For hundreds of years the United Kingdom has been protected by a mysterious guardian known as the Defender. Part myth, part superhero, few truly believed the Defender existed... until now. Alfie thinks he knows his destiny. As Prince Alfred, heir to the throne of Great Britain, he's fated to become the most disappointing king in the nation's history. Alfie longs for a way to prove himself, but little does he realize that with the throne of England comes an ancient secret. He who wears the crown must protect the country as the legendary hero -- the Defender of the Realm.Hayley is an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life. She certainly never believed in the mysterious superhero, the Defender. Then, after witnessing a very public battle at the Tower of London, everything is different, and Hayley is left with no doubt. The Defender is real.Two kids with two very different lives are about to get caught up in a centuries-long battle for the fate of a nation. Monsters and criminals, villains and dragons, together Hayley and Alfie must protect their home at all costs. "A thrilling mashup of history and fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews"Readers will find it hard to resist." - Booklist"This fast-paced story will keep readers guessing until the very end." - School Library Connection Mark Huckerby is an Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter best known for writing popular TV shows such as Danger Mouse, Thunderbirds Are Go, and Peter Rabbit. Defender of the Realm is his first novel. Nick Ostler is an Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter best known for writing popular TV shows such as Danger Mouse, Thunderbirds Are Go, and Peter Rabbit. Defender of the Realm is his first novel. "A thrilling mashup of history and fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews"Readers will find it hard to resist." - Booklist"This fast-paced story will keep readers guessing until the very end." - School Library Connection