Book Launch Party for Local Author of 'Undead Hordes of Kan-Gul'

Park Street Books on Friday will host an author visit and signing with Jon Merz, a Medfield writer whose latest novel for teens and young adults is now featured at the store.

'The Undead Hordes of Kan-Gul' is the second in a series of the "Shadow Warriors" and falls into the action and fantasy genres of fiction, said Park Street Books owner Jim James. The book is best suited for teens and younger adults, he said.

Here is an overview of the plot: "In the fog-enshrouded peaks of the island nation of Nehon, Ran, a newly-minted shadow warrior is set loose on a musha shugyo, a wandering quest, whereby he must travel alone and hone his skills. Journeying aboard a merchant vessel, Ran hears tales of a mysterious lord believed to have the dead for his servants. Soon these tales prove all too real as Ran comes to the aid of Jysal, a beautiful sorceress, whose undeveloped power gives her the ability to heal a land -- or destroy it. But the Lord Kan-Gul also covets Jysal's power. And when Kan-Gul sends a army of the undead to take Jysal by force, Ran is faced with the ultimate warrior's choice: save himself, or face down a horde of enemies that cannot be killed for the simple reason that they are already dead!"

Merz, who has lived with his family for 10 years in Medfield, will be on hand to speak about the book and sign copies. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

James said he is happy to feature the work of local artists and writers. This is the second in the Shadow Warriors series that Park Street Books is selling.