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Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King
In a place far away, there is a strange and frightening world of trolls and liches and other horrible creatures. Two adventurers, Ragnar and Ahmad, have found themselves mysteriously transported into this dangerous jungle world. Ragnar Olafson is a Viking who must find a way to conquer the Lich King. Ahmad Ibn Fazzat is an Arab who has literally been snatched from the jungle, but he must return because it is his destiny to help a new acquaintance, the Gryffon Master.
Ragnar, aided by two dwarves, Karlo and his young apprentice, Kerr, seeks to reclaim a magical crystal sword in order to destroy the evil beings that threaten peace-loving creatures who live in the jungle. Karlo has been ordered by the Dwarf King to destroy a piece of jewelry, a necklace unusually obsessed by Queen Valona. This piece of jewelry has a haunting effect on the original owner, Traven the Fallen. Finally the companions come face to face with the greatest danger of all, the evil black dragon, Barrel. Can Ahmad and the Gryffon Riders return in time to save them?
A remarkable work from five authors, Gryffon Master brings you a creative story packed with action and thrills. No doubt it will leave an incredible understanding that there is a warrior in all of us.
Ragnar, aided by two dwarves, Karlo and his young apprentice, Kerr, seeks to reclaim a magical crystal sword in order to destroy the evil beings that threaten peace-loving creatures who live in the jungle. Karlo has been ordered by the Dwarf King to destroy a piece of jewelry, a necklace unusually obsessed by Queen Valona. This piece of jewelry has a haunting effect on the original owner, Traven the Fallen. Finally the companions come face to face with the greatest danger of all, the evil black dragon, Barrel. Can Ahmad and the Gryffon Riders return in time to save them?
A remarkable work from five authors, Gryffon Master brings you a creative story packed with action and thrills. No doubt it will leave an incredible understanding that there is a warrior in all of us.
- GenresFantasy
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Heather Marie Schuldt
9 books37 followers"Cindy Sailor and the Hunt for Owen" is a science fiction mystery novella. Feeling anxious, Cindy attends a race with her friend, Stella. They witness a crime, illegal teleportation. Cindy must find a way to help stop the criminal and save the world.
"Writers 750 Emerald Workbook" will help writers develop twelve new stories in one year. The workbook provides ten new conflicts to explore each month. Themes include the following: courage, greed, acceptance, optimism, corruption, atmosphere, curiosity, disguises, inheritance, deception, suspense, and compassion.
"Gryffon Master" is Schuldt's award winning fantasy jungle adventure, a novella released in December of 2013. The main character is Ragnar the Viking warrior. Ragnar and Ahmed the Arab soldier fight against the evil Lich King and Barrel the terrible dragon. It's an epic story where Ragnar must find a way to protect innocent creatures and escape a dangerous jungle.
Schuldt has several short stories in the Giant Tales anthologies where she compiled and published the Giant Tales collection with over fifty authors.
Schuldt is pleased to present a historical fiction, "Virgin Birth," a short story available in Stephanie Baskerville's anthology, The Power of Forgiveness.
She lives in North Carolina with her family.
"Writers 750 Emerald Workbook" will help writers develop twelve new stories in one year. The workbook provides ten new conflicts to explore each month. Themes include the following: courage, greed, acceptance, optimism, corruption, atmosphere, curiosity, disguises, inheritance, deception, suspense, and compassion.
"Gryffon Master" is Schuldt's award winning fantasy jungle adventure, a novella released in December of 2013. The main character is Ragnar the Viking warrior. Ragnar and Ahmed the Arab soldier fight against the evil Lich King and Barrel the terrible dragon. It's an epic story where Ragnar must find a way to protect innocent creatures and escape a dangerous jungle.
Schuldt has several short stories in the Giant Tales anthologies where she compiled and published the Giant Tales collection with over fifty authors.
Schuldt is pleased to present a historical fiction, "Virgin Birth," a short story available in Stephanie Baskerville's anthology, The Power of Forgiveness.
She lives in North Carolina with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 10, 2016
A story about two people, a Viking and an Arab, who are stuck in a dangerous jungle. One of them escapes, but he has to decide if he will return to help the other one. It's the best jungle adventure in all the world!
October 23, 2014
Various authors have collaborated to put together this ancient, fantasy masterpiece! The tale starts with the Viking from Larvik, Ragnar Olafson. He has fallen.
What fall?
Ragnar was told of the fall by the Arab, Ahmad Ibn Fazat, who had also experienced the same, at some point. Ahmad is from Damascus. But where they had fallen was now a mystery. The two men were surrounded by thick jungle, unlike their natural habitation. Ahmad recollects his home with beautiful trees, gardens, sand. . .dry and hot.
Ahmad, gifted to speak many languages, explains that he was “heading to the siege of Jerusalem” when a blinding light claimed him, and he found himself there, in the jungle.
Ragnar, wearing a bone necklace, claims that he was in a boat that landed in Frisia, and had purposed to raid the land. And the same thing had happened to him. . .a blinding light had brought him there.
The two take their journey through the thickness of the jungle, following the sun, trying to find a way to escape their surroundings. They walk for hours. They arrive at a clearing that was seemingly a perfect circle. A beam of sunlight draws them to a glowing crystal sword with beautiful gems. Noticing that Ahmad had no weapon, Ragnar (who is armed with an axe) tells Ahmad to take the sword. The atmosphere announces the impending doom that is about to come upon them.
Just as Ahmad touches the sword, a “blood-curdling roar” thunders from the jungle, and the sound of footfalls rumbles the ground. “It’s Jotun!” Ragnar shouts.
They must run!
Jotun is a frost giant with many powers, including the power to lure one into a death sleep (sleep into the afterlife).
Having escaped the Jotun, the two men continue their journey. Then suddenly, the jungle cleared and there appears an enormous gryffon from the sky! Its wings spanned many feet, stirring the air with gusty wind. It’s claws were like iron, clutching the boulder where it landed, set to leap forward. And it did leap, swooping up Ahmad like an eagle after its prey, and flying off into the distance until it disappeared!
Ragnar finds himself alone and lost in the strange world.
The reader soon discover they have ventured into a fantasy interconnected with creatures and spirits either from the ether, netherworld, and/or otherworld, which seemingly may have intruded on the living world. The reader encounters a host of strange, unusual, magical and fantastical beings. Some are lovable, frightening, sinister, mystical, even mythical, possessing various powers and super strengths. There are ghost giants, elves, dwarfs/dvergars, trolls, poison scorpions, beasts, giant-sized creepy-crawlies, living skeletons, a Shaman, a lich and liches, an evil dark dragon and dragons, a scout goblin (a wise lizard), a giant dragonfly, a boneman, a wicked sorcerer (undead, wanting his undead existence back), a scarab beetle, a green goblin, a squirrel with horns, gryffon warriors, a Djinn scout and djinns, a wizard, among a myriad of powerful, and not so powerful creatures that inhabits this transcendental fantasy world.
The king and queen of the Dwarf Mine of Davlin seem to disagree on a gemmed necklace. The dwarf queen, Valona—now an “avaricious harridan”— obviously doesn’t take into consideration her husband, King Andren’s demand to get rid of the cursed necklace with the inscription: THORA.
Is the necklace cursed? Could it be a curse for some, but a blessing to others that possess it?
How are the gems’ pattern (ruby, sapphire, and emerald) in the necklace connected to the sword that Ahmad possesses?
This story uses spectacular imagery and elemental objects. There are gifts given, such as fireproof armor (a talisman), magical transportation: the desert ship. Mythic beings give potions, visions, a broken arrow, a magic match, prophecies, special periwinkles for a powerful tonic, and yes, there’s a magical tree. . .
This fantastic story is pure fantasy perfection, cleverly and beautifully written to perform it’s “magic” on the reading audience. I place it among the legendary classics of beloved fables and folklore, such as The Brothers’ Grimm and The Jungle Book. To write such a spellbinding masterpiece could only be mastered by a cleverly orchestrated, talented group of writers: Christian Warren Freed, Joyce Shaugnessy, Heather. M. Schuldt, Randall Lemon, and Lynette White.
Take the journey along with Ragnar. You’ll be glad you did!
What fall?
Ragnar was told of the fall by the Arab, Ahmad Ibn Fazat, who had also experienced the same, at some point. Ahmad is from Damascus. But where they had fallen was now a mystery. The two men were surrounded by thick jungle, unlike their natural habitation. Ahmad recollects his home with beautiful trees, gardens, sand. . .dry and hot.
Ahmad, gifted to speak many languages, explains that he was “heading to the siege of Jerusalem” when a blinding light claimed him, and he found himself there, in the jungle.
Ragnar, wearing a bone necklace, claims that he was in a boat that landed in Frisia, and had purposed to raid the land. And the same thing had happened to him. . .a blinding light had brought him there.
The two take their journey through the thickness of the jungle, following the sun, trying to find a way to escape their surroundings. They walk for hours. They arrive at a clearing that was seemingly a perfect circle. A beam of sunlight draws them to a glowing crystal sword with beautiful gems. Noticing that Ahmad had no weapon, Ragnar (who is armed with an axe) tells Ahmad to take the sword. The atmosphere announces the impending doom that is about to come upon them.
Just as Ahmad touches the sword, a “blood-curdling roar” thunders from the jungle, and the sound of footfalls rumbles the ground. “It’s Jotun!” Ragnar shouts.
They must run!
Jotun is a frost giant with many powers, including the power to lure one into a death sleep (sleep into the afterlife).
Having escaped the Jotun, the two men continue their journey. Then suddenly, the jungle cleared and there appears an enormous gryffon from the sky! Its wings spanned many feet, stirring the air with gusty wind. It’s claws were like iron, clutching the boulder where it landed, set to leap forward. And it did leap, swooping up Ahmad like an eagle after its prey, and flying off into the distance until it disappeared!
Ragnar finds himself alone and lost in the strange world.
The reader soon discover they have ventured into a fantasy interconnected with creatures and spirits either from the ether, netherworld, and/or otherworld, which seemingly may have intruded on the living world. The reader encounters a host of strange, unusual, magical and fantastical beings. Some are lovable, frightening, sinister, mystical, even mythical, possessing various powers and super strengths. There are ghost giants, elves, dwarfs/dvergars, trolls, poison scorpions, beasts, giant-sized creepy-crawlies, living skeletons, a Shaman, a lich and liches, an evil dark dragon and dragons, a scout goblin (a wise lizard), a giant dragonfly, a boneman, a wicked sorcerer (undead, wanting his undead existence back), a scarab beetle, a green goblin, a squirrel with horns, gryffon warriors, a Djinn scout and djinns, a wizard, among a myriad of powerful, and not so powerful creatures that inhabits this transcendental fantasy world.
The king and queen of the Dwarf Mine of Davlin seem to disagree on a gemmed necklace. The dwarf queen, Valona—now an “avaricious harridan”— obviously doesn’t take into consideration her husband, King Andren’s demand to get rid of the cursed necklace with the inscription: THORA.
Is the necklace cursed? Could it be a curse for some, but a blessing to others that possess it?
How are the gems’ pattern (ruby, sapphire, and emerald) in the necklace connected to the sword that Ahmad possesses?
This story uses spectacular imagery and elemental objects. There are gifts given, such as fireproof armor (a talisman), magical transportation: the desert ship. Mythic beings give potions, visions, a broken arrow, a magic match, prophecies, special periwinkles for a powerful tonic, and yes, there’s a magical tree. . .
This fantastic story is pure fantasy perfection, cleverly and beautifully written to perform it’s “magic” on the reading audience. I place it among the legendary classics of beloved fables and folklore, such as The Brothers’ Grimm and The Jungle Book. To write such a spellbinding masterpiece could only be mastered by a cleverly orchestrated, talented group of writers: Christian Warren Freed, Joyce Shaugnessy, Heather. M. Schuldt, Randall Lemon, and Lynette White.
Take the journey along with Ragnar. You’ll be glad you did!
October 12, 2014
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King by Christian Warren Freed et al. is a fantasy about two heroes, Ragnar and Ahmad, and their quest to find magical artifacts to rid the land of a powerful soul-stealing zombie.
Ragnar awakes from a blinding spell that has taken him from his raiding boat in Frisia and dumped him in a mysterious mist-filled jungle. Ahmad has also just awakened from a similar spell that whisked him from a caravan heading to the siege of Jerusalem. They team up to find a way out. In no time, a fearsome frost giant attacks the two. Ahmad snatches up a magnificent crystal sword from a forest clearing, and they run for their lives.
What follows is a rambling tale where a gryffon snatches away Ahmad. The two men gather comrades, fight monsters, and piece together why they were brought to this world. To fulfill their destiny, the men’s paths rejoin. They use the crystal sword and other magical props to battle their common enemy, the Lich King.
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King has many fun fantasy traditions such as magic stones, potions, and shaman trolls brimming with sage advice. Mixed with these fancies are sincere helpers, plentiful tasks, and a seemingly unbeatable enemy. Tossed in are some rollicking good melees.
The fantasy hodgepodge is also the story’s shortcoming. The plot at times seemed disjointed and dashed on to the next skirmish without properly finishing matters at hand. Despite being a couple of heroes with magical weapons, their adventures seemed almost superficial in places. Ragnar and Ahmad risked little, and did not shed much blood or many tears.
This story would be suitable for middle grade readers who enjoy a heroic fantasy with gentler stakes.
Ragnar awakes from a blinding spell that has taken him from his raiding boat in Frisia and dumped him in a mysterious mist-filled jungle. Ahmad has also just awakened from a similar spell that whisked him from a caravan heading to the siege of Jerusalem. They team up to find a way out. In no time, a fearsome frost giant attacks the two. Ahmad snatches up a magnificent crystal sword from a forest clearing, and they run for their lives.
What follows is a rambling tale where a gryffon snatches away Ahmad. The two men gather comrades, fight monsters, and piece together why they were brought to this world. To fulfill their destiny, the men’s paths rejoin. They use the crystal sword and other magical props to battle their common enemy, the Lich King.
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King has many fun fantasy traditions such as magic stones, potions, and shaman trolls brimming with sage advice. Mixed with these fancies are sincere helpers, plentiful tasks, and a seemingly unbeatable enemy. Tossed in are some rollicking good melees.
The fantasy hodgepodge is also the story’s shortcoming. The plot at times seemed disjointed and dashed on to the next skirmish without properly finishing matters at hand. Despite being a couple of heroes with magical weapons, their adventures seemed almost superficial in places. Ragnar and Ahmad risked little, and did not shed much blood or many tears.
This story would be suitable for middle grade readers who enjoy a heroic fantasy with gentler stakes.
December 22, 2014
What a fantastical read! There are plenty of details to make this fantasy world come alive and I found myself falling deeper into the story as it progressed. We start out with Ragnar and Ahmad, who have both been mysteriously yanked into the fantasy world, with a prophesied quest thrust upon their uncertain shoulders. They must follow through on their destiny if they want to live.
There was plenty of action and vivid descriptions to keep my interest all the way to the end. I loved the little mythical tidbits and hints, such as the use of Odin, Hel, Valhalla, etc--followed as well by Ahmad and his own cultural nods as an Arab warrior. There were plenty of unusual, but familiar fantasy creatures, from gryffons, to dragons, goblins and trolls. Definitely a full-fantasy world and most certainly an enjoyable read.
Merged review:
What a fantastical read! There are plenty of details to make this fantasy world come alive and I found myself falling deeper into the story as it progressed. We start out with Ragnar and Ahmad, who have both been mysteriously yanked into the fantasy world, with a prophesied quest thrust upon their uncertain shoulders. They must follow through on their destiny if they want to live.
There was plenty of action and vivid descriptions to keep my interest all the way to the end. I loved the little mythical tidbits and hints, such as the use of Odin, Hel, Valhalla, etc--followed as well by Ahmad and his own cultural nods as an Arab warrior. There were plenty of unusual, but familiar fantasy creatures, from gryffons, to dragons, goblins and trolls. Definitely a full-fantasy world and most certainly an enjoyable read.
There was plenty of action and vivid descriptions to keep my interest all the way to the end. I loved the little mythical tidbits and hints, such as the use of Odin, Hel, Valhalla, etc--followed as well by Ahmad and his own cultural nods as an Arab warrior. There were plenty of unusual, but familiar fantasy creatures, from gryffons, to dragons, goblins and trolls. Definitely a full-fantasy world and most certainly an enjoyable read.
Merged review:
What a fantastical read! There are plenty of details to make this fantasy world come alive and I found myself falling deeper into the story as it progressed. We start out with Ragnar and Ahmad, who have both been mysteriously yanked into the fantasy world, with a prophesied quest thrust upon their uncertain shoulders. They must follow through on their destiny if they want to live.
There was plenty of action and vivid descriptions to keep my interest all the way to the end. I loved the little mythical tidbits and hints, such as the use of Odin, Hel, Valhalla, etc--followed as well by Ahmad and his own cultural nods as an Arab warrior. There were plenty of unusual, but familiar fantasy creatures, from gryffons, to dragons, goblins and trolls. Definitely a full-fantasy world and most certainly an enjoyable read.
November 10, 2014
Take one giant Viking warrior armed with an ax, a Saracen chronicler on his way to battle Crusaders for possession of Jerusalem and drop them into a mysterious - and very otherworldly - jungle where the creatures of myth and legend exist then send them on an epic quest and you have the premise for 'Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King.'
This novel is unique in many respects, not the least of which is the fact that it was written by not one but five authors. Despite that it flows seamlessly and I, for one, could not tell when one author stopped and another began. The adventure itself is pure fantasy and reminds me of some of the sword-and-sorcery video games that the sons and daughters of my friends play. The action - and there is a lot of action in this book - shares the same levels of intensity that are found in those video games and it is easy to see why they hold such attraction for millions of gamers around the world.
The detail in this round-robin novel is rich, the characters who either assist or do battle with our two heroes are well thought out and the ultimate theme of the continual battle between good and evil is well expressed. This is also a novel that speaks handsomely of the loyalty warriors feel for one another and the bonds that those who face a shared adversity develop.
It's an engaging book and one that fantasy fans - and gamers - should enjoy.
This novel is unique in many respects, not the least of which is the fact that it was written by not one but five authors. Despite that it flows seamlessly and I, for one, could not tell when one author stopped and another began. The adventure itself is pure fantasy and reminds me of some of the sword-and-sorcery video games that the sons and daughters of my friends play. The action - and there is a lot of action in this book - shares the same levels of intensity that are found in those video games and it is easy to see why they hold such attraction for millions of gamers around the world.
The detail in this round-robin novel is rich, the characters who either assist or do battle with our two heroes are well thought out and the ultimate theme of the continual battle between good and evil is well expressed. This is also a novel that speaks handsomely of the loyalty warriors feel for one another and the bonds that those who face a shared adversity develop.
It's an engaging book and one that fantasy fans - and gamers - should enjoy.
October 26, 2014
If you enjoyed the originality of Harry Potter. If you loved the characters and adventures of Lord of the Rings. If you've wondering what to read next. STOP LOOKING. Gryffon Master: 'Curse of the LIch King' presses all the fantasy buttons - big time. Gryffon Master takes you out of this world and into another packed with fanstatical creations. Anyone watching you as you read would be mistaken by thinking you're still on this planet. LIttle do they know that you are away grappling with ice giants, flying high on the back of mystical creatures, duelling with dragons and coming face to face with evil that will turn your body to stone. Liittle do they know that your brain has expanded to bursting point with flights of imagination that mere mortals can never understand. The plot is relentless, the action non-stop. Open this remarkable book and hitch a ride on the back of a dragon. Who knows where the Gryffon Master will take you. You won't want to come back.
October 22, 2014
This book is the result of a round robin group of writers who like to think about swords, sorcery and magical characters and how they interact. The result is satisfying and entertaining. There are two very different main characters, Ragnar and Ahmed, with agendas that take place in locations far apart from the other. Initially. What brings them together is a spell. This particular spell has the power to change their lives in a profound way. That's when their everyday lives are upended for awhile. Both get transported into a jungle-like setting. They plot a course of escape together but must contend with trolls, gryffons, powerful amulets and giants along the way. There's plenty of action and tension filled melees to keep the reader involved. It gave me an escape into another dimension. That's why I read books. This one did not disappoint.
October 30, 2014
LIKE DUNGEONS & DRAGONS? YOU'LL LOVE THIS!
This is an action-packed fantasy adventure. Ragnar the Northman finds himself in the jungle - at least he recognises an ice giant when he sees one! Anyone who has played Dungeons & Dragons will love the fast-moving plot and the many challenges the adventurers face. Amazingly, the story has been written by five authors working together. I found it absolutely seamless, which speaks volumes about their ability not just to tell a good tale, but to do it as part of a team. Impressive.
This is an action-packed fantasy adventure. Ragnar the Northman finds himself in the jungle - at least he recognises an ice giant when he sees one! Anyone who has played Dungeons & Dragons will love the fast-moving plot and the many challenges the adventurers face. Amazingly, the story has been written by five authors working together. I found it absolutely seamless, which speaks volumes about their ability not just to tell a good tale, but to do it as part of a team. Impressive.
October 31, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, October 31, 2014
By KAREN INGALLS
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King (Crystal Sword Chronicles Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Giant spiders, lizard-men, dragons, dwarfs, frost giants, and many more good and evil characters. This is the first mythical, fantasy book I have ever read from page to page. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it especially when I realized how many authors were involved in the project. My hats go off to each of you!
September 19, 2014
Imagine being thrown into a strange world with someone you’ve never met. This is the fate of Ragnar and Ahmad. They are then separated to find they are each on a quest that will bring them together again.
A couple of dwarves help Ragnar while Ahmad is paired with a man in blue on a magical gryffon. The stones of a magical necklace matching a crystal sword, carried by Ahmad, hold the key.
This fast paced tale uniquely written by five authors is a treasure worth finding.
A couple of dwarves help Ragnar while Ahmad is paired with a man in blue on a magical gryffon. The stones of a magical necklace matching a crystal sword, carried by Ahmad, hold the key.
This fast paced tale uniquely written by five authors is a treasure worth finding.
September 29, 2014
This story was amazing on so many different levels. The clear character descriptions, the incredibly well developed world in which the characters were thrust into, not to mention the clever names, and the mystical and fantastical creatures they came upon. I wanted to be there! What makes this particularly interesting to me is that it was written as a round robin by several authors and yet it wasn't choppy. The story flowed as if written by one person. WELL DONE!
September 25, 2014
A quick and easy read, seamlessly written by five authors. The characters were engaging, the world in which they live real. Will Ragnar defeat the Lich King?
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King is the first book in the Crystal Swords Chronicles. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King is the first book in the Crystal Swords Chronicles. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
December 4, 2019
This had a fun D&D feel to it and some interesting concepts. But the writing was so stilted and scattered, I couldn’t get through more than 5% before giving up. After twelve or so editorial revisions this book could be readable. It’s definitely unique.
March 4, 2014
Round-Robin Fantasy Quest Novel
Collaborative novel writing is difficult. I'm sure it's difficult when two or three authors (like Preston & Childs or Niven, Pournelle, and Barnes (in any combination of two or three) work together on a co-written novel where the reader is unaware of who has done which portion or aspect of the novel, but a round-robin novel (where each author writes a chapter and then passes it to another author for their chapter, etc) is even more difficult, challenging the authors to maintain a consistent voice and seamless plot lines, while managing pacing and foreshadowing with subtlety and tact. These tasks are so challenging that the most famous and best-selling round-robin novels are parodies of the genre, like Atlanta Nights and Naked Came the Stranger. Given this, Gryffon Master gets a bonus star just for attempting the feat and making a serious go of it. The result is a straightforward fantasy quest, with lots of encounters along the way. Of course, the round-robin format does mean there are some variations in quality from chapter to chapter, with authors Randall Lemon (a formiddable dinosaur of the role-playing game tournament circuit from the last two decades of the 20th century) and Lynette White as the standouts for the best sections of the book. The book's strengths include likeable, honorable characters, a strong moral tone, and some vivid narrative description. The book's minor faults are more the common failings of new authors (shifting point-of-view within a scene, punctuation errors, a fairly linear set of plot lines with a few too many coincidences, and a tendency to summarize and over-explain, when a lengthier scene would be more satisfying to the reader (especially in the battle sequences)), than anything arising from the round-robin format (other than one noticeable continuity glitch). Fans of role-playing games will find the settings and plot devices reminiscent of those they knew in their gaming days and find this a short, satisfying read. If you like round-robin novels, you might also check out Don't Die Mr. Opal, Oklahoma Needs You.
Collaborative novel writing is difficult. I'm sure it's difficult when two or three authors (like Preston & Childs or Niven, Pournelle, and Barnes (in any combination of two or three) work together on a co-written novel where the reader is unaware of who has done which portion or aspect of the novel, but a round-robin novel (where each author writes a chapter and then passes it to another author for their chapter, etc) is even more difficult, challenging the authors to maintain a consistent voice and seamless plot lines, while managing pacing and foreshadowing with subtlety and tact. These tasks are so challenging that the most famous and best-selling round-robin novels are parodies of the genre, like Atlanta Nights and Naked Came the Stranger. Given this, Gryffon Master gets a bonus star just for attempting the feat and making a serious go of it. The result is a straightforward fantasy quest, with lots of encounters along the way. Of course, the round-robin format does mean there are some variations in quality from chapter to chapter, with authors Randall Lemon (a formiddable dinosaur of the role-playing game tournament circuit from the last two decades of the 20th century) and Lynette White as the standouts for the best sections of the book. The book's strengths include likeable, honorable characters, a strong moral tone, and some vivid narrative description. The book's minor faults are more the common failings of new authors (shifting point-of-view within a scene, punctuation errors, a fairly linear set of plot lines with a few too many coincidences, and a tendency to summarize and over-explain, when a lengthier scene would be more satisfying to the reader (especially in the battle sequences)), than anything arising from the round-robin format (other than one noticeable continuity glitch). Fans of role-playing games will find the settings and plot devices reminiscent of those they knew in their gaming days and find this a short, satisfying read. If you like round-robin novels, you might also check out Don't Die Mr. Opal, Oklahoma Needs You.
September 14, 2015
What are some of the most famous motifs in a fairy tale? Dragons, little characters, (I literally mean midget characters) modern people with magical abilities, castles, talking animals and of course; a very well developed story. Although, “The Gryffon Master: Curse Of The Lich King” doesn’t have all of the motifs, it certainly does feel like it does. Its creative story along with its collection of colorful characters make it seem like a classic fairy tale that makes people feel nostalgic. The story is written by five authors; Heather M. Schuldt, Christian Freed, Joyce Shaughnessy, Randall Lemon and Lynette White. I can see that these five brilliant minds really put their heads together to create a very unique story.
Ragnar Olafson, a tall Viking and Ahmad Ibn Fazzat, a short Arab are snatched by their own worlds and are brought together in a land filled with magic and evilness. As they meet many different characters, they come across the evil ones. One of which is Barrel, the black dragon. Ragnar and Ahmad must put aside their differences in order to save themselves and the good people of the land. Their only weapons are a crystal sword and a magical stone. They do however get a lot of support from the citizens of the land including dwarfs. But hope seems to fade when Ragnar and Ahmad are separated from each other. Can this magical land be saved with their heroes almost powerless?
This is one of the many fairy tales that I’ve read that really has made me jealous. I too am a writer but for some reason, I can’t seem to create my own fairy tale. Maybe I should do what all of these authors did by combining ideas with others. Anyway, this book really is a treat for the whole family. Sure there are dark moments but if this book didn’t have any, it wouldn’t be a fairy tale, it would be a long nursery rhyme. I like how the authors were able to give the heroes two very different backgrounds with very different personalities and were able to have them find common ground with each other. Their common ground was simple; they simply wanted to do good for humanity. In other words; they were a perfect dynamic duo.
Ragnar Olafson, a tall Viking and Ahmad Ibn Fazzat, a short Arab are snatched by their own worlds and are brought together in a land filled with magic and evilness. As they meet many different characters, they come across the evil ones. One of which is Barrel, the black dragon. Ragnar and Ahmad must put aside their differences in order to save themselves and the good people of the land. Their only weapons are a crystal sword and a magical stone. They do however get a lot of support from the citizens of the land including dwarfs. But hope seems to fade when Ragnar and Ahmad are separated from each other. Can this magical land be saved with their heroes almost powerless?
This is one of the many fairy tales that I’ve read that really has made me jealous. I too am a writer but for some reason, I can’t seem to create my own fairy tale. Maybe I should do what all of these authors did by combining ideas with others. Anyway, this book really is a treat for the whole family. Sure there are dark moments but if this book didn’t have any, it wouldn’t be a fairy tale, it would be a long nursery rhyme. I like how the authors were able to give the heroes two very different backgrounds with very different personalities and were able to have them find common ground with each other. Their common ground was simple; they simply wanted to do good for humanity. In other words; they were a perfect dynamic duo.
May 23, 2014
I can't imagine that writing a novel with five authors involved would be easy. I think it would be a very difficult undertaking. However, these five authors were able, with the influence of Norse Mythology, to take their readers on a wonderful journey to a jungle in a far away land so unlike anyplace we could imagine.
Although you can feel the shift from chapter to chapter as we change authors, it wasn't a distraction for me. I enjoyed getting to know the writing styles of each author and found myself wondering what fun plot twist or interesting new character the next author would put in their chapter.
In a world where trolls, liches, goblins, gryffons, dwarfs, and so many other mythical creatures come to life, you can't help but get lost in the magic. The characters we meet along the journey; Ragnar, Ahmad, Karlo, Kerr, Calyptro, Jesper, and many others are beautifully developed. The use of magic and the calling of the characters' destiny pulled me right into the story.
I found that once I got into the meat of the story I didn't want to put it down. I had to find out if our heroes would be able to defeat the black dragon or if it would be a bloody end for them all. Nope, I'm not saying! I don't want to spoil the fun for you... If you want to know the end then you'll have to read it for yourself!
Although you can feel the shift from chapter to chapter as we change authors, it wasn't a distraction for me. I enjoyed getting to know the writing styles of each author and found myself wondering what fun plot twist or interesting new character the next author would put in their chapter.
In a world where trolls, liches, goblins, gryffons, dwarfs, and so many other mythical creatures come to life, you can't help but get lost in the magic. The characters we meet along the journey; Ragnar, Ahmad, Karlo, Kerr, Calyptro, Jesper, and many others are beautifully developed. The use of magic and the calling of the characters' destiny pulled me right into the story.
I found that once I got into the meat of the story I didn't want to put it down. I had to find out if our heroes would be able to defeat the black dragon or if it would be a bloody end for them all. Nope, I'm not saying! I don't want to spoil the fun for you... If you want to know the end then you'll have to read it for yourself!
April 20, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. A round robin writing of this book was a difficult undertaking and the results were not satisfying to me as a reader.
The plot jumps noticeably from author to author and there is not much in the way of explanation for events connected to magic and to battle scenes. This left me as a reader very unsatisfied from the start of the book. Too many times the authors had to just add a new component with an explanation of the character knowing the information from a previous conversation with another character that they have known for a few hours. The authors try to do way to much in too few of pages leaving me wanting more in the way of explanations, information, and meat to the story. Also what is going on with the sacred beetle that continually saves the characters? The characters would quickly have been killed if they did not have so many perfect timing discoveries take place. So many new characters added each chapter with little detail makes for very shallow characters throughout the book. I read through 2/3 of the book and then could not bring myself to finish reading the book because I was continually bothered by the lack of a continuous flowing plot and story line.
The plot jumps noticeably from author to author and there is not much in the way of explanation for events connected to magic and to battle scenes. This left me as a reader very unsatisfied from the start of the book. Too many times the authors had to just add a new component with an explanation of the character knowing the information from a previous conversation with another character that they have known for a few hours. The authors try to do way to much in too few of pages leaving me wanting more in the way of explanations, information, and meat to the story. Also what is going on with the sacred beetle that continually saves the characters? The characters would quickly have been killed if they did not have so many perfect timing discoveries take place. So many new characters added each chapter with little detail makes for very shallow characters throughout the book. I read through 2/3 of the book and then could not bring myself to finish reading the book because I was continually bothered by the lack of a continuous flowing plot and story line.
August 21, 2015
This is a fantasy book with it all – dragons, trolls, dwarfs, giant spiders, Viking warriors, Arabian soldiers and of course, the gryffon.
This book has not one but two heroes – Ragnar Olafson, a Viking warrior and Ahmad Ibn Fazzat, an Arab soldier. The pair are transported to a dangerous jungle that is lorded over by a wicked dragon called Barrel the Terrible. They soon part company when Ahmed is taken away by a mysterious flying creature. Ragnor makes friends with a pair of dwarfs and continues to unlock the mysteries he faces. His destiny is somewhat masked but it becomes apparent that it certainly a great one.
This book was written by several authors who took it in turns to add chapters. For the most part it works well and would create an interesting discussion in the classroom or home. Can you tell when one author finishes and another takes over? Is there any clues to the change of writer? Does this affect the overall flow of the book?
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I believe that it is bound to keep its young readers enthralled as Ragnar and Ahmed dive head on into one treacherous scene after the other. If nothing, this book is fast paced and energetic and well worth including in your child’s library.
This book has not one but two heroes – Ragnar Olafson, a Viking warrior and Ahmad Ibn Fazzat, an Arab soldier. The pair are transported to a dangerous jungle that is lorded over by a wicked dragon called Barrel the Terrible. They soon part company when Ahmed is taken away by a mysterious flying creature. Ragnor makes friends with a pair of dwarfs and continues to unlock the mysteries he faces. His destiny is somewhat masked but it becomes apparent that it certainly a great one.
This book was written by several authors who took it in turns to add chapters. For the most part it works well and would create an interesting discussion in the classroom or home. Can you tell when one author finishes and another takes over? Is there any clues to the change of writer? Does this affect the overall flow of the book?
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I believe that it is bound to keep its young readers enthralled as Ragnar and Ahmed dive head on into one treacherous scene after the other. If nothing, this book is fast paced and energetic and well worth including in your child’s library.
May 14, 2014
Gryffon Master is a work I never perceived myself doing. It is a progressive work with 4 other authors. It was a challenge at times but a true pleasure to work with four talented up and coming authors.
This story is very fast paced and will keep your attention from beginning to end. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy.
Merged review:
Writing a progressive story was something I never foresaw myself doing but what a pleasure it has been to work with such a talented group of authors. Each author brought their own distinct talent to the table to create an amazing story.
This book is a fast paced story about two strangers trapped in a strange land and told they are destined to stop a war they know nothing about. As Ragnar and Ahmad gather their unique group of allies the Lich King gathers his own to stop them. As the two sides converge they face many perils. The Lich King, Traven the Fallen, is determined to stop them while Ragnar and Ahmad are equally determined to push on. Who will succeed? Grab your copy of the Gryffon Master and find out.
This story is very fast paced and will keep your attention from beginning to end. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy.
Merged review:
Writing a progressive story was something I never foresaw myself doing but what a pleasure it has been to work with such a talented group of authors. Each author brought their own distinct talent to the table to create an amazing story.
This book is a fast paced story about two strangers trapped in a strange land and told they are destined to stop a war they know nothing about. As Ragnar and Ahmad gather their unique group of allies the Lich King gathers his own to stop them. As the two sides converge they face many perils. The Lich King, Traven the Fallen, is determined to stop them while Ragnar and Ahmad are equally determined to push on. Who will succeed? Grab your copy of the Gryffon Master and find out.
March 9, 2015
"Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King" is an imaginative tale that unites a Viking and an Arab in a battle against evil. There’s plenty of action and vivid imagery in this book and it gets high marks for its themes of diversity, acceptance, and teamwork. However, the narrative is uneven too cluttered with little bits of information that take away from the overall story. There are also spelling problems – is it dvergr or dverger or dvergar? I also wondered who the intended audience is for this book. It didn’t read to me like an adult book, but words like “vivisect” and “carapace” aren’t child-friendly. So I planned to give this review three stars. Then I learned at the end of the book that five authors wrote it in a round robin. That explained the excess of information and the varied spellings, and I realized with a good editor uniting the different writing styles, this book could be a much better read. So I’m giving it an extra star for ambition and tenacity – bringing my review to 4 stars.
November 15, 2015
I received this book as part of a Goodread's First Reads giveaway. Unfortunately, the book itself did not live up to it's description. To be precise, it's awful.
Co-written by five different authors that switch off for each alternating chapter, I'm not sure this is really one story. There's not much of a plot and very little character development. This isn't surprising as no one appears to take responsibility for keeping the story moving in a given direction.
I can only liken this book to those class exercises where each student in turn writes a few paragraphs, then turns it over to the next in line. The writing is amateurish at best, and at times juvenile. I must admit that I was unable for finish the book as it frustrated me to even try to read it.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone at all. If the authors want to forward a stamped, self-addressed envelope I will be happy to return it in pristine condition.
Co-written by five different authors that switch off for each alternating chapter, I'm not sure this is really one story. There's not much of a plot and very little character development. This isn't surprising as no one appears to take responsibility for keeping the story moving in a given direction.
I can only liken this book to those class exercises where each student in turn writes a few paragraphs, then turns it over to the next in line. The writing is amateurish at best, and at times juvenile. I must admit that I was unable for finish the book as it frustrated me to even try to read it.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone at all. If the authors want to forward a stamped, self-addressed envelope I will be happy to return it in pristine condition.
October 23, 2014
This story sparkles with evocative writing and an exciting pace! This book shoots all over with imagination, just never stopping.
The creativity is a wonder to behold, and perhaps arose as a result of the five authors writing different chapters in the book in a collaborative way.
Honestly, the authors write in such a similar style, eager to move on to the next adventure. It was hard to tell, from the prose alone, that it was a book of chapters each authored by one of the five writers. However, the adventures were sometimes disjointed, with one development at a time happening out of the blue, so that was probably a minor casualty in the rush to vivid imagination.
What earns this book this ranking, though, is a sense of wonder; a feeling of playful exploration; and excellent writing that was remarkably consistent between all five authors, even if not the plot, which was a bit choppy in every chapter.
The creativity is a wonder to behold, and perhaps arose as a result of the five authors writing different chapters in the book in a collaborative way.
Honestly, the authors write in such a similar style, eager to move on to the next adventure. It was hard to tell, from the prose alone, that it was a book of chapters each authored by one of the five writers. However, the adventures were sometimes disjointed, with one development at a time happening out of the blue, so that was probably a minor casualty in the rush to vivid imagination.
What earns this book this ranking, though, is a sense of wonder; a feeling of playful exploration; and excellent writing that was remarkably consistent between all five authors, even if not the plot, which was a bit choppy in every chapter.
December 7, 2014
This is seriously high-end fantasy at it's finest!
Two men, polar opposites, find themselves in a world that is alien to everything they know. Together they start a winding journey, intertwined, but yet each character journey is incredibly individual.
From all things fantasy based, the characters encounter frost-giants, dwarfs, dragons, and of course - the Gryffon and a very magical necklace.
The fact that this book is written by five different people is mind boggling, and an incredible feat. The book flowed incredibly well, and the authorship was a seamless transition where you wouldn't have a clue as to where one author ended and another began. It was wonderful.
I would highly recommend this to and lover of literary material - whether they enjoy fantasy or not. The world building was visual and very effective, as were the journeys of our to heroes in the story.
Two men, polar opposites, find themselves in a world that is alien to everything they know. Together they start a winding journey, intertwined, but yet each character journey is incredibly individual.
From all things fantasy based, the characters encounter frost-giants, dwarfs, dragons, and of course - the Gryffon and a very magical necklace.
The fact that this book is written by five different people is mind boggling, and an incredible feat. The book flowed incredibly well, and the authorship was a seamless transition where you wouldn't have a clue as to where one author ended and another began. It was wonderful.
I would highly recommend this to and lover of literary material - whether they enjoy fantasy or not. The world building was visual and very effective, as were the journeys of our to heroes in the story.
November 18, 2014
I enjoy fantasy fiction and especially in this case where the characters were all drawn from myths and legends. The story starts off with a bang. The action and suspense start in the first paragraph as two humans, strangers to each other, find themselves unexpectedly transported to an unfamiliar time and place inhabited by the strange creatures of mythology. The dangers pile up one on top of another and the story reads at times like an ancient saga. Is the humans arrival in a strange and dangerous place, their travels and their struggles, their longing for home a parallel to our birth, life and yearning for home or is it pure fantasy?
Gryffon Master is co-written by five authors and I expected a change in voice or tone as I read the story. But I could not tell where one author picked up and another left off.
Gryffon Master is co-written by five authors and I expected a change in voice or tone as I read the story. But I could not tell where one author picked up and another left off.
January 18, 2015
This round-robin tale was quite a surprise. I do not read much fantasy. C.S. Lewis, etc. but I was immediately drawn into this adventure story of Ragnar the Viking and Ahmad the Arab and enjoyed it immensely. Juxtaposing the cultures of the North and South also added a unique flavor to the tale, as they each dealt with the endless creatures and crises in their own special manner. I think this would appeal to a YA (i.e. Harry Potter) reader as well. The story moves very quickly and the authors do a good job transitioning the scenes, keeping the pressure on and the suspense high. They have also done a very good job of maintaining a consistent tone and style, in spite of the multiple contributors, which was quite impressive. Bottom line, this is a fun and different kind of read, and I encourage you to give it a try.
October 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this tale of the Gryffon Master. I thought the adventure that the characters of Ragnar and Ahmad was a journey that any reader will enjoy. I love the encounter with the Gryffon Master and how it leads these characters to their quest. This world which consists of trolls, mystery creatures etc is so well described as a reader I could truly appreciate the scenery and it captured all my senses. This book keeps you going. It is a tale written by H.M. Schuldt and four other authors and it was written as a round robin only they actually carried out the story with the same vision and it makes you want to read more and I am only wondering if there is more of this stories to come. Bravo!
May 3, 2014
The Gryffon Master is a tale about two men, Ragnar and Ahmad, who have found themselves mysteriously transported into a strange new world. The two are quickly separated and learn that each of them are part of a prophecy. Ragnar finds a magical crystal which the Lich King wants. As Ragnar and Ahmad learn of this, they know they must fight the Lich King together in order to save the kingdom and return to their respective worlds. As they look for each other they are stymied by obstacles both natural and magical.
Although five authors came together to write this story, I liked the way each chapter flowed. It felt like only one author wrote the book. The characters were exciting, the plot had many twists and turns moving the story forward. A worthwhile read.
Although five authors came together to write this story, I liked the way each chapter flowed. It felt like only one author wrote the book. The characters were exciting, the plot had many twists and turns moving the story forward. A worthwhile read.
January 21, 2015
Gryffon Master: Curse of the Lich King is the tale of Ragnar and Ahmad, strangers who were mysteriously transported from each of their homes to an unknown jungle world. Throughout their many adventures battling lich, frost giants and dragons, they discover their destiny in restoring the balance of good and evil within this strange world, while also learning the worth of those who assist them. Those who enjoy fantasy novels will appreciate the characters and adventures in the story. This book was a round-robin collaborative effort between five authors, who created a well-written, cohesive story; the continuity of voice and the seamless flow of the book carried the story well. I found it to be a very enjoyable read.
January 27, 2015
Inspired by a Norse legend; this tale takes Ahmad and Ragnar to a dense jungle that crawls with monstrous creatures oozing evil; foul entities that seek only to thwart our heroes in their quest.
If you love fantasy you’ll be immediately drawn into this fantastical adventure. Immerse yourself in a dark place redolent of Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft.
Five authors working collaboratively have created this ‘round-robin’ yarn-tasy. They succeed in keeping the complicated quilting going; holding it all together until the picture is complete.
I have to say my favourite character name had to be the great Ṣalāḥal-Dī n Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb! Just you try saying that after a cocktail or two!
If you love fantasy you’ll be immediately drawn into this fantastical adventure. Immerse yourself in a dark place redolent of Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft.
Five authors working collaboratively have created this ‘round-robin’ yarn-tasy. They succeed in keeping the complicated quilting going; holding it all together until the picture is complete.
I have to say my favourite character name had to be the great Ṣalāḥal-Dī n Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb! Just you try saying that after a cocktail or two!
December 11, 2014
I absolutely love good fantasy stories and Gryffon Master, if any, was an exciting, old-fashioned fantasy story in its best. If you loved The Chronicles of Narnia, you will love this one too.
The story is rich, full of magical elements and creatures such as trolls and giants. There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep the reader hooked all the way from the page one until the very last one, and I have to say the authors’ have done a remarkable work by knitting the story together. If I hadn’t known, I couldn’t have guessed there were multiple authors creating this fantasy trip.
A true masterpiece!
The story is rich, full of magical elements and creatures such as trolls and giants. There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep the reader hooked all the way from the page one until the very last one, and I have to say the authors’ have done a remarkable work by knitting the story together. If I hadn’t known, I couldn’t have guessed there were multiple authors creating this fantasy trip.
A true masterpiece!
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