The Canopy Keepers

The Scorched Earth, Book 1

By: Veronica G. Henry

Narrated by: Robin Miles

What happens when nature will no longer stand by and accept its destruction? A female fire chief discovers an ancient world rooted with secrets that can save—or destroy—in the newest fantasy by Veronica G. Henry, author of Bacchanal.

Beneath the forest floor, they watch…

Syrah Carthan doesn’t know why she accepted a job as the first female fire chief at Sequoia National Park, where, decades earlier, a forest fire killed her parents. That day, her brother, Romelo, disappeared, as if pulled into the scorched earth itself. Syrah has always had an uncanny affinity for the natural wonders of the park she protects, but after she sanctions a prescribed burn that goes terribly wrong, she quits her position in disgrace.

However, when another devastating wildfire breaks out, Syrah, reluctantly pulled back into action, discovers an unknown world that has existed underground since the beginning of time. This secret society, built around the forest’s complex root system, is now divided into two factions. One is ruled by the Keeper, the giant sequoias’ benevolent caretaker. The other by a mysterious undoer, who’s determined to wage war on humanity. Through him, nature can retaliate and wipe out the earth’s careless ravagers for good.

Torn between human loyalty and preserving the delicate balance of nature, Syrah must make a choice—one that will change both her destiny and that of the world above and below forever.

©2023 by Veronica Henry. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Golden Voice narrator Robin Miles brings a sense of wonder to a near future fantasy that explores the consequences of climate change.… Miles voices Syrah as outwardly confident yet clearly marked by her early experiences. Her soft, curious tones contrast with the harsh ones of Romelo, a caustic young man raised among the reclusive supernatural tree Keepers Syrah has stumbled upon. Miles skillfully builds the tension between the two in alternating chapters as humanity's fate hangs in the balance.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Henry digs in to themes of family, environmentalism, and the connection between humans and the natural world…”—Publishers Weekly

“Henry’s near-future fantasy world is interesting and beautiful, with lush descriptions of the forest and the fantastical world hidden within.”—Library Journal

the awe and mystery of trees

I loved how Author Veronica G. Henry took the reader to tangible locations yet filled your imagination with magical connections to nature. Toss in some history and boom! can't put it down!

Great Read

A crafty, well written book. I loved the imagery, characters and the way the story was woven together.

Thought it would be a 5-star in the beginning....

Initially, I expected this book to be a 5-star read. Regrettably, the narrative became stagnant and lost its momentum halfway through. The liberal ideologies, in my opinion, were overly accentuated. A more nuanced exploration of the nature versus nurture dichotomy would have been more engaging. The network concept, which bore similarities to the tree roots and mycorrhizae in Avatar, was intriguing. Despite appearing to be a good match for my reading preferences, the book ultimately did not live up to my expectations. The imagery was very compelling. I intend to read the sequel, but I will not hesitate to stop reading if it does not capture my interest.

It was an amazing fantasy! Would encourage it for anyone.

I loved the characters both above ground and below ground. There was action and a struggle between opposing forces.

Very slow start but a good listen.

The book has a very slow start and I nearly stopped but I’m happy I continued. It’s a good story; different from the usual “fantasy” story but not a compelling, I-can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-it, kind.
The narrator is amazing. I could swear there was a full cast! Each character has their own voice and it was never in question who was speaking. Her male voices are entirely credible, and I can’t begin to imagine how that’s done. Bravo!