Fourth Wing (Empyrean, Book 1), by Rebecca Yarros

Step into the unforgiving and prestigious realm of a war college for dragon riders in this gripping tale by USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old destined for the peaceful Scribe Quadrant, finds her life turned upside down when her formidable mother, the commanding general, demands that she join the ranks of Navarre's aspiring dragon riders. It's a path fraught with danger, especially for someone small and fragile like Violet, as dragons do not bond with humans they perceive as weak—they incinerate them instead.

In a world where dragons are scarce and competition is fierce, many would willingly eliminate Violet to improve their own chances. Others would target her simply because of her lineage as her mother's daughter, including Xaden Riorson, the powerful and merciless wingleader of the Riders Quadrant.

Violet must rely on her intellect and resourcefulness to survive each passing day, knowing that the next sunrise is never guaranteed. Meanwhile, the war outside the college intensifies, the kingdom's protective defenses weaken, and the death toll continues to rise. Amidst it all, Violet begins to suspect that the leadership harbors a dark secret.

Within the walls of Basgiath War College, every individual—friend, foe, or lover—has their own agenda. The stakes are high, and there are only two outcomes: graduation or death. As the outside world grows more treacherous, Violet must navigate the complexities of the college, uncover the truth, and strive to defy the odds stacked against her.