Venom & Song by Wayne Batson & Christopher Hopper

Book 2 of Berninfall Prophecies Set

Summary:

Now in the strange realm of Allyra, the Seven young lords confront a traitor in their midst, a creature-infested forest, teenage fears and doubts, inexplicable mysteries . . . and the Spider King himself.

In a rigorous training program that makes boot camp look like Disneyland, the Seven must quickly learn to harness their own powers, work as one, and elude the Spider King’s spies. But as the ancient Berinfell Prophecies are revealed, the Seven soon discover their training might not be enough. To stop the Spider King they must also unravel the secrets of the Rainsong, travel to a creepy, trap-infested fortress to find the legendary keystone, and lead the Berinfell Elves in an attack on the Spider King’s own turf. An epic adventure with powerful messages about true strength, forgiveness, and working together as one body that will grab the attention of intermediate readers.

Opening Lines:

From a rocky perch high on the Dark Veil in Allyra, a pair of narrow green eyes tracked the two lines of creatures racing ever closer. The eyes blinked with deliberate interest, pupils dilating to better ascertain what manner of prey drew near. The first group was far smaller than the second, and they stumbled along slowly. Wounded, perhaps. A shrill screech rang out, and a moment later the eyes were joined by another pair, and another, until the whole ridge of the mountain was aglow with bobbing eyes that flickered hungrily in the murky twilight....There would be no better time. The creature launched itself off the ledge and emitted a shrill screech. It spread its wings and was joined by a cloud of its own kind. The creatures began to spiral down, soundless on the still air.