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A bloody massacre. A looming civil war. Can two opposed gryphons work together to save their kind?
Zeph thrills at the wind in his wings and the hunt for wild parrot. As a simple forest gryphon, he never thought much about his sophisticated city-dwelling cousins living in the lofty eyrie at the edge of the woods. But his carefree life turns upside down when he comes across a young city gryphon stunned by her discovery of a field littered with slaughtered animals.
Kia always has her beak in a book. But when her best friend goes missing, she flies down to the woodland and gets tangled up with a wild country gryphon and a shocking conspiracy. With food in short supply and war on the horizon, Kia must choose between forsaking her own or allowing Zeph’s people to be wiped off the map.
Forced to overcome their prejudice and misconceptions, the unlikely pair races against time to prevent an apocalypse.
Can Zeph and Kia unite their species before a fiery conflict destroys them all?
276 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2019
About the author
K. Vale Nagle
12 books46 followersK. Vale Nagle is alarmingly hard to kill.
After surviving several pulmonary embolisms and multiple organ failure, Vale kicked their writing into high gear and saw their first short story and novel publications. When they're not writing creature fantasy or fighting for their life, they enjoys reading, archery, and exploring the Rocky Mountains with a tabby cat by their side.
After surviving several pulmonary embolisms and multiple organ failure, Vale kicked their writing into high gear and saw their first short story and novel publications. When they're not writing creature fantasy or fighting for their life, they enjoys reading, archery, and exploring the Rocky Mountains with a tabby cat by their side.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 19, 2020
4.5 stars! I love non-human-centric stories, and Eyrie is all about gryphons (and opinici). Not a human to be seen! Gryphons are in my list of top ten favorite magical creatures, so I was predisposed to like this from the get-go.
We follow several characters, both gryphon and opinici, as they make their way through a richly-built world and complex society. Although it starts out slow, it built nicely as I became familiar with the myriad denizens of the weald and the eyrie. I really admired the detail and complexity of the world, and I particularly enjoyed the author’s descriptions of gryphon physicality and culture.
For anyone who loves gryphons, this book is for you! All five books in the series are available now on Bookshop.org and they deserve a place on your shelf.
We follow several characters, both gryphon and opinici, as they make their way through a richly-built world and complex society. Although it starts out slow, it built nicely as I became familiar with the myriad denizens of the weald and the eyrie. I really admired the detail and complexity of the world, and I particularly enjoyed the author’s descriptions of gryphon physicality and culture.
For anyone who loves gryphons, this book is for you! All five books in the series are available now on Bookshop.org and they deserve a place on your shelf.
December 12, 2022
Here we have a fantasy novel that kicks off a series and is about non-human characters (gryphons! and opinicis (oh-pin-ih-kiss) to be specific) is typically one that I would enjoy. I really enjoy books with gryphons, and have read at least 3 different books with gryphons as characters so far this year. I mention this to point out that this was a book that I was primed to enjoy, and I started reading it fully expecting to love it.
So to say this book was a letdown would be an understatement.
The problems began almost immediately with the introduction of so many characters that I had no time to get to know any of them. Not only do we have a lot of characters to learn immediately, but they are on different sides of a conflict. That added yet another dynamic that I had to try and keep straight, and there just wasn't enough time to do so. What I can tell you is that Zeph and Kai are main characters. Unfortunately, I was nearly 60% of the way through the book before I really got a grip on even that. There were several times that I nearly set the book aside and moved on to something new, but I kept going because I had heard so many good things about the book and I *wanted* to enjoy it. So I kept going, waiting for it to get better - to grab ahold of me. But it never did.
Plot-wise, I have no idea what happened or what was important to keep track of. I know that there was some sort of war between different sides of gryphons, and that it was kicked off by Kai discovering a field filled with animals that had been slaughtered. Beyond that, though, I don't know. There was so much going on that every time I was just starting to get a handle on something, the author had already moved on to some new action and some new problem. There was no time to absorb anything. So, by the time we get to a character dying, I don't have any connection with them to care about their death. Was I supposed to care? I feel like I was from the writing around the character's death. But without any connection, it was like seeing a news story about a dead body being discovered. Sad, but it had no impact on me.
For this book, I was listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by James Scott Spaid. Spaid's performance was fine, in that there was nothing technically wrong with it. My attention kept wandering, so I would have to relisten to various sections, but I suspect that was due more to the writing and not having any idea as to what was going on than to Spaid's performance. I can't say that for certain, as I haven't listened to him narrate any other novels, but I feel pretty certain that that is the case.
I've seen quite a few reviews from those who have read the entire series that book 2 is where the series finds its stride, and I do have books 2 and 3 because I purchased the omnibus edition with books 1-3, so I might give book 2 a try and see if those reviews are accurate. I won't necessarily be in any hurry to do that though.
So to say this book was a letdown would be an understatement.
The problems began almost immediately with the introduction of so many characters that I had no time to get to know any of them. Not only do we have a lot of characters to learn immediately, but they are on different sides of a conflict. That added yet another dynamic that I had to try and keep straight, and there just wasn't enough time to do so. What I can tell you is that Zeph and Kai are main characters. Unfortunately, I was nearly 60% of the way through the book before I really got a grip on even that. There were several times that I nearly set the book aside and moved on to something new, but I kept going because I had heard so many good things about the book and I *wanted* to enjoy it. So I kept going, waiting for it to get better - to grab ahold of me. But it never did.
Plot-wise, I have no idea what happened or what was important to keep track of. I know that there was some sort of war between different sides of gryphons, and that it was kicked off by Kai discovering a field filled with animals that had been slaughtered. Beyond that, though, I don't know. There was so much going on that every time I was just starting to get a handle on something, the author had already moved on to some new action and some new problem. There was no time to absorb anything. So, by the time we get to a character dying, I don't have any connection with them to care about their death. Was I supposed to care? I feel like I was from the writing around the character's death. But without any connection, it was like seeing a news story about a dead body being discovered. Sad, but it had no impact on me.
For this book, I was listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by James Scott Spaid. Spaid's performance was fine, in that there was nothing technically wrong with it. My attention kept wandering, so I would have to relisten to various sections, but I suspect that was due more to the writing and not having any idea as to what was going on than to Spaid's performance. I can't say that for certain, as I haven't listened to him narrate any other novels, but I feel pretty certain that that is the case.
I've seen quite a few reviews from those who have read the entire series that book 2 is where the series finds its stride, and I do have books 2 and 3 because I purchased the omnibus edition with books 1-3, so I might give book 2 a try and see if those reviews are accurate. I won't necessarily be in any hurry to do that though.
December 29, 2023
An incredible book, with very interesting worldbuilding! I can't wait to read the second!
September 4, 2022
I've been a fan of gryphon books for quite some time now, and was excited to discover the start of a new fantasy series with all-gryphon characters. This book did not disappoint! Full of complex world building and history, a lush and well-described setting, and countless engaging characters; this novel will take a proud place on my gryphon shelf! The pacing of this book didn't let up, quickly gaining traction as multiple storylines occurred at once. The characters were fascinating to follow, from sly and silly Cooper's hawk gryphon Zeph to the clever opinicus Kia (who underwent quite the transformation as she learned more about her world). My favorite was Hatzel, a smart, brave pride leader who managed to keep her head on her shoulders no matter what. But even beyond these characters I mentioned were more... owl gryphon warriors, peacock opinicus royals, and seafaring fisherfolk.
I've just realized this review is becoming quite the ramble, so I'll wrap it up here. But if you like animal fantasy, and especially if you like gryphons, give this book a read! I can already tell this is going to be an amazing series, and I can't wait to read book 2!
I've just realized this review is becoming quite the ramble, so I'll wrap it up here. But if you like animal fantasy, and especially if you like gryphons, give this book a read! I can already tell this is going to be an amazing series, and I can't wait to read book 2!
June 9, 2019
A really enjoyable read! Some excellent world-building that left a rich backdrop for the characters to inhabit.
There were a few minor issues I had with the pacing and descriptions at times, but these didn't really detract too much from the overall story. A great work that gryphon fans will enjoy!
There were a few minor issues I had with the pacing and descriptions at times, but these didn't really detract too much from the overall story. A great work that gryphon fans will enjoy!
August 10, 2022
This is an unusual story to me. It is going to be the first and the only one thus far that I will shelve as a did-not-finish, despite it being a pretty good book in general, in my opinion. I've read 3 out of 7 primary books of these series as I stop here and leave this review. I would rate the story within these 3 tomes in 4/5 stars and I wouldn't actually hesitate recommending it to xenofiction fans, despite not finishing it myself.
The storytelling is good, the worldbuilding is fairly decent, the character building... ah, now that is the part where I got hung up on. You see, this story does not have a protagonist. Rather, it is told via many different points of view that change every chapter and does not favor a single one as a primary at all. This is likely very subjective, but personally I was just not able to keep up with so many characters weaving their own storylines concurrently. Most of the time when point of view jumped, I've found myself guessing just who this character was (I am not good with names) - a problem which persisted until the very last paragraph of the book 3.
Because of this style of storytelling, it was not possible for me to connect with any of the characters at all, despite there being nothing wrong with the writing itself. I've found myself reading a history of events by gryphons and opinici I could not recognize most of the time and even when I did, due to multiple intersecting storylines I've found it very hard to remember what exactly did they do in the past. I was not able to get invested in to a fate of any one particular character as a result.
Other than the above, the author is being a little too loose with killing, in my opinion, in a sense that murder (and other numerous appalling crimes) is brushed over as something almost insignificant, with both participants and witnesses quick to forget or even mention it (most of the time), despite the grave nature of events. I would have liked more focus on emotional impact and consequence in these matters (both exist, just not told in enough depth, in my opinion). However, this is a pretty minor note, it doesn't really detract from the story as a whole too much.
I would still recommend this story for readers interested in xenofiction. If a reader is able to deal with multiple points of view, they should find the story quite good indeed.
The storytelling is good, the worldbuilding is fairly decent, the character building... ah, now that is the part where I got hung up on. You see, this story does not have a protagonist. Rather, it is told via many different points of view that change every chapter and does not favor a single one as a primary at all. This is likely very subjective, but personally I was just not able to keep up with so many characters weaving their own storylines concurrently. Most of the time when point of view jumped, I've found myself guessing just who this character was (I am not good with names) - a problem which persisted until the very last paragraph of the book 3.
Because of this style of storytelling, it was not possible for me to connect with any of the characters at all, despite there being nothing wrong with the writing itself. I've found myself reading a history of events by gryphons and opinici I could not recognize most of the time and even when I did, due to multiple intersecting storylines I've found it very hard to remember what exactly did they do in the past. I was not able to get invested in to a fate of any one particular character as a result.
Other than the above, the author is being a little too loose with killing, in my opinion, in a sense that murder (and other numerous appalling crimes) is brushed over as something almost insignificant, with both participants and witnesses quick to forget or even mention it (most of the time), despite the grave nature of events. I would have liked more focus on emotional impact and consequence in these matters (both exist, just not told in enough depth, in my opinion). However, this is a pretty minor note, it doesn't really detract from the story as a whole too much.
I would still recommend this story for readers interested in xenofiction. If a reader is able to deal with multiple points of view, they should find the story quite good indeed.
October 11, 2022
Right off the bat, despite a relatively middling score I do encourage people to read this as I feel it does getting better with the next installment. I don't normally write reviews for books and I especially don't like giving star ratings, but the author is a friend of mine and I want to support them as best I can. I will be honest with my review here though, especially because I know they've written much better books sense.
I actually really like this series, and plan on writing a highly positive review for Ashen Weald, the second book in this series, soon. The worldbuilding is extremely well thought out and intriguing, with lots of detail put into the way all of the different cultures work and interact with each other. The characters are all pretty much instantly likeable, even if they get much more developed later on in the series. The action and setpieces are great, and when the second half in particular really gets going it's difficult to put down. Reeve Brevin is still the best villain in the series (though I'm only on Book 3, so take that with several grains of salt). Everything introduced seems to have a purpose, be it for plotting or world building purposes.
My ultimately problem with this one is that for the complexity of the story it's telling it's way too short. There are so many characters and places and plot threads being introduced that with only 200 pages it feels like it's barely started before the climax shows up. There's not enough room for the characters to really get to know the characters or world intimately, or to really feel the breadth of the unfolding mystery. Most scenes don't really have much impact because the story immediately whisks on to the next thing. It takes what could have been a genuinely compelling mystery building up to a massive confrontation and turns into something that feels more like a pilot episode setting up the rest of the series.
That being said, this is definitely more of a 6/10 than a 5/10. Zeph, Kia and Hatzel are great characters, and many of the other characters that didn't get as much of a time in the spotlight - Tresh, Rorin, Triddle, Askel, etc. - are characters that you really want to know more about. Vale's imagination when it comes to gryphon designs is really quite impressive, and it's really fun to see what kinds of characters they bring into the world and what kind of lives they lead. And while the plot itself is hampered by its pacing, it still sets up a strong foundation that future books more than capitalized on.
I actually really like this series, and plan on writing a highly positive review for Ashen Weald, the second book in this series, soon. The worldbuilding is extremely well thought out and intriguing, with lots of detail put into the way all of the different cultures work and interact with each other. The characters are all pretty much instantly likeable, even if they get much more developed later on in the series. The action and setpieces are great, and when the second half in particular really gets going it's difficult to put down. Reeve Brevin is still the best villain in the series (though I'm only on Book 3, so take that with several grains of salt). Everything introduced seems to have a purpose, be it for plotting or world building purposes.
My ultimately problem with this one is that for the complexity of the story it's telling it's way too short. There are so many characters and places and plot threads being introduced that with only 200 pages it feels like it's barely started before the climax shows up. There's not enough room for the characters to really get to know the characters or world intimately, or to really feel the breadth of the unfolding mystery. Most scenes don't really have much impact because the story immediately whisks on to the next thing. It takes what could have been a genuinely compelling mystery building up to a massive confrontation and turns into something that feels more like a pilot episode setting up the rest of the series.
That being said, this is definitely more of a 6/10 than a 5/10. Zeph, Kia and Hatzel are great characters, and many of the other characters that didn't get as much of a time in the spotlight - Tresh, Rorin, Triddle, Askel, etc. - are characters that you really want to know more about. Vale's imagination when it comes to gryphon designs is really quite impressive, and it's really fun to see what kinds of characters they bring into the world and what kind of lives they lead. And while the plot itself is hampered by its pacing, it still sets up a strong foundation that future books more than capitalized on.
February 8, 2022
With the concept of gryphons and opinici ruling the land and not a human in sight, I really, really wanted to like this book. I remember reading a couple of stories as a child that revolved around deer, wolves or dogs with no humans and I absolutely loved them. This book, however, was a massive disappointment.
Yet problem is that the book introduced far too many characters within a very short space of time. These characters are on different sides of a fight and it is hard to keep up with who is who and what side they are on. I can’t even tell you who the main characters are. Zeph, maybe? He appears a fair amount. And Kia. But then I’m 60% of the way through the book and I’m supposed to care about a character dying when I don’t even know who he is. That’s the point I decided to call it quits.
Plot wise, I’m not even sure of the plot. Two diametrically opposed factions want to go to war with each other, and… some characters disagree? Or agree? I’m not even sure.
I really hate to DNF a book, and I hate even more when I have no clue what’s going on. Sometimes I have to reread passages because my thoughts have drifted for a page or so, but never have I read a book where I am so lost. It makes me sad.
Yet problem is that the book introduced far too many characters within a very short space of time. These characters are on different sides of a fight and it is hard to keep up with who is who and what side they are on. I can’t even tell you who the main characters are. Zeph, maybe? He appears a fair amount. And Kia. But then I’m 60% of the way through the book and I’m supposed to care about a character dying when I don’t even know who he is. That’s the point I decided to call it quits.
Plot wise, I’m not even sure of the plot. Two diametrically opposed factions want to go to war with each other, and… some characters disagree? Or agree? I’m not even sure.
I really hate to DNF a book, and I hate even more when I have no clue what’s going on. Sometimes I have to reread passages because my thoughts have drifted for a page or so, but never have I read a book where I am so lost. It makes me sad.
June 20, 2023
Eyrie is the worst book in the Gryphon Insurrection series, and I have rated it five stars. This is the weakest entry in the series. It only gets better from here.
May 5, 2024
Well-constructed world with a complex society and colorful characters (not just on account of their fur or feathers!)
An ensemble cast, replete with wildly diverging individual motivations and historical antecedents on both sides of an epic conflict, lent to a sense of enormity and fullness. A great big world with a long and twisted history whose entertaining and quirky characters did not fit into conventional (and, for this reader, boring) "good" or "evil" tropes made this an interesting and engrossing read. Though some readers, like this one, may find that such a trait cuts both ways: many motivations and antecedents surfaced as the briefest of character ruminations or were glossed over though exposition, despite several surely lending themselves to lengthy character dialogue if not one or more novel-length prequels. Despite being intriguing, these were also off-putting--this reader felt the way one might finding oneself surrounded by people laughing along at some sort of in-joke which one cannot grasp. They did, however, succeed in leaving this reader wanting more. On to the next book, seeking answers to myriad questions...
An ensemble cast, replete with wildly diverging individual motivations and historical antecedents on both sides of an epic conflict, lent to a sense of enormity and fullness. A great big world with a long and twisted history whose entertaining and quirky characters did not fit into conventional (and, for this reader, boring) "good" or "evil" tropes made this an interesting and engrossing read. Though some readers, like this one, may find that such a trait cuts both ways: many motivations and antecedents surfaced as the briefest of character ruminations or were glossed over though exposition, despite several surely lending themselves to lengthy character dialogue if not one or more novel-length prequels. Despite being intriguing, these were also off-putting--this reader felt the way one might finding oneself surrounded by people laughing along at some sort of in-joke which one cannot grasp. They did, however, succeed in leaving this reader wanting more. On to the next book, seeking answers to myriad questions...
May 24, 2019
Having been a big fan of the Redwall books as a kid, I was really excited when I heard the premise behind this one. Generally speaking, this was a genre that I wasn't too familiar with since then, but this seemed too interesting to pass up.
Actually, I wasn't sure what to expect, as Gryphons hadn't come to mind for me as something that could be the subject of a war and refugee story, and now that I've started this series, I'm very glad to have been wrong.
It feels like every detail gets considered here, from how everyone navigates their respective homes, to how they adapted these areas, and why. All these little things like how their currency is used and kept, how the different characters go about their jobs, who lives where and why just kept me curious all the way through.
On top of that, the story seems to evolve naturally, without the need of tropes, and that's arguably what's kept me invested the most.
I can't say much more without spoilers, it's a dang good series, give it a go!
Actually, I wasn't sure what to expect, as Gryphons hadn't come to mind for me as something that could be the subject of a war and refugee story, and now that I've started this series, I'm very glad to have been wrong.
It feels like every detail gets considered here, from how everyone navigates their respective homes, to how they adapted these areas, and why. All these little things like how their currency is used and kept, how the different characters go about their jobs, who lives where and why just kept me curious all the way through.
On top of that, the story seems to evolve naturally, without the need of tropes, and that's arguably what's kept me invested the most.
I can't say much more without spoilers, it's a dang good series, give it a go!
June 19, 2019
I am giving this two stars because this is not the kind of book I would normally choose to read. If it was a genre I know well, I would have given this only one star.I don’t know why some authors have to make everything complicated. With a few exceptions the characters all have unfamiliar names. Why not call the eyrie a city and the weald a forest? The amount of time spent describing the characters was distracting. I read to 58% but I was ready to quit at 30. I kept hoping everything would fall into place but it didn’t.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 14, 2024
This book had the potential to be good. There wasn't anything wrong with the writing style.
The main problem was there were so many characters and factions that it felt like a chore for me to keep track of them all. The story would have been way more fun if I had fewer characters and factions to keep track of. (I would have appreciated more illustrations of each character.)
I also am not interested in LGTBQ relationships, which played a small part in the story.
The book did have a lot of worldbuilding which was neat. It was a unique world and it was strong with worldbuilding. I enjoyed that aspect.
The main problem was there were so many characters and factions that it felt like a chore for me to keep track of them all. The story would have been way more fun if I had fewer characters and factions to keep track of. (I would have appreciated more illustrations of each character.)
I also am not interested in LGTBQ relationships, which played a small part in the story.
The book did have a lot of worldbuilding which was neat. It was a unique world and it was strong with worldbuilding. I enjoyed that aspect.
October 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Interesting world building with the different types of opinici and gryphons. Not sure why, but I was a bit taken aback by how violent this book was. I don't mind violence or gruesomeness, perhaps I was thinking of how cute and fairly wholesome Zeph and Kia seemed at the beginning?
In any case, story and pacing was pretty good, also characters.
But not sure if I'm interested enough to check out Book 2... Guess we'll see how I feel down the track.
Interesting world building with the different types of opinici and gryphons. Not sure why, but I was a bit taken aback by how violent this book was. I don't mind violence or gruesomeness, perhaps I was thinking of how cute and fairly wholesome Zeph and Kia seemed at the beginning?
In any case, story and pacing was pretty good, also characters.
But not sure if I'm interested enough to check out Book 2... Guess we'll see how I feel down the track.
October 31, 2022
This is an unusual but successful world building with sapient avians, but no magic nor humans.
Each species have their own ways of civilization, and misunterstandings manipulated by higher classes.
The cast of characters introduced is large for a relatively short book, however many are well fleshed enough by means of little details here and there. Not enough to get a solid pull to them, but enough to want to know more.
A good book and the series seems interesting, to be continued.
Each species have their own ways of civilization, and misunterstandings manipulated by higher classes.
The cast of characters introduced is large for a relatively short book, however many are well fleshed enough by means of little details here and there. Not enough to get a solid pull to them, but enough to want to know more.
A good book and the series seems interesting, to be continued.
June 28, 2019
A story of "Gryphons" !
This story is unique. No Humans and No Magic. Just Gryphons and variations of mixed breeds. The author has created a world and characters I have not read before. A blend of ingenuity, likes and dislikes, some peace loving and some who hunger for more power. Unlikely friendship and war. A strange mix, but it all works....
This story is unique. No Humans and No Magic. Just Gryphons and variations of mixed breeds. The author has created a world and characters I have not read before. A blend of ingenuity, likes and dislikes, some peace loving and some who hunger for more power. Unlikely friendship and war. A strange mix, but it all works....
June 28, 2019
Eyrie by K. Vale Nagle is a wonderful story that I have read and loved. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2022
So, this book was rather "Meh" for me.
Don't get me wrong the writing was good. Excellent even. And I cannot compain about the action.
But this feels more like a prequel than a book 1.
There wasn't much of emotional weightage in this book.
Sure there's fighting, there's a plot to burn the weald down and there's a counter plot. But why do I care who wins?
Don't get me wrong the writing was good. Excellent even. And I cannot compain about the action.
But this feels more like a prequel than a book 1.
There wasn't much of emotional weightage in this book.
Sure there's fighting, there's a plot to burn the weald down and there's a counter plot. But why do I care who wins?
November 4, 2019
A perfect mix of conflict and relationship building.
Despite action almost at the beginning. The author is able to develop the characters until the line between good vs bad disappears and all that remains are individuals trying to do what's best.
Despite action almost at the beginning. The author is able to develop the characters until the line between good vs bad disappears and all that remains are individuals trying to do what's best.
February 21, 2020
This was my first experience in what I now known as creature fiction and it was a pleasure. Vale was able to create a world of characters that I could connect with even if they were not human. The world was rich and wasn't lacking. I will definitely continue with the series.
September 15, 2020
It's not very engaging. It's actually very bland. It is neither here nor there.
February 2, 2022
This is as good as Mercedes Lackey's gryphon series! loved it.
May 31, 2024
I suppose this would be good for a 6th grade intro to racism and financial society classes. But not for me.
February 26, 2024
Eyrie is the lowest point of the Gryphon Insurrection series, that being said it's still a solid book.
Pros:
- some people felt like the switching POVs in this book were annoying, but honestly, I really liked it! It's a nice break from being stuck in one character's head all of the time.
- the structure of the world were very thought out and were interesting to read about, especially the backstories of the Crackling Sea Eyrie and what happened to Jun's pride. That being said, I felt like it could have expanded more on the opinicus/gryphon conflict.
Cons:
- This kind of applies to the whole series in general, but it's hard to know what's going on in the character's heads most of the time. The characterisation is hard to pinpoint, and I felt like most of the characters were lacking a personality.
- The plot was all over the place. We're barely ten chapters in and already having a build up to the end. It felt like we were tossed in with barely a beginning, more like a middle point and a conclusion.
- even though the switching POVs was nice, it felt like there was way too many characters just for the first book. I could name them all off the top of my head, but each of their personalities were hard to distinguish, and sometimes it felt like introducing another character for the sake of only one chapter.
- The ending was... weird. It kind of finished with a bang, except more like a cloud of dust than an explosion. It was confusing to pinpoint what had just happened and felt like the setup for book two was hanging by a thread.
If you're wondering to continue GryphIns, that's a solid concern after this book. However, books two and three make up for it. Will the weird characterisation keep on being bland? Yes. Will the writing continue to feel disconnected? Yes. Will there be as many characters, if not more, in the future? Yes. Will it be a terrible series? No. Ashen Weald and the Crackling Sea are the best entries in the series. Just because this book is lacking, doesn't mean the later books are the same. Get reading! You need more griffins in your life.
Pros:
- some people felt like the switching POVs in this book were annoying, but honestly, I really liked it! It's a nice break from being stuck in one character's head all of the time.
- the structure of the world were very thought out and were interesting to read about, especially the backstories of the Crackling Sea Eyrie and what happened to Jun's pride. That being said, I felt like it could have expanded more on the opinicus/gryphon conflict.
Cons:
- This kind of applies to the whole series in general, but it's hard to know what's going on in the character's heads most of the time. The characterisation is hard to pinpoint, and I felt like most of the characters were lacking a personality.
- The plot was all over the place. We're barely ten chapters in and already having a build up to the end. It felt like we were tossed in with barely a beginning, more like a middle point and a conclusion.
- even though the switching POVs was nice, it felt like there was way too many characters just for the first book. I could name them all off the top of my head, but each of their personalities were hard to distinguish, and sometimes it felt like introducing another character for the sake of only one chapter.
- The ending was... weird. It kind of finished with a bang, except more like a cloud of dust than an explosion. It was confusing to pinpoint what had just happened and felt like the setup for book two was hanging by a thread.
If you're wondering to continue GryphIns, that's a solid concern after this book. However, books two and three make up for it. Will the weird characterisation keep on being bland? Yes. Will the writing continue to feel disconnected? Yes. Will there be as many characters, if not more, in the future? Yes. Will it be a terrible series? No. Ashen Weald and the Crackling Sea are the best entries in the series. Just because this book is lacking, doesn't mean the later books are the same. Get reading! You need more griffins in your life.
March 11, 2022
I liked it. It could've been better but it had gryphons so 5/5
April 18, 2022
The best series I’ve read involving gryphons hands down. This is also one of the best series I’ve read, period. Eyrie, in particular, is full of colorful characters, a rich history, and diverse cultures. It’s a robust base for the sequels and cleverly places hints for things to come which gives bonuses to those who enjoy rereading.
How I Use the Rating System
1: There is no 0 on the provided scale, so I use this as a 0. I find no redeeming qualities and would not suggest the title to anyone for any reason.
2: I hated the work and regret wasting my time reading it, but find or understand that it has some value.
3: Average. I don’t regret having read it, but what I received as an experience was nominal.
4: I enjoyed or found value in the title, but it’s not something I would recommend to everyone, or I would not consider rereading it, or there was a significant flaw that prevented it from being a 5.
5: I enjoyed it so thoroughly I would reread it and recommend it to just about anyone. Or I found it so valuable that I felt it deserved such a rating.
How I Use the Rating System
1: There is no 0 on the provided scale, so I use this as a 0. I find no redeeming qualities and would not suggest the title to anyone for any reason.
2: I hated the work and regret wasting my time reading it, but find or understand that it has some value.
3: Average. I don’t regret having read it, but what I received as an experience was nominal.
4: I enjoyed or found value in the title, but it’s not something I would recommend to everyone, or I would not consider rereading it, or there was a significant flaw that prevented it from being a 5.
5: I enjoyed it so thoroughly I would reread it and recommend it to just about anyone. Or I found it so valuable that I felt it deserved such a rating.
August 30, 2021
I actually finished this book ages ago. Read the whole thing in two days! I couldn't put it down. The characters really grabbed me, and there's a level of social commentary that really makes this stand out against other animal fantasy stories. The world is so rich - it makes you feel like you could just dive in.
The scene with the wingless griffons fighting the fisher people hit me the hardest. It was one of those where you weren't sure who to root for considering why the battle happened in the first place, so you end up feeling awful for all of them. Really powerful stuff.
If there's any complaint, it's probably just that there's so many characters (likely to set up future books) that I get them mixed up at times, but that's a minor issue.
Totally recommend this!
The scene with the wingless griffons fighting the fisher people hit me the hardest. It was one of those where you weren't sure who to root for considering why the battle happened in the first place, so you end up feeling awful for all of them. Really powerful stuff.
If there's any complaint, it's probably just that there's so many characters (likely to set up future books) that I get them mixed up at times, but that's a minor issue.
Totally recommend this!
January 16, 2022
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
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