Those in power seek to maintain and control these mysterious treasures. But soon, an even deeper mystery appears-an indecipherable book of seemingly incredible power that Varden, the counselor to the high lord, hopes to control for his own and by learning its secrets, wrest control away from his liege lord.
Thomas Shepard, a shy but mysteriously gifted keeper of the high lord's warehouse, whose abilities are whispered to be as a result of some sort of wizardry. Thomas has led a simple, reclusive life and has no desire for adventure but Varden manipulates his naïve master to select Thomas as the one who will next venture into the vast Western Wood in search of the answers that will determine the fate of his village. Paired with two unlikely companions, he is sent in search of the answer to the mystery book and what he finds is more than he, or Varden, expected. Thomas and his companions are plunged into a world of mystery, danger, and terror where he encounters the deadly, nearly insane Bone Eaters, the mysterious Tree Walkers, and learns the terrible price of beauty.
A truly uplifting story of courage and the strength of the human spirit set in a dark and dangerous world.
