Battlementals — Randy Lindsay

Pounce is the son of the tiger-folk chieftain. When his honor is challenged, Pounce must prove he is worthy to take over for his father someday. He is given a grand quest to earn his name of maturity and the right of leadership, but it seems impossible. How could anyone find the lost Saber tribes of the Eastern Jungles? And if he doesn't, he'll be banished forever.

With no other choice, Pounce begins his journey across the treacherous realm of Fire, but soon finds he is not alone. A human girl with a secret and two gazelle-folk trying to get to the city of Torch View decide to join him. Danger lurks around every bend and the four unlikely companions find themselves battling elemental monsters and Fire creatures. Unable to turn back, Pounce must rely on the help of his new friends to uncover the secret of the Riddle of Fire and continue his quest. When lives are on the line, will Pounce have the strength and courage to finish the quest or will he fail and be banished from the friends and family that he loves?

This coming of age fantasy adventure is the second book in the Battlemental universe and combines action and humor to show that people from different backgrounds often make the best friends. Several interior illustrations depict the heroes and some of the strange creatures they meet. Pounce and the Riddle of Fire is a middle grade novel in the style of Brandon Mull (Fablehaven) and Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief).