The Liminal Wood — Anne Szabla

Bali is lost deep within the forbidden forest, hunted by the terrifying Rook Men, and must fight his way across a dangerous land of gods, men, and beasts to keep the sword of Mali Mani, the savior of the sun, from falling into the wrong hands. Finding his way out of the forest is Bali's only chance to prevent the beasts from roaming the land of people and feasting upon them, and to prove he is worthy of the smoke walk.