Above all other creatures, the dragon is the culmination of power and the peak of magical strength. In the world of Yadir lie seven kingdoms under the rule of the High King, and within the kingdom of Lifesveil dwell war criminals bound in magical cells. When the criminals are set free, terrible monstrosities are unleashed upon the realm, shaking Yadir to its very foundation. Only the Ashenborn, wizards able to take the form of dragons, can hope to defeat this age-old enemy. The first in a series, this debut novel from Matthew W. Fenn is pure magic, embracing high fantasy while redefining heroic courage.