Jin is a hardened pickpocket surviving the underbelly of Tang China, until a single heist changes everything. When her gang's riskiest gamble goes wrong, Jin finds herself bonded to a dragon, and confronts a choice: endure the slave mines, or train to join the Dragon Class, the empire's mightiest and most revered army. For her dragon Rayshan is a rare and powerful type: a jade. As Jin's bond with Rayshan deepens and her desire to rise above her humble station grows, Jin faces a battle not only to pass the trials barring her from becoming the empire's first female dragonrider, but also against the ruthless aristocracy--particularly Gao, the Minister of War, who will defend the empire's iron clad traditions by any means necessary. And meanwhile, on the edges of the empire, a buried dark force is gathering, threatening to sweep them all into chaos... is the first book in the epic fantasy adventure. If you love dragon fantasy and vivid ancient worlds, this is one ride you won't want to miss.