The Trials of Ildarwood

She was cursed by winter's frost. He was scarred by spectral fire.
Ten-year-old Dasia hides a dark secret.
Trapped in a house where strange blue snow forever falls, she alone must keep watch over the frost-covered door inside her room. Her parents' warnings were clear. Should what's hidden within ever find its way out, her entire family will be torn apart.
But when Dasia's long-lost brother returns one fateful night and promises her freedom inside the Ildarwood, she swiftly learns another dark secret-why so few children ever return from the trials within.
Now fearing for her life, Dasia must trust in a mysterious runaway named Tannus to escape the soul-stealing creatures lurking throughout the woods. And only with his help can she uncover what her parents have really been hiding all along...
Immerse yourself in a riveting tale of transformation and self-discovery. Join Dasia and Tannus as they fight to start their lives anew. And decide where your allegiance truly lies once all their darkest secrets finally come to light.
FINALIST! "Best Juvenile Fiction Novel" in the 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards.
Every print edition of this book includes breathtaking chapter illustrations, a hand-drawn map, and three short stories filled with exclusive lore from the history of this magical world.
Suggested Reading Order:Fall of the Forsaken - Series Prequel [Quick introduction to the magic system and world of the Ildarwood.]
Cinders in the Snow - Origins Novella [Takes place one year before Book One.]
Spectres of the Fall - An epic adventure begins with Book One...
A Note from the Author: This novella features struggles often faced by LGBTQ+ children and adults. In an effort to save the lives of at-risk youth, 100% of author royalties from this book are donated to charities like True Colors United.