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The Lost Defenders
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  • Published: 31 March 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761355059
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $17.99

The Lost Defenders

Formats & editions
Paperback
31 Mar 2026
EBook
31 Mar 2026
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Journey into the enchanting world of the Lost Defenders, where 11-year-old Jace discovers the real reason he can see monsters that no one else can.

Jace Tanner has always been different – he can see monsters no one else can. As if fitting in at school wasn’t hard enough! All he wants is to be normal … and maybe make it through his final year of primary school without getting expelled!

But when you can see monsters, trouble follows you everywhere – and things are about to get worse. A lot worse.

When strange happenings begin to unfold, Jace uncovers a secret world hidden behind museum walls and a mysterious curator who knows more than he’s saying. Drawn into an ancient mystery, Jace soon realises he’s not as alone as he thought.

But with a prophecy threatening to tear down the Veil that separates Earth from the Monster Realm, can Jace and his newfound allies come together, face their fears, and unlock their forgotten inheritance in time to save the world?

A heart-pounding adventure where bravery, friendship and danger collide – and the Lost Defenders are found.
  • Published: 31 March 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761355059
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $17.99
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About the author

Sam Summers

Sam Summers has had a lifelong dream be an author, to share her passion for creating magical worlds and relatable characters that captivate young readers and inspire them to embrace their own unique abilities. The Lost Defenders is her first children's book and does just that. Sam also runs a successful coaching business for mums returning to the corporate workforce to help them avoid burnout. She is mum to two kids, one of whom is a middle-grader who LOVES her MG stories.
portrait photo of Sam Summers

Praise for The Lost Defenders

Sam Summers has crafted an intriguing universe in her debut novel and it’s an entertaining read. While highly creative, this book is also a little scary and dark, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the younger end of the 8-12 middle-grade bracket, but tweens with a thirst for excitement and monsters will love it.

Amanda Brinkman, Good Reading Magazine

Recommended. Sam Summers has certainly created an exciting story with a deluge of monsters and scary situations from the outset. Most of the action takes place at night, thereby adding to the nerve-racking atmosphere. Gradually the Defenders develop good trusting friendships between each other, and they are brave and strong. The three of them have all suffered some misfortune in the past but have prevailed. This helps us empathise and admire the main characters. Jace’s voice and the dialogue are believable and sometimes humorous, which provides relief from the intensity. At times The Lost Defenders feels frantic, from portals to ancient journals and super power gadgets, but if readers can stay focussed, they will be rewarded with a satisfying, very sensory climax. I really liked Summers message to young readers that The Defenders superpowers are just an extension of their existing abilities and that “… the world doesn’t need superheroes. It needs real ones.” This story may appeal to readers who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series.

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The Lost Defenders