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Griffin's Daughter Trilogy #1
Griffin's Daughter
Born between two cultures, a young woman searches for acceptance. An ancient evil searches for her.
A young girl lives as a social outcast due to her mixed human and elven blood. To escape an arranged marriage, Jelena flees into the unknown on a quest to find her elven father. Her journey takes her on an unexpected adventure of magic, danger, and most startling of all - true love.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2007
65 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ann Moore
8 books232 followersEver since I can remember, I've been a storyteller. Characters constantly walk onto the stage of my mind, introduce themselves, and talk to me about their lives. I also see snippets of scenes, hear pieces of dialogue, even smell particular scents--it's like watching chunks of wild, amazing movies play in my head. Some of those bits eventually begin making sense, and that's when I start the writing process in earnest.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 26, 2008
When I was a teenager, I loved reading the romances written by Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. They were a step above the cookie cutter Harlequin romances. They usually involved a lot of either historical detail or locale detail as well a a solid mystery along with the romance. "Griffin's Daughter" reminded me of these much-loved books from my youth.
I think what I liked best about this book is that it didn't follow the standard fantasy formula that includes a cast of thousands and 15 plot lines, 14 of which end in cliffhangers. Instead, it sticks primarily with the story of a half-elf woman who escapes from her human uncle who has sold her to be a fellow lord's concubine. She sets off to find out who her elven father is. In the process, she finds love, friendship and acceptance. The magic is secondary to these elements in the story.
Moore has left the story wide open for a sequel, the heroine hasn't accomplished what she set out to do. But, she wraps up the love story nicely and the book is very satisfying as it is. Hopefully, the next installment will be out soon.
I think what I liked best about this book is that it didn't follow the standard fantasy formula that includes a cast of thousands and 15 plot lines, 14 of which end in cliffhangers. Instead, it sticks primarily with the story of a half-elf woman who escapes from her human uncle who has sold her to be a fellow lord's concubine. She sets off to find out who her elven father is. In the process, she finds love, friendship and acceptance. The magic is secondary to these elements in the story.
Moore has left the story wide open for a sequel, the heroine hasn't accomplished what she set out to do. But, she wraps up the love story nicely and the book is very satisfying as it is. Hopefully, the next installment will be out soon.
October 22, 2014
A somewhat typical fantasy on some levels, it shines more than most because of the racial prejudice angle & how it is handled. Our heroine is a half breed; half elf, half human. Her lot is very tough growing up since elves are purported to be soulless creatures by the reigning religion. The book isn't a deep one, but an easy, enjoyable read. It's got a good, exciting plot & demands that we read the next book to continue the story, but didn't leave me hanging terribly. It came to a natural end at one phase, but we know there is more.
The only weak spot (a pet peeve of mine) is the women guards who are the equal of men. Sorry ladies, but the sexes are NOT equal in this instance, except by a very, very few females. Most men have a lot more upper body strength, bigger arms & stronger wrists. They have the muscles to carry armor & have it fit properly. A pregnant guard is ludicrous. In Moore's defense, I will say that there were a lot more male guards than female, but that part didn't sit well with me at all, obviously.
The other issue I had was with Ashinji's older brother. He's obviously a bad guy, but is just too bad for the family. The parents seem to know everything that is going on, yet have a huge blind spot where this guy is concerned. Not too unrealistic. I've known many parents like that, but in one case it is obvious that they do know, yet condone his behavior by doing nothing. The rest of the family is practically perfect, like this one got all their bad points. A little too much for me.
The only weak spot (a pet peeve of mine) is the women guards who are the equal of men. Sorry ladies, but the sexes are NOT equal in this instance, except by a very, very few females. Most men have a lot more upper body strength, bigger arms & stronger wrists. They have the muscles to carry armor & have it fit properly. A pregnant guard is ludicrous. In Moore's defense, I will say that there were a lot more male guards than female, but that part didn't sit well with me at all, obviously.
The other issue I had was with Ashinji's older brother. He's obviously a bad guy, but is just too bad for the family. The parents seem to know everything that is going on, yet have a huge blind spot where this guy is concerned. Not too unrealistic. I've known many parents like that, but in one case it is obvious that they do know, yet condone his behavior by doing nothing. The rest of the family is practically perfect, like this one got all their bad points. A little too much for me.
March 11, 2009
One of the great things about GoodReads is you are introduced to authors and books that you might not normally find. I came across Griffen's Daughter because it was selected by one of the GoodReads Fantasy Groups.
The first thing that impressed me about this book is the high production values. This is a first book for the author and produced by a smaller independent publisher but the quality of both shows in the final product.
I also was fortunate enough to find some audio versions of this book online and the first half of the book I listened too through audio rather than read. It was read by Leslie, the author, and I thought she did an excellent job with the inflections and giving each character their own unique voice.
As to the story itself. It is basically a love story set in a fantasy setting. While I'm not a huge fan of romance I enjoyed the story and the author had a very straight forward easy style. The plot was well constructed and characters (while some were sterotypical) were believable and well done.
There is of course a bigger story beyond the romance complete with a "sleeping evil" that is awaking and the prejudices between the elven and human worlds and the hardships that "half-breeds" must endure. It is this aspect that I found most compelling and I'm anxious to see more of what is to come.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book and I'm glad to find a new fresh author. There are 2 more in this series and I'm sure I'll be reading each one. I already have the second Griffen's Shadow and I'm looking forward to reading it as soon as I can get past some of the books I already have in process.
The first thing that impressed me about this book is the high production values. This is a first book for the author and produced by a smaller independent publisher but the quality of both shows in the final product.
I also was fortunate enough to find some audio versions of this book online and the first half of the book I listened too through audio rather than read. It was read by Leslie, the author, and I thought she did an excellent job with the inflections and giving each character their own unique voice.
As to the story itself. It is basically a love story set in a fantasy setting. While I'm not a huge fan of romance I enjoyed the story and the author had a very straight forward easy style. The plot was well constructed and characters (while some were sterotypical) were believable and well done.
There is of course a bigger story beyond the romance complete with a "sleeping evil" that is awaking and the prejudices between the elven and human worlds and the hardships that "half-breeds" must endure. It is this aspect that I found most compelling and I'm anxious to see more of what is to come.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book and I'm glad to find a new fresh author. There are 2 more in this series and I'm sure I'll be reading each one. I already have the second Griffen's Shadow and I'm looking forward to reading it as soon as I can get past some of the books I already have in process.
April 5, 2009
Griffin’s Daughter
By Leslie Ann Moore
Griffin’s Daughter is far more than a mere fantasy novel despite its setting of kings, castles, elves and men. It is more than a romance although the story centers on troubled lovers struggling to be together. Griffin’s Daughter follows in the tradition of allegory, a tale of universal symbols with multiple meanings, for at its heart this book is about the nature of thoughtless prejudice and the devastation it creates.
Leslie Ann Moore’s novel is about a young woman of mixed heritage. A victim of bigotry, she dreams of acceptance in a world that despises her. Over the course of the story, Moore reveals both sides as miserably similar in their mire of groundless hate and only through the eyes of love can the truth be seen.
While I personally am not an ardent fan of romance, Moore did have enough traditional elements in her story to keep me interested. Her writing style is very comfortable and effortless to read, something I very much appreciated. I did feel that not enough plot was devoted to demonstrating support for some of the conclusions characters drew, leaving the story weaker than it might have been.
I would suggest this book mostly to those interested in love stories about good people plagued by troubles who would like an added level of depth.
By Leslie Ann Moore
Griffin’s Daughter is far more than a mere fantasy novel despite its setting of kings, castles, elves and men. It is more than a romance although the story centers on troubled lovers struggling to be together. Griffin’s Daughter follows in the tradition of allegory, a tale of universal symbols with multiple meanings, for at its heart this book is about the nature of thoughtless prejudice and the devastation it creates.
Leslie Ann Moore’s novel is about a young woman of mixed heritage. A victim of bigotry, she dreams of acceptance in a world that despises her. Over the course of the story, Moore reveals both sides as miserably similar in their mire of groundless hate and only through the eyes of love can the truth be seen.
While I personally am not an ardent fan of romance, Moore did have enough traditional elements in her story to keep me interested. Her writing style is very comfortable and effortless to read, something I very much appreciated. I did feel that not enough plot was devoted to demonstrating support for some of the conclusions characters drew, leaving the story weaker than it might have been.
I would suggest this book mostly to those interested in love stories about good people plagued by troubles who would like an added level of depth.
March 1, 2009
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.
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.
March 14, 2015
This is the sort of book that reminds me why I hate series so much. It's not that the book was poorly written. It wasn't. It's not that the characters are terrible. They weren't. It's simply that until you get to the last book you get the feeling that you're spinning your mental wheels waiting for things to happen. This book was one of the worst for that.
The story is simple enough. The book opens with a group of magicians performing a ritual to strip am evil, magical king of his power. Without completely concluding the scene, we then get thrust into the future where Jelena comes into the picture. She's the daughter of a human and elf. Her elf father is off in elf lands doing elf things, but her mother died during childbirth. Because humans and elves don't get along, she's raised by a maid even though she is the niece of a powerful duke. Her only friend is the maid, her heartmother, and Magnes, son and heir to the duke. Magnes dislikes his father, so when it is decreed that Magnes must marry and Jelena must become a concubine, the two run off to find Jelena's father.
The story kind of drags on for a while so that the reader learns the scene at the beginning of the book is related to Jelena (duh!) and Magnes, who isn't accepted by the elves, returns home where tragedy strikes. Jelena falls in love with a high-born elvish prince, the prince's older brother tries to assault her, and the ancient evil begins to stir. Fairly typical.
But here's the real problem I had with this book. NOTHING HAPPENS. Yes, that's right, this book is a long, drawn-out introduction. Well written, but an introduction nonetheless. No book should do that to a reader. We kind of expect it with the middle book of a trilogy, but to do it in the first one is unforgivable.
If you're into trilogies and can wait for something to happen, you might enjoy this book. If you love stories of poor, hapless heroines who suddenly discover they are magical and important and who find love with someone super-important when they resigned themselves to nothing, you might like this book. But if you like some sense of completion and conclusion, this is not your book.
The story is simple enough. The book opens with a group of magicians performing a ritual to strip am evil, magical king of his power. Without completely concluding the scene, we then get thrust into the future where Jelena comes into the picture. She's the daughter of a human and elf. Her elf father is off in elf lands doing elf things, but her mother died during childbirth. Because humans and elves don't get along, she's raised by a maid even though she is the niece of a powerful duke. Her only friend is the maid, her heartmother, and Magnes, son and heir to the duke. Magnes dislikes his father, so when it is decreed that Magnes must marry and Jelena must become a concubine, the two run off to find Jelena's father.
The story kind of drags on for a while so that the reader learns the scene at the beginning of the book is related to Jelena (duh!) and Magnes, who isn't accepted by the elves, returns home where tragedy strikes. Jelena falls in love with a high-born elvish prince, the prince's older brother tries to assault her, and the ancient evil begins to stir. Fairly typical.
But here's the real problem I had with this book. NOTHING HAPPENS. Yes, that's right, this book is a long, drawn-out introduction. Well written, but an introduction nonetheless. No book should do that to a reader. We kind of expect it with the middle book of a trilogy, but to do it in the first one is unforgivable.
If you're into trilogies and can wait for something to happen, you might enjoy this book. If you love stories of poor, hapless heroines who suddenly discover they are magical and important and who find love with someone super-important when they resigned themselves to nothing, you might like this book. But if you like some sense of completion and conclusion, this is not your book.
January 4, 2009
This is a wonderful first novel for Leslie Moore. I was impressed with her horse knowledge. I grew up with horses, so 'pretty pink ponies' can ruin a book for me. It had an infuriating cliff hanger end. I wish there'd been a giant sign to warn me because I would have waited till I had the next book. I was entertained by the improper grammar when someone was learning a new language. The mesh of culutures to build new cultures was also neat. It was a wonderful Christmas gift!
February 14, 2009
I'm really glad I was introduced to this book via this group. I found it a good read and I'm interested in reading the next. I thought it was well written though, for me it suffered from a few things that I criticise others for
1 - The "relationship" between the two main characters did not seem "founded". It is similar to how I felt about Stardust - the two didn't seem to have a "reason" to fall in love other than "well they were suppose to". I would have liked to see a much longer interaction between the two and then have them fall in love.
2 - Like Name of the Wind - it seemed like this was not a book written "for itself" but rahter a larger book that was cut into smaller one. I really prefer books like Mistborn and Crown Conspiracy where they are their own story - but there are "some" things purposefully left open for other stories.
Now for the good.
1 - I really like what is going on with the character of the cousin - As mentioned above I don't like the way it is "hanging" but I'll forgive that because I want to learn more aboout him and his love interest and whether they will ultimately get together.
2 - I liked the "class struggle" parts of the book - the whole "half-breed" prejudice is a time honored theme and I thought the author did well with it.
3 - I thought the book was "well paced" neither too much or too litle detail - it seemed like the baby bear's poriage --- "just right".
4 - I'm looking forward for the next book and will be definitely reading it.
I know the author is on GoodReads so just let me say - Good Job Leslie - I really enjoyed the story and hope to read more by you.
1 - The "relationship" between the two main characters did not seem "founded". It is similar to how I felt about Stardust - the two didn't seem to have a "reason" to fall in love other than "well they were suppose to". I would have liked to see a much longer interaction between the two and then have them fall in love.
2 - Like Name of the Wind - it seemed like this was not a book written "for itself" but rahter a larger book that was cut into smaller one. I really prefer books like Mistborn and Crown Conspiracy where they are their own story - but there are "some" things purposefully left open for other stories.
Now for the good.
1 - I really like what is going on with the character of the cousin - As mentioned above I don't like the way it is "hanging" but I'll forgive that because I want to learn more aboout him and his love interest and whether they will ultimately get together.
2 - I liked the "class struggle" parts of the book - the whole "half-breed" prejudice is a time honored theme and I thought the author did well with it.
3 - I thought the book was "well paced" neither too much or too litle detail - it seemed like the baby bear's poriage --- "just right".
4 - I'm looking forward for the next book and will be definitely reading it.
I know the author is on GoodReads so just let me say - Good Job Leslie - I really enjoyed the story and hope to read more by you.
January 8, 2009
I thought Griffin's Daughter was a good first book by a new author. If I could give it 3 1/2 stars I would, I just can't in all good conscious give it 4 stars. It drew me into the story and kept me interested. I think I will enjoy watching Leslie grow as a writer. What I didn't like about the book was it seemed awfully short. I am used to fantasy books that are anywhere from 500 to 1000 pages so 355 pages was way too short for my tastes. There were so many things that could have been done had the book been longer, such as some language development, more explanation of the social and religious structures of the world, and more depth to the ancillary characters. I also have to say that I would have been happier had the story of the first book been more complete. One of my pet peeves with trilogies these days is how the authors seem to force you into reading the whole trilogy in order to get a complete story. When the book is so short, it feels as though I was cheated out of a whole book when I have to buy the other books in the series to get the whole story.
But having said all that, I will most likely get the remaining books in the series in order to get the rest of Jelena's story. And as I already mentioned, Leslie is a good writer and I expect to see her just get better and better as she progresses.
But having said all that, I will most likely get the remaining books in the series in order to get the rest of Jelena's story. And as I already mentioned, Leslie is a good writer and I expect to see her just get better and better as she progresses.
August 24, 2011
DNF
I got this book when it was a freebie from Kindle. It's the first of three books. I bought it because the premise sounded interesting, and that is the only good thing I can find to say about this book.
Quite frankly the writing was bad - full of tell-instead-of-show, really verbose, and bogged down with details. The dialogue was terrible. The characters are annoying and all of them TSTL
One of the reviews I read summed it up perfectly: this book can be best described with the world 'almost.' It was almost a very good book (the premise is really interesting), but sadly, what was produced was a very bad book.
In no way shape or form do I recommend this book. I gave up on reading it after a while because I couldn't take it anymore.
Run AWAY from this book!
(I guess it's obvious I won't be reading the other books in the series).
I got this book when it was a freebie from Kindle. It's the first of three books. I bought it because the premise sounded interesting, and that is the only good thing I can find to say about this book.
Quite frankly the writing was bad - full of tell-instead-of-show, really verbose, and bogged down with details. The dialogue was terrible. The characters are annoying and all of them TSTL
One of the reviews I read summed it up perfectly: this book can be best described with the world 'almost.' It was almost a very good book (the premise is really interesting), but sadly, what was produced was a very bad book.
In no way shape or form do I recommend this book. I gave up on reading it after a while because I couldn't take it anymore.
Run AWAY from this book!
(I guess it's obvious I won't be reading the other books in the series).
October 18, 2011
See what I mean about the genre getting trashy? The book was written on the level of young adult fiction, and had several nearly explicit sex scenes in it. Um, thanks Leslie for the cheap whore bit, too bad I can't wash my brain with soap after that one. I have a request for authors: either write like an adult, or keep smut out of teenage romance novels. Sheesh.
Stepping off my soapbox - the plot is good. I completely understand a previous reviewer when she said this book was the epitome of 'almost' in so many ways. I could - and probably will - read the next books - goodness, they are free and quick reads, I'm just not expecting wonderful.
Stepping off my soapbox - the plot is good. I completely understand a previous reviewer when she said this book was the epitome of 'almost' in so many ways. I could - and probably will - read the next books - goodness, they are free and quick reads, I'm just not expecting wonderful.
October 28, 2014
I'm really of the opinion this is a 2.5 star book for me, but I'm rounding it up to 3 because there's nothing inherently wrong with it.
I liked the start of this book far more than I did where it ended up. At the beginning we were experiencing Jelena's daily life as a half-elf outcast, shunned and given menial kitchen duties despite being the niece to the duke. It was a hard life, but she had her foster mother and she'd grown accustomed to not fitting in even if she didn't enjoy it.
After she escapes to the nearby elven nation the story quickly becomes a rather dull "forbidden love" story between her and Ashinji, the nobleborn second son of Lord Sen. It's forbidden because she's a nobody half-human commoner this time and the elves are arrogant bigots that believe they're inherently superior to humans. Shockingly for all they proclaim their differences, the elves and the humans basic cultural norms seem to be virtually indistinguishable to me (the elves seem to be a mix of pseudo feudal Japan and China where as the humans are fantasy medieval Europe, but other than that...)
The problem I have with this book is that I just don't enjoy stories where the main characters get constantly kicked in the metaphorical nuts over and over no matter what they do. I don't like characters mooning over each other and lamenting they can never be together because of societal pressure instead of sucking it up and growing a pair.
Like I said at the start, there's nothing inherently wrong with this book and you may well enjoy it, but I just didn't really click with it and I don't have an urge to find out where things are going either.
I liked the start of this book far more than I did where it ended up. At the beginning we were experiencing Jelena's daily life as a half-elf outcast, shunned and given menial kitchen duties despite being the niece to the duke. It was a hard life, but she had her foster mother and she'd grown accustomed to not fitting in even if she didn't enjoy it.
After she escapes to the nearby elven nation the story quickly becomes a rather dull "forbidden love" story between her and Ashinji, the nobleborn second son of Lord Sen. It's forbidden because she's a nobody half-human commoner this time and the elves are arrogant bigots that believe they're inherently superior to humans. Shockingly for all they proclaim their differences, the elves and the humans basic cultural norms seem to be virtually indistinguishable to me (the elves seem to be a mix of pseudo feudal Japan and China where as the humans are fantasy medieval Europe, but other than that...)
The problem I have with this book is that I just don't enjoy stories where the main characters get constantly kicked in the metaphorical nuts over and over no matter what they do. I don't like characters mooning over each other and lamenting they can never be together because of societal pressure instead of sucking it up and growing a pair.
Like I said at the start, there's nothing inherently wrong with this book and you may well enjoy it, but I just didn't really click with it and I don't have an urge to find out where things are going either.
May 22, 2011
*** 2.5 Stars ***
Easy read. The plot was simplistic and not entirely original, but had its entertaining moments.
I was intrigued by the beginning when taken through the events that led to the transfer of the Key. It is sent through time and placed inside of an unborn child to keep it protected and hidden from those who would use it for evil.
Shortly after this occurs, we are introduced to Jelena.
Jelena lives somewhat of a Cinderella lifestyle. She's the illegitimate child of the Elf King, living as a servant among her deceased mother's relatives who are cruel to her because of her mixed heritage.
Jelena, along with her cousin Magnes, run away and begin a journey in search of Jelena's father. Eventually they cross paths with Ashinji and are taken back to his home.
The romantic relationship between Jelena and Ashinji evolves much too quickly. We are told that they frequently spend time together, but the interactions that the reader is able to experience between them are limited.
I had a difficult time relating to Jelena's character. She often overreacts emotionally, such as when she has a sudden moment of realization and she becomes so distraught that she begins to physically shake all over. When she isn't pushing her own panic buttons, her overall personality is a little bland.
I enjoyed Magnes' story much more than I did Jelena's and I am curious to know if he will find some kind of resolution to two of his larger predicaments.
I did enjoy the story, but not the author's amateur writing style. This story could have been great in the hands of a more capable author.
Easy read. The plot was simplistic and not entirely original, but had its entertaining moments.
I was intrigued by the beginning when taken through the events that led to the transfer of the Key. It is sent through time and placed inside of an unborn child to keep it protected and hidden from those who would use it for evil.
Shortly after this occurs, we are introduced to Jelena.
Jelena lives somewhat of a Cinderella lifestyle. She's the illegitimate child of the Elf King, living as a servant among her deceased mother's relatives who are cruel to her because of her mixed heritage.
Jelena, along with her cousin Magnes, run away and begin a journey in search of Jelena's father. Eventually they cross paths with Ashinji and are taken back to his home.
The romantic relationship between Jelena and Ashinji evolves much too quickly. We are told that they frequently spend time together, but the interactions that the reader is able to experience between them are limited.
I had a difficult time relating to Jelena's character. She often overreacts emotionally, such as when she has a sudden moment of realization and she becomes so distraught that she begins to physically shake all over. When she isn't pushing her own panic buttons, her overall personality is a little bland.
I enjoyed Magnes' story much more than I did Jelena's and I am curious to know if he will find some kind of resolution to two of his larger predicaments.
I did enjoy the story, but not the author's amateur writing style. This story could have been great in the hands of a more capable author.
November 23, 2015
This was an excellent first novel for Leslie. While it was a bit more romance than I usually read, the book never got lost in that aspect. The fantasy of the story was always right there. It is good to have a little romance in any story and I didn't feel that it got too out of hand here. It certainly never degenerated down to what I would call "trashy romance."
The world building here is very impressive. I enjoy getting a little bit at a time throughout the story rather than have to choke down a lot of history and geography all at the start. Leslie does that here very well by giving us a little here and there. She starts with an intriguing prologue that gives us some essential backstory and sets up the tale of Jelena, Griffin's Daughter. Through Jelena's eyes, as well as those of her cousin Magnes and the elf lord Ashinji, we get a small taste of the larger world in which they travel. There is an evil force in the north that is waking up and is pissed. The elven and human kingdoms are feeling tensions grow and war is likely coming soon.
While this novel is about a young woman coming into her own and learning who she is, it is also a great buildup to the rest of the series. Something epic in proportions is coming, and I for one look forward to seeing how it resolves...
The world building here is very impressive. I enjoy getting a little bit at a time throughout the story rather than have to choke down a lot of history and geography all at the start. Leslie does that here very well by giving us a little here and there. She starts with an intriguing prologue that gives us some essential backstory and sets up the tale of Jelena, Griffin's Daughter. Through Jelena's eyes, as well as those of her cousin Magnes and the elf lord Ashinji, we get a small taste of the larger world in which they travel. There is an evil force in the north that is waking up and is pissed. The elven and human kingdoms are feeling tensions grow and war is likely coming soon.
While this novel is about a young woman coming into her own and learning who she is, it is also a great buildup to the rest of the series. Something epic in proportions is coming, and I for one look forward to seeing how it resolves...
February 4, 2017
I usually try to read a book with the audience that it was intended for in the back of my mind. So with Griffin's Daughter, I really didn't know who this audience was. When I first starting reading it I thought it might be intended for a middle school audience, which is ok because I love those kind of books. Then we had some profanity. Still ok, it wasn't that bad. Then we had some very explicit sexual scenes. Ok, now I'm lost. The explicit scenes were very tastefully done but I wouldn't recommend it for any child in middle school.
My only other critisism was the way the book ended. It was more like the end of a chapter then the end of a book. Even though I still really enjoyed the story.
My only other critisism was the way the book ended. It was more like the end of a chapter then the end of a book. Even though I still really enjoyed the story.
December 20, 2015
It's not very original, or unputdownable. Just ok.
It had no developed characters, very simple plot. The plot and writing is suitable for 12-15 year olds, I wanted it to be more developed and complex.
I picked this book because I wanted to read about a kick-ass heroine, and this wasn't one of those books.
Dissapointed...
It had no developed characters, very simple plot. The plot and writing is suitable for 12-15 year olds, I wanted it to be more developed and complex.
I picked this book because I wanted to read about a kick-ass heroine, and this wasn't one of those books.
Dissapointed...
September 13, 2008
I'm helping the author of this book, release this as a free audio book. If you would like to hear Leslie read the book, check out: Griffin's Daughter on Podiobooks.com
November 19, 2008
Moore's take on elves is not the same-old, same-old Lord of the Rings knockoff, and her themes are broader as well. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
December 3, 2018
The book is totally original.
July 23, 2011
The word "almost" describes this book in so many ways. I found it immensely frustrating because it is almost very good. The characters are almost developed - the main character is the best of the lot. The book is even almost correctly formatted as a digital book but there a blank pages at all the chapter breaks.
Things like blank pages aren't a big deal but it was just one more annoying thing. There were also whole descriptions that were totally unnecessary and distracting, like a very detailed description of the main character's morning routine, multiple passages describing how difficult her hair is to comb and so on. It bugged me that the characters spoke in a sort of country dialect. They were supposedly speaking two languages that were not English, so why add in the dialect? It pulled me out of the story.
All of these small things, that I might not even have noticed if there hadn't been so many, made me want to edit as I read. I don't want to edit when reading for pleasure. It may be that having just read the Hunger Games trilogy, which is excellent, is coloring this review, but I don't think so.
If you don't mind little things, and you really like romance in a fantasy type story - the main character is half elf - then you might like this one. I did finish it, so it couldn't have been that bad, right? Lots of people really like it, too, there are quite a few five star reviews.
Things like blank pages aren't a big deal but it was just one more annoying thing. There were also whole descriptions that were totally unnecessary and distracting, like a very detailed description of the main character's morning routine, multiple passages describing how difficult her hair is to comb and so on. It bugged me that the characters spoke in a sort of country dialect. They were supposedly speaking two languages that were not English, so why add in the dialect? It pulled me out of the story.
All of these small things, that I might not even have noticed if there hadn't been so many, made me want to edit as I read. I don't want to edit when reading for pleasure. It may be that having just read the Hunger Games trilogy, which is excellent, is coloring this review, but I don't think so.
If you don't mind little things, and you really like romance in a fantasy type story - the main character is half elf - then you might like this one. I did finish it, so it couldn't have been that bad, right? Lots of people really like it, too, there are quite a few five star reviews.
June 18, 2016
This book felt like a big mash-up of all the YA fantasy books I've ever read. In a really bad way...
Every plot twist felt familiar, the Cinderella story, the forced marriage to a creepy old man.
The setting was interesting, but the story contained too many stereotypes.
Every plot twist felt familiar, the Cinderella story, the forced marriage to a creepy old man.
The setting was interesting, but the story contained too many stereotypes.
June 24, 2011
I didn't care for this, but the book has gotten a lot of good reviews, so maybe it was just me. While the plot had potential, the flow of the story seemed off to me, and I didn't think it was well written. And while I try not to 'ban books' this book is marketed as youth, and it has explicit sex scences that I wouldn't want my daughter to read. This is definantly for much older youth.
July 25, 2011
Good premise for the book and by the end, the plot was pulling me in. I wish the author wouldn't continually remind the reader of small details that she wants us to remember, and would be great if the lead character were more developed. Good, light summer read, though! Looking forward to the second book in the series.
April 20, 2010
I kept picking this book up and putting it down. The beginning had that super serious high fantasy feel too it and I suppose I just wasn't in the mood for that right now. I might try it again later sometime but for now it's going on the back burner.
July 11, 2011
Not too bad for a freebie. If you like books by Tamora Pierce, you might like this one but don't expect it to be as good. The next two books you have to pay for and I'm still debating if I'm interested in the story enough to fork over actual money for the next two books.
July 27, 2011
A little simplistic in both story and morals but fun and easy nevertheless. And a unique take on the elves what with the Asian elements.
June 23, 2013
Surprising bad. Written like a trashy romance novel, except with a fantasy plot. Beside the prologue, the main female character was too weak or sentimental.
May 28, 2020
This is well-written work of young adult romantic fantasy, with magic and mystery and slowly-awakening evil. It follows the coming-of-age adventures of a young woman named Jelena, who starts off as a kitchen drudge in a duke's castle. Of course, there's more to her going on; her mother is dead, she was raised by a loving foster mother, and she has a mysterious father. She clearly won't be doing the dishes for long.
There is an apocryphal tale that the scholar Hugo Dyson, during a reading of Lord of the Rings by Tolkien himself, once moaned "oh god, no more elves!" Some say that his language was even more colorful: "Oh f***, not another elf!" The elves in this story do not provoke this reaction; Moore has done this partly by humanizing them. Like the humans they have goofy politics and traditions, disease, latrines, profanity and imperfect coordination that sometimes gets people trampled by horses. But they bathe daily, so they are clearly a superior race. Moore's elves are 'mortal' enough to not give easy solutions, and while Jelena has improved her prospects considerably her father's people have clearly burdened her with more than distinctive ears.
Minding its audience, the story is toned down but not dumbed down. It shows but does not focus on violence, and the sex is behind closed doors. The somewhat modern attitude toward sex despite the medieval setting/outlook is a bit odd, but this is YA fantasy told in the 21st century; the real time period's sexual morality, with its mixture of strictness and creepiness, is thankfully unrelateable to most readers today. Most of the characters are still as bigoted as the setting dictates, which is a relief for a genre where lots of times the races just hold hands and live together. Magic is not cheapened by pouring out of pores, and no one is unusually skilled with a weapon for no reason.
As the first part of a larger story, Moore is using this space to position pieces as well as to tell the immediate story, but neither mission suffers - the worldbuilding is executed, promises to revisit certain characters/places are made, and this part of the story is told. There are a few muscled moments, a few coincidences, and more than a few convenient interruptions to prolong the revelations - but there are no interruptions with filler. One thing I certainly do appreciate is everyone having a proper name, even risking names that are more challenging to pronounce/remember. Beyond this, it is also very enjoyable to find a story that never takes me 'out' of itself, never winking to the audience or lampshade hanging to justify a trope, just using the tropes as they come because tropes are tools.
There is an apocryphal tale that the scholar Hugo Dyson, during a reading of Lord of the Rings by Tolkien himself, once moaned "oh god, no more elves!" Some say that his language was even more colorful: "Oh f***, not another elf!" The elves in this story do not provoke this reaction; Moore has done this partly by humanizing them. Like the humans they have goofy politics and traditions, disease, latrines, profanity and imperfect coordination that sometimes gets people trampled by horses. But they bathe daily, so they are clearly a superior race. Moore's elves are 'mortal' enough to not give easy solutions, and while Jelena has improved her prospects considerably her father's people have clearly burdened her with more than distinctive ears.
Minding its audience, the story is toned down but not dumbed down. It shows but does not focus on violence, and the sex is behind closed doors. The somewhat modern attitude toward sex despite the medieval setting/outlook is a bit odd, but this is YA fantasy told in the 21st century; the real time period's sexual morality, with its mixture of strictness and creepiness, is thankfully unrelateable to most readers today. Most of the characters are still as bigoted as the setting dictates, which is a relief for a genre where lots of times the races just hold hands and live together. Magic is not cheapened by pouring out of pores, and no one is unusually skilled with a weapon for no reason.
As the first part of a larger story, Moore is using this space to position pieces as well as to tell the immediate story, but neither mission suffers - the worldbuilding is executed, promises to revisit certain characters/places are made, and this part of the story is told. There are a few muscled moments, a few coincidences, and more than a few convenient interruptions to prolong the revelations - but there are no interruptions with filler. One thing I certainly do appreciate is everyone having a proper name, even risking names that are more challenging to pronounce/remember. Beyond this, it is also very enjoyable to find a story that never takes me 'out' of itself, never winking to the audience or lampshade hanging to justify a trope, just using the tropes as they come because tropes are tools.
May 4, 2018
This book has a lot of glaring problems. It's very tropey and sometimes over the top, and melodramatic with dash of cringe. But the real clincher, and when the book took a nose-dive for me, is when Jelena finds the elves and the story devolves into a unbelivable insta-love romantic subplot. And that is one of my pet peeves in books. There's a scene where one of the main characters literally shouts the name of his soul mate to the heavens and it's one of the cheesiest things I've ever read. Something like that should have never been left in in a published work. I almost wish this was a parody. I might be able to stomach this better. These things are only the tip of the iceberg however.
And then a couple of the plot threads just seemed to get dropped. But it seems like it's getting more on track for the very end. I'm disappointed this isn't really a self-contained story even though it was a planned trilogy.
It's really easy to trash this book, but I'll admit I was entertained by it. The world building is decent and I liked that the elves are more inspired by eastern cultures (Though Ashinji has blonde hair?), and that's kind of unique. And I'm curious to see how all the conflicts will be resolved, so sure, I would read on.
And then a couple of the plot threads just seemed to get dropped. But it seems like it's getting more on track for the very end. I'm disappointed this isn't really a self-contained story even though it was a planned trilogy.
It's really easy to trash this book, but I'll admit I was entertained by it. The world building is decent and I liked that the elves are more inspired by eastern cultures (Though Ashinji has blonde hair?), and that's kind of unique. And I'm curious to see how all the conflicts will be resolved, so sure, I would read on.
March 28, 2025
Back in the day, Amazon used to give out loads of free books to get you hooked on a series or introduced to a new author, and this is certainly one of the better of the freebies I acquired. There's a lot to like in the sweet story about a serving girl who escapes her domineering uncle and rides off into adventure in the elflands, finding romance and maybe a hidden purpose to her life, in a Japanese-flavored fantasy world. It's also very much a first novel, with lots of repetitive description (everyone apparently wipes their mouths with the back of their hands after any beverage), insta-love without developing a real relationship, and not so much a cliffhanger as the book just stopping at a pause in the story. The failure to tie up any plot threads at all is a real thorn in my side, and while spending time with Jelena's world was pleasant, I'm not driven to seek out the conclusion to her adventure.
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