Meet the Heroes
At the heart of The Guardian’s Journey are three unforgettable characters, brought together by an ancient mystery and by the choices they must make along the way.
Mateo
THE ADVENTURER
Nine-year-old Mateo dreams of a real adventure and of uncovering something extraordinary. Curious, funny and kind-hearted, he follows clues others might overlook and learns that true courage means doing what is right, even when he is frightened and the path ahead is uncertain.
Zuzu
THE GUARDIAN
An ancient Guardian in the form of a quick-witted talking fox with golden markings. Clever, watchful and occasionally dramatic, Zuzu guides Mateo towards secrets hidden beneath Cusco and deep within the mountains, while protecting both Mateo and the knowledge that must never be misused.
Amaru
THE GUIDE
A wise and mysterious Andean guide with a deep connection to the mountains and the old ways. Warm, perceptive and quietly formidable, Amaru helps Mateo understand that knowledge brings both wonder and responsibility, and that anything worth achieving requires courage, patience and effort.
But not everyone Mateo meets can be trusted…
Others are searching for the Guardians’ knowledge, and their intentions are far less noble.
THE STORY
The Guardian’s Journey
A secret beneath Cusco. An ancient warning. A journey that will change everything.
On the eve of Inti Raymi, nine-year-old Mateo discovers that a small carved fox is not what it seems. Zuzu is an ancient Guardian, awakened as a long-hidden danger begins to stir.
Drawn through the streets of Cusco and into passages concealed beneath the city, Mateo finds a mysterious relic and a warning intended for someone brave enough to listen. With Zuzu and Amaru beside him, he must stay one step ahead of those who would use the Guardians’ knowledge for themselves.
Blending mystery, humour and adventure with the history and landscapes of Peru, The Guardian’s Journey is a story about courage, friendship and responsibility.
FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Stories with Purpose
Adventure may drive the journey, but four guiding principles lie at the heart of Mateo & Zuzu. Through mystery, humour and danger, the story explores what it means to be a good person: to act with integrity, care for others and use knowledge wisely.
01 — Courage & Kindness
True courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to help others, protect what matters and do what is right, even when the path ahead feels uncertain and it would be easier to turn away.
02 — Honesty & Integrity
The story celebrates honesty, humility and the integrity to make good choices, not for praise or reward, but because those choices protect others and honour what has been entrusted to us.
03 — Friendship & Trust
Mateo, Zuzu and Amaru do not always agree, but their journey shows how friendship grows through loyalty, patience, trust and the willingness to listen to one another.
04 — Knowledge & Responsibility
Discovery brings wonder, but it also brings responsibility. The Guardians’ knowledge is never simply a prize; it must be protected, respected and used for the benefit of others.
WATCH THE STORY BEGIN
The Official Prologue Video
Step into the world of Mateo & Zuzu for a first glimpse of the mystery, magic and adventure that lies ahead.
COMING SOON ON AMAZON
Begin the Journey
Mateo & Zuzu: The Guardian’s Journey will soon be available on Amazon. A richly illustrated adventure for young readers and families who enjoy mystery, humour and stories with heart. Subscribe below for publication news and book updates.