A page-turning inferno of a book. -- Stephanie Garber
Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following
three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The
Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their
empire.
Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods,
they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally
for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood
and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The
Races.
Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing
cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport
requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating
and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are
summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover
impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at
sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend
their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and
poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.
In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have
more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship
entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of
glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?
