How long has it been since you’ve read a fantasy with dragons involved? For us here at THP, it’s been a few months. But we’re back and better than ever with Meghan Le Fay’s debut novel, Wings of Life! You might want to strap in for this epic adult fantasy, for it’s the first book in the Dragonbound Chronicles trilogy.
Wings of Life follows 21-year-old Serae, the daughter of a margrave of Inra who gets sent away for a spy operation under the guise of an arranged marriage. While there, she learns combat and training rituals of Rihtlond to pass along in a coded journal.
Her mission becomes a problem when she starts to fall for her handsome yet brooding trainer. Not to mention her increasingly complicated arranged marriage to the Dane’s heir, Eldreth. Need some more convincing? Here are three of our favorite things about Wings of Life by Meghan Le Fay!
Book Overview: Wings Of Life
Content warnings: death, death of family and loved ones, murder, attempted murder, graphic violence, torture, gore, bodies, warfare, physical abuse, sexual assault, sexism, weapons, forced captivity, hostages, poisoning, vomiting, swearing (Please read at your discretion!)
Summary: They cast me off to Rihtlond as a bride.
They don’t care if I come back alive.
Too sharp-tongued and too curious, I am my mother’s greatest lament and my father’s constant frustration. Unwilling to bow to their will, I’ve become expendable, worth sending on a mission doomed to fail.
Armed with nothing but a coded journal, a quill, and my wits, I’m thrust into the kingdom of our oldest enemy—a land of storms and warriors—to wed their high dane’s son. Trapped on their ruthless continent, I am no blushing bride. I’m a spy sent to unlock Rihtlond’s weaknesses…a cuckoo in the robin’s nest.
But my heart still bleeds red when the weaponmaster of these strange people steals it away. Through him, I learn to unlock their secrets. What I uncover is more dangerous than I ever imagined: magic thrumming in the roots of Rihtlond, a dragon hidden in plain sight, and a love I was never meant to feel. Holding this knowledge, I am meant to return home and bind myself to a future I was given long ago.
Now, as war rises and alliances crumble, I must choose between duty and desire, between the family who cast me aside and the bond that awakens who I truly am. To protect what I’ve found—and who I become—I must risk everything. Even if it brands me a traitor. Even if it costs me my life.
Serae’s Strength
One of our favorite things about Wings of Life is the main character Serae’s strength. Even though she’s the youngest of her family, she must meet her father’s sky-high expectations. And in her homeland of Inra, she doesn’t have a say in what she does. Once in Rihtlond, she trains tirelessly to become stronger, more stealthy, and more dependable. Women and men are treated as equals in this land. Serae thus finds her inner strength in this book, even more so when met with the power of an ancient dragon.
A Hint Of Dragon Magic
We love how Serae’s powers granted by the dragon Vaya’la in Wings of Life are only a portion of her full potential. It sets up the sequel nicely to know that there is more for her to learn and accomplish. Alongside her physical training with fellow soldiers, Serae learns how to control her dragon magic. When to channel Vaya’la and close the connection, how to grow herbs and flowers, how to heal others and herself; the list goes on. But she’s capable of doing so much more, as we can see in the final battle.
The Supporting Cast
Another thing we love about Wings of Life is the supporting cast. Loving Serae and Eldreth’s romance is a given, but let’s hear it for the found family! Serae becomes friends and/or respected acquaintances with the people in her training group, or ranng. She’s found a place to belong in Rihtlond. And we love her closeness with Teke, her banter with Lex, and her interactions with Raif, Lispen, and Ivank. Trouble closes in as it always does, however, and it costs this team everything to get past it.
Meghan Le Fay’s Wings of Life sets up an incredible adult fantasy trilogy filled with ancient dragons, wild desires, and heartrending sacrifices. We can’t wait to see where Serae and Eldreth go from here!
Wings of Life by Meghan Le Fay comes out May 26th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Meghan Le Fay’s debut novel, Wings of Life? Are you interested in book one of The Dragonbound Chronicles? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
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