The Dark Hills Divide

The Dark Hills Divide is a children's fantasy and mystery novel by Patrick Carman, the first book in The Land of Elyon series. It focuses on Alexa Daley, who is the daughter of Mr. Daley, the mayor of Lathbury.

Plot
Inquisitive twelve-year-old Alexa Daley is spending another summer in the walled town of Bridewell. This year, she is set on solving the mystery of what lies beyond the walls. Legend says the walls were built to keep out an unnamed evil that lurks in the forests and The Dark Hills. But what exactly is it that the townspeople are so afraid of?

As Alexa begins to unravel the truth, pushing beyond the protective barrier she's lived behind all her life, she discovers a strange and ancient enchantment. Armed with an unexpected new power of a Jocasta, which enables her to talk to animals, Alexa exposes a danger that could destroy everything she holds dear - and change The Land of Elyon forever.

Will she ever discover what that evil creature is and what it will do? Will she destroy that evil creature of the dark hills divide? Will she be able to save everything dear to her?