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Griffin's Daughter (Griffin's Daughter Trilogy, #1)

Leslie Ann Moore

Discussion: Nonlist book recommendations

Discussion leader: Ridan

Why we're reading this: If you like a little love story in your fantasy reading then this book is for you. It tells the story of …more
[close] If you like a little love story in your fantasy reading then this book is for you. It tells the story of Jelena a half-elf scorned by humans who seeks love among the elves.

Leslie won the Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Fiction) in 2008

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Nonlist book recommendations

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What Members Thought

Jun 12, 2008 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2009, fantasy

Read this book as a monthly read for the Fantasy Book Club.

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the sequels. I would like to see what happens in the conflict between elves and humans. I am also interested in seeing Jelena and Ashinji further explore their magical talents.

The main characters - Jelena, Ashinji, and Magnes - are likable. They are developed well enough that I felt like I knew them and was interested in getting to know them better. Two of the villainous characters - Jelena Read this book as a monthly read for the Fantasy Book Club.

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the sequels. I would like to see what happens in the conflict between elves and humans. I am also interested in seeing Jelena and Ashinji further explore their magical talents.

The main characters - Jelena, Ashinji, and Magnes - are likable. They are developed well enough that I felt like I knew them and was interested in getting to know them better. Two of the villainous characters - Jelena's uncle the duke and Ashinji's brother - have no redeeming characteristics - you can love to hate them, but there's not much complexity so far. And I'm not sure how believable it is that there can be such contrasts in moral values and behavior within a family. There are some other characters that are more ambiguous and show promise of developing in the future books. I'm thinking of Amara, the elf mother who is a mage, and Thessalina, Magnes' sister. Amara seems to genuinely care for her son and Jelena, yet she is willing to use them as pawns in the struggle against the immortal power. Thessalina has rigid and stereotypical racial views, yet otherwise seems to be an honorable person.

I would be interested in knowing more about the differences between the human and elf cultures. From what's shown in this book, it seems to be fairly superficial - more a matter of physical appearance than anything else. One of the biggest differences seemed to be a penchant for cleanliness amongst the elves, not shared by the humans. The two social structures seem to be amazingly parallel - both relatively feudal societies, with an upper and a lower class. The glimpse of the city that Magnes ends up living in is perhaps the most interestingly diverse setting shown.

I personally found the focus to be too much on romance and love as opposed to exploration of magical abilities and the political conflict facing the countries.

While reading, I sometimes felt like I was analyzing the dialogue to figure out how the author was using it in the story. That tells me that there was just something a little bit off - I want to feel like I am there with the characters, experiencing their thoughts and conversations.

This is a very promising start to a trilogy, and I look forward to reading more. ...more

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Mar 07, 2009 Todd Fonseca rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, good-reads-author, recommended, award-winning, goodreads-author, romantic-fantasy

Being half-elf and half -human, Jelena Preseren lives life ridiculed and looked down upon by others. Though her mother, who died giving birth to her, was the sister of the Duke of Amsara, this does little for Jelena who is forced to live her days working in the castle scullery. Her only friend is her cousin Magnes who sees beyond her lineage. Though she accepts her lot in life as a servant, Jelena draws the line when her uncle the Duke decides to sell her as a concubine. She decides to flee and Being half-elf and half -human, Jelena Preseren lives life ridiculed and looked down upon by others. Though her mother, who died giving birth to her, was the sister of the Duke of Amsara, this does little for Jelena who is forced to live her days working in the castle scullery. Her only friend is her cousin Magnes who sees beyond her lineage. Though she accepts her lot in life as a servant, Jelena draws the line when her uncle the Duke decides to sell her as a concubine. She decides to flee and search for her Elven father.

Having learned of his own arranged marriage to someone other than his true love, Magnes joins Jelena. While on their quest, Jelena discovers a strange power locked deep inside her. Little does she know, that she is the vessel containing the magic from an ancient evil sorcerer banished centuries earlier but whose soul lives on searching for the key to his release.

Ashinji Sakehera, second son of an Elven Duke, is troubled by continued dreams of a girl he has yet to meet. Once he and Jelena’s worlds collide, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But how can a half-elf woman who is ostracized by both human and elf society ever have a romantic future with nobility?

Leslie Ann Moore’s Griffin’s Daughter is the first novel in a three part series. It sets up a number of story arcs only one of which is closed at the books conclusion. So be prepared to run out to purchase book two (which is also very good – see my review for Griffin’s Shadow). Moore’s prose is refined and sets the tone and mood for the novel. Apart from the good story telling, and wonderful fantasy elements, I really enjoyed the way Moore weaves in the personal impact of prejudice. Jelena is mistreated in both human and elven societies belonging to neither. What is so sad is Jelena believes herself inferior because of the way others see and treat her. No matter how much her cousin Magnes tells her otherwise or even her love Ashinji, Jelena truly believes she is not worthy of the love and friendship from those around her – all because of how she is treated by the majority. What a wonderful glimpse into how prejudice is felt by those who experience it.

Moore’s debut novel earned her the 2008 Ben Franklin Award for Best First Fiction and it’s easy to see why. This is a good book and the second installment is even better. Please note, this may not be a suitable read for some younger readers as there are some adult themes presented occasionally throughout the story. For those who enjoy a good, well written fantasy, pick up a copy of Griffin’s Daughter.
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