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Canada – August 18th, 2026 – Canadian author Serge Gregory’s imaginative middle-grade fantasy novel, Alice and Agapogo: A Tale of Two Worlds, has received the Literary Titan Book Award, recognizing the novel’s ambitious storytelling, memorable characters, emotional depth, and richly imagined world.

The second installment in Alice’s adventures follows a brave and determined girl who believes she has escaped mortal danger after Shaman hides her and her faithful dogs, Bella and Lola, in the Sanctuary, a secret tribal settlement deep beneath the mountains. But Alice soon discovers that the Underworld is far larger, stranger, and more dangerous than she ever imagined.

Beneath forests and lakes lies an immense subterranean realm filled with enormous caves, dark tunnels, underground waterways, and abandoned cities once built by the mysterious Miners, a vanished people whose secrets continue to shape Alice’s fate.

When Alice learns that the witches have already spread their traps into this hidden world, she must decide whether to remain in relative safety or venture deeper into danger. Convinced that the Dragon feared by the witches may be the key to defeating them, Alice sets out with Bella and Lola. Her search leads instead to Agapogo, an ancient underwater Serpent whose own mysterious past becomes deeply connected to the forgotten Miners and their name for Dragons, Tael Morh.

Literary Titan praised the novel as an “ambitious and heartfelt fantasy with a dark edge and a surprisingly emotional core,” highlighting Alice as a compelling heroine whose courage comes not from an absence of fear, but from her determination to keep moving forward despite it.

The review also recognized the emotional warmth created by Alice’s relationship with Bella and Lola, describing their bond as the story’s “warmest heartbeat.” Literary Titan recommended the novel for confident middle-grade readers and families who enjoy adventurous fantasy featuring dragons, hidden worlds, loyal animals, mystery, danger, and young protagonists capable of making a meaningful difference.

For Gregory, Alice’s character is central to the story’s larger themes of courage and choice.

“Alice is scared, but she never gives up,” Gregory explained in an interview with Literary Titan. Faced with the realization that even the witches fear the Dragon, Alice responds with a simple decision: “Then I’ll find the Dragon.” That determination became the driving force behind the novel.

The book also draws inspiration from mythology, underground civilization legends, science, nature, and Gregory’s experiences in British Columbia. Agapogo was inspired in part by the famous legend of Ogopogo associated with Okanagan Lake, although Gregory developed the character into something entirely his own, with a secret that becomes crucial to Alice’s journey.

Another unusual figure, Cricket, expands the story beyond traditional fantasy. Transformed by a mysterious Lens into a creature of extraordinary intelligence, Cricket becomes an almost invisible force whose knowledge repeatedly changes the course of events.

With the Literary Titan Book Award, Alice and Agapogo: A Tale of Two Worlds receives recognition for a fantasy adventure that combines witches, ancient civilizations, dragons, prophecy, betrayal, friendship, and discovery while exploring what happens when an ordinary child chooses to confront extraordinary danger.

Readers can discover Alice’s journey into the Underworld and experience the award-winning adventure for themselves. Alice and Agapogo: A Tale of Two Worlds is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Readers who enjoy imaginative middle-grade fantasy, hidden civilizations, mysterious creatures, loyal animal companions, and stories centered on courage and discovery are invited to add the book to their collection today.

About the Author

Serge Gregory is a Canadian author, mathematician, and software architect who writes adventure, fantasy, and science fiction for readers drawn to exploration, mystery, and unforgettable journeys.

His stories combine imagination with a lifelong fascination for science, nature, mythology, and the unknown. From hidden underground civilizations and ancient dragons to mysterious phenomena that challenge reality itself, Gregory creates immersive worlds centered on discovery, courage, friendship, and the choices that shape our lives.

Drawing inspiration from the Canadian wilderness as well as science and folklore, he places ordinary characters in extraordinary circumstances where the impossible may be closer than it first appears.

When not writing, Gregory continues to explore new ideas in science, technology, and storytelling. He is currently developing a dark fantasy novel for adults with the working title Angel, as well as the third installment in Alice’s adventures, currently titled On the Trail of the Miners.

Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Serge Gregory
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Country: Canada
Website: https://unrealtales.com/