The Eden Tree — Jory Sherman

DUSTIN FERRIS received a package from his father after his father's death in Irag. The box contained books of ancient knowledge and a book of spells, plus a pair if magical rings. There was also a letter from his father telling him what to do with the rings and the book of spells.

When his mother refuses to go into the woods and sit on his father's favorite rock, Dusin asks his neighbor, Pepper, a girl his own age to do what his father told him. She agrees and the two are transported to an ancient land, S'inar where they set out on a journey to find the E'din.

Their journey is perilous. They are purified in a ziggurat by the Spider Woman, Sybil who guides them through the portals where they find themselves in the midst of a terrible battle. They are given protective amulets and backpacks.
They, along with Dustin's dog, Bucky, venture on the harrowing journey to find Dustin's father. They must outwit and kill a Cyclops, endure the forest where tiger birds roam, a dangerous swamp and terrifying apparitions.

The story is as timeless as civilization itself and culminates in a place where knowledge abides in a tree that grows only in ancient Eden.