In need of critiques. Warning : LONG, VERY LONG

Hey everybody, ummm, just joined up and I was wondering if I could get some critiques on the first chapter of the novel I'm working on. It's currently pushing about 13 chapters so far and not even close to being done but I would appreciate the help never the less

Chapter I : The Lost Cities

The Emerald Sea stretches from the farthest corners of the Western Continent to the Silent Valley. The Sea, contrary to what its name suggests, is in reality a jungle of massive proportions It covers over two hundred thousand krys with the tall, brilliant emerald trees that are its namesake. Though the beauty of the Sea is undeniable within its dark recesses are hidden countless dangers and bloodthirsty creatures. The greatest of which, an insectoid creature known as the bark stalker is responsible for more than a hundred deaths every year in the small elven towns and villages within the Sea. The trees of the Sea are so densely packed that no light manages to cut through their leaves and branches, creating a perpetual night on the forest floor. It is said that this is one of the many reasons why none have managed to successfully traverse the Sea, though many have tried. Still the dangers of the bark stalkers and tree wyrms are undeniable; however, there are rumors that greater terrors lie within the depths of the Sea. Terrors as old as the Divine.
-Extract from Aen Sental's "Exotic Locales of Therenar"