2026 Independent Author Awards Finalist — Young Adult Fiction

DESTINY ISN’T ALWAYS FOUND. SOMETIMES IT FINDS YOU.

Alex Stone is just an ordinary teenager—or so he thinks.

After a terrifying encounter at a remote summer camp, Alex is swept across time and space into a distant future where humanity has been conquered and ancient legends are real. Forced into the life of a gladiator, Alex soon learns that he may be the Last Star Knight, a long-forgotten champion destined to restore hope to the galaxy.

Joined by a band of unlikely allies, Alex races to uncover the legendary Crown of Kings before the ruthless Prince Primtos can claim its power. Along the way, he must survive deadly trials, confront impossible odds, and discover the courage hidden within himself.

The fate of humanity hangs in the balance. The legend is about to begin.