clear that “Everyone should download this book!”.

Hamilton, UK -- (SBWire) -- 03/25/2015 --Nobody will deny that franchises such as Harry Potter and the Hobbit marked a new dawn for the world of fantasy, replacing outlandish premises with narratives that readers can actually relate to. Author Kevin McLeod has since taken this philosophy one-step further with his 'The Viking's Apprentice' series. After winning many awards and dominating global bestseller lists, McLeod is rereleasing volume one with gusto.

Thousands credit book one for introducing children to reading and re-engaging those whose interest was dwindling. It's no surprise; the book allows children to experience the gripping life of an everyday hero tasked with saving the world.

Synopsis:

What would you do if you discovered nothing was as you thought, and the fate of your friends, perhaps even the world was in your hands?

That's the reality Peter must face in this award-winning middle Grade novel, The Viking's Apprentice.

Campbell's Cove is a small town surrounded in mystery and intrigue. The history of the Cove tells us of dragons, trolls, goblins and the evil Master who stole children, livestock and, strangest of all, eggs from the Cove every year. Aided by the hideous monster, Tolldruck there seemed no stopping their evil plan.

That was until, centuries ago, a Viking warrior came to Campbell's Cove and vowed to rid it of all evil, and claim the prize offered by the mysterious church elders. The Viking succeeded and everything returned to normal. The evil was gone, and Campbell's Cove was safe again… Until now.

When Peter and George visit Peter's Granddad's amazing mansion in Campbell's Cove for the summer holidays they had no idea it would change their lives forever. Deep beneath them in the caves of the Cove an evil has returned, an evil which threatens to destroy everything they believed to be true about the world.

Peter must learn who he really is, and what he must do to save the children of the Cove. Together with George and his Granddad they go on a journey that reveals secrets, test friendships and confronts their biggest fears. Can Peter save the children? Can the Master be stopped? Find out in The Viking's Apprentice.

"I wanted to deliberately craft something that not only read well and was wholly-unique, but a novel that was also designed to get children reading," explains the author, whose series has been voted the number one 'Books for Boys Who Hate Reading' and also won Best Scottish Fiction and Best Indie Release of 2013. "Middle-graders are lapping the story up, and feedback from parents and teachers is showing that it really is working as a device to get children involved in literature."

Continuing, "The great news is that this is just book one, and there's a whole series to explore as Peter and George come of age in their new, highly-specialized roles. Any child with a thirst for adventure can join them for the ride."

Readers have praised the book in abundance. Teacher K. Miller comments, "I loved this book. I'm a primary teacher and am sure the pupils in my class would enjoy it too! It would really help ignite their imaginations, it is a true adventure story with the setting, characters and plot needed to keep you thoroughly engaged...."

Tara Parker adds, "I purchased this book for my son and he would not stop raving about it. To the point I decided to read it to my daughters. This is a very fun book. Mr. McLeod does an excellent job drawing you into the story and exercising your imagination"

While not the usual kind of book Taylor would pick up, she was hooked, writing, "Pleasantly surprised! This is not a genre that I typically read and I'm usually quite picky but I truly enjoyed reading this book. It's a quick, fun read and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to branch out into new genre's or is simply looking for a new book to indulge in. Great work, Kevin!!"

'The Viking's Apprentice' is available now: http://amzn.to/1FtKJ15

For more information, visit the author's official website: http://www.kevinmcleodauthor.com

About Kevin McLeod
Kevin McLeod is the author of The Viking's Apprentice series having written and published three books in the series to date. The Viking's Apprentice, The Master's Revenge and Journey to the Other Side have all achieved number 1 in their Genre on Amazon in the UK and America. The Viking's Apprentice has received other awards on Goodreads and the National press in Scotland (Readers Choice in the Daily Record, July 2014). The Viking's Apprentice is used as a reading book for ages 8 to 11 in Argyll and Bute.

Kevin McLeod lives with his wife, Kathleen and his daughters, Rachael and Ellie in Hamilton in Scotland. He is currently writing book 4 in the series which will be released summer 2015.