The First Chronicle — Matt Cook

The kingdom of Aldronad enjoys peace and prosperity under the rule of King Tovar. But one fateful night, in the middle of a thunderstorm, the king vanishes without a trace--and leaves his warlike brother, Lord Zulgen, a seat at the throne.

Deep in the heart of Oakwood Forest, a crew of woodland creatures discovers Tovar to be alive but in danger, his soul preserved within an ancient gemstone, protected by a spell that will expire after the third full moon. Accompanied by a young half-wizard, the woodlanders embark on a journey to visit the Oracle of the Vines, an enchantress whose wisdom and magic may hold the secret to their true king's freedom.

The trail is perilous. Stone giants, ogres, dragons, and other strange beasts roam the lands. Zulgen has soldiers and spies throughout the kingdom; he even has eyes in the sky. Soon, the woodlanders must split up to stay alive. What's worse, they may have a traitor in their midst.