ABOUT THE BOOK

Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is an enchanting adventure in the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis, as well as Spielberg and Lucas. But this fantastical journey launches in rural West Virginia in the eighties, with a half-Appalachian, half-African kid trying to escape the town he sees defining his small, sad life. Jack discovers a gate hiding a city between twelve realms, and finds out where he truly belongs in a surprising, satisfying adventure.

BOOK DETAILS

Available in Paperback, Audiobook, and Ebook
Pages: 304
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Publisher: Story Warren
Contact: Andrew Mackay, Publisher – andrew@storywarren.com

“After writing ten Green Ember novels—a story that started out as adventures I told my kids—I also found my next series very close to home. My co-author was close to my heart and right under my roof. My son, J. C. Smith, is the perfect partner for me in this exciting series.”

—S. D. Smith

Meet Sam

S. D. SMITH is the author of fourteen books, including the hit Green Ember Series. Sam was marked as present for every year of the 1980s. He loved GI Joe, Thundercats, Duck Tales, and cookies. Sam lives in Grandview, West Virginia, with his wife and children.

Connect with Sam at his website, sdsmith.com, or on social media:

J. C. Smith

Meet Josiah

J. C. SMITH first began writing stories about the Wayland at thirteen and later invited his father to collaborate. Josiah is an author, college student, and songwriter. He has watched The Karate Kid more times than should be considered normal. Josiah lives with his family in Grandview, West Virginia.

Connect with Josiah at his website, josiahcsmith.com, or on social media:

What People Are Saying about Jack Zulu

“In today’s fantasy books landscape, “spunky girl protagonists” feature prominently. Hooray for a new fantasy book featuring a strong, young boy as the main character! Jack is a likable, relatable character who struggles both with circumstances (such as his mother’s health) and with character issues (should he give into temptation from the evil one?). Like all the best fantasy heroes, Jack can’t go it alone, but desperately needs Benny’s friendship (even though he doesn’t always realize it) and Mr. Wheeler’s wise guidance. Indeed, Jack’s entire community rallies to care for his mother and him in various ways.”
Read the full review at:
Redeemed Reader

Author Interviews

S. D. “Sam” Smith and J. C. “Josiah” Smith are available for interviews. Depending on schedule, the Smiths are available for some interviews together, or Sam can also appear solo. 

Possible Topics

Sam and Josiah can talk about whatever interests you, but these are some ideas. 

  • Sam: How Do You Follow a Hit Like The Green Ember?
  • Sam and Josiah: How To Collaborate as a Teen and Dad
  • Sam and Josiah: Why and How of Stories
  • Sam and Josiah: How to Coach Creative Kids
  • Sam and Josiah: Father and Son Co-authors, Learning From Each Other
  • Sam: How Do I Take My Writing to the Next Level?
  • Sam: What’s Unique About Christians as Storytellers?