Melanie Durfee

In a world plunged into chaos by dark magic and monstrous creatures, destiny awaits Jake Everton in the scorched sands of Karakum, where the Black Fortress, stronghold of the Dark Druids, looms over a fiery crater, holding captive countless agents of the Order—including Jake’s own parents. If they’re still alive. Once an orphaned street urchin, now a brave thirteen-year-old warrior with incredible powers, Jake must venture into the heart of darkness to save them.

Three months ago, the horrible news that the Dark Druids captured his beloved pet Gryphon sent thirteen-year-old Jake Everton reeling—especially since he knows he’s the one the warlock brotherhood really wants. It’s a trap, and poor Red is just the bait. Well aware of the threat, the Elders have forbidden the daring boy hero from taking any action to rescue his faithful companion. Instead, Jake and his friends must cool their heels at the Order’s palace headquarters, where they’ll be “safe.”

When Lord Wyvern’s outrageous rebellion succeeds, the half-demon sorcerer now sets his sights on world domination, accepting nothing less from humans and magic-kind than total obedience. The Order of the Yew Tree—humanity’s best hope of stopping him—has already been brought to its knees.

A fiery, unprovoked attack. War between mages and warlocks erupts. The Order stands on the precipice of destruction, while a deadly new leader rises to fight for control of the sinister Dark Druid brotherhood. For Jake Everton, the valiant young Earl of Griffon, and his brave band of friends, the stakes could not be higher.