Aquila has fallen and the Rift Riders are homeless. Freshly settled in the heart of the Overworld, the kaz-naghkt are more dangerous than ever, especially when united with their pirate allies. Scattered and divided, the Riders are desperate to reclaim their home – but first they need help.After fleeing into the Greater West, Mhysra, Lyrai and their friends are sent south to the kingdom of Havia to plead for aid. But the land also borders the magical Storm Wash on the very edge of the Dragonlands, and soon the Riders have more to worry about than kaz-naghkt and unfriendly kings.Back at Aquila, Lord Yullik sits high in his tower of triumph, but little does he know of the troubles that wait in the shadows.The Dragongifted are waking – and the Overworld will never be the same again. Having an overactive imagination hasn't always been a good thing: I spent much of my childhood scared of the dark and terrified by the stories my older sister told me (mostly to stop her being the only one afraid of the dark). These days I find it useful. I love stories, I love fantasy, I love things with wings, stars and the world around me, and I have great fun combining them all into my stories.Born in the UK, I live in the wild south-west where I run around with my dogs and get bossed about by cats, while taking photos of gorgeous landscapes, reading lots of books and climbing rocks.I've also been known to write stories. For over one hundred years, women have been banned from joining the Rift Riders. No one really remembers why, or much cares, it's just the way things are.Or were. Because the Overworld is in trouble. The vicious kaz-naghkt are growing in strength, the dragons have hidden themselves away and humanity has only itself to turn to for help. And front and centre, the pride and protectors of the Overworld, are the Rift Riders.With their numbers dropping and recruits become hard to find, the Riders are about to make a drastic decision – to readmit women. And standing right at the head of the line is Lady Mhysra Kilpapan, daughter of an earl, niece of the best miryhl breeder on the Overworld, and Wingborn to Cumulo.Girl and giant eagle were born to be Rift Riders – and now, thanks to the new proclamation – they can be. But getting in is only the start of the adventure, and Mhysra, Cumulo and friends are about to discover that the Overworld is a far bigger and more dangerous place than they could ever imagine.
