Feathers of Ash and Hope by K. J. Altair (Paperback)

Ara has lived under a curse that could cost her everything—including her family’s survival. To fight fate, she enrols at the elite Skyrider Academy, where bonding with a giant mythical bird and mastering magic might be her only hope. But Ara must conceal her true identity—and spin lies to stay alive. Her plan doesn’t include reigniting a childhood crush or drawing the attention of a dark, scarred centurion with a lethal reputation.

Tate joined the Skyriders with one goal: repay a blood-debt and rise through the ranks. He keeps people at a distance, especially reckless recruits like Ara who seem driven by secrets rather than strategy. But the more he watches her, the more he realises her danger may be tied to him—and that he’s drawn to her flaws as much as her fire.

In a world modelled on a Roman-Empire-style power structure, magic is weapon, trust is rare and flying beasts dominate the skies. As enemies converge, alliances shift and forbidden chemistry ignites, Ara and Tate must decide who to trust—each other or the lies that protect them. Their journey is one of soaring wings, hidden truths, sacrifice and the question: if love is the risk, is the reward worth the fall?