ASHBOUND: Book One of The Phoenix Trials

Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games in this dark, addictive romantasy where deadly trials, forbidden bonds, and a black phoenix could burn an empire to the ground. Only the worthy survive the Phoenix Trials. She was never meant to enter. Elara Vale has spent her life in the ash district, burning the empire's dead while nobles soar overhead on sacred phoenixes. When her younger brother is arrested for treason and sentenced to death, Elara has only one chance to save him: survive the brutal Phoenix Trials and win the right to petition the crown. >The noble-born candidates would happily watch her burn. The temple priests are hiding dangerous secrets. And Commander Kael Draven-cold, merciless, and devastatingly lethal-seems determined to break her before the trials do. Then Elara discovers the empire's greatest lie. >They are chained. And when a forbidden black phoenix-one erased from history-answers her call, Elara becomes something far more dangerous than an unwanted trial candidate. A threat. Now hunted by the empire, bound to a creature built from ash and fury, and drawn toward the commander she should never trust, Elara must decide what matters more: Saving her brother. Or burning the world that put him in chains. >Perfect for fans of: Deadly trials Enemies to lovers Slow burn romance Morally gray love interests Who did this to you Touch her and die Forced proximity One bed Forbidden bonds Hidden rebellion Found family Secret bloodlines Phoenix riders Ashbound contains mature themes including violence, emotional trauma, imprisonment, class oppression, and intense romantic tension. Recommended for mature readers.