One hundred years ago they closed their doors. Now it's time to open them and explore.

Alira, the daughter of a vagabond, has lived her entire life in the House of the Earth Queen, an isolated clustering of underground dwellings surrounding a single hot spring. She has never seen beyond Persephone's realm; she's never wanted to. All she's ever wanted is to fit in.

When the hot spring scalds the house professor, everyone feels lost. The spring is supposed to heal, but now it seems no less dangerous than fire. In the chaos, Alira sees a chance to restore balance, improve their lives and, most importantly, earn the respect she has always craved. In order to do so, she must leave her home and venture into houses unseen for almost a century.

Most are happy to see her go. To them, she's just one less mouth to feed.

They're less happy to see Clay leave. Their prized hunter, one of few that can handle fire, is intrigued by Alira's mission. He offers to join her, hoping his service will earn him back the favor of a lost friend.

Will Alira succeed in earning a place among her people? Will Clay be able to protect her when it's too late to turn back? Will they alone be able to restore balance?

Find out while falling in love with a cast of characters from all of the houses of Rhizole.

An epic fantasy full of adventure, action, mystery and some romance perfect for teens and adults.