It’s been a while since I picked up a book based on a friend’s recommendation. But that’s what happened with The Gryphon King. This book unfortunately hit me at my worst reading month ever, but I persevered! Keep reading this book review of The Gryphon King for my full thoughts.
Summary
Bataar was only a child when he killed a gryphon, making him a legend across the Red Steppe. As an adult, he is the formidable Bataar Rhah, chosen by god to rule the continent that once scorned his people. After a string of improbable victories, he turns his sights on the wealthy, powerful kingdom of Dumakra, whose princesses rule the skies from the backs of pegasuses.
When rumours reach the capital that the infamous warlord is moving on Dumakra, Nohra Zultama prepares to face him. She and her sisters are feared warriors, goddess-blessed and mounted on winged, man-eating horses. But as deceit and betrayal swirl through her father’s court, Nohra soon learns the price of complacency. With her city under Bataar’s rule, Nohra vows to take revenge. But her growing closeness to Bataar’s wife, Qaira, threatens to undo her resolve.
When rioting breaks out and mythic beasts incite panic, Nohra must fight alongside Bataar to keep order, her mixed feelings towards the man she’s sworn to kill becoming ever more complicated. Old evils are rising. Only together will Nohra and Bataar stand a chance against the djinn, ghouls, and monsters that threaten to overrun their world.
Review
The Gryphon King is a story about power. It’s about insatiable ambition which takes a hold of you. In this world of war, conquest, surrender, and sacrifice, what will be the value of your word? With an absolutely vivid and descriptive setting, The Gryphon King is a solid series starter. I love the bonds of sisterhood and the chemistry. This first book balances characters who dance acround each other with a plot that is adventure packed. I was having trouble figuring out what to hold on to with this myriad of colors. We have stories about tackling new power, struggling to hold onto power, and the ambition of grabbing power.
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I loved how in The Gryphon King we explore the ways power and struggles play out not only in their world, but also the family. I love how for the Greeks, we are all drawn into these godly struggles. Mortals and worlds turn apart with proxies. In a way, The Gryphon King reminds me of this. The ways in which power struggles and petty disputes trickle down. It’s not just a kingdom or home split apart by conflict, but also a family. Find The Gryphon King on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.