Crown of Feathers

Veronyka is a war orphan, raised sixteen years after a conflict between two royal sisters broke an empire. That empire was founded by Phoenix Riders, legendary heroes who flew on fire-winged birds. She grew up on stories of them and wants nothing more than to become one.

Her older sister controls her life, and a betrayal by that sister sends Veronyka off alone to find the Riders. To be accepted among them, she disguises herself as a boy and joins their ranks.

For a while she belongs. Then her sister arrives and reveals that the lies between them run deeper than Veronyka knew. At the same moment, the ruling empire learns the Riders have returned and sets out to wipe them out for good.

This is epic fantasy set in a world governed by warrior queens, with a sibling rivalry at its centre and a young heroine hiding who she is. Expect a story of divided loyalties and a contest over the crown, where the choice is between ruling and being ruled.