Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest

Book One in the Zaria Fierce Series

Summary in a Nut-Shell: When her friend, Christoffer, is kidnapped by a river-troll, Zaria Fierce must team up with his three best friends and complete a quest to rescue him.

Full Summary:

“Come here Princess, and let me eat you.”

On her birthday, Zaria Fierce finds her usual path to school blocked by an ugly river-troll. At first she’s surprised and curious, but then Olaf threatens to eat her, which is an act Zaria could not in good conscience consent to, so Zaria counteroffers. A deal is struck and she goes to school, but Zaria is about to learn the hard way that one does not trick a river-troll and expect to win.

Watch the Book Trailer:

Excerpt:

Geirr stooped to pick up some decent-sized sticks, and Zaria bent to grab a few too. They talked amicably and walked, stretching their legs, until they were too burdened by their loads to keep going.

“My arms are going to collapse,” Zaria huffed. Her breath fogged around her face, covering and then revealing a well-pinked nose and cheeks. “Let’s head back to camp.”

“Sounds good to me,” Geirr said and turned around to do just that. Zaria followed and collided into him, dropping her load of kindling all over the ground.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, as she went to gather them. “Why did you stop?”

“I don’t think we’re going to find camp,” Geirr said, worrying his lip. He juggled his armful of wood and pointed haphazardly forward. “It’s like pea soup.”

Zaria looked up from playing fifty-two pickup and saw what worried Geirr. In front of them was a wall of fog, thick, viscous, and impossible to see through. She gulped and carefully set down the pile she’d been working to gather again. Was it her imagination or did the fog seem to be breathing? It crept closer in stages. Not fast enough that she saw it while looking directly at it, but if she looked away and back, it most definitely moved.

“Uh, Geirr,” Zaria said, slowly gaining her feet. “I think we should move and fast.”

Geirr looked at her puzzled. “I don’t think fast is an option here. Now if you pick up your stack and stick near me maybe we can Marco Polo our way back to the others.”

“Geirr,” Zaria hissed, her voice ratcheting higher. “The fog is moving.” He didn’t look impressed. The breathing sounds from within the fog grew louder, distressing Zaria. “No seriously, it’s moving like it’s alive.”

Geirr looked back again and stared hard, trying to penetrate the fog with his gaze alone. Zaria started to ease away, firewood forgotten.

“Come on, Geirr, we have to move. Can’t you hear the breathing?”

“That isn’t you?” he asked, alarmed.

“No!” Zaria shouted. “Run!”

Listen to a clip from the audio book:

(different from the written excerpt)

Reviews:

Jennifer Bardsley

The YA Gal

Are you in the mood for an old fashioned magical jaunt? Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest by Keira Gillett is a classic “perilous adventure” book for middle grade readers.

- 4 Stars

Anjie Basi

Love Thy Shelf

I really enjoyed Zaria’s story. It reminded me a lot of Percy Jackson series… Middle school children will absolutely like this one!

- 4 Stars

Amie Gaudet

Amie’s Book Reviews

This book will have young listeners hooked right from the start... I highly recommend purchasing this audiobook. It will definitely keep the kids entertained while traveling.

- 5 Stars

Karen

Amazon Review

I loved this book! It’s a fairy tale, but better. The message of fairy tales is an important one for kids: that good triumphs over evil. This is a book kids will enjoy as they follow Zaria in her quest to use her smarts to “get it right” and to be a true friend.

- 5 Stars

Analee

Book Snacks

A great book with vivid descriptions and relatable characters, I definitely recommend this for those of you who are looking for a middle-grade fantasy novel.

- 4 Stars

Jan

Audible Review

Having read many Norwegian tales to my own children, I was delighted to pass this one along to the grandkids! The audio performer did a magnificent job of interpreting differences between beings.

- 5 Stars

Erik

This Kid Reviews Books

This was a really good book with a great setting and cool plot line. The characters and mythology are realistic, and the mythology was well explained, too. This was a good book and I will be looking for book 2.

- 4 Stars

Kathy Wedel

Amazon Review

This is a charming and intriguing story of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and adventure within a fantasy land, where real people encounter trolls and other whimsical creatures. Zaria will win your heart.

- 5 Stars

Kathy Haw

Goodreads Reviews

A captivating blending of fantasy storytelling with today's technology. At the base of this tale is deep, abiding friendship that stands the tests of time, adventure and even danger.

- 5 Stars

Emily

Midwestern Book Nerd

I highly recommend you look into it if you are in the mood for a fun adventure. I also recommend that you get it for any book loving middle schooler you know.

- 4 Stars

Brenda

Log Cabin Library

Very quickly I was able to relate to Zaria, having been an Army brat and moving just about every four years growing up. I'm sure most people would've thought I was shy back then too. Like Zaria, I spent lots of time reading and dreaming up adventures.

- 4 Stars

Gina

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

This was actually quite an exciting read and a great way for Children's Fiction readers of all ages to indulge in Fantasy that's not quite Harry Potter nor LOTR, but a mix of magic, mayhem, and lore that will really capture the imagination. With very human characters (and some that are decidedly NOT so human), it's easy to relate to all that transpires no matter how fantastical it may seem.

- 4 Stars

Zaria Fierce In the News:

Florida Today article – Fantasy novel brings Norwegian mythology to modern setting

Television Interview about the Book:

ASIN: B00REOMABW
E-book ISBN-13: 9781942750000
Paperback ISBN-13: 9781942750017
LCCN:  2015905663