Book 7 in the Kingdom of Florida Series
Kingdom of Florida: Guardians of the Willow
Written by: Taylor Thomas Smythe
Illustrated by: Taylor Thomas Smythe
Release Date: October 24, 2021
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A familiar enemy. A powerful magic. The fate of the Kingdom hangs in the balance.
Years have passed since their last adventure, but our heroic group of friends returns to the magical parallel world of the Kingdom of Florida, where they face their greatest challenge yet. The wicked witch Malverne has returned—this time more powerful than ever—having secured three magical gems that could give her unlimited power and allow her to take over the Kingdom once and for all.
To stop her, the friends must band together on a perilous quest to find the lost fragments of the ancient Amulet of Time, a legendary artifact that may be their only chance to save the Kingdom and protect the Great Willow Tree, the mystical heart of this magical land.
As the heroes confront terrifying challenges, they uncover startling revelations about their pasts, test their courage like never before, and face obstacles that threaten both their lives and the very future of the Kingdom.
Guardians of the Willow is the darkest, most mature installment in the Kingdom of Florida series, yet it preserves the magic, friendship, and adventurous spirit that readers have loved from the very beginning. With thrilling battles, enchanted creatures, and unforgettable twists, this epic finale delivers a satisfying conclusion to the award-winning seven-book saga.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Harry Potter
Percy Jackson
Keeper of the Lost Cities
The Land of Stories
Classic ’80s fantasy adventure films
This thrilling and magical series is ideal for young readers ages 8-12—or for the young at heart.
The Kingdom of Florida series reaches its breathtaking finale—an unforgettable story of magic, mystery, and heroism that will leave readers spellbound.
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Taylor Thomas Smythe was born and raised in South Florida and finds inspiration all around him. His passion is to inspire others through imaginative and innovative stories. He has been writing creatively for the majority of his life, transitioning to books with his award-winning debut novel in the Kingdom of Florida series: The Golden Alligator. Other creative works include songwriting, producing a full one-act musical, editing and writing sketch-comedy for seven seasons of a student comedy show, and acting as founder and creative director for The Prime Floridian (a small West Palm Beach-based design brand). He has also co-written a full-length stage play. Smythe is a graphic designer and a long-time resident of West Palm Beach, Florida.
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About the Series
Kingdom of Florida is an award-winning, middle-grade Florida fantasy book series from Taylor Thomas Smythe that follows the adventures of young children who find their way into a mysterious and enchanted land full of fantastic creatures and curious characters.
When a group of South Florida children discover a hidden gate leading into a parallel world known as the Kingdom, they are thrust into a realm of talking creatures, enchanted artifacts, and ancient magic.
The Kingdom—once ruled by the benevolent Triumvirate—has fallen under the grip of the evil Prince Florian, a cunning usurper determined to destroy every remaining portal between worlds to prevent any true heirs from returning.
In each book, the children uncover new mysteries, forge dynamic allies, discover magical relics, and dive deeper into the Kingdom’s past. Their quest takes them across a richly imagined world, leading toward a final confrontation that will determine the Kingdom’s future—and their own.
A sweeping, award-winning middle-grade fantasy series filled with heart, humor, wonder, and unforgettable adventure. Kingdom of Florida is a wholesome, magical middle-grade hidden portal fantasy adventure series for all ages. Explore all seven books from author Taylor Thomas Smythe.
Multiple books in the series have landed on Amazon Best Seller charts, and the first installment—The Golden Alligator—was a Silver Medal Winner in the 2021 Florida Authors & Publishers Association President's Book Awards and a Finalist in the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards!