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Brotherhood of the Griffon #5
Prophet of the Dead
The anticipated climax to a series that has been building in popularity, Richard Lee Byers is at his best working with tales of the undead. Prophet of the Dead fulfills on the promise of the title, giving fans a satisfying end to the current threats facing the Brotherhood of the Griffon.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
12 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Richard Lee Byers
198 books370 followersA resident of the Tampa Bay area, Richard spends much of his leisure time fencing, playing poker, shooting pool and is a frequent guest at Florida science-fiction conventions. His current projects include new novels set in the Forgotten Realms universe and the eBook post-apocalyptic superhero series The Impostor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 8, 2013
I absolutely love these books-The Brotherhood of the Griffon. When he finished the 'Year of Rogue Dragons' trilogy I didn't know if I'd like these books near as much, but I enjoy them just as much if not more. They have great characters, great conflict, great battles, great villains!!
In this book, the characters are scattered all over Toril (Thay)or the Shadowfell and they each face their own conflicts in returning to each other in time for "the big battle". There's not many new characters introduced in this book which is fine since it's winding down the series and ending some conflicts from previous books. It definitely didn't feel like it was the end of the book series, which I'm okay with. I'd love to see more of the Brotherhood or at least see some of the characters go on to other books. The last 2 books seemed to kind've leave out the rest of the Brotherhood and I'm sure we'd like to know what they've been up to.
Over years of reading Richard Lee Byers books I think I'm on to him now. I think what he does is sit there with a nice D&D Monster Manual (any of the 3rd edition ones will suffice) and he goes through them and puts sticky tabs at the top of the various monsters he wants to put in his books. If you don't believe me-read his books and then go through the 3rd edition book 'Libris Mortis', they're all in there. As a DM, I love that idea. I think he should write a story about a Flumph! ;)
If you're looking for a fun fantasy series to read-start with Byers 'The Haunted Lands Trilogy' and then read the 'Brotherhood of the Griffon' books.
In this book, the characters are scattered all over Toril (Thay)or the Shadowfell and they each face their own conflicts in returning to each other in time for "the big battle". There's not many new characters introduced in this book which is fine since it's winding down the series and ending some conflicts from previous books. It definitely didn't feel like it was the end of the book series, which I'm okay with. I'd love to see more of the Brotherhood or at least see some of the characters go on to other books. The last 2 books seemed to kind've leave out the rest of the Brotherhood and I'm sure we'd like to know what they've been up to.
Over years of reading Richard Lee Byers books I think I'm on to him now. I think what he does is sit there with a nice D&D Monster Manual (any of the 3rd edition ones will suffice) and he goes through them and puts sticky tabs at the top of the various monsters he wants to put in his books. If you don't believe me-read his books and then go through the 3rd edition book 'Libris Mortis', they're all in there. As a DM, I love that idea. I think he should write a story about a Flumph! ;)
If you're looking for a fun fantasy series to read-start with Byers 'The Haunted Lands Trilogy' and then read the 'Brotherhood of the Griffon' books.
September 15, 2014
Some really good battles and a great ending; now hoping there a Book 6
March 27, 2020
So much fun.
I'm sad that this story ended. I enjoyed the journey very much & hope that the main cast of characters get another trilogy some day.
I'm sad that this story ended. I enjoyed the journey very much & hope that the main cast of characters get another trilogy some day.
November 9, 2021
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, closer to 3. The last third I mostly breezed through, since reading about battles and martial engagement got old.
I didn't know anything about Rasheman, but I got the impression it was a bit of a backwater country, but just a bit. So, having something like the Beacon Cairn, where basically you have guys who can craft and build automaton machines sounds too high tech for this area of Faerun. Didn't sit well with me and just felt like the creators (not Byers' fault) threw in a hodge podge of "cool stuff" without it making much sense in terms of flavour.
Lower number of stars because it was a bit dull following Cera's and Jhesri's claustrophobic thread as they were stuck in the deathways. How Cera managed to invoke the sun god's powers in there is beyond me, but... plot, I guess. Same dullness with Jet since he was crippled and on the sidelines.
Aoth's orc companion, Orgurth, was pretty cool though. I'm saddened that there won't be anymore stories since the whole saga of Aoth and the Brotherhood of the Griffon clearly hints that it isn't over. The blurb says this book brings a "satisfying end" to the BotG story; no, it doesn't. Notwithstanding that it ends a little bit abruptly, but firstly, Cera's popularity back home in Chessenta suggests she might be inducted as leader of Amaunator's clergy, which, in turn, might sever her relationship with Aoth. This is hands down tear-jerking because Cera, plump and pretty, may have to choose between which of the two is more meaningful. Also, Jhesri is having second thoughts about retaining her potent powers as a fire elemental type since its presence has been overriding her better judgment, lending her to fear the loss of her humanity and potentially harming her friends, maybe even her foster father. And, come on! Since he was absent throughout book 4 and 5, we'd probably get a return visit by Gaedynn!
Overall, I enjoyed the romp and exploration through the more eastern part of Faerun, something I've seen very little of. Enjoyed it so much so that I bought Unapproachable East.
I didn't know anything about Rasheman, but I got the impression it was a bit of a backwater country, but just a bit. So, having something like the Beacon Cairn, where basically you have guys who can craft and build automaton machines sounds too high tech for this area of Faerun. Didn't sit well with me and just felt like the creators (not Byers' fault) threw in a hodge podge of "cool stuff" without it making much sense in terms of flavour.
Lower number of stars because it was a bit dull following Cera's and Jhesri's claustrophobic thread as they were stuck in the deathways. How Cera managed to invoke the sun god's powers in there is beyond me, but... plot, I guess. Same dullness with Jet since he was crippled and on the sidelines.
Aoth's orc companion, Orgurth, was pretty cool though. I'm saddened that there won't be anymore stories since the whole saga of Aoth and the Brotherhood of the Griffon clearly hints that it isn't over. The blurb says this book brings a "satisfying end" to the BotG story; no, it doesn't. Notwithstanding that it ends a little bit abruptly, but firstly, Cera's popularity back home in Chessenta suggests she might be inducted as leader of Amaunator's clergy, which, in turn, might sever her relationship with Aoth. This is hands down tear-jerking because Cera, plump and pretty, may have to choose between which of the two is more meaningful. Also, Jhesri is having second thoughts about retaining her potent powers as a fire elemental type since its presence has been overriding her better judgment, lending her to fear the loss of her humanity and potentially harming her friends, maybe even her foster father. And, come on! Since he was absent throughout book 4 and 5, we'd probably get a return visit by Gaedynn!
Overall, I enjoyed the romp and exploration through the more eastern part of Faerun, something I've seen very little of. Enjoyed it so much so that I bought Unapproachable East.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
Doesn’t take a profit…
…to know this book is solid. Interesting villains anchor this tale. Their thoughts and actions dubious and effective enough to make a reader wonder “how will good overcome?” The pacing was swift enough without giving short shrift to any of the key characters. A good read and wraps up this portion of the larger arc well.
…to know this book is solid. Interesting villains anchor this tale. Their thoughts and actions dubious and effective enough to make a reader wonder “how will good overcome?” The pacing was swift enough without giving short shrift to any of the key characters. A good read and wraps up this portion of the larger arc well.
July 20, 2022
Last Forgotten Realms published paperback!
Read
November 22, 2024Wish it didn't end here.
February 26, 2013
First of all, this is *not* the climax to the entire series. How could it be? There are so many unanswered questions that its just silly to assume there wont be another one. That having been said:
I'm glad that Mr. Byers has gone back to his roots with the epic tales regarding the undead. I liked this novel, but I must sadly admit that it still didn't have the intensity or originality of the Unclean/Undead/Unholy series.
Now that I've added to forethoughts to this review: I liked this book a bunch. :-) The battle scenes were a little drawn out but I was on the edge of my seat with concern for every single character: Aoth, Cera, Jesrhi, Jet, and more... (Yep there are more.) If you like Forgotten Realms this novel blends the old world and the new and makes you cheer for the good guys. There's too much darkness in novels tied to D&D ed 4.0 these days. Sometimes evil is just dumb and this book shows you why.
I'm glad that Mr. Byers has gone back to his roots with the epic tales regarding the undead. I liked this novel, but I must sadly admit that it still didn't have the intensity or originality of the Unclean/Undead/Unholy series.
Now that I've added to forethoughts to this review: I liked this book a bunch. :-) The battle scenes were a little drawn out but I was on the edge of my seat with concern for every single character: Aoth, Cera, Jesrhi, Jet, and more... (Yep there are more.) If you like Forgotten Realms this novel blends the old world and the new and makes you cheer for the good guys. There's too much darkness in novels tied to D&D ed 4.0 these days. Sometimes evil is just dumb and this book shows you why.
February 21, 2013
The conclusion to the current arc of the Brotherhood of the Griffon. The memebers of the Brotherhood who went to Rasheman in The Masked Witches are now separated as the Undead menace they believed they defeated continues forward with their plans as their leader enters the fray.
As each isolated group of hero and villain pursues their goals the story builds well with good payoffs at various moments and a very good conclusion. Most of the open questions in this story arc get resolved and new interesting possibilities emerge from the end results should lead to more great Brotherhood books in the future.
As each isolated group of hero and villain pursues their goals the story builds well with good payoffs at various moments and a very good conclusion. Most of the open questions in this story arc get resolved and new interesting possibilities emerge from the end results should lead to more great Brotherhood books in the future.
February 27, 2013
While this novel didn't have quite as epic an ending as The Spectral Blaze, it was definitely a solid conclusion to a two book series. I found myself missing some of the members of the Brotherhood, but I found myself liking most of the new characters, though I couldn't stand Dai Shan (though I realize a reader isn't supposed to like him, so in fact I think Byers succeeded on that account.) I hope that there will be more Brotherhood books in the future, especially with the new prize that Aoth acquires at the end.
March 31, 2016
Great read.
The unfolding tale was suspenseful and satisfying. The main characters showed mettle and grit in suppressing treachery and distrust. Leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds denotes real leadership. A great read.
The unfolding tale was suspenseful and satisfying. The main characters showed mettle and grit in suppressing treachery and distrust. Leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds denotes real leadership. A great read.
February 25, 2013
Good ending to a great series. A couple of times, when the bad guy gets it, I was like: it's over? Is the villain really dead? Hahaha no worries. I like Byers' work. Good finish!
August 14, 2023
Great conclusion to a fantastic series.
May 13, 2013
It was a great end for all the books in the series. The main problem is if it really is the end, why leave it open for more?
April 5, 2017
Only real complaint is that it's over, I'll miss the characters
April 28, 2017
+++++
1:00pm
1:00pm
October 25, 2017
This series rocks!!!! Book 5 didn't hold back. Richard knows how to pull you in and not let you go. It is sad to know that we may never get more Brotherhood. I am sure glad that we got 5 of them though. Read this series you won't be disappointed!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews