The Glass Forest by Andrew Peters

Chicken House, 2012. ISBN 9781906427474.
(Age: 12+) Arborium is a kingdom that exists in the towering canopies of ancient trees, presided over by King Quercus and protected from afar by Corwenna, Queen of the Ravens. Steeped in ritual and tradition it is home to Ark, who despite being only fourteen years old, has been bestowed with special powers which make him the principal defender of Arborium. The kingdom is under threat from Maw, an artificial, technology driven civilization characterized by towering structures of glass and steel. Maw wants Arborium because wood is a scarce and valuable commodity and whoever controls the forests wields enormous financial and political power.
Ark and his friends become aware that Maw has developed highly sophisticated weaponry which it plans to use to destroy the tree dwellers. Ark and his trusty ally, Mucum decide to enter Maw as spies to collect information which will enable them to thwart their enemy. It is a highly dangerous mission and time is against them. The envoy of Maw, Fenestra, is orchestrating the invasion and invites senior officials for a briefing. Mucum is able to trick her daughter, Randall, to plant a spying device but when they are uncovered all three are in immediate danger. Will they make it back to Arborium alive and how can they find a way to match the mighty resources of Maw?
This book is a sequel to Ravenwood and will delight fans and those who enjoy dystopian or alternate world fiction, such as Lord of The Rings. It is exciting, fast paced and sophisticated. Mucum provides tension relief with his comical banter and hints of a special connection between Ark and Randall add another dimension to the story which perhaps the author intends to explore in a further book. Although the book stands alone, it would be worthwhile reading the first one for greater background knowledge.
Tina Cain