The Raek Riders Series Series by Melanie K. Moschella

She will play many roles for her spy, interrogator, even weapon. But what if she wants to be a hero? Ordinary and lonely kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, volunteers to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace. Her impulsive decision could end in disembowelment, but against all odds, she survives, striking an unexpected bargain with the deadly creature and an even more unexpected friendship... moreShe will play many roles for her spy, interrogator, even weapon. But what if she wants to be a hero? Ordinary and lonely kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, volunteers to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace. Her impulsive decision could end in disembowelment, but against all odds, she survives, striking an unexpected bargain with the deadly creature and an even more unexpected friendship. Meera's fondness for the feathered, fire-breathing beast called a raek will force her to choose between her king and her conscience.To rid the raek of his iron muzzle and help his mysterious-and handsome-rider, Meera will have to barter a man's life, manipulate the king, and play with fire-raek fire, that is. But when doing what's right is also treason, the consequences could be deadly ...Blending dragon-loving adventure with emotional depth, this thrilling and introspective fantasy is Melanie K. Moschella's debut novel and the first of five books in The Raek Riders Series. less

In this gripping sequel to Iron-Bound Flames, Meera faces an obstacle even more powerful than an iron-fisted love. She did it-she freed Shael and his raek and landed herself alone in a strange land in the process. Now, Shael offers to take her, and Meera is thrust into a society in which humans are detested and magic is commonplace. Finding her new home-and host-more seductive than she could have ever anticipated, Meera envisions a future for herself among the raek riders... moreIn this gripping sequel to Iron-Bound Flames, Meera faces an obstacle even more powerful than an iron-fisted love. She did it-she freed Shael and his raek and landed herself alone in a strange land in the process. Now, Shael offers to take her, and Meera is thrust into a society in which humans are detested and magic is commonplace. Finding her new home-and host-more seductive than she could have ever anticipated, Meera envisions a future for herself among the raek riders. However, after a devastating rejection she realizes she has been distracted-she has forgotten what really matters to her and forsaken her only her father. Determined to rescue her father from his brutal forced service to the king, Meera strikes out on her own. But she soon learns that things-and forests-are not always as they appear and that only a warrior at heart can weather the harshest of storms. Meera may or may not find her father, but what-or who-she does find is sure to change her ... forever. less

After Meera emerges from her magic-induced coma with a powerful knell body, she soon discovers that the wild raek has given her more than she’d bargained the horrifying ability to conjure raek fire. Unable to control her magic and afraid she will burn down everything she has built for herself, Meera leaves the Riders’ Holt.With the help of an unexpected—and long-dead—teacher, she will train to prove to herself and her friends that she is worthy of being the next raek rider... moreAfter Meera emerges from her magic-induced coma with a powerful knell body, she soon discovers that the wild raek has given her more than she’d bargained the horrifying ability to conjure raek fire. Unable to control her magic and afraid she will burn down everything she has built for herself, Meera leaves the Riders’ Holt.With the help of an unexpected—and long-dead—teacher, she will train to prove to herself and her friends that she is worthy of being the next raek rider. But what kind of a rider can’t control her own raek?Meera’s return to the riders is met with mixed emotions, complicated further when Shael’s friend Kennick challenges her to a fight … and wants to buy her new boots. But the acceptance Meera really needs is from the Queen’s Council—without it, she could lose the home she has finally found for herself or even her life. less

Meera is ready to fight. She’s ready to stand up for humans everywhere and end the war. But a single moment could turn all of her plans to ash …After fleeing an attack by the Queen’s Council, Meera’s safety and—more importantly—her relationship with Kennick are both up in the air. Kennick goes back to treating her like the night of the ball never happened, forcing Meera to decide what she wants and whether she’s brave enough to ask for it... moreMeera is ready to fight. She’s ready to stand up for humans everywhere and end the war. But a single moment could turn all of her plans to ash …After fleeing an attack by the Queen’s Council, Meera’s safety and—more importantly—her relationship with Kennick are both up in the air. Kennick goes back to treating her like the night of the ball never happened, forcing Meera to decide what she wants and whether she’s brave enough to ask for it.Meanwhile, the knell queen reveals herself as an ally—maybe even a friend. But Meera is still far from she will have to battle a fearsome opponent in single combat, attend a potentially deadly dinner party, and face a hard truth if she is going to accomplish her goals.In an effort to negotiate for peace, Meera will travel with the queen and find herself back in her homeland. There, she will be confronted by people and places from her past—and an instant of fire and loss may just make her give up the fight. less

Her loyalties torn, Meera finds herself caught in the middle-the middle of the end. Meera has freed herself from her dungeon cell, but she has not quite freed herself from her grief and guilt. Desperate for atonement, she leads Kennick, Shael, and Linus to Harringbay to seek forgiveness from the duke's family for her part in his death. The duke's daughter, Emmaline, is sick-plagued by a lifetime illness that she fears will kill her... moreHer loyalties torn, Meera finds herself caught in the middle-the middle of the end. Meera has freed herself from her dungeon cell, but she has not quite freed herself from her grief and guilt. Desperate for atonement, she leads Kennick, Shael, and Linus to Harringbay to seek forgiveness from the duke's family for her part in his death. The duke's daughter, Emmaline, is sick-plagued by a lifetime illness that she fears will kill her. Emmaline requests Meera's assistance in reaching her ancestral land for a cure, and together, they will embark on a journey-one that will prove fruitful in unexpected ways. At the same time, a battle is brewing between Aegorn and Terratelle-one final battle to end the long-waging war between the two nations. Meera will have to decide whether or not she will fight ... But whatever she decides, her extraordinary abilities won't help her prevent the death of someone she loves. less