The Canopy Keepers (The Scorched Earth Book 1) By Veronica G. Henry

Veronica G. Henry's latest fantasy, "Rooted," delves into the clash between humanity and nature, where a female fire chief uncovers ancient secrets that hold the fate of both worlds.

Syrah Carthan's acceptance of the role of Sequoia National Park's first female fire chief seems inexplicable, especially given the tragic history that haunts her: the death of her parents in a forest fire, and the disappearance of her brother, Romelo. Despite her deep connection to the park's natural wonders, a failed prescribed burn leads to her resignation in disgrace.

However, fate intervenes when a new wildfire threatens, drawing Syrah back into the fray. In the process, she stumbles upon an underground world hidden beneath the forest floor. Here, a secret society thrives, divided between those who revere the giant sequoias' Keeper and those who follow a mysterious figure known as the undoer, advocating for nature's retaliation against humanity's destruction.

Caught between her loyalty to humanity and the responsibility to preserve nature's delicate balance, Syrah faces a pivotal choice. Her decision not only shapes her own destiny but also determines the fate of both worlds above and below.

"Rooted" weaves a captivating narrative of environmentalism, spirituality, and the enduring power of nature. With its richly imagined world and complex moral dilemmas, Henry's novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world and the consequences of our actions.