Sword and Backpack: The Three Companions

Embark on an epic journey with three unlikely companions in this rousing tale of friendship and adventure in book one of a fast-paced, action-packed middle grade fantasy trilogy.

Calling all young sorcerers, rogues, and warriors—grab your swords, grab your backpacks, the grand age of adventuring is…over. It's over.

In the once-blazing city of Lanternport, the College of the Three Companions was an esteemed institution, but now, for nearly a century, it's stood abandoned. Elsewhere in the city, young sorcerer Ehmett is fascinated by the College and is determined to discover what knowledge has been lost behind its walls. By chance, or more likely by fate, Ehmett's solo mission to infiltrate the school soon becomes a team endeavor when he is joined by Barten, a sneaky rogue with a knack for lockpicking, and Kellis, a skilled warrior determined to carry on her family legacy of sword-wielding.

After unknowingly binding themselves together, Ehmett, Barten, and Kellis must embark on their Wanderyear—a months-long "study abroad" journey that will take them away from Lanternport and into a world filled with magical creatures, ancient lore, and a quest to revive their city's lost spark.

Friendship and the promise of exciting times of old await in this thrilling first book of a fantasy trilogy. Perhaps the age of adventuring is just beginning…

Gabe Soria is the creator of the Midnight Arcade series and the cocreator of the comic book MegaGhost. He has written for Cartoon Network Books and created the Sword & Backpack RPG from which his latest middle grade series is based. He can be found wandering the streets of New Orleans.

Alfredo Cáceres is an author and illustrator from Santiago, Chile. He has worked in picture books, magazines, newspapers and video games. His latest project is a graphic novel that's based on the city of Valdivia, Chile where he grew up between rain and moss.