The Fate of Ashes Series by Victoria K. Taylor

Sometimes a captain's duty is more than just protecting the realm . . . To Captain Valeria Augusta, nothing is more important than the Pillar Legion and their mission to regain control of the realm from the Kingdom of Praiton. And, of course, to protect her three best friends under her command. Especially when most of the Legion believes the only reason she got her position of captain was because she’s a female rather than for her battle prowess or talent with a flaming sword... moreSometimes a captain's duty is more than just protecting the realm . . . To Captain Valeria Augusta, nothing is more important than the Pillar Legion and their mission to regain control of the realm from the Kingdom of Praiton. And, of course, to protect her three best friends under her command. Especially when most of the Legion believes the only reason she got her position of captain was because she’s a female rather than for her battle prowess or talent with a flaming sword. But when General Aris Calatos hears of a plot by the Ember Throne of Maniel, one that could threaten any advantage the Legion may have, Val and the handsome general are thrust together as they work to stop the kingdom from toppling the last free region of the realm. As the threat of Maniel approaches, Val is forced to not only face the noble past that haunts her, but to fight the dangerous feelings for the general that she can’t shake . . . feelings that neither of them are allowed to have. Val must decide what is worth protecting the mission of the Legion or her very heart. THE LADY OF FIRE & LIGHT is a Fate of Ashes prequel novella set thirty years before the events of A CROWN OF STAR & ASH. For a full list of tropes and any TWs, please see the author's website. . less

When the kingdom of Praiton began overthrowing the surrounding kingdoms of Krigor, no one knew why. As a healer for Praiton, Deya believed that there was no higher honor in the realm. But when Deya is imprisoned after learning an enormous secret that threatens the regime, her love and loyalty for her kingdom is shattered. Beaten, and tortured, a new, terrible power is unleashed inside of her, a power that she cannot control... moreWhen the kingdom of Praiton began overthrowing the surrounding kingdoms of Krigor, no one knew why. As a healer for Praiton, Deya believed that there was no higher honor in the realm. But when Deya is imprisoned after learning an enormous secret that threatens the regime, her love and loyalty for her kingdom is shattered. Beaten, and tortured, a new, terrible power is unleashed inside of her, a power that she cannot control. Forced outside of the only kingdom that she has ever known, Deya has no choice but to team up with a band of unlikely rebels that all have one thing in the desire for the destruction of Praiton. One of those rebels is Caelum, a male who spent most of his life inside a prison. Having lost everything to Praiton, Caelum hates everything and everyone from the kingdom…Including Deya. But Caelum has a secret, one that could turn the tide of the war, and one that keeps him pushing everyone and everything away. As Deya struggles to recover from the trauma of her imprisonment, she is forced to face where her allegiance with the kingdom that betrayed her, or with the male who could destroy it forever. less

With the successful removal of Praiton forces from one of the most powerful kingdoms in the realm, the tide of war has finally changed for the rebellion. While the Pillar Legion attempts to strengthen its position, Deya is beginning to fully acclimate to life with her newly discovered powers and friends... moreWith the successful removal of Praiton forces from one of the most powerful kingdoms in the realm, the tide of war has finally changed for the rebellion. While the Pillar Legion attempts to strengthen its position, Deya is beginning to fully acclimate to life with her newly discovered powers and friends. Even though her budding relationship with Caelum proves to be just as problematic as it was when they first met, Deya is hopeful that she is at least finally out of reach of the nefarious empire she once called home. But when Deya is ambushed by a band of assassins, Caelum is forced to send Deya away to the one place she can hope to be safe from Praiton's clutches. While Deya struggles to adjust to life in a strange new kingdom, a greater threat looms, one that could destroy any newfound advantage the Pillar Legion might have. As evil encroaches on the realm, Deya, Caelum, Val, and Rayner must each face their greatest fears alone, knowing that failure could mean the loss of everything they hold dear. .. including each other. less