The second semester has begun for the Life Elemental Sophie Briggs and her friends at the famous School of Roots and Vines. Things are changing and it may not be for the best. Even Sophie is changing, though she doesn't see her new abilities, yet. Just what is going on? A new girl comes to the school and it's not too long before the fabled tree of Thicket Hall is turning against Sophie and her friends and no longer trusts them. Someone new has stepped up, but who? Something's not right and Sophie and her friends are going to have to figure out what's going on or it just might be the end of the school and the old oak tree-permanently. Is the new girl behind this? Is she the new Marcus? Can Sophie figure out what's going on and get her friends to work together to stop it in time?