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Green Warden Codex #1
Root Of All Evil
I came to study the trees—now the trees are studying me.
I’m a wildlife biologist, not a detective.
What was supposed to be a forest field study outside a sleepy little town has turned into a full-blown supernatural mystery. It’s more than disease impacting the old growth forest, but none of the data makes sense.
Animals are acting weird. My samples vanish. My trail cameras fail…
And I’d swear something is watching me.
The townsfolk are nice enough, but tight-lipped. No one will talk about the howling in the woods at night, or the hikers that fled town, or the haunted man with a storm in his eyes who leads what’s left of the town’s protectors.
As the creep factor climbs and bodies surface, I’m tangled in the thorny vines of myth, murder, and moss-covered monsters. I’d like to think I’ve got the scientific savvy to figure this out, but to solve this…I’ll have to survive it first.
For fans of fast-paced urban fantasy, dry humor, creepy cryptids, and badass women—grab Root of All Evil now and get lost in the woods with Dani Chastain.
I’m a wildlife biologist, not a detective.
What was supposed to be a forest field study outside a sleepy little town has turned into a full-blown supernatural mystery. It’s more than disease impacting the old growth forest, but none of the data makes sense.
Animals are acting weird. My samples vanish. My trail cameras fail…
And I’d swear something is watching me.
The townsfolk are nice enough, but tight-lipped. No one will talk about the howling in the woods at night, or the hikers that fled town, or the haunted man with a storm in his eyes who leads what’s left of the town’s protectors.
As the creep factor climbs and bodies surface, I’m tangled in the thorny vines of myth, murder, and moss-covered monsters. I’d like to think I’ve got the scientific savvy to figure this out, but to solve this…I’ll have to survive it first.
For fans of fast-paced urban fantasy, dry humor, creepy cryptids, and badass women—grab Root of All Evil now and get lost in the woods with Dani Chastain.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
65 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 23, 2025
Utterly Unbelievable
I have gushed and fan-boy’ed over Ava’s writing talent in almost every review I’ve written. But it suddenly occurred to me that I should really let the author speak for herself, so here are a few examples…
This is the very first line in the book:
“The forest pressed up along the side of the road, leaning over the asphalt as if the trees had some opinions.”
I mean, LORD! Does that not just strike you? Not only does it convey the image she’s trying to express, but it’s a beautiful foreshadow of the forest’s intelligence. Speaking of beautiful, here’s another:
“and the shadows turned long and soft as velvet.”
Nice, neat, concise and yet somehow lush and rife with the feeling of that exact moment in time. Beautifully done.
And then there’s her always prevalent gift for imagery:
“The trees of Dunmere were old, like last ice age old. Sugar maple, oak, and birch trees rose like pillars in an ancient temple, their branches curving together overhead. Their bark was gnarled, flecked with moss and lichen the color of old bone. Tangled roots bumped up through the soil and leaf litter, curling around half-buried stones.”
It’s compelling in how she fiorces the reader to see exactly what she wants us to see.
And THEN there’s her gift for storytelling! What I especially love about THIS book is that the heroine isn’t familiar in the SLIGHTEST with anything mystical or paranormal. Hell, she hadn’t even ever played D&D. And unlike so many books by so many authors, when confronted with the obvious LACK of what we might call “normal,” she does not have a sudden conversion and embrace the inexplicable. She remains skeptical right up until she has absolutely zero choice. Now THAT is believable.
This promises to be an incredible story and I can’t wait to jump into book 2 which is already out. Pick this up immediately. You won’t regret it!
I have gushed and fan-boy’ed over Ava’s writing talent in almost every review I’ve written. But it suddenly occurred to me that I should really let the author speak for herself, so here are a few examples…
This is the very first line in the book:
“The forest pressed up along the side of the road, leaning over the asphalt as if the trees had some opinions.”
I mean, LORD! Does that not just strike you? Not only does it convey the image she’s trying to express, but it’s a beautiful foreshadow of the forest’s intelligence. Speaking of beautiful, here’s another:
“and the shadows turned long and soft as velvet.”
Nice, neat, concise and yet somehow lush and rife with the feeling of that exact moment in time. Beautifully done.
And then there’s her always prevalent gift for imagery:
“The trees of Dunmere were old, like last ice age old. Sugar maple, oak, and birch trees rose like pillars in an ancient temple, their branches curving together overhead. Their bark was gnarled, flecked with moss and lichen the color of old bone. Tangled roots bumped up through the soil and leaf litter, curling around half-buried stones.”
It’s compelling in how she fiorces the reader to see exactly what she wants us to see.
And THEN there’s her gift for storytelling! What I especially love about THIS book is that the heroine isn’t familiar in the SLIGHTEST with anything mystical or paranormal. Hell, she hadn’t even ever played D&D. And unlike so many books by so many authors, when confronted with the obvious LACK of what we might call “normal,” she does not have a sudden conversion and embrace the inexplicable. She remains skeptical right up until she has absolutely zero choice. Now THAT is believable.
This promises to be an incredible story and I can’t wait to jump into book 2 which is already out. Pick this up immediately. You won’t regret it!
September 11, 2025
good
As a field biologist, Dani is used to going out into the woods, dealing with inclement weather, and of course braving the various creatures that want to nibble, bite, or potentially kill her.
The trip to Dunbarrow was different, however. With her two colleagues, Dani is investigating a blight that was reported on the local trees, but she wasn’t expecting to be attacked by weird creatures, or find herself being transported to locations miles away in the blink of an eye. They hadn’t counted on their equipment malfunctioning, nor their specimens mysteriously disappearing.
It’s not long before Dani realises there’s a supernatural element to the situation, and that someone is targeting the forest, and the people that live there, something Dani won’t stand for…
This is the first book in a new series, featuring a town with residents a little on the magical side, and a forest with secrets to keep.
Dani is an average science nerd, whom I was ecstatic to read that she actually kept an open mind regarding the situation she found herself in, and was waiting for more information rather than dismissing everything because it isn’t *science*!
It takes a little while for all the supernatural elements to really kick in, but the story is an enjoyable one, with a likeable main character, and set in a very intriguing town.
I’m looking forward to the next book, because I am hopefully that the second part of Dani’s investigation will get some answer then. Also I’m hoping we find out more about Morna.
An entertaining contemporary fantasy, especially for those who like Druids and creatures/beings of the faery persuasion.
As a field biologist, Dani is used to going out into the woods, dealing with inclement weather, and of course braving the various creatures that want to nibble, bite, or potentially kill her.
The trip to Dunbarrow was different, however. With her two colleagues, Dani is investigating a blight that was reported on the local trees, but she wasn’t expecting to be attacked by weird creatures, or find herself being transported to locations miles away in the blink of an eye. They hadn’t counted on their equipment malfunctioning, nor their specimens mysteriously disappearing.
It’s not long before Dani realises there’s a supernatural element to the situation, and that someone is targeting the forest, and the people that live there, something Dani won’t stand for…
This is the first book in a new series, featuring a town with residents a little on the magical side, and a forest with secrets to keep.
Dani is an average science nerd, whom I was ecstatic to read that she actually kept an open mind regarding the situation she found herself in, and was waiting for more information rather than dismissing everything because it isn’t *science*!
It takes a little while for all the supernatural elements to really kick in, but the story is an enjoyable one, with a likeable main character, and set in a very intriguing town.
I’m looking forward to the next book, because I am hopefully that the second part of Dani’s investigation will get some answer then. Also I’m hoping we find out more about Morna.
An entertaining contemporary fantasy, especially for those who like Druids and creatures/beings of the faery persuasion.
January 20, 2026
I loved that this was unabashedly set in Canada, with Canadian protagonists.
I loved the English. That is, the grammar, the sentence and paragraph structure. It flowed. It was well-written. Nicely descriptive but not flowery. I could picture it all in my head.
It was just boring.
It took to chapter 11 to get even a little bit exciting. It got a bit better as it went on. I did find myself skimming almost the whole thing, though. That is, reading the first and last sentences of the paragraph. Focusing on the dialogue. The ending was pretty good; I'll give it that.
Obviously there is going to be a build up of the romance side of things (of which there was nothing really in this first book). That's okay if they take it slow. I mean, the guy was a serious jerk! Me? I would run away. If he can be like that to a stranger who is only trying to help, then he WILL be like that to you in the future. Do not ignore the red flags.
Finally, I kind of feel I know who the second enemy is, though, when I realized I didn't care, that is when I decided I will not be continuing with this series.
I loved the English. That is, the grammar, the sentence and paragraph structure. It flowed. It was well-written. Nicely descriptive but not flowery. I could picture it all in my head.
It was just boring.
It took to chapter 11 to get even a little bit exciting. It got a bit better as it went on. I did find myself skimming almost the whole thing, though. That is, reading the first and last sentences of the paragraph. Focusing on the dialogue. The ending was pretty good; I'll give it that.
Obviously there is going to be a build up of the romance side of things (of which there was nothing really in this first book). That's okay if they take it slow. I mean, the guy was a serious jerk! Me? I would run away. If he can be like that to a stranger who is only trying to help, then he WILL be like that to you in the future. Do not ignore the red flags.
Finally, I kind of feel I know who the second enemy is, though, when I realized I didn't care, that is when I decided I will not be continuing with this series.
September 17, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
4.5*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
4.5*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
December 17, 2025
good
I love Danny and her scientist buddies. There’s a lot of odd things going on in the forest that Danny thought maybe she was the only one seeing, but she decided to take a chance and talk to her team members about it. After her disappearing twice, they also agreed that there was something odd going on. Even though Danny doesn’t really believe in magic she’s starting to believe in werewolves and other supernatural creatures. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I love Danny and her scientist buddies. There’s a lot of odd things going on in the forest that Danny thought maybe she was the only one seeing, but she decided to take a chance and talk to her team members about it. After her disappearing twice, they also agreed that there was something odd going on. Even though Danny doesn’t really believe in magic she’s starting to believe in werewolves and other supernatural creatures. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 13, 2025
Loved it
I really really enjoyed this book. The creepy and weirdness, the oh so fun eerie creatures, the live forest, and the great concept of the story. Dani, Ally, and Mark come to Dunmere forest after they receive word of strange things occurring there and find a town full of odd characters, mystery, and realize there might be a little paranormal involved. I cannot wait for more in this series.
I really really enjoyed this book. The creepy and weirdness, the oh so fun eerie creatures, the live forest, and the great concept of the story. Dani, Ally, and Mark come to Dunmere forest after they receive word of strange things occurring there and find a town full of odd characters, mystery, and realize there might be a little paranormal involved. I cannot wait for more in this series.
October 18, 2025
Really loved such a unique story, yay relatable. Disappointed that there was NO romance, but my faith that Dani and Callum will eventually end up together is unshaken. How will she explain these developments to her friends and family though? Not to mention her employer, because I think she's done roaming.
September 14, 2025
fascinating new series
Ava L Bishop and Auburn Tempest have written the first book in another enthralling story - this time in northern Ontario instead of Boston.
I was hooked from the first page.
Ava L Bishop and Auburn Tempest have written the first book in another enthralling story - this time in northern Ontario instead of Boston.
I was hooked from the first page.
September 27, 2025
Root of All Evil (Green Warden Codex 1)
I have read books by both of these authors. I couldn’t wait to read this. It gripped me from page one. The characters and the plot drag you in and won’t let you go. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoy it and love it.
I have read books by both of these authors. I couldn’t wait to read this. It gripped me from page one. The characters and the plot drag you in and won’t let you go. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoy it and love it.
September 16, 2025
So different So good!!!
Really feels like what would happen if majik came to the forest in actual fact!!! The next book NEEDS to be here!
Really feels like what would happen if majik came to the forest in actual fact!!! The next book NEEDS to be here!
September 17, 2025
This was absolutely brilliant.
Ava and Auburn, this was one of the best I've read in a long time. Not what I expected, and my anticipation was high. Way to go!
Ava and Auburn, this was one of the best I've read in a long time. Not what I expected, and my anticipation was high. Way to go!
September 25, 2025
I knew I was going to like this book because I enjoy both authors' writing but I was pleasantly surprised just how much I enjoyed it! 4.75 ⭐
October 2, 2025
Good story, great world building
Another start to what will be a great series I'm sure. These ladies do not disappoint,. I can't wait for the next book!
Another start to what will be a great series I'm sure. These ladies do not disappoint,. I can't wait for the next book!
December 17, 2025
Good read
Good story, nice changes to old tropes. I enjoy the suspense of getting answers in book two. Can't wait to start the next book.
Good story, nice changes to old tropes. I enjoy the suspense of getting answers in book two. Can't wait to start the next book.
December 29, 2025
A great new series!
When science meets magic, in a town of werewolves, sparks fly. A brilliant start to this series! Bring on book 2!😁
When science meets magic, in a town of werewolves, sparks fly. A brilliant start to this series! Bring on book 2!😁
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews