Novice Dragoneer

In the opening installment of a thrilling new fantasy saga by the author known for the Age of Fire series, a young girl from a poor background embarks on an unexpected journey as a dragonrider. At the age of fourteen, Ileth has spent her life in an orphanage, and her stutter has led others to believe that she would never rise above menial tasks. However, a childhood encounter with a magnificent silver dragon and a female dragoneer sparked a dream within her to join their ranks. After years of anticipation, Ileth finally seizes her chance and escapes to the Serpentine, an ancient stronghold where humans and dragons coexist, to start as a novice dragoneer. Unlike her peers, who hail from affluent and powerful families, Ileth faces an uphill battle to prove herself, even standing her ground in a clash at the fish-gutting table. Her journey takes more twists when a spontaneous kiss with a boy of renowned lineage lands her with the dragon-dancers, tending to an ailing elderly dragon with a hidden history. These challenges seem minor compared to the ultimate test when Ileth must step into the role of a deceased dragoneer to look after a captive dragon deep in enemy territory.