December 13, 2010
Taylor continues the dark, political tale begun in January 2010's The Dark Griffin with a middle book that sets up much and resolves little. Only aristocratic Southerners have magic-wielding griffins—but antihero Arren, a Northerner, defies convention by pairing with a wild black griffin, Skandar. Having taken bloody revenge on scheming Lord Rannagon, Arren flees northwards and encounters Skade, a mysterious woman who may be able to cure his "heartlessness" curse. Meanwhile, Rannagon's bastard son, Erian, is hot on Arren's trail. As Erian conspires with the beguiling Lady Elkin and sets his traps, Arren almost inadvertently begins to gather followers while learning of his heritage and the true history of the North/South conflict. Though marred by slow spots and inconsistencies, this installment will satisfy fans of the first novel and whet their appetites for the forthcoming conclusion.