Secrets of the Home Wood: The Sacrifice by Julie Whitley

Every one knows you need to stay out of the home woods.  Ever since his father got lost in there for a bit, it's been forbidden.  But when Jonathan's mother and father fight, she leaves to "think".  When his father finds out she didn't make it to the neighbors, he knows she must have gone too far in the woods and he goes after her.  He doesn't know that Jonathan is right behind him...

BooksGoSocial and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can grab a copy now.

This author creates an imaginary world that felt very real.  It has the spirit of Watership Down, has several groups of creatures that are intelligent and for the most part peace-loving.  To get there, you have to take cover in an old tree that has been split by lightening.  You get sleepy and when you wake up, you're in the other world.

While the boy and his father are there looking for the mother, they get involved with a pending war.  One group of warriors wants to conquer the other two races and dominate them all.  If they're not careful, they may end up being victims, too.

The story flows well, not all their plans work, and it takes a bit of magic to make it all work out.  It's an exciting read and I found myself caring about all the creatures as well as the human characters.  The best part is the happy ending.  Not everyone makes it but those who do make the most of it.  That's a good approach to life.

I really enjoyed this one.  Why don't you give a read and see what you think?