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Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2
It takes a queen to defeat a queen.
The court of the gryphon king has ever been a dangerous and seductive place where Ishtar’s blessing is both the hot breath of passion and the cold kiss of steel.
Yet as the childhood companion of King Ditanu, Iltani never doubted her place in either his kingdom or his heart.
Then duty called her away to complete her training.
Now, a woman grown and a sword-maiden to the goddess Ishtar, Iltani returns and takes up her sacred destiny to protect the royal line.
But so much has changed.
Ditanu most of all. The youth she knew is gone. A stoic, untouchable king now sits the throne.
Does anything of their once deep bond survive?
Iltani must swiftly find her place in a court where cunning governors plot treason, trusted advisers orchestrate deceptions, and noblewomen seek to beguile King Ditanu using methods both fair and foul.
But the greatest threat of all is no mortal adversary.
Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Underworld, desires to make Ditanu her consort and seize his kingdom for her own.
If Iltani wishes to protect her king, she must fulfill her destiny…
And become…
Queen of the Gryphons.
You’ll love this tale if you like noble kings, tenaciously loyal heroines, magic and romance.
Get it now.
Blade’s Honor
Rescued from her grandfather’s dungeon by the King of the Gryphons, Enkara only wishes to repay that great debt by serving as one of the elite Shadow Guards tasked with protecting the royal line.
Unfortunately, the gods have other plans.
She is one of the Goddess Ishtar’s avenging blades, born into the world when danger stalks the royal line.
While that brings far more attention than she ever wished, she is still happy to serve Crown Prince Kuwari, for he is also her closest friend, and their bond is unlike any other Blade and Prince before them.
But Ishtar isn’t the only goddess with a desire to claim Enkara as her Blade and Kuwari as her King.
Ereshkigal, Queen of the Underworld, is ever jealous of her younger sister, Ishtar, and will do all in her power to snatch them away.
Even if she must destroy the gryphon kingdom to do it.
Scroll up to grab these two great books in one volume!
The court of the gryphon king has ever been a dangerous and seductive place where Ishtar’s blessing is both the hot breath of passion and the cold kiss of steel.
Yet as the childhood companion of King Ditanu, Iltani never doubted her place in either his kingdom or his heart.
Then duty called her away to complete her training.
Now, a woman grown and a sword-maiden to the goddess Ishtar, Iltani returns and takes up her sacred destiny to protect the royal line.
But so much has changed.
Ditanu most of all. The youth she knew is gone. A stoic, untouchable king now sits the throne.
Does anything of their once deep bond survive?
Iltani must swiftly find her place in a court where cunning governors plot treason, trusted advisers orchestrate deceptions, and noblewomen seek to beguile King Ditanu using methods both fair and foul.
But the greatest threat of all is no mortal adversary.
Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Underworld, desires to make Ditanu her consort and seize his kingdom for her own.
If Iltani wishes to protect her king, she must fulfill her destiny…
And become…
Queen of the Gryphons.
You’ll love this tale if you like noble kings, tenaciously loyal heroines, magic and romance.
Get it now.
Blade’s Honor
Rescued from her grandfather’s dungeon by the King of the Gryphons, Enkara only wishes to repay that great debt by serving as one of the elite Shadow Guards tasked with protecting the royal line.
Unfortunately, the gods have other plans.
She is one of the Goddess Ishtar’s avenging blades, born into the world when danger stalks the royal line.
While that brings far more attention than she ever wished, she is still happy to serve Crown Prince Kuwari, for he is also her closest friend, and their bond is unlike any other Blade and Prince before them.
But Ishtar isn’t the only goddess with a desire to claim Enkara as her Blade and Kuwari as her King.
Ereshkigal, Queen of the Underworld, is ever jealous of her younger sister, Ishtar, and will do all in her power to snatch them away.
Even if she must destroy the gryphon kingdom to do it.
Scroll up to grab these two great books in one volume!
525 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
141 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books311 followersLisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 6, 2019
I am not one of those people that enjoy unrequited love. Could have been an amazing world but to have the King sleeping with a betraying mate, pregnant with his "cubs" and then after an attack, she is now carrying his new 4 cubs for him???
2 stars because it kept me reluctantly engaged util bedtime.
Crazy. As I vented about the story line to hubby, I realized how upset I was over the emotional story line. I like my hero's locked in on 1 heroine to pursue and love, not trying to protect her while he screws someone else.
And yes, too much internal dialogue for me...sorry!
2 stars because it kept me reluctantly engaged util bedtime.
Crazy. As I vented about the story line to hubby, I realized how upset I was over the emotional story line. I like my hero's locked in on 1 heroine to pursue and love, not trying to protect her while he screws someone else.
And yes, too much internal dialogue for me...sorry!
October 8, 2018
Read on KU. So awesome I bought it. The characters are incredible, and the setting is epic. 4.5 stars.
October 8, 2018
I read these books separately:
Book 1 Ishtar's Blade 4 stars
Extremely Unique Storyline
First and foremost: I loved this book. I first received it for free in one of those mass giveaways, but put it aside for later reading. I got to it several months after I downloaded it and proceeded to devour it in a very short time. For those who, like me, fell upon this from the paranormal romance genre that focuses pretty heavily on shifters, let me say that this is a very different 'shifter romance'. Hands down it's a romance, and hands down there are shifters, but she places the whole setting in Sumerian times complete with Sumerian/Mesopotamian gods and goddesses. In this world magic and myth are very much real and present in every day life and that alone makes for an interesting backdrop.
Iltani is a pretty amazing girl: she's strong, steady, and loyal to a fault. This actually causes her some heartache. She loves her friend and the one she's charged with guarding, the orphaned gryphon king Ditanu to the point she will literally do and withstand anything. So while loyalty is a great strength, she actually managed to make it into something of a weakness. Luckily, she prevailed regardless.
Ditanu is an interesting character. He grew up knowing he'd become king and learning all of the things he needed to be a king, but still managed to keep his will without becoming a pretentious ass. Good on him! He proves to be extremely loyal, if not as forthright as he probably ought to have been.
I think I managed that without spoilers. There are some moments that I cried, and a few that I laughed. Now, the reason it has four stars instead of five is because the characters aren't quite as 3 dimensional as they should be and there are a few holes. That being said, it still managed to be wonderful and enjoyable. Don't let this dissuade you, however! As Mrs. Blackwood writes she is becoming better and better! The second book in this series is even better than the first. I am excited for the third and fourth books (all are standalones, so don't fret having to read any to get a good tale).
Book 2 Blade's Honor 5 stars
Can be read without the first, but please read that one too! They are an amazing story!
I waited so long for this book!!! And it was worth every second! I adored the first book and this second lives up to its predecessor and then some. The relationship between Enkara and Kuwari is so very sweet. I'm excited for the next one now!
Book 1 Ishtar's Blade 4 stars
Extremely Unique Storyline
First and foremost: I loved this book. I first received it for free in one of those mass giveaways, but put it aside for later reading. I got to it several months after I downloaded it and proceeded to devour it in a very short time. For those who, like me, fell upon this from the paranormal romance genre that focuses pretty heavily on shifters, let me say that this is a very different 'shifter romance'. Hands down it's a romance, and hands down there are shifters, but she places the whole setting in Sumerian times complete with Sumerian/Mesopotamian gods and goddesses. In this world magic and myth are very much real and present in every day life and that alone makes for an interesting backdrop.
Iltani is a pretty amazing girl: she's strong, steady, and loyal to a fault. This actually causes her some heartache. She loves her friend and the one she's charged with guarding, the orphaned gryphon king Ditanu to the point she will literally do and withstand anything. So while loyalty is a great strength, she actually managed to make it into something of a weakness. Luckily, she prevailed regardless.
Ditanu is an interesting character. He grew up knowing he'd become king and learning all of the things he needed to be a king, but still managed to keep his will without becoming a pretentious ass. Good on him! He proves to be extremely loyal, if not as forthright as he probably ought to have been.
I think I managed that without spoilers. There are some moments that I cried, and a few that I laughed. Now, the reason it has four stars instead of five is because the characters aren't quite as 3 dimensional as they should be and there are a few holes. That being said, it still managed to be wonderful and enjoyable. Don't let this dissuade you, however! As Mrs. Blackwood writes she is becoming better and better! The second book in this series is even better than the first. I am excited for the third and fourth books (all are standalones, so don't fret having to read any to get a good tale).
Book 2 Blade's Honor 5 stars
Can be read without the first, but please read that one too! They are an amazing story!
I waited so long for this book!!! And it was worth every second! I adored the first book and this second lives up to its predecessor and then some. The relationship between Enkara and Kuwari is so very sweet. I'm excited for the next one now!
May 3, 2019
These are extraordinarily wonderful stories. Each worth five stars easily, and so addictive that the boxset is perfect for any newcomer. Here are my reviews of the two books:
Ishtar’s Blade
I love when fantasy/mythology novels look to sources other than Greco-Roman or Judeo-Christian. That’s precisely what Lisa Blackwood had provided on Ishtar's Blade, which loosely based on early Sumerian and Mesopotamian religion. That’s not enough, of course, as the book still needs to be good. This book more than satisfied that. It’s a totally fun fantasy with a plot full of adventure, thrills and, yes, even romance. The lead, Iltani, and King Ditanu and the remaining cast of characters - and the world they inhabit - are perfectly crafted. This is just a superbly enjoyable novel, and one that’s easy to strongly recommend. Highly recommended.
Blade’s Honor
I’ve loved every book by Lisa Blackwood to date so it is no surprise that I’m finding her Ishtar’s Legacy series to be great fun. Blade's Honor is Book 2 in the Sadie’s and it is a wonderful urban fantasy tale that is easily worth five stars. It had just what I wanted, was well written, with excellent world building and a great plot, it’s lead Enkara, “Avenging Blade of the Goddess Ishtar” is Judy the sort of complex kick-a** heroine I love. At the same time it’s cast of supporting characters (I love Enkara’s relationship with Kuwari, best friend and Crown Prince) are simply superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, with the caveat that while you could read this standalone you’re much better starting off from book 1 of the series. This book is easy to highly recommend.
Ishtar’s Blade
I love when fantasy/mythology novels look to sources other than Greco-Roman or Judeo-Christian. That’s precisely what Lisa Blackwood had provided on Ishtar's Blade, which loosely based on early Sumerian and Mesopotamian religion. That’s not enough, of course, as the book still needs to be good. This book more than satisfied that. It’s a totally fun fantasy with a plot full of adventure, thrills and, yes, even romance. The lead, Iltani, and King Ditanu and the remaining cast of characters - and the world they inhabit - are perfectly crafted. This is just a superbly enjoyable novel, and one that’s easy to strongly recommend. Highly recommended.
Blade’s Honor
I’ve loved every book by Lisa Blackwood to date so it is no surprise that I’m finding her Ishtar’s Legacy series to be great fun. Blade's Honor is Book 2 in the Sadie’s and it is a wonderful urban fantasy tale that is easily worth five stars. It had just what I wanted, was well written, with excellent world building and a great plot, it’s lead Enkara, “Avenging Blade of the Goddess Ishtar” is Judy the sort of complex kick-a** heroine I love. At the same time it’s cast of supporting characters (I love Enkara’s relationship with Kuwari, best friend and Crown Prince) are simply superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, with the caveat that while you could read this standalone you’re much better starting off from book 1 of the series. This book is easy to highly recommend.
November 15, 2018
I read the books separately, but it's nice to have them in a box set.
Ishtar’s Blade
Wow! I just loved this book! Ms. Blackwood is an amazing author. It was a very unique fantasy book. There were so many things going on: gryphons, humans with magic, stone animals coming to live, and goddesses!
I kept hoping through the whole book that Iltani and Ditanu would get their HEA, but I wasn’t sure it would happen.
Blade’s Honor
This book was amazing with all the action and adventure. Goddesses are set on revenge; you stole my husband so I’ll steal yours. A heroine who is not sure of her worth as a woman and is afraid the evil goddess is using her. Assassination plots galore. Great twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat. Thankfully Kuwari and Enkara get a HEA; well as long as the goddesses don’t interfere again.
Ishtar’s Blade
Wow! I just loved this book! Ms. Blackwood is an amazing author. It was a very unique fantasy book. There were so many things going on: gryphons, humans with magic, stone animals coming to live, and goddesses!
I kept hoping through the whole book that Iltani and Ditanu would get their HEA, but I wasn’t sure it would happen.
Blade’s Honor
This book was amazing with all the action and adventure. Goddesses are set on revenge; you stole my husband so I’ll steal yours. A heroine who is not sure of her worth as a woman and is afraid the evil goddess is using her. Assassination plots galore. Great twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat. Thankfully Kuwari and Enkara get a HEA; well as long as the goddesses don’t interfere again.
January 5, 2019
This was so good!!
I didn’t think I was going to Like this book and I was right! I didn’t like it I LOVED it! This book is the first two in the series plus a short novella. Tons of twists and turns and unexpected things happen. They exist in a world kept separate from the rest of humanity through magic and divinity. Which should mean safety. But when Goddesses fight the whole world trembles. And so we have two first sides of a fight between sister Goddess’s. We also have romance, love, assassins, betrayal and justice. I can’t wait to pick up the next book
I didn’t think I was going to Like this book and I was right! I didn’t like it I LOVED it! This book is the first two in the series plus a short novella. Tons of twists and turns and unexpected things happen. They exist in a world kept separate from the rest of humanity through magic and divinity. Which should mean safety. But when Goddesses fight the whole world trembles. And so we have two first sides of a fight between sister Goddess’s. We also have romance, love, assassins, betrayal and justice. I can’t wait to pick up the next book
September 30, 2018
Summerland legends retold
Two warring goddesses fight each other through the royal court of Sumer, a land ruled by shape shifting griffin kings and their mates. Two separate novels and a short story in this set cover two generations of intrigue and romance. The hero's are hot and their mates kick ass. A very good read.
Two warring goddesses fight each other through the royal court of Sumer, a land ruled by shape shifting griffin kings and their mates. Two separate novels and a short story in this set cover two generations of intrigue and romance. The hero's are hot and their mates kick ass. A very good read.
October 3, 2018
Three great 👍tales
What starts a a simple fantasy tale grows into something more. Adding mystery and adventures to the story it grows in to something else, a story of a family like no other.
What starts a a simple fantasy tale grows into something more. Adding mystery and adventures to the story it grows in to something else, a story of a family like no other.
October 24, 2018
Love this story! I Can't wait for more to come. I would definately recommend this book.
Love this story. I couldn't stop reading it. At first i thought it was going to be a tragic love story but it ended great would definitely recommend it.
Love this story. I couldn't stop reading it. At first i thought it was going to be a tragic love story but it ended great would definitely recommend it.
January 23, 2019
Good reads
This was a good read. Great adventure and romance all rolled into one! Unusual characters are the norm in this book and you will want to know what happens next.
This was a good read. Great adventure and romance all rolled into one! Unusual characters are the norm in this book and you will want to know what happens next.
October 4, 2019
Lots of action and intrigue. I got my HEA but it took quite a number of machinations to get there. Love the Royal gryphons and their Blades. Read using my KU subscription
November 1, 2018
I like this one a lot (seems like I've read it before ...) The characters are well filled out, the plot line is easy to follow, and the more you read ... the more you want. Job well done!
July 11, 2021
Interference by goddess
I liked having both books bound together as the story gets a complete telling that way. The Prince grows up & has to spend a lot of time convincing his Blade their joining is ordained. The book ends with a truce between godesses.
I liked having both books bound together as the story gets a complete telling that way. The Prince grows up & has to spend a lot of time convincing his Blade their joining is ordained. The book ends with a truce between godesses.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews