Unbound - Penelope Bloom

Nineteen-year-old Nessa Thorne expects death when she volunteers for the Empire's selection. Instead, she's thrust into Confluence Academy, where students harness elemental magic and bond powerful beasts—from wolves to ancient dragons—forging themselves into the Empire's most lethal weapons.Students are branded by water, air, earth, or fire. But Nessa’s mark is different. A silver spiral—the mark of an unbound. It’s a power so dangerous that her kind were hunted to extinction centuries ago—or so the Empire claims. Nessa’s greatest threat may be the only other volunteer—Raith Hollow, a powerful fire affinity whose scorching gaze follows her every move and whose secrets could topple kingdoms.Alliances are forged in blood, enemies circle like vultures, and forbidden desires close in. Death once seemed like release from her tragic past. Now it's not an option. Nessa will embrace her terrible potential or watch everything she's fought for burn.At Confluence Academy, students leave as weapons ... or they don't leave at all.Readers are already falling in love with Unbound!"Wow! Oh wow! All the fun tropes we crave for in a Romantasy book that felt freshly unique." Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“If you enjoyed Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and other books similar… add this to your TBR stat!!! It is sooo good!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This book had me in a chokehold. Loved it all the way.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I’m actually giving this a 6/5 stars! Like I NEED THE SEQUEL NOW! Devoured and left no crumbs." Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐