In the second book of the Aurelian Cycle series, revolutionary flames ignite as two young Firstriders and a dragonrider try and find their place amongst their peers and ultimately decide where their loyalties belong.

“Amid the politics there are plenty of dragon battles, clandestine missions, and secret meetings to keep readers flying through the pages, ending with a nail-biting cliffhanger.”—School Library Journal, starred review

From the craggy cliffs of New Pythos, the exiled Callipolan dragonlords are eager to punish their usurpers and reclaim their city. First they destroyed the food supply. Now they’re coming for the dragonriders.

As Callipolis’s new Firstrider, Annie is charged with leading the war against New Pythos. But with unrest at home, enforcing the government’s rationing program risks turning her into public enemy number one.

Lee struggles to find his place after killing kin for a leader who betrayed him. He can support Annie and the other Guardians . . . or join the rebels who look to topple the new regime.

Griff, a lowborn dragonrider who serves New Pythos, faces a decision of his own. He can answer the call to sacrifice everything for the lords who oppress his people—or he can forge a new path with the Callipolan Firstrider seeking his help.

With famine tearing Callipolis apart and the Pythians determined to take back what they lost, it will be up to Annie, Lee, and Griff to decide who—and what—to fight for.