It has been ten years since the magical Cataclysm which destroyed the stronghold of the world's most powerful Mage, killing Urtho, creator of the gryphons, and sending his forces into exile.
It had taken Urtho's peoples one year of terrible travail crossing dangerous lands to find a sheltered haven, and nine hard years of building, but their city, called White Gryphon is now a secure stronghold.
Secure, at least until the fleet of the mysterious Black Kings appears in their harbor, bringing envoys who inform the residents of White Gryphon that their newfound sanctuary lies on land claimed by this powerful kingdom. Desperate not to lose their hard-won home, Skandranon Rashkae, the Black Gryphon, along with his longtime friend, Amberdrake, agree to accompany the envoys back to the court of the Black Kings, hoping to negotiate an alliance. But once settled in this strange court, Skandranon and Amberdrake quickly become aware that this negotiation will not be an easy one.
And when a high-ranking noble who opposes this alliance is found murdered--seemingly torn apart by gryphon's talons--Skandranon and Amberdrake realize that they are up against unknown enemies who will stop at nothing, even the use of diabolical Blood Magic, to destroy White Gryphon.
It had taken Urtho's peoples one year of terrible travail crossing dangerous lands to find a sheltered haven, and nine hard years of building, but their city, called White Gryphon is now a secure stronghold.
Secure, at least until the fleet of the mysterious Black Kings appears in their harbor, bringing envoys who inform the residents of White Gryphon that their newfound sanctuary lies on land claimed by this powerful kingdom. Desperate not to lose their hard-won home, Skandranon Rashkae, the Black Gryphon, along with his longtime friend, Amberdrake, agree to accompany the envoys back to the court of the Black Kings, hoping to negotiate an alliance. But once settled in this strange court, Skandranon and Amberdrake quickly become aware that this negotiation will not be an easy one.
And when a high-ranking noble who opposes this alliance is found murdered--seemingly torn apart by gryphon's talons--Skandranon and Amberdrake realize that they are up against unknown enemies who will stop at nothing, even the use of diabolical Blood Magic, to destroy White Gryphon.
Another excellent read by Lackey (and Dixon).
Love the series - although this book can be read as a stand-alone story.
One of my least favorite Misty books (folks'll notice that I don't list too many of those here :P- They STAY on my shelves :P) but the best one of the gryphon trilogy.
Very good. I loved it. This one has a really great whodunit plot, which I find very fascinating in a fantasy setting like this one. If you loved Black Gryphon, you will love this one.
The legend continues and grows in this action packed saga. It managed to keep my attention easily. Quick, easy read.
I don't know why I remembered this one being my least favorite of this trilogy... it was more exciting than I originally expected. I liked Kechara's role - the murder and intrigue was fun too! All in all, this is a fun series. I remember quite a bit about the next one, _The Silver Gryphon_. That's the one that revolves around Skan and Drake's children. I think I still like the first one the best, but this one is certainly just as good!
With this series, wish gryphons were real. An enjoyable fantasy.
Book one of the Mage Wars. Very good fantasy story. This book is paperback size with hardback cover(library binding?) Excellent shape with celophane cover.
