Kingdom of Florida: Journey to the Wayward Isles

Set sail for wonder, danger, and friendship in this thrilling prequel to the award-winning Kingdom of Florida fantasy series. Told through the first-person journal entries of young adventurer Jesse Haywood, Journey to the Wayward Isles invites readers into an unforgettable island-hopping treasure hunt filled with magic, courage, and heart.

When Jesse stumbles into a magical hidden world, he and a crew of new friends embark on a daring voyage through the legendary Wayward Isles—a chain of enchanted islands believed to hide long-lost treasures and ancient powers. But the deeper they travel into the unknown, the more Jesse and his crew realize that the greatest treasures aren’t always gold and jewels.

Perfect for fans of swashbuckling adventure books, middle-grade fantasy, and richly illustrated stories like Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia, this immersive prequel stands on its own while expanding the magical world beloved by Kingdom of Florida readers.

Featuring more than 50 hand-drawn illustrations, sketches, and maps that bring Jesse’s journal to life, this fast-paced, island-hopping treasure-hunt adventure is perfect for ages 8–12 and serves as a captivating entry point for new readers while fleshing out the backstory and lore for longtime fans of the Kingdom of Florida series.

Whether you’re discovering the Kingdom of Florida for the first time or diving deeper into its lore, Journey to the Wayward Isles is an unforgettable, visually engaging fantasy adventure that will spark imagination and keep readers turning pages.

Grab your copy today and embark on the journey!

Journey to the Wayward Isles is the official companion book to the fiction podcast Treasure Hunters: A Kingdom of Florida Adventure, available now on podcast platforms.

Silver Medal - FAPA President's Book Awards

In 2021, the first installment in Taylor Thomas Smythe’s seven-book Kingdom of Florida middle-grade fantasy series—The Golden Alligator—was chosen as the winner of a silver medal in the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards.

Finalist - National Indie Excellence Awards

In 2021, the first installment in Taylor Thomas Smythe’s seven-book Kingdom of Florida middle-grade fantasy series—The Golden Alligator—was chosen as a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards.

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.

Hear Jesse’s story come to life with voices, music, and immersive soundscapes in Treasure Hunters: A Kingdom of Florida Adventure, available on podcast platforms now!