BOOK #1

Each year at the Tournament of Gold, first-blooded and firstborn male warriors battle alongside their otherworldly monsters for fame and power. But when Talia's younger brother is murdered on his way to the tournament-and his beast bonds with Talia-all hope for the Tenth is lost. Fortiss of the First House would never let a woman vie for a seat on the Court of Talons. He might also be her brother's killer. Desperate for answers and to protect her house, Talia assumes her brother's identity and enters the tournament. But beneath the pomp and glory of this year's battles, Talia discovers a dark conspiracy carefully crafted to destroy the entire realm. In an ever-more-deadly dance across gilded ballrooms and brutal fighting pits, she must sacrifice her heart, her freedom, and even the precious, mystical bond she's formed with her glorious monster to win at all costs. Because only Talia understands the truth: If she's discovered she dies. If she loses she dies. And if she doesn't stop the evil screaming toward them through the shadows everyone dies.