Major Afendra’s Guide to the Riders Quadrant (Unauthorized Edition) is an unofficial guide referenced extensively throughout the Empyrean Series.

Though the character of Major Afendra does not directly appear within the main storyline, the insights shared in their guide serve as critical context for readers.

Overview

The guide is a blunt, often cynical manual, offering brutally honest and pragmatic advice for survival at Basgiath War College’s Riders Quadrant. It provides detailed observations about the harsh realities of cadet life, dragon bonding, wielding magic, and navigating the complex politics within Basgiath and the broader Kingdom of Navarre.

Content and Style

The writing is characterized by its straightforward, sardonic, and occasionally pessimistic tone, which underscores the lethal environment faced by the cadets. Afendra does not mince words, vividly highlighting the dangers and trials cadets must overcome. The book offers practical strategies, realistic expectations, and blunt assessments of combat techniques and survival skills.

Role in the Series

Rebecca Yarros cleverly uses excerpts from Afendra’s guide as epigraphs throughout the series. These quotes often serve as foreshadowing, thematic statements, or stark warnings that reflect key challenges faced by characters. This narrative technique enriches the storytelling by providing external perspective, reinforcing themes, and heightening the reader’s anticipation and understanding of upcoming events.

Themes Highlighted

• Survival: Emphasizes the brutal reality and constant threat faced by cadets.
• Realism and Cynicism: Rejects romanticized notions of military glory, revealing the darker aspects of service.
• Strategy and Adaptability: Stresses adaptability, resourcefulness, and quick thinking as essential traits for survival.
• Political Awareness: Highlights the complicated and often dangerous political climate within Basgiath and Navarre.

Detailed quoted from the book

“There’s a misconception that it’s kill or be killed in the Riders Quadrant. Riders, as a whole, aren’t out to assassinate other cadets…unless there’s a shortage of dragons that year or a cadet is a liability to their wing. Then things may get…interesting. “

“The sparring ring is where riders are made or broken. After all, no
respectable dragon would choose a rider who cannot defend
themselves, and no respectable cadet would allow such a threat to
the wing to continue training.”