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Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.
Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.
In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest—a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
January 21, 2020 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593155301
- File size: 288622 KB
- Duration: 10:01:17
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 680
- Text Difficulty: 3
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Reviews
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An ensemble of narrators presents the first in a series set in a dystopian world in which Ashlords rule. Three teens compete, riding magical steeds that rise from ashes at dawn and die in flames in the Ashlords' annual race. All of them are at an unfair advantage and have stakes more important than the prize money. Andrew Aiden mixes a drawl and a tone of determination to portray Adrian, the cowboy-like son of a revolutionary. Rebecca Soler expresses Imelda's tinges of desperation as a poor entrant as well as her strong desire to crush the oppressive system. Lauren Fortgang dramatizes Pippa's pride, which is encouraged by her parents, former Ashlord champions. Each narrator expresses the rising tension as the competitors fight for triumph and for their lives. Neil Hellengers enters at the end, giving an overall perspective and a view of what's to come. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
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