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Ishtar's Legacy #5
First Queen of the Gryphons
There is a price for pillaging the temple of a goddess...
Hillalum is destined to become a king unlike any other before him, for the Goddess Ishtar has endowed him with a special gift—he is the first gryphon capable of taking on human form.
Amata, a humble shepherdess, wishes only to live a peaceful life until raiders attack her village and kill her father and brother. A consuming need for revenge soon arises from that day.
When King Hillalum’s goddess orders him to watch over a human shepherdess, he thinks he’ll find the sheep more interesting than the woman, but once he meets Amata, he soon understands the full scope of his deity’s plans.
Ishtar wishes to transform Amata into the first of her Avenging Blades—a sacred warrior born into the world when danger stalks the line of the gryphon kings.
But before Amata and Hillalum can complete the ritual to unleash the fierce magic of a goddess forged Blade, they must first win each other’s hearts. Only then will they possess a power great enough to rid their land of the raiders.
***First Queen of the Gryphons is a fantasy romance loosely based on Sumerian mythology. It's part of the Ishtar's Legacy series. It can be read as a complete standalone novel.***
Hillalum is destined to become a king unlike any other before him, for the Goddess Ishtar has endowed him with a special gift—he is the first gryphon capable of taking on human form.
Amata, a humble shepherdess, wishes only to live a peaceful life until raiders attack her village and kill her father and brother. A consuming need for revenge soon arises from that day.
When King Hillalum’s goddess orders him to watch over a human shepherdess, he thinks he’ll find the sheep more interesting than the woman, but once he meets Amata, he soon understands the full scope of his deity’s plans.
Ishtar wishes to transform Amata into the first of her Avenging Blades—a sacred warrior born into the world when danger stalks the line of the gryphon kings.
But before Amata and Hillalum can complete the ritual to unleash the fierce magic of a goddess forged Blade, they must first win each other’s hearts. Only then will they possess a power great enough to rid their land of the raiders.
***First Queen of the Gryphons is a fantasy romance loosely based on Sumerian mythology. It's part of the Ishtar's Legacy series. It can be read as a complete standalone novel.***
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2019
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books312 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
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October 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/29/2019)! 🎁
May 27, 2019
Alright, so this is book 5 in the Ishtar's Legacy series, but in the chronological order, it's actually first. This is the story of the very first Gryphon King to shape shift and his Blade Queen. It's very short, but honestly a lot of fun.
Hillalum was a very interesting character in that being one of the first of his kind to know how to shift into human form, he's not great at 'being' human. This leads to some amusing times all on it's own. Amata is an amazing female protagonist and perfect as the first Blade of Ishtar. I adored everything about her. Everything about both characters as well as the setting spoke to the more primitive time. It was interesting to see the roots of the characters we've met and loved in the previous books. I also really enjoyed getting a lot more time with Ishtar herself (that was fun, thank you Mrs. Blackwood).
If you've enjoyed the series, this is an absolute must read! It's not necessary for the story of the rest of the books by any means, but it definitely helps to flesh out the world and history. Also, it's just fun.
Hillalum was a very interesting character in that being one of the first of his kind to know how to shift into human form, he's not great at 'being' human. This leads to some amusing times all on it's own. Amata is an amazing female protagonist and perfect as the first Blade of Ishtar. I adored everything about her. Everything about both characters as well as the setting spoke to the more primitive time. It was interesting to see the roots of the characters we've met and loved in the previous books. I also really enjoyed getting a lot more time with Ishtar herself (that was fun, thank you Mrs. Blackwood).
If you've enjoyed the series, this is an absolute must read! It's not necessary for the story of the rest of the books by any means, but it definitely helps to flesh out the world and history. Also, it's just fun.
May 26, 2019
This book is actually a prequel to the Ishtar's Legacy series, and should be read first, before starting Book 1. It is a stand-alone book, but it's a great introduction to the series.
Hillalum and Amata are future mates, according to the plan of the goddess Ishtar. They have an interesting first meeting, and then the relationship starts to gel as Amata becomes attracted to the human form of Hillalum and loses fear of his gryphon form. He has already become attracted to her, from watching over her for many years. She is destined to become Ishtar's Avenging Blade. As they get to know each other better, they fall in love - fortunately, because it is the wish of Ishtar. They exact vengeance against the evil raiders, who have preyed on local villagers for too long, and had previously killed Amata's father and brother. Ishtar is pleased, and gives Amata and Hillalum her blessing, as well as additional strength and magic as her chosen King and Queen of Gryphons.
Hillalum and Amata are future mates, according to the plan of the goddess Ishtar. They have an interesting first meeting, and then the relationship starts to gel as Amata becomes attracted to the human form of Hillalum and loses fear of his gryphon form. He has already become attracted to her, from watching over her for many years. She is destined to become Ishtar's Avenging Blade. As they get to know each other better, they fall in love - fortunately, because it is the wish of Ishtar. They exact vengeance against the evil raiders, who have preyed on local villagers for too long, and had previously killed Amata's father and brother. Ishtar is pleased, and gives Amata and Hillalum her blessing, as well as additional strength and magic as her chosen King and Queen of Gryphons.
May 19, 2019
I loved Amata and Hillalum’s story. A wonderful blend of adventure and romance.
While it’s the fifth book in the series, it’s really a prequel as Amata is the first of Ishtar’s Avenging Blades and Hillalum is the first Gryphon King who can shapeshift into a man. Amata and Hillalum must learn to work together to not only avenge Amata’s family, but to rid their lands of raiders.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
While it’s the fifth book in the series, it’s really a prequel as Amata is the first of Ishtar’s Avenging Blades and Hillalum is the first Gryphon King who can shapeshift into a man. Amata and Hillalum must learn to work together to not only avenge Amata’s family, but to rid their lands of raiders.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
January 17, 2025
Just let this book pull you into the fantasy world that the author reveals to us. The people, the characters, the goddess, even the terrain will come to life through the words on the page. If you already read Ishtar's Blade then you know these characters. This is how they came to be. You can see and feel the love grow between them as they come to fulfill their destiny.
If you like a fantasy that paints the world in color and emotions open to you this is your book.
If you like a fantasy that paints the world in color and emotions open to you this is your book.
July 18, 2019
Very lovely magical book
This is my first book by this author . I was very taken with the story . I only wish life was truly this meaningful . This story brought me back to the ancient times. I will definitely be reading more of this Authors books .
Happy reading everyone
This is my first book by this author . I was very taken with the story . I only wish life was truly this meaningful . This story brought me back to the ancient times. I will definitely be reading more of this Authors books .
Happy reading everyone
November 1, 2019
Raw and beautiful 🥰
I’m a sucker for romance shifters and this was perfect. I love the buildup leading this unique couple meeting for the first time! The chemistry and romance was beautiful! The story had me turning the pages easily. This was one sexy Gryphon and one awesome heroine!! Swoon worthy scenes. I read this with my kindle unlimited 😘
I’m a sucker for romance shifters and this was perfect. I love the buildup leading this unique couple meeting for the first time! The chemistry and romance was beautiful! The story had me turning the pages easily. This was one sexy Gryphon and one awesome heroine!! Swoon worthy scenes. I read this with my kindle unlimited 😘
November 5, 2019
This book in the fantasy genre is worth a read. The story line differs from what is usually encountered in this genre. The protagonists are well portrayed and I am impressed by the character and morals of the King of the Gryphons. Intimacy is only really hinted at and violence is not graphic. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 24, 2019
3/5- for such a short novella it reads so slow.
It’s said it can be read as a standalone and I guess that’s accurate but I wasn’t invested with any of the characters. Gryphons seemed cool but they are shapeshifters in the end.
It’s said it can be read as a standalone and I guess that’s accurate but I wasn’t invested with any of the characters. Gryphons seemed cool but they are shapeshifters in the end.
June 4, 2019
Good
I only this gave this 4 stars it wasnt as long as the others and i didnt feel as connected to the heroine as i did in her other books however i love this author and these blades so i still liked it.
I only this gave this 4 stars it wasnt as long as the others and i didnt feel as connected to the heroine as i did in her other books however i love this author and these blades so i still liked it.
July 10, 2019
First Queen
A wonderful book to explain the origins of the shape shifting Gryphon King and his blade. Love the characters. I really enjoy the humor that they have. Can't wait for the next book.
A wonderful book to explain the origins of the shape shifting Gryphon King and his blade. Love the characters. I really enjoy the humor that they have. Can't wait for the next book.
February 14, 2021
Actual Rating: 2.5/5
Not much conflict imo. Very short. Everything felt really rushed and anti-climactic. I did like the friendship between Amata and Hillalum. Very cute. Honestly wished there were more scenes of Hillalum being like “how to human help!”
Not much conflict imo. Very short. Everything felt really rushed and anti-climactic. I did like the friendship between Amata and Hillalum. Very cute. Honestly wished there were more scenes of Hillalum being like “how to human help!”
March 21, 2022
I liked this prequel very much and would recommend it to others. It can be read as a stand alone story with a HEA ending. The story of Amatal, a human girl and Hillalum, the king of the graphics. How they met, courted, and become one.
May 24, 2019
I really enjoyed reading the story of Hillalum and Amata! It was wonderful to experience the flashback! I look forward to more!
May 26, 2019
This is a well-written fantasy romance with interesting main characters. Pace starts slow but picks up in the second half and I loved the ending! Highly recommended to fans of fantasy.
June 17, 2019
Loved reading about the beginning
Short but loved reading about the two that started it all (three with the goddess). Strong characters and packed full.
Short but loved reading about the two that started it all (three with the goddess). Strong characters and packed full.
May 21, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting read.
July 31, 2020
Great read
I loved this book a great introduction to the gryphon race and a beautifully written story. Will read more of the seris .
I loved this book a great introduction to the gryphon race and a beautifully written story. Will read more of the seris .
August 29, 2020
Lisa has created a great story
Lisa developed an intriguing and unique tale to go with her great group of characters to make a story hard to put down.
Lisa developed an intriguing and unique tale to go with her great group of characters to make a story hard to put down.
Read
September 15, 2024The whole series that I've read is very well written, captivating and entertaining, I could not stop reading, my curiosity was making me read longer than I had time for.
January 17, 2025
Really good book
I enjoyed this story, the blending of mythical animals and Goddesses was really well done. The growth of characters and ending was good.
I enjoyed this story, the blending of mythical animals and Goddesses was really well done. The growth of characters and ending was good.
June 1, 2019
The story begins
Great backstory, full of a strong willed woman & a shifter, new to his form. Goddess made, both of them come to terms with their goddesses wishes & forge the first union of Gryphon and Blade.
Great backstory, full of a strong willed woman & a shifter, new to his form. Goddess made, both of them come to terms with their goddesses wishes & forge the first union of Gryphon and Blade.
September 23, 2019
Not as in depth as the other books in this series. It was very short and not as detailed as the other books in this series.
However I still enjoyed it. I love this world and will continue to pick up and read every addition to this story.
However I still enjoyed it. I love this world and will continue to pick up and read every addition to this story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews