Wings of Night

Dark Sky #1

by Ella Walker Henderson

No one believes she deserves to be a rider. Except for him. But he may be her greatest threat of all.

Zaydah has dreamed her whole life of becoming a rider of the creatures in the sky. In a kingdom always at war, there’s no greater honor than joining their ranks. She and her best friend, Brev, have trained every day for the last ten years to earn their place and follow in their fathers’ footsteps.

In the Black Mountains, where the military sprawls over its hilltop base, not everyone remembers their fathers as heroes. The king has forbidden their last names to be spoken aloud. Enemies won’t forget the wrongs of decades past.

Zaydah and Brev vow to watch each other’s backs and do whatever they can to succeed. They’ve always been an unstoppable team, and neither of them can trust anyone.

But secrets thrive in the Black Mountains. Nothing can prepare Zaydah for what she’ll uncover, and everything could tear her and Brev apart, most of all, the prince and his unusual interest in Zaydah.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Unfinished, Audiobook

409 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Ella Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.

Reviews

[Marls · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? idk I liked the "dragons" but I didn't like Brev💀

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book in a series! Yes there are a few glitches, but rarely is perfection attained immediately. The story is a common one in fantasy but the delivery is unique and compelling. I like Zayda a lot. She is loyal - to a fault (which is actually the one annoyance because she just won’t see reality at times). Her life-long friendship with Bev has her blind to his faults, which looks to be a fatal flaw by the end of the book. Honestly he, as a villain - which he is not totally… yet - is the stuff Steven King movies are made of! As for the prince, there is that chemistry with a foreshadowing of betrayals that may or may not come to pass. *rubs hands* bring it on!

[Jessica Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Night ARC Team Copy
This is one of those lose track of time, can’t put it down once you get started books! Wonderfully written, keeps you wondering what is going to happen next – who is friend or foe stories. A strong FMC, Zaydah, shows grit and determination in everything she does. The MMC, Brevain, had me thinking he needs a good shaking. When I turned the page to learn that was the end I wanted to shout no, not yet! I generally like a little spice in the story line but can say I was not disappointed that it didn’t. Can’t wait for book 2 to come out.

[Stéphanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive, confusing and one really annoying character

Multiple things bothered me in this book. First of all, why do an army not provide the most basic necessities for every soldiers? Having an army of hungry and freezing soldiers seems like the best way to start losing a war.

Brev was one of the most annoying character that I ever had in all of the books I've read. I was already done with him at 20% of the book. Unfortunately for us, we kept having the same arguing scenes between Zaydah and him every few chapters. I DNFed this book after another too similar fight between them.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did enjoy some aspects of the book,like the found family and dragons, I saw a lot of reviews of 5 stars being by people who received early copies or ARC so I felt the need to write this. I did not love it, and even thought about quitting about 60% of the way because of the writing style and me guessing the plot already. but I pushed through and I finished it relatively quickly, the pace of the story is ok but I couldn’t find the world building deep enough for me to not only grow attachement to this characters but also understand them and their motives. The ending also lacked for me, even though Zaydah and Brev relationship development is interesting, I could tell the treason was coming and found the overall toxicity of it quite boring making Brev a straightforward character. I wouldn’t be tempted to grab the second book

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book had a lot of promise but it was brought down by the most insufferable "first love/male friend" character and the FMC's behavior towards him. I know he's meant to be kind of a villain but the interactions were SO CRINGY! There was a great found family and as a slow burn girlie, I love the direction this was headed in but unfortunately between the somewhat confusing world building and especially the dialogue and writing, I'm not sure I can continue with the series.

[Kathryn Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved being on the ARC team for this book! It was a quick read with lots of world building and action. I will say I struggled to get into the book at first just due to the amount of information, HOWEVER, by the end, that information was very much needed. Once the action starts, it is hard to put down. I'm looking forward to book 2 release in January!

[Julrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have liked it better reading and not listening. The narrator was not it for me! The men's voices she did 😖 There was way too much description of battles and fighting. I liked the story though. I wish it would have focused more on that. I might read the next one. And hope not having those voices in my head helps😅

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wings of Night ARC Team copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I love a good dragon or dragon cousin creature adjacent. This exceeded my expectations! The first half of the book was dedicated to world, plot and character building. Once the action started in the second half it never stopped! The FMC is strong. The MMC’s made me think twice or more. I love some good mysteriousness. I enjoyed the trials, aerial battles, tournament and found family. I am eagerly awaiting the release of book two in January 2026!

[Kayla Ankney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen as an arc reader for this amazing book! To me it read slightly like a novella with the short chapters but that was something that got me in trouble. I devoured this book in less than twelve hours! The quick pace and action packed into those short chapters sucked me in! I couldn’t put it down, the power and bravery in Zaydah was incredible, the tension and unknown connection between her and Aris was delicious! The moment of her eyes finally opened to see truly who Brevain was- was simply heart stopping. I am so looking forward to the second book in this series! I loved every moment I was able to spend within the world and among the characters.

[Ashleigh Fording · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashleigh Fording

5.0 out of 5 stars

Friendships tested, new forged, and getting to be a rider!!!

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2025

Format: Kindle

I was lucky to be an ARC reader for this new Series. I can see how others are saying it gives Fourth Wing vibes, but I only agree that does with the comparison of the dynamics with different riders and combat training and FMC. I enjoyed this book so much, and unlike FW, I can let my daughter read this!! I really appreciate the bond that is happening between Zaydah and the other characters. She is learning her worth and has a support system of new friends. There is a lot of character building and I liked the dynamic of each one. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

[jossy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like an attempt to be new and different but it doesn’t differentiate much from the traditional trajectories of these types of books. For example, the characters bond with “creatures” that aren’t dragons… but they’re basically dragons? They act similarly to the dragons in other books of this genre and are even described as similar beings. It was like a mid-Fourth Wing — not terrible, but not great or novel.

The author glossed over things like the trials prior to The Choosing, and then gave play-by-plays of other mediocre fights or conversations that really didn’t advance the plot. The characters are superficial without much depth or nuance.

Zaydah is a naive and sometimes unlikable FMC — she’s always predictable. Her character falls into the stereotypical messes caused by the mindset of “I should tell others this very important information but I’m not going to because I can handle it alone.” Her naivety with Brev irked me to no end. Like girl, you weren’t even an actual couple and he treats you horrendously the entire time but you still defend him to the death to the people who have actually proven to be your friends? Brev is a horrible person, not even morally grey or somewhat likeable, to the point I doubt Zaydah’s intelligence and dislike her by association.

Also, everything came so easy to her. Her biggest struggle was not having a tent or clothes, and that was easily fixed by her friends. She got the biggest legendary creature, won favor with her captain and got to be his attending, won the mountain games, bested trained fighters, etc. It was all a bit too convenient and unbelievable.

The relationship with Aris is presented as “mysterious” but after awhile, it gets boring to keep reading “we locked eyes; I couldn’t look away; what does this mean; so-and-so had to pull me away; etc.” over, and over, and over. There should have been more interactions laying foundation for the relationship (because we know what’s what is getting set up here).

However, Group Fourteen was awesome. I wish we got to see more of them.

[Reading With Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I struggled at first with all the character names and keeping track of what everything meant in the key and pronouncing the names but thats all on my personal self. Once I hit about 30%, it all started to click and I was hooked. The story just kept getting better and I couldn’t put it down.
I was reading in the pickup line at my kids’ school because I had to know what happened next. I cooked dinner with my kindle propped while I  made jambalaya and read at the same time. That’s how good it was.
I loved it and I can’t wait for book 2. Come on January!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Amalie Paar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in two days, I especially enjoy books where the bonded creatures can talk and have their own personalities. Very fourth wing coded but in a good way that wasn’t too redundant.

Brev is a brat and I always hated him.

[Amanda Crossland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Spicy

I went into this knowing it wasn’t spicy, but I did know that the story and plot were fantastic. The reviews didn’t lie. It’s similar to the Empyrean Series (the fourth wing) but has different twists to it. I absolutely loved reading the conversations with Zaydah and Valentis her dragon. It broke me a little reading how Brev went from her closest ally to a complete traitor. Reading how he spoke to her after her dragon chose her, literally broke my heart into the smallest of pieces. I had rooted for him, but he couldn’t see past his own nose. Unfortunately, I read the reviews of the next few books so I know what’s going to happen in a roundabout way but I’m praying everyone doesn’t believe she’s a traitor too. The whole story was enjoyable to read. I hope you like it as much as I did.

[Ginger.3713 Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this book! 4.75!! Got sucked into this world with the creatures and characters, waiting for the next installment as soon as I finished 3/4 of the book I knew I was hooked on the series.
I love Valentius, he has an ego the size of a cruise ship and doesn’t apologize for it. He is protective of Z so I’m curious what else he is aware of in the kingdom but has yet to let her know about or if their are more political games that he is going to break up with his climb to the top.
I want to know more about the story behind Brev and what new terrible decisions he is going to make or does he actually have a reason for his behavior/decisions because we are only getting Z’s POV which could be unreliable. Which side is the right side so many questions.
The connection between Prince Aris and Z is definitely worth knowing more about than the little sips we got in book one. I’m hopeful this is a storyline that will get more attention and maybe a little spice as the series develops.
The found family is a great support but am curious to see how Z’s mother responds or if she does get involved as the story progresses. Z’s relationships with her fellow Attllans especially her core group was nicely written and I enjoyed the banter amongst them cause you can’t be instant friends with everyone even Claudius is growing on me.
The action scenes were what propelled the second half of this book as well as the first half of trials and games to win a spot to be chosen, now that you’re in the world and you’re hooked you have to wait till January gets here…will definitely be a cold winter thankfully Z’s fitted with better attire for the journey ahead.

[Stephanie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I absolutely DEVOURED this book!

There are dragon-esque creatures, trials, training, found family, a prince with a remarkable draw...the list goes on.

The world building was beautifully drawn throughout the entire book in a way that never overwhelmed the details. The characters were intriguing and loveable - Zeydah was strong, witty, and fierce, and Brev, well, I'd have some choice words for him!

The dragon-esque creatures played a pretty significant role in this book, which was refreshing.


Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity! I'm honored to have been chosen. I absolutely can't wait for Book 2 to release!

[Steph 🫶🏻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5! There were gaping issues with this book - it felt at times very childlike in the writing (you can tell this is aimed more YA) and the plot was extremely predictable. This is before we get started on the walking, abusive red flag that is Brev, their relationship and her continuous idiotic nature with him made me very nearly quit however I fucking DEVOURED this book I barely breathed

I loved the ‘creatures’ and legit cannot wait to see how the politics and games in this play out

The found family aspect was lush but again this was written really ya so didn’t feel fully formed or fleshed out at points

Can’t wait to see how this plays out!

[Faiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I ate this up!!! Magic trials, dragons and found family, sign me up every single time!!

I loved the storyline and the world building, I couldn’t put this down. Loved the FMC and the found family she built, side characters made this book so much more interesting. But damn she gave Brev too many chances. That man was dodgy from the beginning, he was giving Villain even before the end of the book.

Can’t wait to explore this shield bond with the prince further in Book 2. I was waiting for something to happen the whole book, I’m ready for any scraps at this point.

Running to the next book!

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SUCH AN INCREDIBLE BOOK! So much tension, so many surprise twists, so much emotion! And the found family element is so strong! I love all of the found family so so so much! This story really gripped me, and kept me pulled in right to the end! I'm so glad the next two books are already out (and the one after will be soon) because I'll definitely be binging them, and then waiting anxiously for the next!

[Maureen Koepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my first Ella Walker Henderson book that I have read I was not certain on what to expect other than dragons and riders and enemies to lovers. I however was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this very much. In my opinion there was some similarities to Fourth Wing such as the dragons and the choosing but I felt like that was pretty much it. Was it spicy, not really but it still a very good read.
I actually thought the storyline was more about the MFC and her struggles of making it to her lifelong goal as becoming an aero (dragon rider) much like her father was but as someone who has less financial means than the others she encounters on her way there. Regardless Zaydah and her lifelong best friend Brev do it together but they encounter growing pains in their relationship along the way and she has to learn to deal with the emotions of that as well as the stress of trying to carve out her place as well.
Along the way she meets others who become her new found family as well as someone who she is not sure what to make of.By the end I found myself hungering for more of this story and fortunately we will get the next book in the series as soon as January of 2026.

[Phoebe Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy holiday read

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review!!! I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down especially once I got to the middle. The first half is mostly world building & meeting the characters. I absolutely loved the FMC & so glad that she was not made out as weak even to start. This book definitely gave me vibes of other books that I’ve read. No spice so if that’s what you’re looking for this may not be for you. I really loved the games & trials & found family dynamic. There is some great character development. I’m very excited to see where this story goes in the future!

[Krystal Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk how to feel. was this good? was it bad? am i invested? idk i cant decide

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

I received this book as part of an ARC review, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a little while to get into, as the beginning was a bit confusing but once I found my rhythm, the story completely drew me in—I ended up devouring it in one sitting. There’s no spice, which I typically enjoy in books, but it honestly suited this story perfectly. While I did find the plot somewhat predictable and had a sense early on of where it was heading, I’m still really excited to see how things develop in the next book.

As a huge dragon fan (though technically the creatures in this story are more like dragon cousins), I really appreciated that aspect. Some parts even gave me subtle Fourth Wing vibes, which made it all the more enjoyable.

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC version of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. JUST WOW. This is one of those books that you wish you could read for the first time all over again. As you walk down this journey with Zaydah the writing makes you feel like you’re experiencing everything, including all of her emotions, right by her side. With a dash of fourth wing and hunger games, this book is reminiscent of other favorites while being completely unique and weaving its own world and story. Zaydah’s complicated history joined with the relationships she attempts to navigate and build with others leads you to think hard about what it means to find a family and leave one behind. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book and for the inevitable sequel that releases in January!

[Emily Aragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC. I liked the overall idea and theme of the book, but it was pretty slow in the beginning. I had some trouble just getting into the book, but once I hit about 80% of the way through it picked up a bit. There was a LOT of repetition that was a bit off-putting for me, and I would have really liked to see more character development and interactions between Zaydah, especially since the book seemed to skip some details that would better explain her relationships with her fellow initiates and Group Fourteen. Most of the book I was unsure who the MMC is - Aris? Felix? Brev? I just feel like there was some repetitive “fluff” that could have been removed so that we could get more of the actual story.

All of that being said, I did enjoy the story and I am interested in what happens next. I only gave it 3 stars because of how long it took to hook me, and the amount of the repetition.

[Ashley Granot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and throughly enjoyed the story, while I would of loved more world building and deeper dives into the characters the story flows well, the creatures (more like cousins to dragons) have a lot of potential to really boast the story line as well. There was no spice for those wondering if there is but it didnt change the story in any way and if there is spice in the next books this one is setting it up to be 🔥. I am excited to see where the series goes!

[Runa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt a bit like AI at times, and others it kept me engaged or amused. The staring contests felt a bit repetitive, too, and in a way it felt like it lacked character building for some characters, while it was also too on the nose for others, so I wished the author would have trusted the reader to infer some things since it seemed like the story was getting dumbed down and spelled down a few times and a faster pace, especially at the beginning, would have been beneficial to the story

[readerthatreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF made it like 75% in and quit. YOUNG ADULT
I unfollowed some influencer over this book. Refuse to read another recommended book from someone who clearly did not read it and was paid to promote it.

Zaydah is the FMC's name. Zaydah. Please authors, please try to do better.

“Because neither of us wants anything to change between us. Not yet.”
Something was already changing for him to kiss me like that. “What does that have to do with my mother?”
He shifted to face the opposite wall again, and something was lost in our connection. “She asked me not to hold you back.”
My mind was trying to see through murky water. “How did she think you would hold me back?” Even more important, why hadn’t she said it to me?
He shook his head. “She didn’t fully explain it, but she sees me as a burden, as if you won’t reach your full potential alongside me. It’s like Mara has contaminated even the way your mother sees me.”
“That can’t be right.” But even as I spoke the words, I knew part of it was true. Ma had been afraid of Brev and me leaving together.
“I didn’t want her to be right. I don’t want to hold you back in any way. But together, we’ll be safer away from the feuds of the nobles.”
I didn’t like disagreeing with him, not when he seemed so hurt by my mother’s doubts.

“I hadn’t fully thought it through, but we would have to mix with the nobility. Even if by some miracle one of the divisions chose us, we would have to buy gear and everything we would need to survive. Nobles would be our best chance to connect with wealthy sponsors. I didn’t know the system, not fully, but I knew those basics.
He drew back farther. “Are you saying that your mother’s right?”
I placed a hand on his arm, but nothing in the sudden stiffness of his bearing changed. “I’ll never believe you could hold me back. You won’t. We’ve pushed each other all these years to fight harder, be stronger. None of that will change.” I swallowed, bracing myself for the words. “The way I feel about you won’t change.”
His jaw tightened again. “You don’t know that. Everything will change if you’re trying to curry favor from the nobility. They’ll use you and discard you.”
I strengthened my grip on his arm, pressing my fingers tightly against his skin, willing him to understand. “Even if I have to seek out others, that won’t change what’s between us. It doesn’t mean that my mother is right and[…

“We’ll still be us, even with everything around us changing.”
He finally faced me again, letting my palm guide him toward me. His voice came out in a deep rasp. “Promise me. Promise me that we’ll be together. We’ll be us like we’ve always been.”
I nodded, firmly believing my words with all of my heart. “I promise you. It will always be us.”
He rested his forehead against mine. “I’ll always have you?”
I nodded, still pressing my head against him. I wanted him to have even more of me than what he’d had before. “You’ll always have me.”
I didn’t ask him for the promise in return. I knew it would always be true, even without him speaking the words”

Bit weird they are hurrying to get the academy when they knew they needed to get there by a certain

“One year, they constructed a giant kite and had the initiates fly down the hillside, but one died when a kite broke, so they haven’t repeated that one again” (Is THIS supposed to be high stakes? A giant KITE?? 🪁 I think this might be a YA book that better start improving..)

Oh dear. They are practicing riding their creatures by riding a barrel like a cowboy does in the modern world.

The riders wear leather jackets.. I thought this was high fantasy but it is reading like a fourth wing fanfiction for elementary students so far.

Sponsors like hunger games, divisions like divergent 🤦‍♀️

“Your performance today did much to outweigh the confusion over your name. No one seems to remember that the Crown Prince doesn’t wish your last name to be spoken. But we should still steer clear of the royal family. Petari will help us, too.”

Made it to chapter 16 and started to debate skim reading it...?

Brev is Dain and Z is Violet from fourth wing

Of course an unexpected creature that no one expected to bond decided to bond with her and it is the strongest blah blah blah seen this episode before: “men were close to fighting. Some held others back.
“Don’t worry about them. No one can stop what I’ve done.”
I turned from the valley and faced him in all his grand height. “What have you done?”
“No one expected a twelfth creature to choose. I had told them I would not.”
“Why did you?” The real question shouted in my thoughts, Why did you pick me?
“Because I saw you, and I knew that my time had finally come. You had to wait for me through a Choosing ceremony, but I’ve waited for you for thirty years, longer than you’ve been alive.”
“Why did you never choose in all of those years?”
“We have a strong pull between us, you and me. Our bond was easy, not one that had to be forced. If I’d chosen someone before you, the bond wouldn’t have been like this. I could speak to you before the Choosing happened, as if we were bonded already. I’ve never heard of another creature doing that before.”
“Can I speak into your mind the same way that you speak into mine?”


EVERYTHING IS PREDICTABLE AND THE CHALLENGES ARE RATED G.


Tried to care but couldn't DNF. Not making any notes because it's not worth it and this is a fanfic of fourth wing