The Black Gryphon / Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon

The Black Gryphon

(Valdemar / Mage Wars

​#1

)

by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon

fantasy, romance

copyright 1994

read in January 2017

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

I'm guessing that the three books in one volume -- Black, White & Silver Gryphon -- are a "complete" series. That is, a complete story about gryphons. Yet book one (Black) is clearly the continuation of -- presumably -- the Mage Wars. Which may be set in an even broader Valdemar group of stories.

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[later: I've checked Wikipedia. No, this is not a continuation of an earlier series!? Black Gryphon is "the first novel in the chronological timeline of the Valdemar Saga". It just happens to start at the end of a very long war. With a whole lot of characters who apparently need no introduction.]

What this means is, there is a situation -- a mage war -- and lots of characters -- including a gryphon -- who will be well known to readers of the earlier books.

​

[Or not.] This makes it a challenge for the reader to start with this book.

On the other hand... the authors have done well. Yes, it's clear that this is in the middle of a continuing saga. Yes, it's clear that many of these characters already know each other. But really, there are not too many key characters.

I quickly get to know the key characters. There are some surprises as I discover new aspects of some characters, new aspects that would have been known to readers of earlier books. Yet I seldom feel confused. Sufficient backstory is included, I don't know if it would all be old hat -- or brand new -- to regular readers of the series.

So this book reads very well as a standalone book. Even the end, is satisfactory... The end, with a new development to be explored rather than a loose end to be followed. For me, this is an excellent introduction to the continuing series.

The story itself is fantasy. Set in a major war. Yet it is romance. Almost chick lit. The emphasis is on the characters, their problems, their interactions. There's at least as much psychological analysis as there is action

Don't worry, I enjoyed it. The analysis is interesting. It helps me to care about the characters. The war supplies some action -- and a lot of pressure for the characters to be strong, resilient, supportive... etc, etc, etc. And I mean that in a nice way -- I enjoyed this book.

If I were already a fan of the series I may rate it a seven. If only for the continuing development of the overarching saga and the continuing characters. As a standalone book, it is still... quite enjoyable

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
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