The Adventurers Guild Zack Loran Clark, Nick Eliopulos – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Adventurers Guild Zack Loran Clark, Nick Eliopulos

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

bookChildren's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy

79%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Two boys dodge their dream careers and land in the monster-fighting guild nobody wants to join—classic fantasy comfort food for middle graders.

The Adventurers Guild Zack Loran Clark, Nick Eliopulos

book

Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy

79%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Two boys dodge their dream careers and land in the monster-fighting guild nobody wants to join—classic fantasy comfort food for middle graders.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what it says on the tin: a solid, fun, middle-grade fantasy adventure. It's not going to blow your mind with originality, but it doesn't need to. Clark and Eliopulos know their audience and deliver a story about friendship, monsters, and proving yourself when life throws you a curveball.

The premise is clever—getting assigned to the guild nobody wants because it's basically a death sentence—and the execution is competent. Your 9-year-old will race through it and immediately ask for the sequel. Your 13-year-old might roll their eyes a bit.

It's comfort food fantasy: familiar flavors, well-prepared, satisfying. Not every book needs to reinvent the genre. Sometimes you just want kids battling monsters with their best friends, and this delivers that with heart and humor.

Age Fit

Squarely aimed at 8-12 year olds who are ready for chapter books with action and adventure. The reading level, themes of friendship and finding your place, and fantasy violence are all calibrated for middle grade. Teens would likely find it too young unless they're reading it aloud to a sibling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong emphasis on friendship, teamwork, and proving your worth despite setbacks. The story centers on two best friends who support each other when their dreams don't go as planned. Multiple reviews highlight themes of loyalty and cooperation. The tone is age-appropriate with humor balanced against action. Characters from diverse backgrounds (half-elf, dwarf, noble, merchants) work together as equals.

Imaginative

Classic fantasy world-building with guilds, magic, monsters from otherworldly planes, and a post-apocalyptic city setting. The premise of being forced into the dangerous guild instead of the safe one you wanted creates interesting narrative tension. However, reviews note it's 'middle-of-the-road' and has a 'classic fantasy feel' rather than groundbreaking originality. It's well-executed genre fiction but doesn't reinvent the wheel.

Safe

Monster battles and peril are central to the plot, but this is standard middle-grade adventure fare. Common Sense Media reviewed it (though specific age rating not provided in results), indicating it's been vetted for kids. Reviews describe it as appropriate for middle graders with one noting 'adults can feel safe giving this novel to a middle grader.' The violence is fantasy action, not graphic or traumatic. No concerning content flags in any reviews.

Enriching

Deals with disappointment, adapting to unexpected life changes, and finding your place when plans fall apart—all valuable lessons for middle graders. The conspiracy plotline requires problem-solving. Reviews praise the blend of 'adventure, friendship, humor, and monsters' and note themes of 'destiny, betrayal, and friendship.' It's entertaining first, educational second, which is appropriate for the format. Amazon rating of 4.7 suggests strong reader engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong friendship at the core—Zed and Brock support each other when life doesn't go according to plan, a relatable middle-grade experience
Action-packed without being overwhelming—plenty of monster battles and conspiracy intrigue to keep pages turning
Diverse cast working together—half-elf, dwarf, merchants' kid, and noble girl all become allies
That sweet spot of humor and heart—reviews consistently praise the balance between laughs and genuine emotion
Perfect for kids who loved Percy Jackson or Fablehaven but want something fresh to read

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What to Watch For

Fantasy violence and peril—kids battle monsters regularly, though it's not graphic or gory
Some characters die young in the Adventurers Guild—it's part of the premise that this is the dangerous path
It's good but not revolutionary—if your kid needs something wildly original, this might feel a bit been-there-done-that

Conversation Starters

"Zed and Brock don't get into the guilds they wanted. Have you ever had plans fall apart? How did you handle it?"
"The Adventurers Guild is dangerous but important—the last line of defense. What would you do if you had to choose between a safe job and one that really mattered?"
"Zed is a half-elf and feels like an outsider. Do you think being different can actually be a strength? When?"
"The friends uncover a conspiracy threatening their whole city. If you knew something important that adults weren't seeing, what would you do?"

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