Jeff Medhurst Signs Five-Book Deal with Wicked Ink for Action-Packed Superhero Saga “The Vinton Chronicles”
We are thrilled to announce the signing of our newest author, Jeff Medhurst, to the Wicked Ink Publishing family! Jeff brings a wealth of storytelling talent, honed from a young age and nurtured through his love of urban fantasy and comic books. His debut novel, The Sidekick, marks the first installment in The Vinton Chronicles —a thrilling new Young Adult saga that will captivate readers with its vibrant characters and imaginative world-building.
Jeff's journey as a writer began with the stories he shared with family and friends, and his passion for creative writing only grew stronger during his high school years. Drawing inspiration from favorites like The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and Ultimate Spider-Man, Jeff's writing is infused with the energy and excitement of the genres he loves.
After earning a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from Mount Royal University, Jeff showcased his writing skills in various publications, including an interview with the iconic Weird Al Yankovic and the documentary titled Youtube: The Largest Talent Show on Earth. Not one to rest on his laurels, Jeff continued his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. For the past five years, he has been shaping young minds as an English Language Arts teacher for grades five through nine.
Jeff's short story, The Boy and the Fish, published in Northword magazine in 2023, marked the beginning of his professional writing career. Now, with The Sidekick, Jeff is ready to share his most ambitious work yet. Inspired by the stories that have fueled his imagination for years, The Vinton Chronicles is a series Jeff has been developing since grade school, and he can't wait to bring these adventures to readers around the world.
When he's not writing or teaching, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and their sassy dog. He's also an avid fan of comics, video games, and movies, always keeping up with the latest in pop culture.
Join us in welcoming Jeff to Wicked Ink Publishing, and stay tuned for the release of The Sidekick—an exciting new addition to the world of Young Adult literature!
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 saviors, 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 savior Vinton needs or be consumed by the corruption around him.
