Splinterleaf & Hollowfrost by Justin Greer

It’s a pleasant day in the sun, and the world grows in abundance… Summer has come to Haverdell, bringing warmth, work, beautiful flowers, the joyous songs of birds, the subtle murmur of trees in the high hills, and traveling merchants down the river with gifts to delight the townsfolk. In preparation for the Summer’s Blessing celebration, many in Haverdell have purchased earthwarden leaves from the merchants, finding them delightsome additions to their food and drink: soothing and invigorating and exotic and wonderful. All seems bright and warm and welcoming. But Derry, the gardener of Haverdell, thinks that something is amiss. He notices a change among the townsfolk, a strangeness, and begins to suspect that the so-called earthwarden plants are not what they seem. Accompanied by his faithful dog Barrow, Derry investigates the matter, studying books of godslore and the meadows and vales of their home for answers. The more he uncovers, the more he fears for his friends and his own safety. For the fabled splinterleaf plant has come to Haverdell to clutch the town in its grip of longing and hunger and regret; and if Derry doesn’t act swiftly, all he loves will be swallowed in the greedy maw of the ancient forces that underlie this strange new growth. Summer’s Blessing approaches, and the splinterleaf plants have taken hold of Haverdell. Return to the beautiful, fantastical, and charming world of The Garden Knight in this new tale of magic, mystery, and the hold of dreams and regrets over the human heart.

Adult • Fantasy/Epic and High • Fantasy/Cozy, Low, Mundane, and Slice of Life • Fantasy/Mythic, Retelling, and Folklore • Fantasy