Kieran Larwood on Dungeon Runners and his favourite fantasy books for younger readers

What inspired you to write Dungeon Runners?

It was actually inspired as a project to do with my son during COVID lockdown. We wanted to make up a fantasy world based on the things that had got us through that tricky time: playing Dungeons & Dragons on Zoom and watching American Football. We put the two together and came up with Dungeon Runners!

Which character did you most enjoy writing and why?

I love writing all three of the heroes, but I especially enjoy coming up with Thorn's terrible dad jokes.

Which member of Triple Trouble would you say contributes the most to their success and why?

I've tried hard to make it so all three of them use their individual skills and talents to help out- not always in the most obvious way. I think it's important to realise that everyone is good at something and we all bring our own uniqueness to whatever groups we work in. 

Would you be a fighter, a healer or a mage, and why?

Well, I'm not big or strong enough to be a fighter, and I go a bit funny at the sight of blood, so it would have to be a mage!

Can you tell us anything about what will happen in the next Dungeon Trial?

In Book 2 (out next February), the team enter the proper leagues and have to face their first official dungeon in the bird-city of Cloudroost!

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

I usually write middle grade, but was excited to write for younger readers. I used to be an Early Years teacher and getting children hooked into reading as early as possible is a real passion of mine.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I have a lovely coffee shop nearby that I love to write in. It also helps that they serve delicious food and cakes.

Which other fantasy books for younger readers would you recommend our subscribers read next?

I love the Lightfall and Amulet graphic novels at the moment. And, if you're feeling brave, you could try reading The Hobbit. I read it when I was very young and I've adored fantasy ever since...

Copies of our Dungeon Runners pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

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Dungeon Runners is published by Nosy Crow.