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blazeofredfiree's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect to enjoy this book much but IT WAS SO GOOD!!
I've never actually read a Gryphon book before so maybe that was part of it?
What I loved:
- The characters, especially the main character. He was a good, solid protagonist but still had his flaws and it was interesting to read about his internal conflict and watch him grow past his pride. Kjorn was also an interesting character and I have no idea where the author is going to take him- he could turn out to be good or completely evil. I did forget the difference between a couple a few times (Hallr and Halvden) but otherwise, amazing characters!
- The plot was intriguing and kept me hooked! I finished this within 2/3 days!
- I really liked the writing style! The combat scenes were intense and gripping and the emotions of the characters kind of bled out from the page.
- I liked the descriptions of the culture of the wolves and Gryphons.
The worldbuilding felt slightly lacking but I think that's only because this is the first book in a quartet, so I'm sure I'll get more.
Overall, this was a great read!
I've never actually read a Gryphon book before so maybe that was part of it?
What I loved:
- The characters, especially the main character. He was a good, solid protagonist but still had his flaws and it was interesting to read about his internal conflict and watch him grow past his pride. Kjorn was also an interesting character and I have no idea where the author is going to take him- he could turn out to be good or completely evil. I did forget the difference between a couple a few times (Hallr and Halvden) but otherwise, amazing characters!
- The plot was intriguing and kept me hooked! I finished this within 2/3 days!
- I really liked the writing style! The combat scenes were intense and gripping and the emotions of the characters kind of bled out from the page.
- I liked the descriptions of the culture of the wolves and Gryphons.
The worldbuilding felt slightly lacking but I think that's only because this is the first book in a quartet, so I'm sure I'll get more.
Overall, this was a great read!
guccishoestrings's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I forgot how I even found out about this series to begin with as I had it on my to read list for a few years before deciding to pick it up and I have to say, I was not disappointed. This is a fantasy book that has no human characters in it, so if that is a turn off for you then you will most likely not like this book. However, it is a great series and I would suggest at least trying to read it.
This book revolves around the character of a gryfon named Rashard that is part of the Vanir pride that was the former ruling pride over the isle named the Sun Isle. The Aesir pride in the past flew to the Sun Isle seeking refuge before later taking over the homeland with force, killing or exiling many of the Vanir pride. Rashard who is the wingbrother to Kjorn who is the prince of the Aesir pride, tries to prove his worth to the pride while trying to find out more about his past and the world he lives in.
The Good: Interesting story that follows an interesting perspective as it is from the perspective of a gryfon, likeable characters that get better as the story goes on (except the antagonist they are just a**holes cause they can be), and a lot of mystery in the world that the characters reside in.
The Bad: Follows a typical trope that I will not spoil but happens in a lot of books, antagonist of this series do not show up until the next book so the antagonist are not very good and this book is mostly an introduction to the characters and world (sort of), starts off slow and does not get really interesting until Catori and Stigr become a part of the story, and not a big deal but there are some grammar mistakes but none that are so bad it ruins the story.
This is a great start to a book series and the series gets way more interesting in book 2, so read this book and go to book 2 because that's when the series really starts.
This book revolves around the character of a gryfon named Rashard that is part of the Vanir pride that was the former ruling pride over the isle named the Sun Isle. The Aesir pride in the past flew to the Sun Isle seeking refuge before later taking over the homeland with force, killing or exiling many of the Vanir pride. Rashard who is the wingbrother to Kjorn who is the prince of the Aesir pride, tries to prove his worth to the pride while trying to find out more about his past and the world he lives in.
The Good: Interesting story that follows an interesting perspective as it is from the perspective of a gryfon, likeable characters that get better as the story goes on (except the antagonist they are just a**holes cause they can be), and a lot of mystery in the world that the characters reside in.
The Bad: Follows a typical trope that I will not spoil but happens in a lot of books, antagonist of this series do not show up until the next book so the antagonist are not very good and this book is mostly an introduction to the characters and world (sort of), starts off slow and does not get really interesting until Catori and Stigr become a part of the story, and not a big deal but there are some grammar mistakes but none that are so bad it ruins the story.
This is a great start to a book series and the series gets way more interesting in book 2, so read this book and go to book 2 because that's when the series really starts.
yasminfoster's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
orsuros's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the main character and his growth and struggles.
candle_eater's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lightwreather's review against another edition
4.0
That was an actually fun book. I'll be honest I wasn't expecting much but this was still pretty good/
krejdar's review against another edition
5.0
To keep this short;
The book stared off slow (to me) and was a bit shaky, but Owen quickly found her footing and really captured my imagination! I loved this story and I really look forward to reading the next book.
The world needs more animal fantasy, and I believe Owen has more than earned her spot in the genre.
The book stared off slow (to me) and was a bit shaky, but Owen quickly found her footing and really captured my imagination! I loved this story and I really look forward to reading the next book.
The world needs more animal fantasy, and I believe Owen has more than earned her spot in the genre.
dogearredndusty's review
5.0
A great little read! If you like YA animal fantasy, this is your book. It's engaging in a Warrior Cats kind of way but with a dash of Wolves of the Beyond. I really liked the word usage to describe the gryphons! Showed clear study of different kinds of birds and their behavior. Nothing turns me off from a good book more than drastically unrealistic animals or ones that act too much like humans. This book has a happy medium and realistic enough with just enough fantasy for my tastes.
Can't wait for the sequel!
Can't wait for the sequel!
clevercatchphrase's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I remember buying this book on a whim. I actually got it for free when I got kindle for the first time. I didn't read it for a couple of years, then one day out of boredom I decided to take a crack at it. Needless to say I was absolutely stunned. The prose in this book is beautiful, and the norse mythology spin is a fun addition I don't think I've seen done much in other fantasies.
Some parts may be predictable *cough cough* forgotten/true heir trope *cough cough* but the way everything is executed is so well done it's easy to forgive.
Some parts may be predictable *cough cough* forgotten/true heir trope *cough cough* but the way everything is executed is so well done it's easy to forgive.
Content Warnings
Minor: Genocide and Animal death
genocide tag added because the vannir gryphons were almost wiped to extinction, and animal death for your circle-of-life, predators hunting prey scenarios.