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Belador #4
Rise of the Gryphon
In the fourth novel of the bestselling Belador paranormal series, Evalle Kincaid must turn her back on the Beladors to protect those she loves, and the world, from annihilation.
An Alterant who fights trolls, demons, and other deadly creatures, Evalle is an outcast among the Beladors. But now she can change all that—and finally get answers about her origins. In her attempt to take down the Belador traitor and bring home a captured friend, she infiltrates the dangerous Medb coven, where she discovers exactly what an Alterant really is—and the news is not good for the Beladors.
Meanwhile, Evalle’s best friends Tzader and Quinn face unthinkable choices, as relationships with the women they love grow twisted. Evalle’s relationship with the Skinwalker Storm becomes even more complicated when the witch doctor he’s been hunting begins to stalk Evalle. With death breathing down her neck, Evalle is forced to embrace her destiny...but at what price?
An Alterant who fights trolls, demons, and other deadly creatures, Evalle is an outcast among the Beladors. But now she can change all that—and finally get answers about her origins. In her attempt to take down the Belador traitor and bring home a captured friend, she infiltrates the dangerous Medb coven, where she discovers exactly what an Alterant really is—and the news is not good for the Beladors.
Meanwhile, Evalle’s best friends Tzader and Quinn face unthinkable choices, as relationships with the women they love grow twisted. Evalle’s relationship with the Skinwalker Storm becomes even more complicated when the witch doctor he’s been hunting begins to stalk Evalle. With death breathing down her neck, Evalle is forced to embrace her destiny...but at what price?
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
115 people are currently reading
3352 people want to read
About the author
Sherrilyn Kenyon
243 books30.2k followersOfficial Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 11, 2013
Rise of the Gryphon by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love is the 4th book in their Belador series. If you have followed my reviews, you will know I love this series. I love Evalle, who is one of my favorite kickass heroines.
Throughout this series, we have suffered with Evalle, as the Goddess Macha continues to push her to the brink, not to mention Sen, who is always looking to destroy her. Evalle has always been loyal to the Beladors; constantly putting her life on the line, and yet she is not fully appreciated. Because she is an Alterant, she is always threatened to lose her freedom with imprisonment. WILL EVALLE EVER BE TOTALLY FREE??
If you do not know, or remember, an Alterant is half Belador and an unknown half, which allows them to shift into a huge fearful beast. VIPER forbids Evalle to ever shift, and if you read the previous book, Evalle had to shift to her Alterant form to help save them. Since this is an early review, I will stay away from spoilers, but still try to give you an idea about this book.
In Rise of the Gryphon, Evalle is ordered by Macha to find Alterants and bring them to her before the Medb gets them, but she only has a few days. Such love for someone who just saved them. Grrrrrrrrrrrr
Storm, who I also have grown to love, is with Evalle, as they search for Tristan & the Alterants. Storm makes himself perfectly clear to Evalle….he loves her. He will do anything to protect and save Evalle. Does he?? Only time will tell.
The evil Queen Flaevynn is still the major villain in this series, as she leads the Medb in a plot to destroy the Beladors. Rivaling “Mommy Dearest”, Flaevynn treats her daughter Kizira worse then an enemy. So much so, that you find yourself feeling sympathy for Kizira, who has been a thorn against the Beladors. But is Kizira truly bad, since she is being compelled by her mother to hurt the Beladors, or is she really in love with Quinn?
The focus of this story is can Evalle find Tristan and all the Alterants, before the Medb take them? Evalle and Storm will travel to participate in the Achilles Beast Championship, which is a fight to the death; with the winners (all Alterants), then joining Medb, in an offer they cannot refuse. It is up to Evalle to find a way to stop Medb, rescue the Alterants, and help save Brina and the Beladors.
Every book in this series is great, but Rise of the Gryphon is the best one so far. This was such an exciting adventure, filled with tension, bloody fights, various beasts, betrayals, danger, and so many moments you feared for your heroine. Without giving any spoilers, there was a wonderful part that we have been waiting for…..Awesome. There was also another part of the book that had me very sad, surprisingly so. When you read this book, you will know what I am talking about.
So many questions were answered: Why is Evalle so wanted by the Medb? Does Kizira really care about Quinn? What kind of powers does Lanna have? Will Storm and Evalle finally come together? Will we ever stop loving Feenix, our cute lovable gargoyle…….nah forget that, never happen. I want more Feenix.
But there are more questions still to come that we will have to wait until the next book.
Rise of the Gryphon was non stop action all the way. The ending, another major battle, was totally awesome; you never knew what was coming next. There were so many surprises and twists that I sat at the edge of my seat absorbing it all and then letting the shocks wear off. As I said earlier, so many questions were answered. and so many more new ones opened up.
I loved this book so much, that when the last page came, I kept looking for more, thinking there must be missing pages. Sigh. Now I have to wait a year. I will end by saying I love Evalle; love the Kenyon/Love duo; love love the Belador series. Rise of the Gryphon is great. If you have not read this series, once again, what are you waiting for?
Barb
Throughout this series, we have suffered with Evalle, as the Goddess Macha continues to push her to the brink, not to mention Sen, who is always looking to destroy her. Evalle has always been loyal to the Beladors; constantly putting her life on the line, and yet she is not fully appreciated. Because she is an Alterant, she is always threatened to lose her freedom with imprisonment. WILL EVALLE EVER BE TOTALLY FREE??
If you do not know, or remember, an Alterant is half Belador and an unknown half, which allows them to shift into a huge fearful beast. VIPER forbids Evalle to ever shift, and if you read the previous book, Evalle had to shift to her Alterant form to help save them. Since this is an early review, I will stay away from spoilers, but still try to give you an idea about this book.
In Rise of the Gryphon, Evalle is ordered by Macha to find Alterants and bring them to her before the Medb gets them, but she only has a few days. Such love for someone who just saved them. Grrrrrrrrrrrr
Storm, who I also have grown to love, is with Evalle, as they search for Tristan & the Alterants. Storm makes himself perfectly clear to Evalle….he loves her. He will do anything to protect and save Evalle. Does he?? Only time will tell.
The evil Queen Flaevynn is still the major villain in this series, as she leads the Medb in a plot to destroy the Beladors. Rivaling “Mommy Dearest”, Flaevynn treats her daughter Kizira worse then an enemy. So much so, that you find yourself feeling sympathy for Kizira, who has been a thorn against the Beladors. But is Kizira truly bad, since she is being compelled by her mother to hurt the Beladors, or is she really in love with Quinn?
The focus of this story is can Evalle find Tristan and all the Alterants, before the Medb take them? Evalle and Storm will travel to participate in the Achilles Beast Championship, which is a fight to the death; with the winners (all Alterants), then joining Medb, in an offer they cannot refuse. It is up to Evalle to find a way to stop Medb, rescue the Alterants, and help save Brina and the Beladors.
Every book in this series is great, but Rise of the Gryphon is the best one so far. This was such an exciting adventure, filled with tension, bloody fights, various beasts, betrayals, danger, and so many moments you feared for your heroine. Without giving any spoilers, there was a wonderful part that we have been waiting for…..Awesome. There was also another part of the book that had me very sad, surprisingly so. When you read this book, you will know what I am talking about.
So many questions were answered: Why is Evalle so wanted by the Medb? Does Kizira really care about Quinn? What kind of powers does Lanna have? Will Storm and Evalle finally come together? Will we ever stop loving Feenix, our cute lovable gargoyle…….nah forget that, never happen. I want more Feenix.
But there are more questions still to come that we will have to wait until the next book.
Rise of the Gryphon was non stop action all the way. The ending, another major battle, was totally awesome; you never knew what was coming next. There were so many surprises and twists that I sat at the edge of my seat absorbing it all and then letting the shocks wear off. As I said earlier, so many questions were answered. and so many more new ones opened up.
I loved this book so much, that when the last page came, I kept looking for more, thinking there must be missing pages. Sigh. Now I have to wait a year. I will end by saying I love Evalle; love the Kenyon/Love duo; love love the Belador series. Rise of the Gryphon is great. If you have not read this series, once again, what are you waiting for?
Barb
September 29, 2025
Sherrilyn Kenyon use to be EVERYWHERE and I never picked up her books. I was into Katie MacAlister, Gena Showalter, and Rachel Vincent, and just kept binging those. I ended up grabbing this book at a Dollarama for $2 and it sat on my shelf for YEARS. I'm finally getting through that backlog, and now I realize... She's a great author!
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm sad I don't have books 1-3 to fully appreciate this one. While the book felt a bit too long, the face past, fantastical elements, and characters worked really well. I had no idea what the heck the Beladors were because... you know... going into book 4 without any background, but I still enjoyed the twists, turns, and fantasy world I went into.
Hopefully, I find the rest of this series in my hunt because I do want to read more by Sherrilyn now.
Fun read!
Four out of five stars.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm sad I don't have books 1-3 to fully appreciate this one. While the book felt a bit too long, the face past, fantastical elements, and characters worked really well. I had no idea what the heck the Beladors were because... you know... going into book 4 without any background, but I still enjoyed the twists, turns, and fantasy world I went into.
Hopefully, I find the rest of this series in my hunt because I do want to read more by Sherrilyn now.
Fun read!
Four out of five stars.
July 31, 2013
4.5 stars
The clock is ticking for Evalle to bring in the Alterants or face the wrath of a goddess. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. Stumbling upon a paranormal fight club, Evalle will have to become the very thing that's made her an outcast in order to come out alive and stop an attack by the Medb that could destroy the Beladors.
Evalle has a big, beautiful heart despite having a traumatic childhood and feeling like an outcast among the Beladors, a warrior organization she risks her life for on a nightly basis but whose members turn their nose at her Alterant heritage. When things between her and Storm, a Skinwalker, start getting more serious and there's a chance Alterants will be accepted and protected by the goddess Macha, the Medb coven hatches a plan to annihilate the Beladors. Evalle is a master at enduring and through it all she does just that and fights for a better future.
Evalle is awesome. I think she has come a long way since book one when it comes to opening up and wanting more than just getting by. She's become a formidable enemy to the Medb and the snooty Beladors who think they're better than her. Evalle even lets Storm in on her secrets and the two are closer than ever. When characters change it's not always for the better but with Evalle, she's a little more amazing with each release. The final scene has Macha giving orders to Evalle and Evalle telling Macha how it's actually going to go down. If sound affects came with the book that scene would have ended with the crack of a whip. I was so proud of Evalle!
There are a few big, OH, WOW! moments and part of the fun was discovering them for myself so I won't give them away. What I will say is the Medb queen has a plan in the works that will give her immortality and bring down the Beladors and what unfolds results is a big revaluation as to what Alterants are, besides half-Belador, and Evalle becoming something that's a sight to see. Her friends Tzader and Quinn aren't without their own little surprises which involve the complicated situations they're in with the women they love. There are no shortages of twists and turns in this book and every one of builds up to an exciting climax.
You need to start with book one and that's not just me being a stickler for reading a series in order. Not only will you miss out on what's taking place in the ongoing war between the Beladors and Medb by starting with Rise of the Gryphon, you'll miss the all-important evolution of Evalle. It's rare I gush over how amazing a heroine is but Evalle has fought tooth and nail and earned her place on my keeper bookshelf.
- Stephanie
The clock is ticking for Evalle to bring in the Alterants or face the wrath of a goddess. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. Stumbling upon a paranormal fight club, Evalle will have to become the very thing that's made her an outcast in order to come out alive and stop an attack by the Medb that could destroy the Beladors.
Evalle has a big, beautiful heart despite having a traumatic childhood and feeling like an outcast among the Beladors, a warrior organization she risks her life for on a nightly basis but whose members turn their nose at her Alterant heritage. When things between her and Storm, a Skinwalker, start getting more serious and there's a chance Alterants will be accepted and protected by the goddess Macha, the Medb coven hatches a plan to annihilate the Beladors. Evalle is a master at enduring and through it all she does just that and fights for a better future.
Evalle is awesome. I think she has come a long way since book one when it comes to opening up and wanting more than just getting by. She's become a formidable enemy to the Medb and the snooty Beladors who think they're better than her. Evalle even lets Storm in on her secrets and the two are closer than ever. When characters change it's not always for the better but with Evalle, she's a little more amazing with each release. The final scene has Macha giving orders to Evalle and Evalle telling Macha how it's actually going to go down. If sound affects came with the book that scene would have ended with the crack of a whip. I was so proud of Evalle!
There are a few big, OH, WOW! moments and part of the fun was discovering them for myself so I won't give them away. What I will say is the Medb queen has a plan in the works that will give her immortality and bring down the Beladors and what unfolds results is a big revaluation as to what Alterants are, besides half-Belador, and Evalle becoming something that's a sight to see. Her friends Tzader and Quinn aren't without their own little surprises which involve the complicated situations they're in with the women they love. There are no shortages of twists and turns in this book and every one of builds up to an exciting climax.
You need to start with book one and that's not just me being a stickler for reading a series in order. Not only will you miss out on what's taking place in the ongoing war between the Beladors and Medb by starting with Rise of the Gryphon, you'll miss the all-important evolution of Evalle. It's rare I gush over how amazing a heroine is but Evalle has fought tooth and nail and earned her place on my keeper bookshelf.
- Stephanie
October 8, 2013
This is the first Sherrilyn Kenyon book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. I actually thought I was buying the first book in the Belador Series. Despite having begun with #4, I had no trouble tracking the characters or following the plot. I truly appreciate series books that can work as standalones, too.
The writing is crisp and the story well-plotted. Storm is a great slpha hero and Evalle is a kickass heroine. The subsidiary characters are three-dimensional, for the most part.
I only had a couple of nitpicks. There are a lot of POVs, even for a full length novel. I think a couple of them could easily have been incorporated into the primary characters' POV sections. Because the story has such a rich plot, there were several "tell" segments that would have been livelier if they'd happened on stage. Paradoxically, these sections are also probably why I could jump into book four and follow along perfectly.
Overall, an entertaining read. I've already bought book 5.
The writing is crisp and the story well-plotted. Storm is a great slpha hero and Evalle is a kickass heroine. The subsidiary characters are three-dimensional, for the most part.
I only had a couple of nitpicks. There are a lot of POVs, even for a full length novel. I think a couple of them could easily have been incorporated into the primary characters' POV sections. Because the story has such a rich plot, there were several "tell" segments that would have been livelier if they'd happened on stage. Paradoxically, these sections are also probably why I could jump into book four and follow along perfectly.
Overall, an entertaining read. I've already bought book 5.
January 26, 2016
5 stars
One of my favorite series. Nice to see everyone back. RIP Kizira. Hope they will be able to rescue Brina. Also hope Evalle will be able to find Storm. Can't wait to read Demon Storm!!!
One of my favorite series. Nice to see everyone back. RIP Kizira. Hope they will be able to rescue Brina. Also hope Evalle will be able to find Storm. Can't wait to read Demon Storm!!!
March 14, 2017
Fourth in the Belador urban fantasy series revolving around Evalle.
My Take
This was a weird combination of exciting and huh, what? If Macha and Sen could get their heads out, well, I guess there would be less of a story, but they'd be better people and half the problems in this story could probably be solved.
I can't believe how much Evalle fights against Storm and what he knows. It feels more as if it's done for the tension/drama of it, and it just pisses me off. In her law enforcement lifestyle, I should have thought she'd have more knowledge of so many aspects of the magic in it. She's portrayed as intelligent, but seems clueless about extracting needed information.
The whole Lanna thing is just stupid. Storm is right about how Evalle values herself. Sure Kenyon/Love make it sound all noble, but it's too bad they didn't work at making it sound good. Instead it comes across as melodramatic. A really obvious example of this is Imogenia near the end of the ABC fights. Oh, brother. Although, I did appreciate Kol's treatment of her…*snicker*…
As for how quickly everyone jumps to conclusions without more than one source, oh brother. It just makes me want to smack everyone around. All this note-leaving that so few actually pay attention to.
We do learn more about Evalle's childhood.
There's Evalle's mission from Macha, one which, if she fails, will result in her death; Quinn has his own guilty issues about his actions with Kirzia; Storm is both evading and hunting his former mistress; Kirzia's schizophrenic activities; and, Flaevynn's determined assault.
Once we do learn from Tristan about the Alterant origins, why is it that the timing was never noticed? As beastly as the Alterants are, wouldn't there have been a history of sightings?
Hullo? Evalle knows how much Sen hates her, that he expects to find her at the ABC fights, and she doesn't think to check the SUV he wards for her??? As for Lanna, I'm assuming her being a teenager is the excuse for all her stupid actions, even if her heart is in the right place.
Wow, Storm has some interesting resources that are only hinted at.
Finally. Evalle finally gets a backbone and uses it!
The Story
It's a tip that sends Evalle and Storm to an illegal fight which takes them to the ultimate fight: the Achilles Beast Championship, a trap to gather in Alterants by the Medb in their plot against the Beladors.
Evalle has a deadline, she must entice Tristan and his group away from the Medb, and learn the truth of Alterant origins or die.
The Medb have their own plans, and the island of Treoir had better be ready.
The Characters
Evalle Kincaid is not trusted, for she is both Belador and Alterant as well as a VIPER agent. Forbidden to shift into her Alterant beast state, she can only access her telekinetic and energy force powers. Feenix is her cute gargoyle friend/pet. Nicole is her best friend, a powerful witch, and trapped in a wheelchair; Red is Nicole's life partner.
Storm is a mix of Ashaninka (gives him his majik) and Navajo with a Skinwalker ability to shift into a jaguar. Kai is his guardian spirit.
The Beladors
Vladimir Quinn is one of Evalle's best friends, a man with a powerful mind needed to protect Treoir and Brina, and filled with guilt about his traitorous association with the woman he loves. Tzader Burke, another of Evalle's best friends and in love with Brina, a woman he can never touch, never be with, is the Maistir over the North American Beladors. Trey McCree is one of their most powerful telepaths. Lucien Solis; Reece "Casper" Jordan shares his body with a thirteenth-century ghost; Adrianna LaFontainne is a dark witch, a Sterling, who cared for Storm after Sen crushed his jaguar body; Sen, a major jerk with hate-on for Evalle, can change his body shape and has godlike powers, and he's the liaison between VIPER agents and the Tribunal; Horace Keefer is to protect Brina's back; and, Conlan O'Meary is a traitor imprisoned on TÅμr Medb are all VIPER agents.
Svetlanna "Lanna" Brasko is Quinn's cousin, a soft-hearted teenage Gypsy, who is on the run from a wicked Transylvanian wizard, Grendal who wants to turn her into his puppet.
Macha is the Celtic goddess of the Belador, and she is the epitome of feckless, uncaring, demanding, and bitchy. She seems to need the island of Treior safe from the world, which can only happen if Brina, the last Belador warrior queen remains on the island.
Grady is Evalle's primary Nightstalker source, and she considers him a friend.
Evalle has been tracking Tristan, another Alterant, since the beginning, for he has the knowledge of their origins. Petrina is Tristan's sister; two Rías—Watson and Aaron—friends are part of his group.
Imogenia is a dark witch with a terrified Alterant, Bernie, to enter into the ABC fight. Daniella is part of her Carretta Coven. Nadina is the witch doctor hunting Storm, the one who holds his and his father's souls. She has released Langaus, condemned souls, on Atlanta.
The Medb
The Medb are the ultimate in dark witches and warlocks using Noirre majiks and are based in TÅμr Medb. Kizira is a Medb priestess in love with Quinn, but heiress to the Medb throne. Queen Flaevynn is battling her own deadline with no love for anyone but herself. Doesn't stop her from forcing any and all to her bed, however. Cathbud is a Druid and the queen's husband. Kizira is their child. Pretty much in name only. Maeve was the original Medb queen while her lover and mate, Cathbud, was the original Druid, and the ones responsible for Flaevynn's (and every earlier queen's) predicament.
The Fights
A Domjon is the authority at a fight club; Dame Lynn is Domjon for the ABC fights. Kol D'Alimonte is the host for these fights, probably Deek's brother.
The Alterant winners of the Elite include:
Bernie, Black Satin, and Boomer, who is an egotistical jerk, are interested in immortality.
Isak Nyght is human who knows about the nonhumans in our world, and he wants Evalle. He and his team are black ops experts, creating special weapons and hunting the monsters down.
VIPER is a law enforcement agency of Beladors based in Atlanta which protects humans from supernaturals. The Belador are an ancient race that appears human with kinetic and telepathic powers and part of Macha's pantheon. Alterants are part Belador and part other with powers greater than normal Beladors; they shift into a grotesque beast form with each beast having different powers and near unstoppable. Macha wants them all dead or under her power. Rías are similar to Alterants, but they attack without thought or control. The Tribunal is a truly terrifying group of godlike beings with not much in the way of compassion. Nightstalkers are ghouls who will trade a burst of energy from a living being for a chance to indulge in the human joys of life. Volonte bones are from the skeleton of a French sorcerer, Guillory, and have tremendous powers.
The Cover
The cover is values of pinkish purple with a determined Evalle facing us and holding an elaborate dagger before her.
The title is quite prophetic, for this story does see the Rise of the Gryphon.
My Take
This was a weird combination of exciting and huh, what? If Macha and Sen could get their heads out, well, I guess there would be less of a story, but they'd be better people and half the problems in this story could probably be solved.
I can't believe how much Evalle fights against Storm and what he knows. It feels more as if it's done for the tension/drama of it, and it just pisses me off. In her law enforcement lifestyle, I should have thought she'd have more knowledge of so many aspects of the magic in it. She's portrayed as intelligent, but seems clueless about extracting needed information.
The whole Lanna thing is just stupid. Storm is right about how Evalle values herself. Sure Kenyon/Love make it sound all noble, but it's too bad they didn't work at making it sound good. Instead it comes across as melodramatic. A really obvious example of this is Imogenia near the end of the ABC fights. Oh, brother. Although, I did appreciate Kol's treatment of her…*snicker*…
As for how quickly everyone jumps to conclusions without more than one source, oh brother. It just makes me want to smack everyone around. All this note-leaving that so few actually pay attention to.
We do learn more about Evalle's childhood.
There's Evalle's mission from Macha, one which, if she fails, will result in her death; Quinn has his own guilty issues about his actions with Kirzia; Storm is both evading and hunting his former mistress; Kirzia's schizophrenic activities; and, Flaevynn's determined assault.
Once we do learn from Tristan about the Alterant origins, why is it that the timing was never noticed? As beastly as the Alterants are, wouldn't there have been a history of sightings?
Hullo? Evalle knows how much Sen hates her, that he expects to find her at the ABC fights, and she doesn't think to check the SUV he wards for her??? As for Lanna, I'm assuming her being a teenager is the excuse for all her stupid actions, even if her heart is in the right place.
Wow, Storm has some interesting resources that are only hinted at.
Finally. Evalle finally gets a backbone and uses it!
The Story
It's a tip that sends Evalle and Storm to an illegal fight which takes them to the ultimate fight: the Achilles Beast Championship, a trap to gather in Alterants by the Medb in their plot against the Beladors.
Evalle has a deadline, she must entice Tristan and his group away from the Medb, and learn the truth of Alterant origins or die.
The Medb have their own plans, and the island of Treoir had better be ready.
The Characters
Evalle Kincaid is not trusted, for she is both Belador and Alterant as well as a VIPER agent. Forbidden to shift into her Alterant beast state, she can only access her telekinetic and energy force powers. Feenix is her cute gargoyle friend/pet. Nicole is her best friend, a powerful witch, and trapped in a wheelchair; Red is Nicole's life partner.
Storm is a mix of Ashaninka (gives him his majik) and Navajo with a Skinwalker ability to shift into a jaguar. Kai is his guardian spirit.
The Beladors
Vladimir Quinn is one of Evalle's best friends, a man with a powerful mind needed to protect Treoir and Brina, and filled with guilt about his traitorous association with the woman he loves. Tzader Burke, another of Evalle's best friends and in love with Brina, a woman he can never touch, never be with, is the Maistir over the North American Beladors. Trey McCree is one of their most powerful telepaths. Lucien Solis; Reece "Casper" Jordan shares his body with a thirteenth-century ghost; Adrianna LaFontainne is a dark witch, a Sterling, who cared for Storm after Sen crushed his jaguar body; Sen, a major jerk with hate-on for Evalle, can change his body shape and has godlike powers, and he's the liaison between VIPER agents and the Tribunal; Horace Keefer is to protect Brina's back; and, Conlan O'Meary is a traitor imprisoned on TÅμr Medb are all VIPER agents.
Svetlanna "Lanna" Brasko is Quinn's cousin, a soft-hearted teenage Gypsy, who is on the run from a wicked Transylvanian wizard, Grendal who wants to turn her into his puppet.
Macha is the Celtic goddess of the Belador, and she is the epitome of feckless, uncaring, demanding, and bitchy. She seems to need the island of Treior safe from the world, which can only happen if Brina, the last Belador warrior queen remains on the island.
Grady is Evalle's primary Nightstalker source, and she considers him a friend.
Evalle has been tracking Tristan, another Alterant, since the beginning, for he has the knowledge of their origins. Petrina is Tristan's sister; two Rías—Watson and Aaron—friends are part of his group.
Imogenia is a dark witch with a terrified Alterant, Bernie, to enter into the ABC fight. Daniella is part of her Carretta Coven. Nadina is the witch doctor hunting Storm, the one who holds his and his father's souls. She has released Langaus, condemned souls, on Atlanta.
The Medb
The Medb are the ultimate in dark witches and warlocks using Noirre majiks and are based in TÅμr Medb. Kizira is a Medb priestess in love with Quinn, but heiress to the Medb throne. Queen Flaevynn is battling her own deadline with no love for anyone but herself. Doesn't stop her from forcing any and all to her bed, however. Cathbud is a Druid and the queen's husband. Kizira is their child. Pretty much in name only. Maeve was the original Medb queen while her lover and mate, Cathbud, was the original Druid, and the ones responsible for Flaevynn's (and every earlier queen's) predicament.
The Fights
A Domjon is the authority at a fight club; Dame Lynn is Domjon for the ABC fights. Kol D'Alimonte is the host for these fights, probably Deek's brother.
The Alterant winners of the Elite include:
Bernie, Black Satin, and Boomer, who is an egotistical jerk, are interested in immortality.
Isak Nyght is human who knows about the nonhumans in our world, and he wants Evalle. He and his team are black ops experts, creating special weapons and hunting the monsters down.
VIPER is a law enforcement agency of Beladors based in Atlanta which protects humans from supernaturals. The Belador are an ancient race that appears human with kinetic and telepathic powers and part of Macha's pantheon. Alterants are part Belador and part other with powers greater than normal Beladors; they shift into a grotesque beast form with each beast having different powers and near unstoppable. Macha wants them all dead or under her power. Rías are similar to Alterants, but they attack without thought or control. The Tribunal is a truly terrifying group of godlike beings with not much in the way of compassion. Nightstalkers are ghouls who will trade a burst of energy from a living being for a chance to indulge in the human joys of life. Volonte bones are from the skeleton of a French sorcerer, Guillory, and have tremendous powers.
The Cover
The cover is values of pinkish purple with a determined Evalle facing us and holding an elaborate dagger before her.
The title is quite prophetic, for this story does see the Rise of the Gryphon.
July 27, 2013
If the first three books in the Belador series were thought to be fascinating, then get ready to be totally blown away by the latest installment. RISE OF THE GRYPHON adds new dangerous troubles for Evalle to face, and each one could impact the lives of someone whom she wants to keep safe. As the dilemmas in her life become more perilous, her emotions go on a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. With the burden of countless lives counting on her, Evalle has to make several of the most difficult choices in her life. RISE OF THE GRYPHON builds the anticipation of what could possibly happen next, and then repeatedly delivers the unexpected.
Life is never easy for Evalle Kincaid. Just when it seems as though her existence could become much more stable, another obstacle arises to make her life still complicated. Since she is an Alterant, many individuals do not trust her, even though she has demonstrated her loyalty to the Belador race and VIPER organization time and again. Her latest mission is to discover the origin of Alterants for the Belador goddess, and learning about her personal background makes the task doubly important. To reach the person who has the answers that she needs, Evalle must get close to the Medb coven of witches and warlocks without revealing her actual identity.
In her quest for information, Evalle and Storm work together and she gets very close to the jaguar shifter. Unfortunately, a witch doctor from his past causes extra problems for them to overcome. She also learns there are many more secret plots against the Beladors than anyone thought, and the Medb are very determined to reach their destructive goal. When it seems everyone Evalle cares about needs to be protected, whether they are aware or not, her decisions become crucial.
The originality of the Belador series constantly mesmerizes. Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love pack innovative ideas and unique characters into every inventive scene of their urban fantasy novels. RISE OF THE GRYPHON is especially creative, as predicaments are often unanticipated and full of surprising circumstances. I certainly never knew what to expect whenever Evalle went into battle, and some of the events that take place are completely shocking. Ms. Kenyon and Ms. Love do not skimp on the action, and many of the situations are dangerously risky to not only Evalle’s health but to her emotional state as well. She may be one very stubborn and spunky woman on the outside, yet her inner feelings are sometimes on rocky ground. I cannot imagine having to live through some of the incidents she did, and I found her ability to think logically at all to be admirable. A relationship has been brewing between Evalle and Storm for some time, and RISE OF THE GRYPHON lets them explore their desirous feelings, resulting in a few very poignant plus affectionate moments.
While much of the story stays focused on Evalle, there are several secondary plots that greatly contribute to the overall storyline and profoundly affected me, particularly near the ending. There are a number of characters whose allegiance is not certain, and this added doubts as to what would ultimately occur. Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love take the reader on an emotional journey, one where hearts pound and tears threaten along with a numerous smiles. This story concludes with Evalle learning some hard-won facts, and the next book looks to be filled with loads of new experiences. RISE OF THE GRYPHON is adventuresome with plenty of physical risk-taking plus emotional challenges.
Single Titles review
Life is never easy for Evalle Kincaid. Just when it seems as though her existence could become much more stable, another obstacle arises to make her life still complicated. Since she is an Alterant, many individuals do not trust her, even though she has demonstrated her loyalty to the Belador race and VIPER organization time and again. Her latest mission is to discover the origin of Alterants for the Belador goddess, and learning about her personal background makes the task doubly important. To reach the person who has the answers that she needs, Evalle must get close to the Medb coven of witches and warlocks without revealing her actual identity.
In her quest for information, Evalle and Storm work together and she gets very close to the jaguar shifter. Unfortunately, a witch doctor from his past causes extra problems for them to overcome. She also learns there are many more secret plots against the Beladors than anyone thought, and the Medb are very determined to reach their destructive goal. When it seems everyone Evalle cares about needs to be protected, whether they are aware or not, her decisions become crucial.
The originality of the Belador series constantly mesmerizes. Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love pack innovative ideas and unique characters into every inventive scene of their urban fantasy novels. RISE OF THE GRYPHON is especially creative, as predicaments are often unanticipated and full of surprising circumstances. I certainly never knew what to expect whenever Evalle went into battle, and some of the events that take place are completely shocking. Ms. Kenyon and Ms. Love do not skimp on the action, and many of the situations are dangerously risky to not only Evalle’s health but to her emotional state as well. She may be one very stubborn and spunky woman on the outside, yet her inner feelings are sometimes on rocky ground. I cannot imagine having to live through some of the incidents she did, and I found her ability to think logically at all to be admirable. A relationship has been brewing between Evalle and Storm for some time, and RISE OF THE GRYPHON lets them explore their desirous feelings, resulting in a few very poignant plus affectionate moments.
While much of the story stays focused on Evalle, there are several secondary plots that greatly contribute to the overall storyline and profoundly affected me, particularly near the ending. There are a number of characters whose allegiance is not certain, and this added doubts as to what would ultimately occur. Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love take the reader on an emotional journey, one where hearts pound and tears threaten along with a numerous smiles. This story concludes with Evalle learning some hard-won facts, and the next book looks to be filled with loads of new experiences. RISE OF THE GRYPHON is adventuresome with plenty of physical risk-taking plus emotional challenges.
Single Titles review
November 8, 2014
Okay for true die hard Romance novel readers. Forget it if you like a straight Urban Paranormal series on par with Kim Harrison.
I read Bks 1 - 3 back to back in a two week period. I started Bk 4 and stopped at page 20. Update -30 days later. Haven't finished it. Won't. Wish I hadn't wasted the money.
This series has made me go back to purchasing the type of paranormal I began with. Those including authors like Kim Harrison, and Jim Butcher. Not books filled primarily with unresolved sexual tensions from all characters at once which is never ending book to book. the authors have come up with some good characters, which are the strengths of this series. But, I am too old to read 1400 pages of foreplay between at least 4 sets of characters with no climax. At book 4, I just said to myself, why am I wasting my time? I liked these books and by Book 4 I just couldn't care less. I mean, if the Trolls that started out in the first book can't be done away with by the 4th it's half hearted paranomal at best.
Since I stopped reading at page 20, I have read two Anne Perry Monk mysteries, Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Corriea and a few more. All are books of a series. All are great reads.
These authors set a problem up for the characters in each book, create tension, let it build up and then come to a conclusion. By the end of the book. They use the primary characters or characters given birth in prior books of the series. Characters that have enough substance to carry on the series. If they provide a character in the book they use it. They don't give it 2 lines and shut it in a closet for a future book.
Or in the case of poor Feenix, the pet Gargoyle, tossed a few lug nuts and left alone neglected. Everything but the kitchen sink was tossed into the Belador series. It has been like watching someone build a giant ice cream sundae in front of your eyes. They keep piling things on top while the bottom melts and you never get to take a bite.
In conclusion, too many characters introduced with 2 lines, then dumped; too many books filled with the same old never ending unfulfilled sexual tension with the same old characters; too many! characters with unfulfilled sexual tensions; a story with problems that are so immense that they not only cannot be conquered in 1400 pages, and don't allow rest or food in 3 books. I have never seen so many characters beaten so badly for so long with so little to show for it.
In all my years of reading, which are many, I have never written this type of review. I know there are readers who love this stuff. That's a very good thing for the authors.
I read Bks 1 - 3 back to back in a two week period. I started Bk 4 and stopped at page 20. Update -30 days later. Haven't finished it. Won't. Wish I hadn't wasted the money.
This series has made me go back to purchasing the type of paranormal I began with. Those including authors like Kim Harrison, and Jim Butcher. Not books filled primarily with unresolved sexual tensions from all characters at once which is never ending book to book. the authors have come up with some good characters, which are the strengths of this series. But, I am too old to read 1400 pages of foreplay between at least 4 sets of characters with no climax. At book 4, I just said to myself, why am I wasting my time? I liked these books and by Book 4 I just couldn't care less. I mean, if the Trolls that started out in the first book can't be done away with by the 4th it's half hearted paranomal at best.
Since I stopped reading at page 20, I have read two Anne Perry Monk mysteries, Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Corriea and a few more. All are books of a series. All are great reads.
These authors set a problem up for the characters in each book, create tension, let it build up and then come to a conclusion. By the end of the book. They use the primary characters or characters given birth in prior books of the series. Characters that have enough substance to carry on the series. If they provide a character in the book they use it. They don't give it 2 lines and shut it in a closet for a future book.
Or in the case of poor Feenix, the pet Gargoyle, tossed a few lug nuts and left alone neglected. Everything but the kitchen sink was tossed into the Belador series. It has been like watching someone build a giant ice cream sundae in front of your eyes. They keep piling things on top while the bottom melts and you never get to take a bite.
In conclusion, too many characters introduced with 2 lines, then dumped; too many books filled with the same old never ending unfulfilled sexual tension with the same old characters; too many! characters with unfulfilled sexual tensions; a story with problems that are so immense that they not only cannot be conquered in 1400 pages, and don't allow rest or food in 3 books. I have never seen so many characters beaten so badly for so long with so little to show for it.
In all my years of reading, which are many, I have never written this type of review. I know there are readers who love this stuff. That's a very good thing for the authors.
December 26, 2013
I received this book via the first reads giveaway.
4.5 stars
Rise of the Gryphon is the 4 installment in the Belador series by Dianna Love and Sherrilyn Kenyon, and I personally think it is the best one so far. In this story the main focus is centered around Evalle with a couple of chapters of different POVs, which is nice because we get to stick with Evalle throughout the story which can give one the feeling that they are facing the dangers right alongside her; instead of jumping from person to person.
This book has an almost darker feel to it than the previous installments, and it is lacking a lot of the comic relief that was present in the previous books as well (Feenix is only present for 2 chapters, and I missed him). And I am not going to lie there were times where I had to put the book down because the characters where acting in ways that made me so mad that I just wanted to shake them and tell them to stop being stupid (but hey it happens). Towards the end of the book we finally get the romance that we have been waiting for since book 1, although one could kinda figure out that it was finally happening in this book due to their interactions throughout the rest of the book.
I cannot wait for the next in the series!
4.5 stars
Rise of the Gryphon is the 4 installment in the Belador series by Dianna Love and Sherrilyn Kenyon, and I personally think it is the best one so far. In this story the main focus is centered around Evalle with a couple of chapters of different POVs, which is nice because we get to stick with Evalle throughout the story which can give one the feeling that they are facing the dangers right alongside her; instead of jumping from person to person.
This book has an almost darker feel to it than the previous installments, and it is lacking a lot of the comic relief that was present in the previous books as well (Feenix is only present for 2 chapters, and I missed him). And I am not going to lie there were times where I had to put the book down because the characters where acting in ways that made me so mad that I just wanted to shake them and tell them to stop being stupid (but hey it happens). Towards the end of the book we finally get the romance that we have been waiting for since book 1, although one could kinda figure out that it was finally happening in this book due to their interactions throughout the rest of the book.
I cannot wait for the next in the series!
August 4, 2013
I thought this book might be the last in this series...but its not! I've had mixed emotions about these books but on the whole I've enjoyed them, not unexpected considering these are written by two great authors. Once again Evalle's life is in turmoil, even a goddess is playing against her. She can't seem to do right for doing wrong these days, she's having to keep secrets from her fellow Beladors and her close friends. Storm is determined to help her and Evalle is determined to keep him safe. They are both pitted against powerful opponents in illegally arranged fight contests so that she can get close to Tristan...the alterant with the information Evalle needs to get them accepted into Macha's pantheon, however he has been taken by the Medb...the dark sorcerers that want everything! If you haven't been reading this series then forgive my spotty review and my advice would be...read these books from the beginning, as they carry on from each other. Rise of the Gryphon is the next step in Evalle's existence!
October 23, 2013
Frustratingly excellent story. I've really loved the series with Eval and glad that she and Storm finally get together. However, it's frustrating that it ends on such a traumatic note. I rated the story a 5 because it held my attention the whole time, I read every word, and the quality of writing is excellent. The twist and turns were great and it was full of surprises. The ending left me unfulfilled and frustrated. Why can't Eval have something that ends happily? This is the 4th book in the series and I don't see an end in sight. How many more books will it take to have that happy ever after feeling? I usually don't make it this many books into a series that continues on with the same person. I prefer the series that go from one person to the next with each book ending happily. Even though the series is good, I'm done.
September 10, 2013
Oh, this was a fantastic book, lots of things happen, some good, some bad, and yeah, it was a fantastic book, and I can't wait to see how it's (probably) going to come all together, because I think Demon Storm is the last book in the series, but there could be another, or many more, because there are quite a few threads to tie up, and I love this universe!
May 7, 2017
Fantastic Book!
This story continually evolves at a rapid pace. The world is crafted so completely, I can see it as if I was there. This is an action packed ride. The characters are so well crafted, I feel the emotions and feel as if they are real. I am anxiously waiting to begin read the final book in this series.
This story continually evolves at a rapid pace. The world is crafted so completely, I can see it as if I was there. This is an action packed ride. The characters are so well crafted, I feel the emotions and feel as if they are real. I am anxiously waiting to begin read the final book in this series.
November 8, 2013
It started slow but it picked up quickly and was great in the second half. Only let down it's an effin cliffhanger .
July 9, 2014
OMG what a GREAT series. I heart Evalle. I'm so glad I didn't give up after the first terrible book! the writing is about 40068390294 times better.
WOOP
WOOP
February 3, 2016
The best of the series so far. Could have been a 5-star but for a cliff-hanger at the end....
February 26, 2016
Aquí me quedo, no he visto a kenyon por ningún sitio.
Dianna Love, no gracias.
Dianna Love, no gracias.
May 28, 2018
I remember reading the first book and not sure I'd like this series, but the each book I like more and more. This is my favorite one so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Belador #4: Rise of the Gryphon – Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love
Okay, so yeah—this book was pretty predictable in some ways. I mean, come on… we all saw it coming. Evalle becoming a Gryphon? Knew it. Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride. Evalle is such a strong, fierce woman—she’s been through so much and still keeps pushing forward. I honestly admire that about her.
Storm’s love for her just melts me. Like, that’s the kind of love that sticks with you. The way he believes in her and supports her? Ugh. I’m all in for their bond. It’s raw and real, and it gives her this solid ground to stand on when everything else is falling apart.
Now Lea? I did not see that twist coming. That definitely shook things up, and honestly, I’m kind of excited to see where it goes. I’ve got big hopes for her character—and those twins too. There’s so much potential for them to grow and play a bigger role in what’s coming next.
And this might sound weird, but I’m really hoping Evalle and the dark witch end up becoming friends? I know, I know… but something about that dynamic just feels like it could be powerful, like a fire-forged kind of friendship. Fingers crossed!
Even if some parts felt expected, the emotional depth and character growth kept me hooked. This world Kenyon and Love created? It’s intense, gritty, and full of magic and danger—but at the heart of it are these beautifully complex characters that I can’t help but root for.
Okay, so yeah—this book was pretty predictable in some ways. I mean, come on… we all saw it coming. Evalle becoming a Gryphon? Knew it. Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride. Evalle is such a strong, fierce woman—she’s been through so much and still keeps pushing forward. I honestly admire that about her.
Storm’s love for her just melts me. Like, that’s the kind of love that sticks with you. The way he believes in her and supports her? Ugh. I’m all in for their bond. It’s raw and real, and it gives her this solid ground to stand on when everything else is falling apart.
Now Lea? I did not see that twist coming. That definitely shook things up, and honestly, I’m kind of excited to see where it goes. I’ve got big hopes for her character—and those twins too. There’s so much potential for them to grow and play a bigger role in what’s coming next.
And this might sound weird, but I’m really hoping Evalle and the dark witch end up becoming friends? I know, I know… but something about that dynamic just feels like it could be powerful, like a fire-forged kind of friendship. Fingers crossed!
Even if some parts felt expected, the emotional depth and character growth kept me hooked. This world Kenyon and Love created? It’s intense, gritty, and full of magic and danger—but at the heart of it are these beautifully complex characters that I can’t help but root for.
December 17, 2019
It was OK, but I was hoping for more.
Maybe it's just been too long since I read the last book in the series--because most of this book dragged for me. I found myself frequently setting it aside. Although I do like the characters, the World, and the ongoing plot, I just couldn't get very involved with this installment.
The latter part of the book did get more interesting...but for me, it was a matter of 'too little, too late'. I will probably continue the series (although this isn't my favorite Kenyon series), but I will wait until the pricing gets reduced.
Maybe it's just been too long since I read the last book in the series--because most of this book dragged for me. I found myself frequently setting it aside. Although I do like the characters, the World, and the ongoing plot, I just couldn't get very involved with this installment.
The latter part of the book did get more interesting...but for me, it was a matter of 'too little, too late'. I will probably continue the series (although this isn't my favorite Kenyon series), but I will wait until the pricing gets reduced.
May 18, 2018
I wish there were half stars because this would be 3.5. Perhaps because this is my first book - and book 4 of the series - it just... I don't know how to put it. It just didn't quite "click." The writing is quite good and the characters well developed, but I just couldn't quite get into the story. I'd say more a difficulty with me than the book. It's not always easy to jump into the middle of a series. That said, I may try another book in the series to see if it helps.
November 21, 2019
I thing I really like about this book that I had forgotten about from the first time I read it was that it has several different surprising things happen to a Val and her friends. I like the way the author wove the beginning of the book with the ending of the last book and made them seem like they flow together pretty well. Even though this book had an interesting beginning and did not begin right where the last book ended, they still managed to enter twine this book in the last book together.
September 18, 2020
Wow, wow, wow. So I apparently never read this one and read the one after and holy crap I can't believe how much I missed. Congratulations Dianna on another home run. This book is amazing and I'm glad I finally got to enjoy it and fill in the missing pieces.
Now to try to mentally deal with everything you dropped on me, cuz wowza. Awesome book and I'm so excited to see what happens next
Now to try to mentally deal with everything you dropped on me, cuz wowza. Awesome book and I'm so excited to see what happens next
March 8, 2017
I enjoyed this next chapter in the Belador series. Things I have been waiting for finally happened and it had a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Some parts dragged along a little too slowly but all in all an enjoyable book.
April 1, 2019
Rise of the Gryphon took a little bit to get into but I was glad that I struck with it to the end because it was great! I was a little disappointed that it ended with a cliffhanger as I was thinking this was the last book in this series.
July 12, 2020
This was really cool. I enjoyed it and I loved the fights. There was a total off the wall cliffhanger. Talk about a twist, I did not expect that to happen. If you liked the first three believe it or not this one is better!
September 23, 2020
The action in this book, the whole series really, kept me interested. I was a bit worried at the end of this book because it ended weird until I looked up Dianna Love on fantastic fiction and saw the series continues by her.
May 24, 2017
Wow! Talk about adrenaline rush. Can't get enough.
October 9, 2017
great book. the story continues. Cannot wait for the next book.
December 9, 2017
great read
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