Wilderking Trilogy #2 The Secret of the Swamp King ISBN 0805431322 $15.99 Hardcover Broadman & Holman Publishers As book two opens, Aidan is living in the court of King Darrow. He has become best friends with Darrow's son Steren, and he enjoys great favor among the courtiers. But King Darrow's suspicion is growing and his insecurity causes him to hate the young man who saved his kingdom. Concerned about his king's spiral into ever-darker moods, Aidan asks what he can do to help. Darrow sends him on an impossible adventure to the recesses of Feechiefen Swamp, thinking he is sending Aidan to his death. After all, no Corenwalder has ever returned from Feechiefen alive. But Aidan's fate is not sealed yet, for Aidan has allies among the feechiefolk who know him as the hero Pantherbane.

Jonathan Rogers describes The Wilderking Trilogy as a fantasy-adventure story told in an American accent. The wild places of the imaginary island of Corenwald bear more than a passing resemblance to the vine-tangled swamps and forests of his native Georgia. Rogers holds a Ph.D. in 17th-century literature from Vanderbilt University, where he also taught for five years. The Secret of the Swamp King is his second novel. Reviews for The Bark of the Bog Owl: "Rogers takes biblical fiction to a new level . . . while Rogers’ lovely descriptions and distinctive voice keep the pages turning. Faith fiction readers of all ages should enjoy this first installment in the trilogy." -Publishers Weekly "Rogers’ writing is terrifically appealing. Aidan is a treat, and secondary characters are believable. The adventure and the humor are first rate. Fans of Narnia will find this just to their taste, and will look forward to future installments." -School Library Journal (Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library) "The Bark of the Bog Owl is a top-notch addition to fantasy literature. The first volume in an anticipated Wilderking trilogy, this stirring and richly imagined story should attract a faithful following of young readers." -BookPage