“Although the flying gryphons do not possess distinctive magic, they are not powerless. It is a great mistake to underestimate them.”

GRYPHONS OF POROMIEL, A STUDY ON BATTLE BY COLONEL GARION SAVOY

“In the first year, some of us lose our lives. In the second year, the rest of us lose our humanity.” Zaiden Ryerson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die in her first year at Basgaith Military School – even Violet herself. But the Selection was only the first difficult trial, aimed at weeding out the weak, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet is already wondering if she will make it. Not only because the training is tough and incredibly brutal, nor even because it is designed to push the riders to their limits. She wonders because of the new lieutenant, who intends to show Violet exactly how powerless she is – unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet's body is weaker and more fragile than the others, she still has her wits and a steely will. And the leaders forget the most important lesson Basgaith has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But the determination to survive will not be enough this year. Because Violet knows the secret that has been hidden for centuries at Basgaith Military School – and nothing, not even dragon fire, will be enough to save them in the end.