'Glimmer of Hope', part 1 of 'The Chronicles of Shadowvale' series

In 'Glimmer of Hope', we meet our protagonists, a spirited group of friends from different backgrounds, each with unique talents and fears. They embark on their first adventure to save their village from the darkness that has begun to seep into Shadowvale. Along their journey, they encounter the first of many peculiar monsters and learn the importance of teamwork. The book ends as they discover that their village's plight is part of a much larger, darker threat.