A knight with no glory. A griffin that has been cursed. A queen who is able to use forbidden starlight. And a prophecy that might destroy everything. When Captain Rennard and his patrol are slaughtered at Fort Ember's Watch, Arin Thorne - an outcast Griffin Knight - barely escapes with his life and a warning of horrible things coming from the dark. And fighting at his side is Talon, his once gilded griffin, now scarred and twisted by the Void. The burden of failure haunts Arin, and suspicion is hunting him like a predator. He has no choice but to return to the one person he promised he would never see again: Queen Lyra Solaris. Lyra is more than just a queen; she possesses the secret power of her connection to the stars. The Sun's Inquisition would burn her alive if they caught wind of this. As Lyra faces a kingdom besieged by Voidspawn, and priests circling like vultures, she must decide if she can trust the man who broke her heart, or condemn him as the reason behind their end. With shadows marching across Aethelgard and prophecies stirring, Arin and Lyra become entangled in a risky waltz of war, forbidden magic, and a love neither of them can escape. If they want to save their people, they must find a way to work together. But as they come together, the darkness festering inside Arin—and Talon—threatens to overtake them both. For readers who enjoy epic fantasy, dark romance, and adrenaline-pumping adventure, Crown of shadow and starlight is the first book in a fascinating saga of prophecy, betrayal, and a destiny forged amongst the stars.