Tomes of Spellcasting--The White Gryphon

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: The White Gryphon
Author: Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
Publisher: DAW Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1995

After fleeing from the aftermath of Ma'ar's and Urtho's death throes, Skandrannon, Amberdrake, and their friends and families have found safe haven near the seashore, where they have carved out a city: White Gryphon. Now, however, the Black Kings from across the sea have come, "requesting" that they leave for they are trespassing on the Kings' land. It's up to Skan, Drake, and a handful of others to serve as ambassadors to the court of Shalaman, where they must argue for their right to live in peace. But they are not without enemies. There is one whom Drake had the unfortunate responsibility of banishing from White Gryphon, who has decided to wreak his vengeance upon the entire city by disrupting the peace talks. And there is another who has found a way to use magic effectively, something that has been problematic ever since the two wizards, Ma'ar and Urtho, killed each other in their battle. Can Skan and Drake put a stop to these unseen foes' interference before all is lost?

The White Gryphon continues the exploits of the Black Gryphon...although the Black Gryphon is now white again, thanks to the magical passage he squeezed through. And he's no longer doing much adventuring or fighting, now that he's become the figurehead of the new city. And he's not really much of a figurehead either, since he's been putting on weight. But this novel changes all that. You'll see.

I think the best part of this entire novel is the many restrictions placed on Drake and Skan as they try to make their way through the Black King's court. Can you imagine how difficult it must be to avoid using skills and abilities that have become as integral a part of you as breathing itself? I don't think that I, placed in a similar situation to either of them, could possibly control myself so thoroughly. I'd say it says a lot about even the restless Skandrannon's personality that he was willing to limit himself so completely. Of course, they didn't really limit themselves entirely since they kept their own secrets from the Black King's people, namely Kechara. But on the whole, I don't think they did too badly.

The White Gryphon was every bit as enjoyable as its predecessor, and I'm sure you'll find it to be, too. It might take a while to readjust to the passage of time, but that shouldn't take you more than, say, a chapter or two. Of course, you'll never get there unless you try, right? So read the book!

Rating: Thumbs up! What do you do when you're a restless spirit given the opportunity for adventure and intrigue? What else?

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