Can one boy's courage restore the hope of a kingdom?
Twelve-year-old Kie Thorne has always worked quietly in the royal gardens alongside his father. But when he discovers that the ancient Heartwood Tree-the magical lifeblood of the kingdom-is dying, everything changes.
Ignored by the king and dismissed as a foolish child, Kie sets out alone into the mysterious Whispering Woods in search of the mythical Heartstone. There, he meets Arya, a forest guardian with secrets of her own, and together they face trials not of sword and shield, but of faith, fear, and inner strength.
As the shadowy Hollow Ones whisper lies meant to break him, Kie must decide whether he truly believes in something greater than himself. If he fails, the Heartwood Tree will fall... and so will all of Loria.
Rich with wonder, danger, and quiet hope, this unforgettable fantasy adventure reminds readers that even the smallest light can push back the darkness-and that true strength begins with trust.