Hot damn! I devoured this book. It’s a brilliant feat of storytelling. From the worldbuilding to the politics to the huge cast of unique characters (AND their dragons), I’m in awe of what Yarros accomplished. I have only praise for this action-packed fantasy with a kick-ass female protagonist and sexy enemies to lovers romantic arc. Yes, there was a lot to keep up with and the make up of squadrons was confusing but it didn’t detract from the story for me. Can’t wait for book 2. Queer rep: numerous bisexual side characters and one non-binary side character.

Short summary: thought Violet has trained all her life to be a scribe, her ruthless general mother insists she join the riders quadrant- basically a death sentence, especially for Violet who has a physical disability. But every day that Violet survives suggests she’s right where she should be even though every force is against her, including an infuriatingly handsome, very off-limits, wing leader.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐