Description: In the age of dwarves and dragons, outcasts end up as slaves, thieves, or worse. For the ones lucky enough to live in the land of Iasos, there is an alternative school - a last chance for THE LEFTOVERS of society to find their path before it's assigned for them.
Brief description: Chris is a weirdo who flies his geek flag with pride. A true misfit his entire life, Chris embraces who he is even at school where he is a teacher at a K-6 science and technology-based school in Nixa, Missouri. He loves comic books, toys, video games, movies and motorcycles and has his comics and boyhood toys prominently displayed in his classroom for all to see and teaches his students to have pride in their uniqueness. As a kid, Chris loved stories but hated reading because it was extremely hard for him. He was what educators call a struggling reader. To this day, Chris still struggles with reading, but he has learned coping skills to become a better reader. Reading is a passion of Chris' and he cosponsors the Hall of Heroes comic book club at his school to help kids fall in love with reading. Chris didn't read regularly for fun until adulthood when he found a fantasy comic, Sojourn. That comic changed his life and for the first time in his life read for fun weekly. This experience influenced him when he decided to become a teacher in his late 30's. Chris graduated Drury University with an English degree and an emphasis in creative writing. He now has a Master's degree in Elementary Education and is dual certified to teach children from birth to grade 6. His favorite superhero is Wonder Woman and the first novel he read from cover to cover was Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn in high school.
Review Quotes: "The Wards of Iasos is a wonderfully wrought coming of age story. A beautifully tragic journey of awkward outcasts learning about trust, love, and belonging. Set in a Tolkein-esque land of myriad creatures, magic and prejudice, fantasy fiction lovers will thoroughly enjoy Wilson's masterful storytelling!" - C. McNeal, Goodreads "This is a very intriguing tale of wondrous heroes in a world that is shattering, unnoticed underneath the feet of all its inhabitants. Follow these characters as they venture deep into the forest in search of adventure. This book is full of action, adventure, and friendship. This is definitely a must read for all fantasy lovers." -A. McNeal, Missouri Children's Book Review Board "An amazing tribute to the influence of friendship and the opportunities second chances provide, written with heart, humor, and an insight into what it is like to be an outcast." - Jennifer Brady Goodreads.com Librarian & Springfield-Greene County Library District Reference Associate