Normally an event worth anticipating, this particular eclipse has been long-awaited for a more sinister reason.
Jace can see monsters. He wishes he couldn’t because they get him in trouble when all he’s doing is trying to save people from them. Clearly, though, he has no idea what he’s doing because right now, he’s on the brink of expulsion.
Despite having resolved to lay low and ignore what’s in front of him, he realises now is not the time to do that. In fact, he’s just found out that he’s a ‘seer’ – a rare human who can see and communicate with monsters from the other side of the ‘veil’.
Thankfully, he’s not the only one with these skills.
When Jace meets Alice and Felix, he’s relieved to discover he’s not in this alone, even though they seem aware of his past disasters and Alice, in particular, makes it clear that they don’t need him.
But they do. They need as much support as they can get because the Monster Realm is about to be unleashed and nobody on Earth will be safe.
Not everything is as it seems, however, and Jace and his new friends need to learn a whole lot more about themselves … and fast!
With its wonderful balance of recognisable monsters – the ones we all feared as young children – super powers, friendship rivalry and action, the story keeps readers engaged and wondering what could happen next.
Sam Summers draws heavily on the ‘what if …’
What if the monsters we thought we imagined were actually real?
What if those monsters became dissatisfied with their own world and wanted ours as well?
What if we all had powers that adults weren’t telling us the truth about?
What if … and what then?
We’re introduced to Jace and his dilemma early in the story, and while it takes a few chapters for the tension to build, it’s there, simmering below the surface and waiting for the pressure valve to release. And when it does release – it’s go, go, go!
The Lost Defenders is a middle-grade fantasy novel from debut author Sam Summers – and it will not disappoint readers who love this genre. Yes, it has a mild scare factor but it’s a great read for those of us who like a side dish of monster with our adventure.
Title: The Lost Defenders
Author: Sam Summers
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $17.99
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761355059
For ages: 9–12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
