Shepherd of Feathers

Eza is eleven years old when her sister is consumed by a leviathan. Eza expects to be eaten as well, but she’s spared and left with strange abilities she doesn’t fully understand.

Three years later, Eza arrives at the steps of the Aerie, a famous organization known for its fearless griffin riders. Her parents have sold her to pay off their debts, and Eza expects to be washing dishes or scrubbing floors for a living.

Instead, she is tasked with cleaning out the griffin pens. Despite the job’s dangers, Eza soon finds herself falling in love with her work. Before long, she accidentally bonds with a griffin chick — and her decision is sealed. She will risk life and limb to become a griffin rider.

The corporate island of Nevale has always been prosperous due to the harnessing of magical creatures, but disaster looms on the horizon as its industry grows. Disappearances have become commonplace in Shadehithe city, and there are new murmurs of upcoming war with other island nations. Above all, Eza’s desire for revenge against the leviathan motivates her to become a griffin rider unlike Nevale has ever seen.

Shepherd of Feathers is due to be finished by the end of August, 2020. After that, it’ll take much longer to get anywhere near possibly-published. I’ll keep this updated as the book progresses.

I’m 80,000 words in, a number that will continue to rise and fall until I’ve finished cutting unnecessary scenes. The world of Shepherd of Feathers continues to grow, leaving me with the impossible challenge of deciding what lore to include.