The Silver Gryphon is the last book in the Mage Wars trilogy, the first in the epic Valdemar saga. The first book in the series was pure high fantasy, the second less magic and more intrigue, and this one is a tale of survival. It also contains one of my favorite quotes from any book, ever...
“In a calm, clear voice, she suggested that the wyrsa in question could do several highly improbable, athletically difficult and possibly biologically impractical things involving its own mother, a few household implements, and a dead fish.”
A dozen or so years have passed since the end of The White Gryphon. Unlike the first two books, this one does not center solely on Drake and Skan. Instead, this one focuses on Tadrith and Silverblade, the children of Skan and Drake respectively. The two are partners in the Silvers, the pseudo military/law enforcement service of White Gryphon. They have been in training and now it is time for them to go out on their first scouting mission. Their parents are so notorious that both of them are more than willing to leave, to be out from under watchful eyes. But things go badly for them almost from the start and they end up lost and alone, injured and being pursued by forces they have never experienced.
This is more of an action novel than one of magic and mystery. Although I enjoyed the story and I love the two new characters, it just wasn't as much fun to read. Yes, there was a bit of mystery and some great action, but overall I felt like it just didn't move the story forward as much as the others. It was good for character development, except for the fact that this book is the one and only one in the series that discusses these two characters.
My Recommendation: No, this wasn't my favorite in the series, aside from the great quote. But it is still enjoyable for a fan of the Valdemar series.
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Kim Deister
A good end to a great trilogy!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2015Verified Purchase
Parecia
An outstanding end to a great trilogy
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020Verified Purchase
Barbara Ghylin
Christmas
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020Verified Purchase
Dierdre
This is Book 3 in the Mage Wars Trilogy.
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2011Verified Purchase
Sonja Johnson
Good story, just not a good intro for brand-new readers
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2018Verified Purchase
F. T. Vogt
Mercedes Lackey’s Work is Still Great After All These Years
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2021Verified Purchase
Laurie Baum
Three books in series. Worth every penny!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2019Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
So I personally think Mercedes Lackey can do no wrong....
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Jennine
... Lackey and I found it to be a very good read. It follows on from The Black Gryphon ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2015Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Came early
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2018Verified Purchase
JIM1957
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2016Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
An old favourite.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2013Verified Purchase
Carol jennings
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2015Verified Purchase