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The Silver Gryphon

Book 3 in the series:Mage Wars

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The Silver Gryphon is the concluding book in the Mage Wars trilogy, focusing on the next generation of characters, Tadrith and Silverblade, the children of Skan and Drake. The story follows their journey as they venture out on their first scouting mission, facing challenges, survival, and growth. The book is set in a world of war heroes, exploring themes of family, coming of age, and overcoming impossible odds in a pseudo-military law enforcement service.

The writing style of The Silver Gryphon is described as more action-oriented than magical, emphasizing character development and a tale of survival. The plot revolves around Tadrith and Silverblade's struggles, their relationships with their legendary parents, and the challenges they encounter while on their mission, showcasing themes of bravery, training, and self-discovery.

Characters:

The characters struggle with their identities and expectations while facing both external challenges and internal conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is criticized for being inconsistent and hurried, lacking the depth and engagement found in earlier works of the authors.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on the challenges faced by the new generation of characters as they navigate their roles outside the shadows of their legendary parents.

Setting:

The setting is a continuation of a previously established fantasy universe, with a focus on wilderness and the challenges it presents.

Pacing:

The pacing suffers from long stretches of filler material that may detract from the overall engagement with the plot.
Tadrith Skandrakae extended his broad gray wings, stretching out his muscles to their fullest extent to take best advantage of the warm wind beneath him. Freedom at last! I thought I’d never get away ...

Notes:

The Silver Gryphon is set after the events of the previous books, focusing on the children of the Black Gryphon and Amberdrake.
The main characters, Tadrith and Blade, are part of a protective force called the Silvers.
The story involves their first independent mission, which goes horribly wrong.
The book explores themes of growing up and self-discovery against the backdrop of challenges and fears.
There is a significant time gap of about a dozen years from the last book, The White Gryphon.
Unlike earlier books, this one does not heavily feature the original protagonists, focusing instead on the newer generation.
Some readers feel the plot was stretched and lacked substance, making it less engaging than earlier entries in the series.
The book is more of an action-adventure rather than a traditional fantasy filled with magic and intrigue.
Readers noted a lack of connection to the broader Valdemar universe and felt it didn't enhance the lore of the Silver Gryphons.
Reviews mention a mix of disappointment and enjoyment, especially regarding character development and pacing.
The book is considered to stand on its own, in contrast to the interconnectedness of the previous novels.

From The Publisher:

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

A dozen years of peace have passed in the city of White Gryphon, providing well-deserved and much-needed security for the people who lost their homes in the magical Cataclysm that killed the Mage Urtho, creator of the gryphons.

But the inhabitants of White Gryphon have not forgotten their long struggles, and have trained an elite guard force, the Silver Gryphons, to protect their city, and if necessary, to join with the army of the Black Kings for mutual defense.

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