Publisher's Synopsis
A vengeful sister.
An unexpected visitor. An orphanage without children. Persie Van Houten reigns as Shadowkeeper of Blackgale Forest; all beings and beasts within are subject to her whim. For an entire year, she lords over the ancient trees, punishing any and all who challenge her authority. Her best friend, fifteen-year-old Cordelia Paredes, who had, a year previous, risked her life to ensure Persie's safety, has decided to hang up her adventuring boots. Her mission is accomplished; there is no more need for danger. She spends her days relaxing, reading books, traveling, and relaxing some more. Things are wonderful. Things couldn't be better. And then, unfortunately for her, her leisurely routine is suddenly and violently interrupted when an earth-shattering event reduces Blackgale Forest to a war zone. Cordelia cannot, of course, sit idly by while Persie's life becomes fraught with danger. Once again, she finds herself dashing to the rescue, but her gung-ho attitude is soon tempered when she discovers that the source of Persie's woes is capable of an evil far greater than anything she could have ever imagined....
