The Hunt for the King — Matt Cook

The kingdom of Aldronan has flourished under King Tovar's rule. But that rule comes to an abrupt halt when Tovar disappears without a trace, leaving the throne to his warlike brother, Zadrac of Shadar.

In a small village down south, a young hunter named Egzodus discovers Tovar to be alive but in grave danger, his soul preserved within an enchanted gemstone. Accompanied by a band of loyalists to the true king, Egzodus resolves to protect his homeland by unraveling the mystery of this spell. Among his companions are a skilled swordsman, an archer, a dwarf, a dark-haired beauty from the mountains, and a frail wizard . . . all of whom help Egzodus discover a special gift he inherited at birth.

Zadrac's power grows as his Demonhide forces march onward, making the journey through Aldronan ever more treacherous. Soon the team must split up and form brave new alliances to stay alive. What's worse, there may be a traitor among them.

Through his hunt for the king, Egzodus must learn to tame dangerous beasts, harness ancient magic, and discover love in his heart before Zadrac shatters his homeland forever.