Kingdom of Florida: The Golden Alligator

When three South Florida kids stumble through a mysterious portal hidden in an old house, they find themselves in a magical parallel world known as the Kingdom—a place teeming with talking beasts, enchanted artifacts, and a people living in fear.

Once ruled by the Triumvirate—three wise and benevolent leaders—the Kingdom has fallen under the control of Prince Florian, an evil usurper determined to destroy every remaining portal to the Kingdom. His mission: prevent any rightful heir from ever returning.

Now trapped inside the Kingdom, the three children must find trustworthy allies, outsmart Florian’s magic Seers, and journey through a land brimming with mystery and wonder. From quirky guides to mythical creatures, each encounter brings them closer to uncovering the truth—and to finding their way home.

Winner of multiple awards, The Golden Alligator launches a sweeping, imaginative seven-book middle-grade fantasy adventure perfect for readers who love:

• The Chronicles of Narnia

• Harry Potter

• Percy Jackson

• Keeper of the Lost Cities

• The Land of Stories

• Classic ’80s fantasy adventure films

A diverse cast of characters, a high-stakes quest, lovable talking creatures, and rich worldbuilding make this an unforgettable journey into a magical version of Florida unlike anything you’ve seen before. This magical adventure is perfect for young readers ages 8-12, or for the young at heart.

Enter the Kingdom and begin your adventure today.

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.

Alice Waller, illustrator for the first five Kingdom of Florida books, is an artist currently based in the United States, with roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Stay tuned for more!