Title:
Gryphon's Quest

Author:
Candace Sams

Published By:
ImaJinn Books

ISBN #:
1-893896-72-2

Release Date:
Available Now

Format:
Electronic

Gryphon O'Connor is a fierce warrior, but due to this very role he is isolated, an outcast among the mythical order he protects. His sworn duty is to the Sorceress of the Ancients and the protection of her people. He serves the Sorceress well, but his success does not bring him happiness. When ancient stones are stolen, the balance between good and evil could shift and release a dark force on the world. He is tasked to recover the rune stones before their power falls into the wrong hands and can be used for evil. His quest brings him to New York where the stones have already been used to kill an innocent man. Knowing that he needs all the help he can find, he goes against the Order's laws and asks a mere mortal for assistance.

Heather initially doubts the absurd claims Gryphon makes, but as events start to unfold that can't be explained, she has no choice but to believe the unbelievable. As Heather and Gryphon are inadvertently forced together in the search for the rune stones, awareness simmers between them. They know that a future between them will never happen, but still they are drawn to each other. Gryphon fears telling Heather what he truly is, first for fear of rejection and also for fear of the reprisals against them. It is forbidden for Gryphon to have made contact with her, they could be punished by death for falling in love. As they fight against time, will they be offered a reprieve and be allowed to be together? When the final battle is fought, will they be strong enough to defeat the menace? Strong enough to say good-bye to each other?

Candace Sams has created an amazing tale in the first offering in the Tale of the Order series. Gryphon's Quest is imaginative and well written. The characters are finely crafted and well developed. Usually within a book, there are one or two characters that call to a reader. In Gryphon's Quest, Candace Sams has created a cast of characters that the reader will come to care about. The hero and heroine are a true joy to read. They each possess a depth of character that will have tears coming to your eyes. These are two people who truly care about each other. Yet, their honor and duty comes first and they are willing to give up what they want for the greater good. The depth of emotion evident between them will have readers holding their breaths that someway somehow these two wonderful characters can find a way to be together. The romantic development between them is enough to keep readers hooked until the end, but when paired with the search for the evil using the stones, you can't go wrong. The book also touched me on a socially conscience level. Within the story, Gryphon and Heather are faced with the knowledge that rules alone keep them apart. They are very much in love, but fear and prejudice are hidden within the customs of Gryphon's people and are used to keep them apart. The acknowledgement of what such attitudes cost not only the people in love, but society as a whole, will have you thinking about this story on more than just one level. Ms. Sams has crafted a story that draws you in, builds magnificently on an original plot, and then brings readers to a conclusion that can only be described as imaginative, unique, and definitely worth reading.

Reviewed by: Amanda