The Griffin's Flight

Although he was once chosen as a griffin's companion, Arren Cardockson was reviled, betrayed, and ultimately killed. Brought back to life by a power beyond his understanding, Arren flees for the frozen sanctuary of the North. With the man-eating griffin Skandar by his side, and an entire country hunting him, Arren has little hope of reaching the place of his ancestry and of lifting his curse. But then he comes across a wild woman who may hold the key to making his lifeless heart beat once more.

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. (Feb.)
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