An epic tale of trees of power and a world under threat, from the author of the bestselling Five Realms series.Here come the roots of the Shadow Tree.Whatever they touch will never get free.Liska lives in Arborven, a city surrounding an extraordinary tree that gives all those living there special powers. As a shapeshifter, Liska is training as a warrior. When she discovers that the Tree is under threat, it is her duty to act - but she can't convince anyone to listen to her. So with Lug, whose power over earthworms is dismissed as useless, and a ghost-girl, Elowen, she goes on an epic journey to defeat the worst threat their world has ever known.Illustrated by Chris Wormell this is a richly woven and thrilling fantasy with a wonderful affinity between humankind and nature - a current and vital message for young readers everywhere.'A thoroughly absorbing story . . . all set in a richly realised and epic fantasy world.' School Reading List'The first in an exciting new series.'The Bookseller'A phenomenally rich and thrilling story you won't be able to put down.'Vicky's Never Ending TBR

Kieran Larwood was born in Kenya. He moved to the UK when he was two and lived in various places before settling on the Isle of Wight, where he can still be found: exploring rockpools, climbing trees and writing - slowly disappearing behind a mountain of notebooks and empty coffee mugs. He has done a wide range of jobs, including being an archery instructor and working the night shift in a cake factory (which was nowhere near as much fun as it sounds). He taught Reception class in a primary school for fifteen long years before finally escaping to become a full-time author. Kieran's books have won several awards, including the Blue Peter Best Story and the Prix Sorcières. He is inspired by a life-long love of fantasy stories, which all began when - as a young boy - he picked up a copy of The Hobbit and saw the map inside. It just goes to show - you never know where opening a book will lead . . .Chris Wormell is an English printmaker, principally known for his illustrated books.