The Darkness Returns — Michael D. Nadeau

An ancient evil is loosed upon the land of Lythinall and a young monk is swept up in a perilous journey across his homeland to try and stop it. A strange power awakens within him, bearing with it prophesy and danger, but he is not alone. He meets the legendary bard Karsis, and travels with the Princess of Everknight to realms that they have only dreamed of. Hidden forces watch them, with bated breath, as this evil could spell the end of everything