Bored, lonely, and starving for adventure, eleven-year-old Emily Pine finds her life turned inside out when she moves to a new town and meets her fascinating neighbor, Steven, who introduces her to a secret world called Alcovia. As if that were not odd enough, of course, the only way to get there is through the old hollow tree in his backyard! As they journey through the dazzling heart of Alcovia, they encounter forests of hungry trees, long abandoned rooms covered in dust, and sparkling sea caves that all contain traces of dark and chilling secrets. There must be a frightening place lurking beyond Alcovia, and now it is up to Emily and Steven to piece together clues that lead to one unavoidable fact: Sometimes the bad can eclipse the good - but only if you allow it to. Filled to the brim with excitement, heart, and delightfully odd adventures, the first installment of this charming fantasy series by author E.S. Edmunds promises to spark exhilaration and wonder in readers everywhere!