Beyond the Forest (Gem Powers Series Book 1) by Kay L. Ling

Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. Maybe she should have closed the books right then and walked away, because special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master with unimaginable powers.

Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, carnivorous insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next and plans are in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them.

This is a standalone novel without loose ends or a cliffhanger ending, but the resolution opens the door for further adventures. Pick up book 2, Shadowglade, and book 3, Runes and Relics, which concludes this series.

A spinoff series, The Gem Lore Series, continues the story, featuring gnome viewpoint characters and exciting new adventures in the gnome world. Book one, Wards and Wonders, was released on 03/06/18.