In this epic fantasy series debut from a New York Times– and USA Today–bestselling author, the race to awaken a sleeping Elven king begins.

The planet Urth was once a green and verdant paradise . . .

Powerful elemental beings with deep magic were stewards to this wonder, but not all could agree on its destiny. When gods war, it is the small who always suffer, and the First Great Age ended with a battle that nearly destroyed all life. To end the conflict, an Accord was put into place to preserve the balance of life, and the elemental withdrew their influence to allow new, less powerful races to grow and to thrive in the world.

That balance was destroyed, however, when the Kothites, a race of near immortals, came to Urth. In the ensuing centuries they have wreaked havoc on the planet, and the mortal races of men, elves, and other creatures seek a way to break free of the Kothite menace.

There is a fable told to those who hope that there is a Sleeping King, a powerful elvish elemental trapped in a spell who possesses powers that may bring Urth back to health.

Many seek this treasure: a mad immortal Emperor who would destroy it to ensure his race's power forever. An avaricious governor who seeks to enrich himself beyond measure. Old powers seeking to capture their lost glory. . .

. . . and a young girl seeking to thwart prophecy to save her future and a young woodsman out to discover a lost past. Together they might finally extinguish the Black Flame of Koth.