The Sidekick

In a city that's lost its way, one sidekick must rise to save it.

Sixteen-year-old Jet Thompson has spent the past five years in a hidden bunker, training tirelessly under the guidance of Vinton's celebrated superhero, Paladin. With a superhuman physique and a profound, enigmatic bond to a greatsword, Jet has been eagerly awaiting the day he can step into the hero's role he has always idolized. That day arrives with unexpected urgency when a monstrous intruder breaches the bunker's defenses, forcing Jet to emerge into a city he barely recognizes.

Now topside, Jet confronts a Vinton that has transformed into a dangerous, corrupt metropolis. The city he once knew is now riddled with deceit and malice, and the line between hero and villain is more blurred than ever. As Jet delves into the origins of the monstrous threats hunting him, he uncovers a web of deep-rooted corruption threatening to engulf Vinton.

Navigating this chaotic new world, Jet must also grapple with the trials of high school-a realm of social intricacies and challenges that feels as alien as the city itself. Balancing his role as Paladin's sidekick with the demands of teenage life, Jet struggles to reconcile his mentor's expectations with his own emerging sense of what it means to be a hero.

In a city that seems to have lost faith in its saviours, Jet faces the ultimate test of his courage and ideals. He must uncover the truth behind the city's corruption, confront the threats that plague its streets, and learn what it truly means to rise above. With every battle, Jet gets closer to understanding his own destiny and the true weight of his role. The path to becoming a hero is fraught with peril, and Jet must determine whether he will be the saviour Vinton needs or be consumed by the corruption around him.

Author: Jeff Medhurst
Publisher: Wicked Ink Publishing Ltd.
Published: 11/04/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9781998278299

About the Author
Medhurst, Jeff: - Jeff's love for storytelling began young, inspired by urban fantasy and comics. After honing his craft through a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism and a stint as a staff reporter, he earned a Bachelor of Education and has taught English for five years. His debut short story, The Boy and the Fish, was published in Northword magazine in fall 2023. Excited to share his Vinton Chronicles series through Wicked Ink Publishing, Jeff balances writing with family time and enjoying comics, video games, and movies.