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.'An epic, exciting feat of imagination.' - Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars'Utterly compelling; brilliant.' - BookTrust'A vivid world full of wonder, magic and fantastical creatures.' - The Scotsman