First published 2025
Meryn Cooper despises the Bonded warriors who ride massive direwolves while her family scrapes by in poverty. When immortal monsters kidnap her little sister Saela across the border, Meryn's hatred transforms into desperate need. She enlists in the army and enters the brutal Bonding Trials, where one mistake means death. Four months of training at the castle await. Meryn must tame a feral direwolf that won't speak to her. Fellow trainees want to spill her common blood. Her instructor Stark Therion punishes every weakness with cold precision. The crown prince's dangerous interest makes her more enemies than allies. Competition defines everything in halls that hide dark secrets. Meryn faces a simple choice: bond with her direwolf or bleed out trying. She can duel her rivals or die at their hands. Failure means losing everything, including any chance to rescue Saela. Every smile conceals a blade in this world where only the worthy survive.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, training
Setting: Bonded, Trials
Period: Four Months
608 pages · Paperback · Swiftstone Media
Content warnings: violence