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Kelvren's Saga #1
Gryphon in Light
Set in the beloved and New York Times world of Valdemar, this first book in a new trilogy returns to the tales of the majestic gryphons.
On the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops, but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong.
Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement. Just getting the multicultural fleet underway is a challenge, but what awaits them is a situation none of them could expect.
Set in the beloved fantasy realm of Valdemar, Gryphon in Light is adventurous epic fantasy at its best.
On the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops, but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong.
Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement. Just getting the multicultural fleet underway is a challenge, but what awaits them is a situation none of them could expect.
Set in the beloved fantasy realm of Valdemar, Gryphon in Light is adventurous epic fantasy at its best.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
277 people are currently reading
4407 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
432 books9,555 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 27, 2023
I have been reading the Valdemar books for decades and I was delighted to start this new saga with a lot of familiar characters. I do wish I had re-read a few of the relevant series more recently as I was a little foggy on the details. I love the world building and character development in these books. This magical world always feels real to me and it’s a comfort to get to revisit. I especially loved that this one includes characters from all the major areas and set up perfectly for the next book (which I need now, thank you very much). Kelvren was badly injured and away from his allies. He didn’t have enough magic to heal himself but he could heal the captain sharing his tent and dreaming of making it back to Haven to see his wife again. With this single choice Kelvren’s life will never be the same. The magic waves reverberating have changed the world and no one fully understands how to manage the problems Kelvren has unleashed upon herself.
May 5, 2023
I have been reading M. Lackey's books since I was a teen. I love her rich world creation and heartwarming stories. The last several books have disappointed me somewhat. This book has me on the fence. The beginning is slow, really slow. We have Kelvren, a griffin, who is gravely injured using magic to heal a Vlademaran guard, Hallock. This leaves the Griffin gravely injured. A magical attempt to heal him leave him even more at risk this time the risk extends to others around him as well. we learn more about griffin anatomy then we really need to. This part of healing and heading home to K'Valdemar take up 30% of the book. Then for some reason It is decided that Kel with many old and new chars should head on a journey to lake Evendim. I'm still not sure why they decided to go but apparently it has become important. The next huge chunk of the book is all how were are organizing the trip. When you are finally nearly 80% done with the book they actually leave on this journey. This is the only part that is really interesting. So of course whilst in the midst of danger and excitement the authors cut us off with a to be continued. I absolutely HATE that. Listen after dragging us on for hundreds of pages do not just cut us off with a buy my next book too routine. Earlier books in the series had nice small conclusions while moving on with the metaplot. This seems to be following the new trend of authors to get you to the rising action of the book then cut you off. That isn't a book that is an introduction. The character creation is detailed as normal though some of the characters seem to be thrown away as soon as you are introduced to them. Why go into detail if you aren't going to use them. Given that this book contains a mountain of characters from previous books popping in and out you need to have read MUCH of Lackey's previous books. This is not for people new to the world. I am curious about the next one, but I also dread dealing with another build up then oops buy the next book. I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
I have been reading Mercedes Lackey's books since I was about 13. I have read just about everything she has ever published. Minor spoilers ahead if you haven't read Gryphon In Light
Sad to say, I am DEEPLY disappointed in the new Valdemar novel. I think anyone who had anything to do with the editing process should hang their heads in shame for what they allowed to slip through their fingers. That includes the authors themselves.
The story itself was mildly entertaining but felt forced. Like someone decided it was necessary to shove every single character and creature from 30+ years of novels into a single story.
I get no book is perfect. Lord knows you could read through any of my books and find errors in them. The sheer number of GLARING continuity errors in this book is utterly ridiculous.
For an entire chapter, the mercenary band the Skybolts are referred to as the Firebolts before returning to calling them the Skybolts.
They constantly say there are no Heralds around to relay information quickly, but then say the Kerowyn is there directing the Skybolts and making decisions. She IS a Herald and a powerful mind speaker.
In the middle of an entire scene regarding the thoughts and feelings of Silverfox, it suddenly starts referring to Firesong and then back to Silverfox without Firesong ever being anywhere near that scene.
The numbers of different races constantly change. First, there are 5 kyree then there are only 4. First, there are 12 Dyheli, then 14, then back to 12. First, there are 4 Ghost Cat warriors and then only 3
The Guard officer is first reporting to his superior who is a Major and in the very next scene, that same superior is now a Captain.
First Kelvren supposedly demands that his Guard friend be included in the expedition but two chapters later Kelvren is surprised to find that his friend is being included and he is happy for the "interference" of some other friends in making this happen. Yet a few chapters later it's back to being Kelvren who "demanded" the inclusion of the guard.
Every time you think you have a handle on who is who and what is happening it arbitrarily changes and then changes back.
Did NO ONE read through this for continuity? If they did were they people who have never read a single Velgarth novel ever?
This is supposed to be a trilogy I don't know If I can take two more books like this
Sad to say, I am DEEPLY disappointed in the new Valdemar novel. I think anyone who had anything to do with the editing process should hang their heads in shame for what they allowed to slip through their fingers. That includes the authors themselves.
The story itself was mildly entertaining but felt forced. Like someone decided it was necessary to shove every single character and creature from 30+ years of novels into a single story.
I get no book is perfect. Lord knows you could read through any of my books and find errors in them. The sheer number of GLARING continuity errors in this book is utterly ridiculous.
For an entire chapter, the mercenary band the Skybolts are referred to as the Firebolts before returning to calling them the Skybolts.
They constantly say there are no Heralds around to relay information quickly, but then say the Kerowyn is there directing the Skybolts and making decisions. She IS a Herald and a powerful mind speaker.
In the middle of an entire scene regarding the thoughts and feelings of Silverfox, it suddenly starts referring to Firesong and then back to Silverfox without Firesong ever being anywhere near that scene.
The numbers of different races constantly change. First, there are 5 kyree then there are only 4. First, there are 12 Dyheli, then 14, then back to 12. First, there are 4 Ghost Cat warriors and then only 3
The Guard officer is first reporting to his superior who is a Major and in the very next scene, that same superior is now a Captain.
First Kelvren supposedly demands that his Guard friend be included in the expedition but two chapters later Kelvren is surprised to find that his friend is being included and he is happy for the "interference" of some other friends in making this happen. Yet a few chapters later it's back to being Kelvren who "demanded" the inclusion of the guard.
Every time you think you have a handle on who is who and what is happening it arbitrarily changes and then changes back.
Did NO ONE read through this for continuity? If they did were they people who have never read a single Velgarth novel ever?
This is supposed to be a trilogy I don't know If I can take two more books like this
April 5, 2023
I received an advance copy from DAW and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a longtime Lackey reader, I'm always excited for a new series, especially when it's set in a time period familiar to me in her Velgarth universe. This takes place after the Owlsight trilogy, and familiar faces from previous books (Treyvan, Darkwind, Firesong) pop up, the first two briefly, and Firesong as one of the main supporting characters.
Post-Mage Storms, as Valdemar and its surrounding countries deal with their new world, the country faces a threat from within-- a group of merchants rebelling and claiming a corner of the country as theirs. The book begins with a soldier, Hallock, who's been fighting the mercenaries hired by the rebels, as well as Kelvren, a gryphon who is severely injured along with Hallock in the fighting. During their mutual recovery, Kelvren drains himself of magic to the edge of death, attempting to heal Hallock. When Kelvren is healed by Treyvan, the unexpected happens, and the safest place for him to be isn't a Guard camp, but instead, the k'Valdemar Vale, where healers who are more adept with magic can try to solve the puzzle he's become. But there's a mission to find what's happening at the long-abandoned site of Ma'ar's fortress from centuries ago, and Kelvren and Hallock are enlisted for the mission. Because it's Lackey, this mission of course also involves various intelligent and magical animals, as well as a lone Companion and a company of gryphons from Iftel.
Coming after the recently-published second book in the Founding trilogy, and being the first book in this era of Valdemar in 24 years, this story tied in with both the books of the Queen Selenay era as well as the Founding story, sometimes to the point where the connections felt a little too "see? Like we said in the other book!". But to familiar readers, this feels almost comforting. Yes, I remember the Owlknight stories! Yes, I remember the floating barges! But would I recommend this to people new to Lackey's books? Absolutely not. I needed an encyclopedia's worth of backstory to really grasp things (which I had), and a new reader would be confused. But for Lackey fans, this is going to be a delight.
As a longtime Lackey reader, I'm always excited for a new series, especially when it's set in a time period familiar to me in her Velgarth universe. This takes place after the Owlsight trilogy, and familiar faces from previous books (Treyvan, Darkwind, Firesong) pop up, the first two briefly, and Firesong as one of the main supporting characters.
Post-Mage Storms, as Valdemar and its surrounding countries deal with their new world, the country faces a threat from within-- a group of merchants rebelling and claiming a corner of the country as theirs. The book begins with a soldier, Hallock, who's been fighting the mercenaries hired by the rebels, as well as Kelvren, a gryphon who is severely injured along with Hallock in the fighting. During their mutual recovery, Kelvren drains himself of magic to the edge of death, attempting to heal Hallock. When Kelvren is healed by Treyvan, the unexpected happens, and the safest place for him to be isn't a Guard camp, but instead, the k'Valdemar Vale, where healers who are more adept with magic can try to solve the puzzle he's become. But there's a mission to find what's happening at the long-abandoned site of Ma'ar's fortress from centuries ago, and Kelvren and Hallock are enlisted for the mission. Because it's Lackey, this mission of course also involves various intelligent and magical animals, as well as a lone Companion and a company of gryphons from Iftel.
Coming after the recently-published second book in the Founding trilogy, and being the first book in this era of Valdemar in 24 years, this story tied in with both the books of the Queen Selenay era as well as the Founding story, sometimes to the point where the connections felt a little too "see? Like we said in the other book!". But to familiar readers, this feels almost comforting. Yes, I remember the Owlknight stories! Yes, I remember the floating barges! But would I recommend this to people new to Lackey's books? Absolutely not. I needed an encyclopedia's worth of backstory to really grasp things (which I had), and a new reader would be confused. But for Lackey fans, this is going to be a delight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I think I am ready to part ways with Mercedes Lackey. I've been dissatisfied with many aspects of the various series that back-filled the history of Valdemar and its surrounding nations, going back to the Alberich duology that couldn't even be bothered to keep the same name for Elspeth's father, much less the basic details about his actions and death. So many pages wasted on the origins of kirball in the Foundation series, an activity with zero mention even as wargames or training in other books. The series about Valdemar's founding that has the Eastern Empire relying on a giant maguffin in the Dolls before managing to take it away completely since there's no hint of it in the Mage Storms series. These things on top of the constant continuity errors that have me wondering just what DAW is doing, since they clearly aren't paying editors to go over these books and check things.
The pacing in this specific book is entirely out of whack. We get a conflict tossed at us with minimal explanation, when some time spent showing how it developed would have helped draw readers in and care more when Kelvren turns up to put an end to it. Then we take the middle almost 80% of the book to basically gather the characters that will be carrying the presumed second and third books and introduce the new ones. Imagine that the DM of your RPG campaign let that natural 20 completely end something interesting and then spent the next several weeks having you prepare for the next campaign and, by the way, adding a new friend with a random character to work in every session.
I wouldn't even quite mind so much the cast of new characters that feels like Lackey throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, except that we get very little time with established characters who ought to be there, with no explanation as to why they aren't around. For example, this conflict takes place in the same setting as the series about Darian Firkin, yet even though he's mentioned in passing several times as clearly being important, he only shows up twice that I remember and his partner Keisha doesn't appear on-page at all. And even with the characters that are there, their actions and interactions are swallowed up by Lackey's latest twists in her magic system that do not make sense and had me skimming pages to find the next bit of actual plot.
The cliffhanger at the end was ridiculous and unnecessary and could just as easily have opened the next book. The continuity errors within the book as well as with previous books made it feel sloppy. A lot of time is spent on telling us how Firesong is dealing with constant pain and discomfort, but not clearly saying whether it's due to the events from the Mage Storms series (and never mentioned in the Darian series), aging (which contradicts established canon of both Hawkbrothers and mages being long-lived if they don't die by conflict), or something new, which could easily be whatever's brewing in this series, in which I'd expect Firesong and his friends to be a lot more worried from the get-go instead of just trying to ease him. Surprises are tossed in at random, such as
I've been getting Lackey's books from the library for decades now, and at this point I think I will wait for reviews before even going that far.
The pacing in this specific book is entirely out of whack. We get a conflict tossed at us with minimal explanation, when some time spent showing how it developed would have helped draw readers in and care more when Kelvren turns up to put an end to it. Then we take the middle almost 80% of the book to basically gather the characters that will be carrying the presumed second and third books and introduce the new ones. Imagine that the DM of your RPG campaign let that natural 20 completely end something interesting and then spent the next several weeks having you prepare for the next campaign and, by the way, adding a new friend with a random character to work in every session.
I wouldn't even quite mind so much the cast of new characters that feels like Lackey throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, except that we get very little time with established characters who ought to be there, with no explanation as to why they aren't around. For example, this conflict takes place in the same setting as the series about Darian Firkin, yet even though he's mentioned in passing several times as clearly being important, he only shows up twice that I remember and his partner Keisha doesn't appear on-page at all. And even with the characters that are there, their actions and interactions are swallowed up by Lackey's latest twists in her magic system that do not make sense and had me skimming pages to find the next bit of actual plot.
The cliffhanger at the end was ridiculous and unnecessary and could just as easily have opened the next book. The continuity errors within the book as well as with previous books made it feel sloppy. A lot of time is spent on telling us how Firesong is dealing with constant pain and discomfort, but not clearly saying whether it's due to the events from the Mage Storms series (and never mentioned in the Darian series), aging (which contradicts established canon of both Hawkbrothers and mages being long-lived if they don't die by conflict), or something new, which could easily be whatever's brewing in this series, in which I'd expect Firesong and his friends to be a lot more worried from the get-go instead of just trying to ease him. Surprises are tossed in at random, such as
I've been getting Lackey's books from the library for decades now, and at this point I think I will wait for reviews before even going that far.
July 21, 2023
Gryphons arise!
The beginning of a new series centered around the gryphon Kelvren, wing leader of the gryphons of k’Valdemarr.
Nicely setup to include the many and varied inhabitants of the Valdemar world. Rogue Barons are looking to secede from Valdemar. A problem when they’re going about it in entirely the wrong way. This is a coup supplied by seized goods from honest tradesmen. That the crown cannot allow so forces have been detached to dissuade the Barons.
We open in the healers tents with a badly injured Hallock. Hallock gives permission to house a wounded gryphon in his tent.
I really like Hallock Haven of the Sixteenth Guard Regiment, and his wife Genni. The waif, the younling Jefti, is another character with promise.
The making of a legend is not all it’s cracked up to be as Kelvren learns. But a disparate group is assembled to take up a quest, a journey to a lake at the center of the change circle area at the behest of the gods. No one turns the Gods down!
Some excellent threads are being interwoven in this fresh Valdemar novel, some from the past and some new strands.
A very strong beginning!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The beginning of a new series centered around the gryphon Kelvren, wing leader of the gryphons of k’Valdemarr.
Nicely setup to include the many and varied inhabitants of the Valdemar world. Rogue Barons are looking to secede from Valdemar. A problem when they’re going about it in entirely the wrong way. This is a coup supplied by seized goods from honest tradesmen. That the crown cannot allow so forces have been detached to dissuade the Barons.
We open in the healers tents with a badly injured Hallock. Hallock gives permission to house a wounded gryphon in his tent.
I really like Hallock Haven of the Sixteenth Guard Regiment, and his wife Genni. The waif, the younling Jefti, is another character with promise.
The making of a legend is not all it’s cracked up to be as Kelvren learns. But a disparate group is assembled to take up a quest, a journey to a lake at the center of the change circle area at the behest of the gods. No one turns the Gods down!
Some excellent threads are being interwoven in this fresh Valdemar novel, some from the past and some new strands.
A very strong beginning!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
September 15, 2023
Surprisingly, this was a phenomenon among Lackey's latest literary offerings - a novel that was sort-of readable and even slightly enjoyable. I even finished it, maybe because Larry Dixon wrote part of it. Anyway, it was uneven. Some chapters in the beginning and the end of the book flowed, quick and absorbing, with lots of actions. Others, the dreary middle, dragged and hiccuped, substituting magical mumbo-jumbo and tedious explanations for the absent action.
The editing was bad too. Name mix-ups, sometimes within the same page. Title and rank mix-ups. In one chapter, a man is a major, in the next - the same man is a captain.
And to top the list of flaws, the book ended in the middle of a scene, on a clear cliffhanger. Would I read the next one, to know how that final scene concluded? Maybe. If I had nothing better to read and that book was available at my library.
Overall: why do I keep reading this author?
The editing was bad too. Name mix-ups, sometimes within the same page. Title and rank mix-ups. In one chapter, a man is a major, in the next - the same man is a captain.
And to top the list of flaws, the book ended in the middle of a scene, on a clear cliffhanger. Would I read the next one, to know how that final scene concluded? Maybe. If I had nothing better to read and that book was available at my library.
Overall: why do I keep reading this author?
July 15, 2023
This is not the book to start with if you haven’t read Valdemar books before. There’s a Lot of backstory and references. However if you’re already reading these books this is a fun return to an enjoyable world. If you haven’t read the series yet they’re not really cozies in the sense nothing bad happens but in the end everything is ok. Despite the occasional bad things in them I’d recommend them for a teen reader, I started reading them at 13 so I do have a soft spot for them but nothing in there is going to be too much for the average teen to handle. And the pick decent friends, healthy romantic relationships are great and work hard and behave ethically messages are great things for younger readers to hear. For an adult they are a relaxing read where everything is going to turn out ok.
December 29, 2023
Return to the world of Velgarth with Gryphon in Light
Mercedes Lackey teams up with her husband and co-writer Larry Dixon to extend the story of Valdemar and its neighboring land beyond the events of the Owl Mage (Darian) trilogy. Gryphon in Light picks up several years after Owlknight. The titular gryphon is Kelvren, an engaging, charismatic, and enthusiastic gryphon who currently serves as the leader of the gryphon guards at the diplomatic enclave of k’Valdemar. The book is entertaining, and I loved seeing Kelvren and several other familiar and beloved characters. If you’re new to the series, this is not the place to jump into the Valdemar books, but if you’re already a fan, read on!
The story opens with an open rebellion within Valdemar; Kelvren risks his life to save a group of the Valdemaran Guard, including Hallock Stavern. The effort leaves both Kel and Hallock badly injured, eventually leading to an unusually risky magical working to save Kel. And that’s just the first part of the tale! The story continues with Kel’s recovery and a joint expedition to the shores of Lake Evendim, site of Ma’ar’s former stronghold and now (since the end of the Mage Storms) a new source of trouble.
There were plenty of things I liked about Gryphon in Light, and a few that bothered me. Most appealing, of course, was the chance to catch up and spend time with a number of well-loved characters from previous books. Besides Kelvren, we also get to see Silverfox and Firesong, Snowfire and Nightwind, Ayshen the hertasi, and the gryphon-mage Treyvan, among others. (These characters can be found in one or more of the following: the Mage Winds, Mage Storms, and Darian trilogies.)
The book’s POV is shared between several characters, including Kel, Hallock, and Firesong. This works for the story, and Lackey’s use of the multiple third-person-limited POV will be familiar to most Valdemar fans. In this case, it does make it hard to determine who is the real protagonist. While I think that honor goes to Kel, in terms of whose actions really drive the story, Hallock is also a main character. Both of them are likeable and interesting characters, with enough imperfections to make them feel realistic. Hallock is more mature and steadier than Kel, who tends toward impulsiveness and a certain showiness along with his undeniable courage and intelligence. Hallock’s wife plays an important secondary role, though we rarely see her POV; despite that, I liked her very much.
On the downside, while the plot works, it sometimes feels a little disjointed or episodic. Some of that is no doubt due to the fact that the first third or so of the book was originally three individual short stories, published in three separate volumes; the second half flows more smoothly, though the pacing is somewhat uneven. Another frustration was the occasional inconsistencies with the worldbuilding and magic systems established in previous books, something which drives me nuts. (I understand that it’s hard to maintain consistency in a series this large, even if you’re using a series bible, so I try to cut the authors some slack on this. But I do notice the inconsistences, and they can irritate me enough to temporarily throw me out of the story.)
Despite those quibbles, longtime fans of the series will probably enjoy Gryphon in Light as much I did. Newcomers will do better to start with earlier books set in this world, since the book references everything from the Mage Wars (Black Gryphon) trilogy to the Mage Storms and Owl Knight trilogies. (My personal recommendation is to read the books in publication order, though chronological order works, too.)
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
Mercedes Lackey teams up with her husband and co-writer Larry Dixon to extend the story of Valdemar and its neighboring land beyond the events of the Owl Mage (Darian) trilogy. Gryphon in Light picks up several years after Owlknight. The titular gryphon is Kelvren, an engaging, charismatic, and enthusiastic gryphon who currently serves as the leader of the gryphon guards at the diplomatic enclave of k’Valdemar. The book is entertaining, and I loved seeing Kelvren and several other familiar and beloved characters. If you’re new to the series, this is not the place to jump into the Valdemar books, but if you’re already a fan, read on!
The story opens with an open rebellion within Valdemar; Kelvren risks his life to save a group of the Valdemaran Guard, including Hallock Stavern. The effort leaves both Kel and Hallock badly injured, eventually leading to an unusually risky magical working to save Kel. And that’s just the first part of the tale! The story continues with Kel’s recovery and a joint expedition to the shores of Lake Evendim, site of Ma’ar’s former stronghold and now (since the end of the Mage Storms) a new source of trouble.
There were plenty of things I liked about Gryphon in Light, and a few that bothered me. Most appealing, of course, was the chance to catch up and spend time with a number of well-loved characters from previous books. Besides Kelvren, we also get to see Silverfox and Firesong, Snowfire and Nightwind, Ayshen the hertasi, and the gryphon-mage Treyvan, among others. (These characters can be found in one or more of the following: the Mage Winds, Mage Storms, and Darian trilogies.)
The book’s POV is shared between several characters, including Kel, Hallock, and Firesong. This works for the story, and Lackey’s use of the multiple third-person-limited POV will be familiar to most Valdemar fans. In this case, it does make it hard to determine who is the real protagonist. While I think that honor goes to Kel, in terms of whose actions really drive the story, Hallock is also a main character. Both of them are likeable and interesting characters, with enough imperfections to make them feel realistic. Hallock is more mature and steadier than Kel, who tends toward impulsiveness and a certain showiness along with his undeniable courage and intelligence. Hallock’s wife plays an important secondary role, though we rarely see her POV; despite that, I liked her very much.
On the downside, while the plot works, it sometimes feels a little disjointed or episodic. Some of that is no doubt due to the fact that the first third or so of the book was originally three individual short stories, published in three separate volumes; the second half flows more smoothly, though the pacing is somewhat uneven. Another frustration was the occasional inconsistencies with the worldbuilding and magic systems established in previous books, something which drives me nuts. (I understand that it’s hard to maintain consistency in a series this large, even if you’re using a series bible, so I try to cut the authors some slack on this. But I do notice the inconsistences, and they can irritate me enough to temporarily throw me out of the story.)
Despite those quibbles, longtime fans of the series will probably enjoy Gryphon in Light as much I did. Newcomers will do better to start with earlier books set in this world, since the book references everything from the Mage Wars (Black Gryphon) trilogy to the Mage Storms and Owl Knight trilogies. (My personal recommendation is to read the books in publication order, though chronological order works, too.)
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 27, 2023
Set in the World of Valdemar. This is the 1st book of a new trilogy featuring majestic Gryphons. Gryphon Kelvren had made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of Guard Officer Hallock and the regard of all of Valdemar. He thought he would have a hero's welcome upon return to his homeland but is shunned by many as he is greatly changed. Something new.
He joins the quest to the centre of Lake Evendim along with many friends and different cultures. This is the start of a thrilling adventure which already keeps you on the edge of your seat as you know there is so much more to be revealed.
I am fairly new to this world but had no problem with catching up as there is so much great interaction between characters that keeps you wanting more.
I would recommend starting this series now even if you are late to the party.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, DAW) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
He joins the quest to the centre of Lake Evendim along with many friends and different cultures. This is the start of a thrilling adventure which already keeps you on the edge of your seat as you know there is so much more to be revealed.
I am fairly new to this world but had no problem with catching up as there is so much great interaction between characters that keeps you wanting more.
I would recommend starting this series now even if you are late to the party.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, DAW) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2023
I really wanted to love this one, but the ret-cons and just full on errors were driving me crazy. Silverfox is not a Hawkbrother, he is kaled'a'in. Nightwind gave birth in a previous book, suddenly she is a trans woman? Darian is unrecognizable. Ghost-Cats seem to be a completely different group of people.
With all the prequels now I wonder how things got to be so backward technology wise in Arrows of the Queen, when every other book seems to be full on steam punk.
I love seeing my favorite characters again but they need to be consistent, otherwise just write a new character.
Its sad because Ma'ars stronghold is definitely an interesting premise!
With all the prequels now I wonder how things got to be so backward technology wise in Arrows of the Queen, when every other book seems to be full on steam punk.
I love seeing my favorite characters again but they need to be consistent, otherwise just write a new character.
Its sad because Ma'ars stronghold is definitely an interesting premise!
September 26, 2025
I love the author and the fantasy world she has created with her books. I’m not real familiar with the gryphons. It was fun getting to know this gryphon. The novel is a bit long I thought and not a fast paced plot at all with not as much action. I assume it’s setting the stage for the next two books.
January 9, 2024
A fast, entertaining start but then a third of the way through background information is dumped on the reader as the gryphon is told what happened to him. It slows down the plot too much.
July 25, 2023
It's some years after the Heralds of Valdemar trilogy, and major events (Winds of Fate trilogy; Mage Storms trilogy) have wrought major changes in Valdemar. These changes include, but are not limited to, the return of magical, intelligent creatures long absent, and long suspected to be entirely mythical.
These include, most notably for this book, gryphons. And specifically, Kelvren, a wingleader of the Silver Gryphons, part of the k'Valdemar Vale, which is allied with but not part of Valdemar. After intervening to help Valdemaran troops in a battle against merchants motivated solely by greed to secede from Valdemar and stop paying taxes (it's more complicated, of course, but that's the basis of it), Kelvren is very badly wounded. Since this is a Valdemaran troop far from k'Valdemar, and somewhat undersupplied because of the many challenges the kingdom is facing, there's only a "herb and knife" Healer, who does his best, but is not trained at all in caring for gryphons. Kelvren, like his Valdemaran tentmate, Hallock Stavern, Second of the Sixteenth, is unlikely to survive.
But Kelvren does have healing magic, not enough to heal himself adequately, but enough, if he gives it all, to heal Hallock. So he does, and therein, in many ways, lies the start of his problems.
An appropriately Gifted person, more knowledgeable about gryphons, does arrive in time--Treyvan, one of the two gryphons acting as ambassadors to the royal court at Haven. He gets Kelvren flying and accessing magic again, albeit at risk of bursting into flame if he's not careful. He returns to k'Valdemar, undergoes an ordeal he's only barely willing to tolerate, and restrictions he isn't willing to tolerate for long. He has to learn a completely new way of thinking and behaving.
So does the Mage, Firesong, who's helping him, though Firesong is slower to realize it. Though Firesong does come up with the excellent idea of getting Kelvren out of k'Valdemar and the restrictions he has to deal with, by setting out to deal with a problem left over from the Mage Wars, near Lake Evendim.
In k'Valdemar and on the expedition, we meet other magical creatures--the bondbirds (adapted from raptors, and bonded with the Hawkbrothers), the kyree (who might be related to wolves), the tervardi, human-sized, flightless beings adapted from songbirds, and others.
Also, more gryphons arrive, from Iftel. Heavy wing gryphons. Sort of like heavy cavalry rather than the Silver Gryphons' light cavalry, except that's wildly inadequate. Oh, and they have a message from two of the gods.
The fate of the world is at stake, and all stops are to be pulled out in dealing with it. And Kelvren is the gods' choice to lead the expedition.
This is the first of a trilogy, and while I found the introduction to the new state of the world of Valdemar, and the new peoples in that world, and especially the characters completely enthralling, this is part one of three, and at the end, they're making new discoveries of just how complicated this will be and just how much they don't yet know what's going on.
Did I mention the boy whose facial disfigurement has made him an outcast in Valdemar, who wants to learn to care for gryphons? Did I mention the Companion who comes to k'Valdemar to make an unusual choice of a new Herald?
Did I mention the Firecat?
No? I didn't mention any of those? Along with Kelvren and the very difficult Firesong and his lover, Silverfox, and Kelvren's trondi'irn Nightwind, and Ayshen, Silverfox's hertasi (lizard-adapted) assistant, they're among the excellent reasons for digging into this book and getting acquainted.
Worldbuilding and character development are a big part of the joy of reading for me, as long as it's going some place, and this is.
It's a lot of fun.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
These include, most notably for this book, gryphons. And specifically, Kelvren, a wingleader of the Silver Gryphons, part of the k'Valdemar Vale, which is allied with but not part of Valdemar. After intervening to help Valdemaran troops in a battle against merchants motivated solely by greed to secede from Valdemar and stop paying taxes (it's more complicated, of course, but that's the basis of it), Kelvren is very badly wounded. Since this is a Valdemaran troop far from k'Valdemar, and somewhat undersupplied because of the many challenges the kingdom is facing, there's only a "herb and knife" Healer, who does his best, but is not trained at all in caring for gryphons. Kelvren, like his Valdemaran tentmate, Hallock Stavern, Second of the Sixteenth, is unlikely to survive.
But Kelvren does have healing magic, not enough to heal himself adequately, but enough, if he gives it all, to heal Hallock. So he does, and therein, in many ways, lies the start of his problems.
An appropriately Gifted person, more knowledgeable about gryphons, does arrive in time--Treyvan, one of the two gryphons acting as ambassadors to the royal court at Haven. He gets Kelvren flying and accessing magic again, albeit at risk of bursting into flame if he's not careful. He returns to k'Valdemar, undergoes an ordeal he's only barely willing to tolerate, and restrictions he isn't willing to tolerate for long. He has to learn a completely new way of thinking and behaving.
So does the Mage, Firesong, who's helping him, though Firesong is slower to realize it. Though Firesong does come up with the excellent idea of getting Kelvren out of k'Valdemar and the restrictions he has to deal with, by setting out to deal with a problem left over from the Mage Wars, near Lake Evendim.
In k'Valdemar and on the expedition, we meet other magical creatures--the bondbirds (adapted from raptors, and bonded with the Hawkbrothers), the kyree (who might be related to wolves), the tervardi, human-sized, flightless beings adapted from songbirds, and others.
Also, more gryphons arrive, from Iftel. Heavy wing gryphons. Sort of like heavy cavalry rather than the Silver Gryphons' light cavalry, except that's wildly inadequate. Oh, and they have a message from two of the gods.
The fate of the world is at stake, and all stops are to be pulled out in dealing with it. And Kelvren is the gods' choice to lead the expedition.
This is the first of a trilogy, and while I found the introduction to the new state of the world of Valdemar, and the new peoples in that world, and especially the characters completely enthralling, this is part one of three, and at the end, they're making new discoveries of just how complicated this will be and just how much they don't yet know what's going on.
Did I mention the boy whose facial disfigurement has made him an outcast in Valdemar, who wants to learn to care for gryphons? Did I mention the Companion who comes to k'Valdemar to make an unusual choice of a new Herald?
Did I mention the Firecat?
No? I didn't mention any of those? Along with Kelvren and the very difficult Firesong and his lover, Silverfox, and Kelvren's trondi'irn Nightwind, and Ayshen, Silverfox's hertasi (lizard-adapted) assistant, they're among the excellent reasons for digging into this book and getting acquainted.
Worldbuilding and character development are a big part of the joy of reading for me, as long as it's going some place, and this is.
It's a lot of fun.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
February 15, 2024
I don't generally like to give up on books, but I am putting this one down. I just found myself not really caring about the main character, even though I liked him at the beginning. His dilemma felt contrived. And even though I wanted to know what would happen with their expedition, I found myself skimming paragraphs.
August 9, 2023
Inconsistent with previous books, cliffhanger ending
Many inconsistencies with previous books in the series. The ghost cat clan all had black hair and darker complexions, not blond! Fire cats had short hair like siamese cats, not long hair. And many more.
Disjointed story lines with characters doing random acts that don't make sense. And worst of all, no conclusion, literally "to be continued" written in the middle of a fight scene. I'm no longer buying Lackey's books when they are released. I'll wait to get them from my library if I read them at all. Disappointing.
Many inconsistencies with previous books in the series. The ghost cat clan all had black hair and darker complexions, not blond! Fire cats had short hair like siamese cats, not long hair. And many more.
Disjointed story lines with characters doing random acts that don't make sense. And worst of all, no conclusion, literally "to be continued" written in the middle of a fight scene. I'm no longer buying Lackey's books when they are released. I'll wait to get them from my library if I read them at all. Disappointing.
July 31, 2023
Set in the World of Valdemar, Gryphon in Light is the beginning of Kelvren Saga. The story focused on the gryphon Kelvren. Though past events from previous series were alluded to, it's fairly safe to read this on its own. However, if one is planning on reading the Heralds of Valdemar series, Winds of Fate trilogy; Mage Storms trilogy, Mage Wars, Owl Knight trilogies then I'd suggest reading those first.
This was a fun and quick read with just enough tension and stakes laid out. The world-building was a bit of a slow-burn, but still wonderful. The magic system in place was pretty interesting as well. The prose was easy to read - not too dense but not too simple that one gets bored easily.
There were some familiar casts that were introduced in here and I can't wait to see more of them. I love Kelvren so far and hopefully the next books flesh him out further.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
This was a fun and quick read with just enough tension and stakes laid out. The world-building was a bit of a slow-burn, but still wonderful. The magic system in place was pretty interesting as well. The prose was easy to read - not too dense but not too simple that one gets bored easily.
There were some familiar casts that were introduced in here and I can't wait to see more of them. I love Kelvren so far and hopefully the next books flesh him out further.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
August 24, 2024
I do love a good Valdemar tale. I liked this book but it's not one of my favorites. (Theres about 50 books in the series now so not all of them can be my fav.) The characters are outstanding. The narration is wonderful. But it has the feel of an epic fantasy tale that's been arbitrarily chopped into separate books for publishing reasons.
This isn't a book for someone who hasn't been keeping up with the Valdemar series. There's lots that just isn't explained & tons of references to past events.
This isn't a book for someone who hasn't been keeping up with the Valdemar series. There's lots that just isn't explained & tons of references to past events.
October 14, 2024
Kelvren almost burns himself out healing a fellow soldier, and the cure for this almost burns him up. Now Kelvren has to learn how to manage his new energies with the help of the legendary mage Firesong. An expedition is put together to solve a mystery in Lake Evendim.
Quite enjoyable, but suffers slightly from a slowish middle, which is why I only rated this as four stars. The gryphon accent with its nonstop rolled rs got a bit irritating (orrrrr should that be irrrrrrrrrritating?) but that's only a minor complaint.
Quite enjoyable, but suffers slightly from a slowish middle, which is why I only rated this as four stars. The gryphon accent with its nonstop rolled rs got a bit irritating (orrrrr should that be irrrrrrrrrritating?) but that's only a minor complaint.
Read
June 4, 2025This book has left no impression on me. Nothing happened! Tons of situations were set up to be conflicts or make things interesting, and then none of them were/did!
There might be a civil war- nope.
Kel caused a diplomatic incident!- kind of, but poorly explained and without real consequences
Kel is dangerous!- yes, but their fix works right away
We're going on a trip to get away from the diplomatic problems!- except we aren't, it's just 200 pages of more and more people joining the journey.
finally, 80% through the book we're on our way... how will they wrap up the adventure in time?!?!?
They won't. And the next book is showing a 2033 release date. There's no way I'll retain any of what passed for plot here past tomorrow, much less in 8 years.
Oh! And the Gryphon 'accents' were unreadable. Just a slog.
There might be a civil war- nope.
Kel caused a diplomatic incident!- kind of, but poorly explained and without real consequences
Kel is dangerous!- yes, but their fix works right away
We're going on a trip to get away from the diplomatic problems!- except we aren't, it's just 200 pages of more and more people joining the journey.
finally, 80% through the book we're on our way... how will they wrap up the adventure in time?!?!?
They won't. And the next book is showing a 2033 release date. There's no way I'll retain any of what passed for plot here past tomorrow, much less in 8 years.
Oh! And the Gryphon 'accents' were unreadable. Just a slog.
July 14, 2024
This is a more recent novel in the Valdemar series. The book follows the adventures of a Gryphon, (Kelvren), who was introduced earlier in the previous series.
The boy was really god and Ms Lackey includes just about every sentient life form she has created in the Valdemar series in this novel. It is a good story and a lot of fun.
The only bad thing for me is the fact that the next book in the series isn't expected to be released until next year.
The boy was really god and Ms Lackey includes just about every sentient life form she has created in the Valdemar series in this novel. It is a good story and a lot of fun.
The only bad thing for me is the fact that the next book in the series isn't expected to be released until next year.
July 23, 2023
Traveling to Valdemar is always a teat and this the brilliant start of a new serie.
Well plotted, entertaining and compelling
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, entertaining and compelling
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
December 26, 2023
Set in the current time period in Valdemar, this new trilogy gives us more gryphons and glimpses of our favorite characters. Kel is delightful, as are all the gryphons really, and I wanted to hug him so much. It was great seeing Firesong again and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Read
January 12, 2024I can tell this is meant for someone more familiar with the world and magic systems, however I really enjoyed this book and writing. Kelvrens inner dialogues/profound thoughts were 🥲
July 27, 2023
Great read. Quick read. I finished it in two days. This is probably also the book about Firesong we were promised five years ago, since he figures prominently in it. Now I have to wait another year for the second volume. Proofreader needed as always. Sometimes Ma'ar and Urtho are mixed up.
July 30, 2025
I’m looking forward to the next one in the series. I really enjoyed the story.
September 22, 2023
Damm what a cliffhanger......... please write the next story soon :-)
August 5, 2023
I have read Valdemar since I was a teenager, which means my view is one of enjoyment in general.
This book happily sets us back in the Mage Storms aftermath, and every set of books has led to this one. Which is part of the part that makes it harder to read. Unless I make the time to go back to read all 55 previous books, and I suspect this one's ending resonates clear back to Valdemar's founding book #2, there are "people" who are brought in and not critical to this particular plot making the reason for them being there hazy. Unless, of course, they become critical in Kelvren book #3, and we need to know they are still alive and in existence.
Do I love that there is a cameo appearance by certain characters? Yes!
Do I love the fact that we have a deeper hint at the Companions and Firecat capabilities? Yes!
Do I believe we need to have the Mage Storms show the long-term ramifications of someone who believed his power meant world domination (hello Ma'ar)? Our human world history shows what happens over the centuries when one person's ill intent takes part of being a nugget that people continue to carry forward and harm happens to others when it does, so I say this is an important part of Valdemar and the story line.
Right now, I feel like there was too much in having character cameos to distract from the main focus for the book. The plot feels a little more disjointed.
Will I read Kelvren book 2 and 3? Yes. And hope that with the central characters out in the Pelagris will allow the future portions of this plot arc to smooth out.
This book happily sets us back in the Mage Storms aftermath, and every set of books has led to this one. Which is part of the part that makes it harder to read. Unless I make the time to go back to read all 55 previous books, and I suspect this one's ending resonates clear back to Valdemar's founding book #2, there are "people" who are brought in and not critical to this particular plot making the reason for them being there hazy. Unless, of course, they become critical in Kelvren book #3, and we need to know they are still alive and in existence.
Do I love that there is a cameo appearance by certain characters? Yes!
Do I love the fact that we have a deeper hint at the Companions and Firecat capabilities? Yes!
Do I believe we need to have the Mage Storms show the long-term ramifications of someone who believed his power meant world domination (hello Ma'ar)? Our human world history shows what happens over the centuries when one person's ill intent takes part of being a nugget that people continue to carry forward and harm happens to others when it does, so I say this is an important part of Valdemar and the story line.
Right now, I feel like there was too much in having character cameos to distract from the main focus for the book. The plot feels a little more disjointed.
Will I read Kelvren book 2 and 3? Yes. And hope that with the central characters out in the Pelagris will allow the future portions of this plot arc to smooth out.
July 26, 2023
Another amazing book
Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon have done it again! They have built a world that I cannot help but think of as real. Or at least, one that I wish was real.
As usual, it absorbed my mind from beginning to end
Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon have done it again! They have built a world that I cannot help but think of as real. Or at least, one that I wish was real.
As usual, it absorbed my mind from beginning to end
August 5, 2023
The Valdemar books are often a hit or a miss. This book was kind of...in between. I was happy to see characters like Firesong and Silverfox again, but as other reviewers have pointed out, much of this book was the set up to the actual journey.
The conflicts in this series have a lot of buildup to them, but the actual "enemy fight" is often subpar. So much seems to be explained by the characters "this is what happened" rather than actually showing it to us. After reading the Collegium Chronciles (Mags defeating trained assassins that easily in a few pages? Really? Not to mention he spent half the time pining that he couldn't bed his girlfriend) I needed a break from Valdemar. But this book came out, and since it was a spin-off of the Mages Storms, which is one of the better trilogies, I decided to read it.
It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great, either. Most of the time, Kel is annoying, and there isn't much depth to Hallock or the other new characters. Children act like adults and adults act like children. The book had potential, but it fell flat in many ways.
The conflicts in this series have a lot of buildup to them, but the actual "enemy fight" is often subpar. So much seems to be explained by the characters "this is what happened" rather than actually showing it to us. After reading the Collegium Chronciles (Mags defeating trained assassins that easily in a few pages? Really? Not to mention he spent half the time pining that he couldn't bed his girlfriend) I needed a break from Valdemar. But this book came out, and since it was a spin-off of the Mages Storms, which is one of the better trilogies, I decided to read it.
It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great, either. Most of the time, Kel is annoying, and there isn't much depth to Hallock or the other new characters. Children act like adults and adults act like children. The book had potential, but it fell flat in many ways.
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