(#391 in Fantasy) Welcome to Ashfall, an ancient kingdom inhabited by millions of people...and dragons. It is the most prosperous and largest kingdom the world has ever seen. It's territory and sphere of influence stretches all the way across the shimmering sea. Trade flourishes and so does the quality of life. But, perhaps the most unique part of Ashfall, is that dragon-riders soar the skies mounted upon their winged beasts. Together, we will follow the journey of Ario; a young boy who longs to be a famed dragon-rider. Little did he realize that his choices and path in life would heavily impact the future of Ashfall and that of the world. IMPORTANT: My friend @Msean3 and I are collaborating in writing the sequel novel. Go check his profile out, he's writing another prequel novel about a different continent set in the same world!

The palace is a graveyard of dreams and hope. It slowly lures you in with its mesmerizing beauty, giving silky promises of power and wealth. But as soon as you take a step into the mirage, the doors snap shut. Then you realize... The high palace walls are nothing more than a cage of bones. The peaceful lotus pool is simply a resting place for thousands of lost souls. And laughter and smiles are a weapon to kill you before you can even mutter a single word. When lucky, a remain or two may find its way out - a fragmented jade or two bloody teeth, a remembrance that this indeed was history. From her birth, she was chained by the invisible strings of fate. What was the palace but another prison? Her bargain was her freedom, and his bet was the future of the empire. He favored the land over her, so she chose herself over him. But when she finally had the chance to escape, she found that she couldn't. For her hands were spotted with crimson blood.