Saga of the Sages: The Quest Home
An unofficial Legend of Zelda book for kids — a middle-grade portal fantasy adventure inspired by Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
About the Book
"Sometimes the greatest quest isn't finding the way home - it's finding out who you were all along."
When an ordinary boy stumbles through an ancient portal, he awakens a legend as old as the land itself. Thrust into a world where forests breathe, stones speak, and shadows stir, Anu must navigate a realm both strange and familiar—guided only by a cryptic prophecy and the hope of finding his way home.
But the road ahead is treacherous. Monsters lurk in the gloom, secrets slumber beneath the surface, and impossible choices lie in wait. In a place where courage is forged and friendships are sacred, Anu will discover that true heroes are not born—they are made.
Epic. Mysterious. Unofficially legendary.
Epic battles, timeless friendships, and ancient secrets await. The Quest Home is the first adventure in the Saga of the Sages—a Zelda-inspired fantasy for young readers that will capture your heart and awaken your spirit. If you're looking for books like Zelda for kids, this is where the quest begins.
207 pages | Fantasy adventure | Ages 7–18 | Reading level: 5-6th grade (Lexile 770L–840L, AR 4.8–5.5)
*Note that you do not have to be familiar with Zelda to enjoy the story — Much to Andrew's dismay, I have to admit that I still have never played the game. Not once. So, while Zelda provides a rich setting for the story, it's not necessary to be overly familiar with the game to "get" the book.
About the Author
A. Sebesta writes from the slightly controlled chaos of home, fueled by coffee, curiosity, and a love for epic adventures—both real and imagined. When she's not dreaming up new worlds, she's chasing her kids, the sun or their next adventure. Saga of the Sages is her debut into the realm of unofficial legends.
About the Hero
Andrew is the 10 year old son of A.Sebesta and the inspiration for the book and its main character, Anu. He's a legend in his own right and spends his days roaming the forest and his nights reading, building epic pillow forts or playing The Legend of Zelda. He lives in Chattanooga, TN with his mom (the author), dad, sister and his pet Axolotl.
Learn More About Zelda
Saga of the Sages draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, a beloved video game franchise developed by Nintendo. If you're not familiar with the game, here's a brief primer to guide you as you embark on this riveting tale of Legend and Adventure.
First released by Nintendo in 1986, The Legend of Zelda is one of the most influential and enduring video game franchises in modern media. It blends elements of fantasy, mythology, action-adventure gameplay, and open-world exploration. The series is set primarily in a fictional realm known as Hyrule, a land shaped by the influence of divine beings and regularly imperiled by recurring cycles of conflict.
Central to the franchise is the archetypal triad of hero, princess, and villain—represented by Link, Zelda, and Ganon(dorf) respectively. These figures are typically bound by fate and recur across the series in various incarnations, suggesting a metaphysical cycle of rebirth and destiny. This structure, often described as "mythic time," positions The Legend of Zelda closer to epic literature than conventional serial storytelling.
Much of the franchise's lore is rooted in the creation myth of the Triforce, a sacred relic left behind by three goddesses—Din, Nayru, and Farore—who created the physical, moral, and spiritual fabric of the world. The Triforce, divided into Power, Wisdom, and Courage, serves as both a literal and symbolic anchor for the moral struggles depicted across the games.
Throughout its iterations, the Zelda series introduces various races (such as the Goron, Zora, and Gerudo), ancient technologies (including those of the Zonai and Sheikah), and magical realms (like The Depths, the Sacred Realm, and alternate timelines like Lorule). While gameplay varies between titles, recurring mechanics include puzzle-solving, environmental exploration, dungeon traversal, and combat—often within the context of restoring balance between light and darkness.
This fan-fictional adaptation—Saga of the Sages—draws particularly from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the most recent installments as of 2023, while introducing original characters and plotlines that extend the mythos of Zelda through the lens of a modern middle-grade protagonist. It is an homage to the depth, emotional gravity, and immersive world-building that have defined the Zelda franchise for nearly four decades.
For kids who love The Legend of Zelda, Saga of the Sages brings this world to life in book form — a Zelda-inspired fantasy novel they can hold in their hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saga of the Sages an official Legend of Zelda book?
No — it's an unofficial, fan-created novel inspired by the world of The Legend of Zelda. It draws from the lore, races, and settings of the franchise (particularly Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) while telling an original story with new characters. It is not published, endorsed, or affiliated with Nintendo.
What age group is Saga of the Sages written for?
The book is written for middle-grade readers ages 7–18, with a reading level of 5th–6th grade (Lexile 770L–840L, AR 4.8–5.5). It's ideal for kids who love fantasy adventures, video games, and epic quests.
Do I need to know the Zelda games to enjoy the book?
Not at all. While the story is set in a Zelda-inspired world with familiar lore, it's written so anyone can follow along. The author herself has never played a Zelda game — the story stands on its own as a portal fantasy adventure.
What is Saga of the Sages about?
The book follows Anu, an ordinary boy who stumbles through an ancient portal into a world where forests breathe, stones speak, and shadows stir. Guided by a cryptic prophecy, he must find his way home while discovering that true heroes are not born — they are made. It's the first book in the Saga of the Sages series.
Are there books similar to The Legend of Zelda for kids?
Yes — Saga of the Sages: The Quest Home is a fantasy adventure directly inspired by Zelda's world, written for young readers who love the games. If your child enjoys Zelda's mix of exploration, courage, and epic quests, this book captures that same spirit in novel form.
Where can I buy Saga of the Sages: The Quest Home?
The book is available as a paperback on Amazon.
Will there be more books in the Saga of the Sages series?
The Quest Home is the first book in the series. Stay tuned for announcements about future installments.