Kingdom of Florida: Journey to the Wayward Isles

When young Jesse shipwrecks in a mysterious land, he is whisked into an island-hopping treasure hunt for a mysterious magical artifact. But some things are worth more than treasure.

Set before the events of the novels, Journey to the Wayward Isles is a faithful recreation of the journal of Jesse Haywood, taking you deeper into the story with more than 50 illustrations, sketches, maps, and notes. This special volume is a must-have for any fan of the series, expanding the lore and world in new directions. 

Embark on a swashbuckling new adventure alongside Jesse Haywood and his crew in this exciting addition to the award-winning Kingdom of Florida fantasy series.

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!