The ruling Ashlord class ride Phoenix horses – ones that burn up every night and rise again with the sun the following day. A talented rider can add substance to create horses that are tireless, or fighters, or always catch their fallen riders. These horses helped the Ashlords to squash the other classes that live in their Empire- the Longhands who reject the gods and the Dividians who came to raid the land. The Ashlords rule with a tight hand and look forward to The Race every year. A race between riders of all classes. A race that outlaws killing another but not disabling riders or polluting the ashes of the horses. The race this year includes the favorite, a daughter of two former winners; a Longhand riding to start a revolution; and a poor Dividian with a talent for alchemy. Each of these three think they know how to win but as the race begins, they find out they know very little at all.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy of this book.
