The White Gryphon

by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

Book Overview

The second book in Mercedes Lackey's classic Mage Wars trilogy featuring the gryphons, set in the beloved fantasy world of Valdemar

It has been ten years since the magical Cataclysm, which destroyed the twin strongholds of the two world's most powerful Mages and killed Urtho, creator of the gryphons, sending his forces into exile. Now Urtho's peoples--human and non-human alike--live in a terraced city carved into the face of a gleaming...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0886776821
• ISBN13: 9780886776824
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Daw Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.1" x 6.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Even better than its predecessor!

It has been ten years since the magical Cataclysm that destroyed Urtho's Tower and the evil Adept Ma'ar. The Kaled'a'in Clan k'Leshya spent nearly a year traversing magic-warped lands to finally reach the shores of the sea where they would make their home. For nine years, under the leadership and guidance of the kestra'chern Amberdrake and the white gryphon Skandranon, they built a new and shining city: White Gryphon, in honor of Skandranon. Just as life seems to be finally settling down for the Kaled'a'in, a ship appears, sailing up the coast straight towards White Gryphon. Aboard it are envoys of the rigid Haighlei Empire, sent to inform the Kaled'a'in that their precious city is situated on Haighlei territory. To avoid a confrontation, Amberdrake, Winterhart, Skandranon, and Zhaneel are sent to the Haighlei capital of Khimbata as ambassadors. Trouble quickly ensues as Haighlei courtiers opposed to the Kaled'a'in are found murdered. Will Amberdrake and Skandranon be able to clear their names and save their home from war?"The White Gryphon" is the second book in Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon's Mage Wars Trilogy. I absolutely loved it! As in "The Black Gryphon," Dixon's voice and presence will be apparent to devoted Valdemar fans. It was a page-turner through and through, and the alternating perspectives only increased my desire to read on. It was one of those stories where you know the other half of the mystery, but the main characters don't and you feel like shouting out the missing pieces to them. Very intense and involving.As always, the characters and descriptions were fantastic. I swear Amberdrake is the sweetest guy ever, and I love Skandranon's self-assurance. The fully fleshed out Haighlei culture was particularly interesting. It makes one wonder if Lackey and Dixon based it on a culture in our world.I honestly have no serious complaints about this book. The pacing was infinitely better than "The Black Gryphon." The climax was more drawn out and much slower, with sufficient lower points, so that it didn't feel rushed. The only thing I'm still curious about are Hadanelith's motivations, but that is a very small flaw in an otherwise thrilling book.Bottom Line: A taut, thrilling continuation to the Mage Wars Trilogy that Valdemar fans will devour. Enjoy! :)

Not bad at all

Well, I don't like it as much as The Black Gryphon. Since The Black Gryphon is my favourite book in the world, that isn't saying much. Here is my (brief) summary of the book. The former Black Gryphon, Skandranon Rashkae, is now a leader in the Kaled'a'in tribe of K'leshya's new home. Taking place ten years after The Black Gryphon, the war refugees have built a beautiful city that they named in Skandranon's honor. Just as the city is taking its final form, a mysterious boat sails into the harbour. There are a group of people known as Haighlei who are the actual owners of the land White Gryphon (the city) is built on. They offer to make an alliance with the city. Skandranon and his fellow leader and friend Amberdrake take their families to the city of Khimbata to meet the Emperor Shalaman. They are surprised by the intricate and unusual customs of the Haighlei people. Shortly after they arrive at Khimbata, the White Gryphon delegation is accused of commiting a murder... You'll have to read it to find out what happens, but the plot involves multiple murders, romance, and action. Happy gryphoning.

The Black Gryphon is back-- but he's white now! =)

I just can't see how anyone can NOT like it. I mean, all right,maybe it doesn't have as much action as The Black Gryphon--SO WHAT? Are authors allowed to have a change of pace now and then anymore? Besides, I think it's got plenty of action--the murders, when Skan and Drake get kid- and gryphon-napped by Hadanelith (spelling?) and when Skan saves the Black King, Shalaman, as the Black Gryphon again. I think that's gotta be my favorite part of the whole book. Also, be sure to read Black Gryphon first. I read this book first, And I was totally confused abuot a lotta stuff. ~Dragonblade END

Excellent Reading!

This book is a perfect blend of mystery and action, making it an instant classic. I think this would be a good book for any murder mystery fan or Mercedes Lackey fan. There are some people who would believe this book to be 'dull', but probably because they are expecting another 'Black Gryhpon', which this is not.

Splendid!

A worthy successor to the Black Gryphon. It's fascinating to watch our old friends dealing with an entirely different culture. I found myself wishing the later Heralds of Valdemar would run into these southern neighbors. Excellent plotting. And I particularly loved the kids.