Book excerpt: Sent on a mission into the jungles of Chult, a band of adventurers finds that the fate of a lost colony is not the only secret the island is hiding Tethyrian colonists sent to the jungle island of Chult have vanished—and only their celebrated leader has returned. But the story he tells of disease and monsters rings false to his enemies, piquing the interest of many who seek the truth. Enter Captain Harp and his crew aboard the Crane, who are sent to discover what really happened to the Lost Colony and what the Hero of Tethyr is hiding. Welcome to the jungle, a place where giant ants and lizard creatures run rampant. The first book in a series designed to showcase the uncivilized areas that iconic to the Dungeons & Dragons game, The Fanged Crown is an easy way for unfamiliar readers to enter the world of Forgotten Realms. With plenty of action, intrigue, and adventure, this is a book that will appeal to new readers and familiar readers alike. The Fanged Crown and the rest of the Wilds series may be read in any order.