Shadow magic unexpectedly hides orphan Hope during an attack from a fearsome flying orc. When the same flying orc later tries to kill an extremely rare gryphon, the girl saves it by using her amazing magic again. 

Thrilled to suddenly be taken away from the horrid orphanage where she lives, her arrival at a dragon rider barracks is a shock. Imagining she is there to clean up after the soldiers, Hope is astounded to learn that she is to train as part of a small team, the aim being that on the night of the full moon, she might be chosen by a wild dragon. Because of the wrong-doing of a mean wealthy boy who hates her, during that very night she is flamed by a rogue dragon. Out of nowhere, the gryphon, who she calls Toast, snatches her away to safety.

Desperately trying to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, her secret magic is essential in keeping her one step ahead of the horrid boy and his gang who do not want her to be part of the team. 

What more can she do to ensure she becomes a fully fledged member of the flying team?