“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second one year is when the remainder of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die throughout her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing used to be only the first unimaginable test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. Although Violet’s body may well be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting an important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But a determination to live to tell the tale won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, is also enough to save them in any case. The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Fourth Wing Book #2 Iron Flame