Rebel Mage Series by Elizabeth Schechter

Matthias has spent his whole life on the edge of a very small world. The bastard child of a fallen woman, his magical talents as still unseen, he's known nothing but judgment and hatred from the harsh, religious people of his enclave-except for Balthazar. The son and heir of the High Elder, Balthazar shows Matthias kindness, and love...and desire. When the High Elder discovers what his son has been doing, Matthias is arrested and sent to an isolated prison known simply as "The School... moreMatthias has spent his whole life on the edge of a very small world. The bastard child of a fallen woman, his magical talents as still unseen, he's known nothing but judgment and hatred from the harsh, religious people of his enclave-except for Balthazar. The son and heir of the High Elder, Balthazar shows Matthias kindness, and love...and desire. When the High Elder discovers what his son has been doing, Matthias is arrested and sent to an isolated prison known simply as "The School." There, and in the wastelands beyond, Matthias learns the secrets behind the hypocrisies of the Council of Elders, and discovers his true heritage, true power, and true love. less

Haven had been their goal since escaping the destruction of the School. Haven had promised safety, rest, an end to running and death. But things had gone badly wrong in the mountains. Tam and Linnea had to leave Matthias and Solomon behind to face the Elders, hoping to return for them once they’d found Haven. The reality did not live up to the promise. Isolated and dying, Haven feared outsiders almost more than it needed new blood... moreHaven had been their goal since escaping the destruction of the School. Haven had promised safety, rest, an end to running and death. But things had gone badly wrong in the mountains. Tam and Linnea had to leave Matthias and Solomon behind to face the Elders, hoping to return for them once they’d found Haven. The reality did not live up to the promise. Isolated and dying, Haven feared outsiders almost more than it needed new blood. With only the griffon Dancer and the human healer Ilane for allies, Tam and Linnea feared that Haven’s rulers would prevent them from going back for their friends—then fire rained down from the sky, and things became so much worse for everyone. less

No longer in exile, the rebel mage Matthias can finally return to his home enclave and settle into a new life with his beloved Solomon. As he struggles with his role leading the new town of Sanctuary, upheld by the people who once rejected him, Matthias knows all too well that the relative peace he’s found is temporary. The forces that razed Haven are still out there, still looking for him, still seeking to destroy everything he now protects... moreNo longer in exile, the rebel mage Matthias can finally return to his home enclave and settle into a new life with his beloved Solomon. As he struggles with his role leading the new town of Sanctuary, upheld by the people who once rejected him, Matthias knows all too well that the relative peace he’s found is temporary. The forces that razed Haven are still out there, still looking for him, still seeking to destroy everything he now protects. While there are alliances to make, mouths to feed, and people who look to him to protect them, his enemies will just have to wait.When tragedy strikes, Matthias, Solomon, and Matthias’ cousin Tam are forced back onto the road again, this time seeking answers in the forbidden north; answers that may lead to new beginnings, or to the end of everything they’ve ever known. less