What do you think?
Rate this book
Gryphon Rider Academy #2
Gryphon Rider Academy: Year Two
I only wanted to save my gryphon’s life. Giving him a second chance isn’t a crime.
Arimus and I face the toughest challenge yet at Gryphon Rider Academy, the infamous Trial by Fire. If either of us fail, it will be the proof the Crown needs to take Ari from me.
Passing the most grueling classes yet is just the beginning of the danger. There’s someone here who’s trying to make sure I am both the first, and last, female gryphon rider. I fear they’re working off the king’s orders.
Meanwhile, I soon learn why the crown prince is manipulating my reputation with the Altarian people. He may have intervened on my behalf once, but when he calls in his favor, I realize how much my choices will affect the future of our nation. He will use my name to ignite a civil war.
And worst of all, I don’t know how to stop it, only that I must.
Dragon Riders of Pern meets Song of the Lioness in this YA fantasy series in which a pair of underdogs rewrite what’s possible in a formerly all-boys military academy. If you like determined heroines, iron-clad friendships, and majestic creatures, then you’ll love Gryphon Rider Academy!
Arimus and I face the toughest challenge yet at Gryphon Rider Academy, the infamous Trial by Fire. If either of us fail, it will be the proof the Crown needs to take Ari from me.
Passing the most grueling classes yet is just the beginning of the danger. There’s someone here who’s trying to make sure I am both the first, and last, female gryphon rider. I fear they’re working off the king’s orders.
Meanwhile, I soon learn why the crown prince is manipulating my reputation with the Altarian people. He may have intervened on my behalf once, but when he calls in his favor, I realize how much my choices will affect the future of our nation. He will use my name to ignite a civil war.
And worst of all, I don’t know how to stop it, only that I must.
Dragon Riders of Pern meets Song of the Lioness in this YA fantasy series in which a pair of underdogs rewrite what’s possible in a formerly all-boys military academy. If you like determined heroines, iron-clad friendships, and majestic creatures, then you’ll love Gryphon Rider Academy!
250 pages, ebook
Published September 27, 2022
418 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Elise Hennessy
17 books254 followersElise Hennessy has developed a life-long passion for reading that inspires her imagination. She holds a master's degree in journalism and enjoys the process of telling stories. Now, she teaches future generations to love books too.
She focuses on writing tales of paranormal romance and young adult fantasy. Elise lives in Texas with her family and is owned by two cats.
Find out more about her books at: www.elisehennessy.com
She focuses on writing tales of paranormal romance and young adult fantasy. Elise lives in Texas with her family and is owned by two cats.
Find out more about her books at: www.elisehennessy.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 26, 2024
(4.5 stars) - builds well on the first...
... and surpasses it
Sivana's 2nd year effectively begins where book 1 left off, but there are some unexpected revelations & twists. There is more depth to the characters as well as the plot, and while there are hints of where things are going, I can't wait to see where the author actually is taking them!
*Clean read with no graphic content
... and surpasses it
Sivana's 2nd year effectively begins where book 1 left off, but there are some unexpected revelations & twists. There is more depth to the characters as well as the plot, and while there are hints of where things are going, I can't wait to see where the author actually is taking them!
*Clean read with no graphic content
December 26, 2024
Story getting better
After book 1, book 2 has done a better job with character development and political intrigue, along with the lore behind everything.
Was a quick, fast-paced read. On to book 3!
After book 1, book 2 has done a better job with character development and political intrigue, along with the lore behind everything.
Was a quick, fast-paced read. On to book 3!
June 20, 2023
Aw, the intrigue intensifies and the pages keep turning!! Great YA Fantasy fun that is deftly written and inarguably addictive!
September 10, 2023
Monster migraine, so this will be short & sweet. I’m really loving this series. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
October 6, 2022
Another fantastic edition to this series! The story keeps getting better, and is so unique, which I love. Definitely recommend this book.
October 14, 2022
This is book two of the Gryphon Rider Academy series and the main characters are Cadet Sivana Walker and her gryphon Ari (Arimus), who are about to start their second year at the Gryphon Rider Academy. They have the summer break to enjoy before they go back and her friend Ellie, from the academy, is attending a ball, but Sivana refuses to go, knowing her presence in her cadet dress uniform or in a ballgown, would cause problems and lots of comments. She owes Crown Prince Isaac a favour, after he persuaded his father not to kill Ari last year, but there are still some who don’t want a female to ever become a gryphon rider or allow them to link to one, and that includes the king! Her first year was made as hard as possible for her by second year Victor Callan and his friends and she isn’t looking forward to going back to more of the same. Ari and his mother Valtora, a skymother, had discussions about ‘the calling’, something some wild gryphons are called to, but Ari missed out on. She had felt the calling by the gods and was blessed by Lord Orion himself. Soon Ari and Sivana will be called to their own journey, after being called into the palace solar by Crown Prince Isaac, where he wanted her to agree to a future action without explaining what exactly he wanted from her. Something her mother tried to warn her against!
The second year of their studies begins with her still at the bottom of the class list, along with Acton Weslecker, who has wanted to be removed from the flight all year and is now taking an interest in Sivana. She is unsure whether she can trust Crown Prince Mateo who is also in their class and often in charge of her flight, being the top student. It seems she has one secret benefactor, who helps out occasionally, but more of her time is spent avoiding Callan and his cronies as they try to harm her or Ari. She wishes Ari could see, at least through her eyes and petitions the gods for it to happen. The class will soon have to pass the toughest challenge of the second year of studies, the infamous Trial by Fire. Sivana finds herself alone and accosted by Callan on more than one occasion and attempts are made on her life, as well as Ari’s. Someone is paying people to ensure she is the first and last female gryphon rider there will ever be and many call her a heretic to her face for her even being there. Protection of sorts comes from the very goddess her mother serves and who her younger sister Rissa hopes to also. It seems rumours are being spread and trouble is bubbling up all over the country, as the crown prince tries to incite civil war and oust his father and his secret weapon is Sivana. A martyr is needed to ignite the flame of discontent and rally the people to his side.
Sivana has been given a magical blessing that she must keep hidden, with a purpose to help the gryphons themselves survive into the future, with many being stolen from their nests as eggs or captured in the wild. Many no longer seek to have offspring in the wild and seek to stay out of the hands of humans. The story even reunites Ari with his own father, who hates all humans for taking his mate, Valtora, from him. If this continues, the only gryphons born will be from captivity and that is in far too small a number to help the country win any wars, or keep the population of gryphons going. Sivana has to work out what her actual role is in helping the gryphons and to keep her place at the academy, to keep Ari himself off the chopping block. She knows she can’t do what the crown prince wants her to, but should she align herself with the king who wants her dead? The crown prince wants to use her fame as the first female rider and her following, to incite others to join in with a civil war, as he ignites discontent around the capital and further. Sivana knows she can’t allow herself to do what he wants, but has no idea how to stop what has been put into motion, nor how to stop her parents and family from being dragged into it too! I loved how Sivan kept fighting to show her worth as a rider and become equal or better to others in her classes. The dolls and the wooden gryphons, plus the practical joke were great fun and I like how it brought her flight together and they had her back. She finds out the truth about where Crown Prince Mateo stands and also the secrets behind his younger sister and why she never leaves the palace. Another cracking read, with so much going on and both Sivana and Ari having to face multiple challenges and obstacles along the way. She also gains more supporters as she proves her worth as a rider, and in her wish to climb up the rankings. The harsh reality of an unsuitable gryphon and what happens if they are deemed unable to be trained for war, hits home with Sivana and another friend, and they must do all they can to stop it from happening! I can’t wait to see what happens in their final year, with everything being advanced so rapidly because of the possibility of war, and to catch up with all my favourite characters, human and gryphon alike. I would heartily recommend this book and series to others who love an underdog story, with a touch of magic and an academy setting. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The second year of their studies begins with her still at the bottom of the class list, along with Acton Weslecker, who has wanted to be removed from the flight all year and is now taking an interest in Sivana. She is unsure whether she can trust Crown Prince Mateo who is also in their class and often in charge of her flight, being the top student. It seems she has one secret benefactor, who helps out occasionally, but more of her time is spent avoiding Callan and his cronies as they try to harm her or Ari. She wishes Ari could see, at least through her eyes and petitions the gods for it to happen. The class will soon have to pass the toughest challenge of the second year of studies, the infamous Trial by Fire. Sivana finds herself alone and accosted by Callan on more than one occasion and attempts are made on her life, as well as Ari’s. Someone is paying people to ensure she is the first and last female gryphon rider there will ever be and many call her a heretic to her face for her even being there. Protection of sorts comes from the very goddess her mother serves and who her younger sister Rissa hopes to also. It seems rumours are being spread and trouble is bubbling up all over the country, as the crown prince tries to incite civil war and oust his father and his secret weapon is Sivana. A martyr is needed to ignite the flame of discontent and rally the people to his side.
Sivana has been given a magical blessing that she must keep hidden, with a purpose to help the gryphons themselves survive into the future, with many being stolen from their nests as eggs or captured in the wild. Many no longer seek to have offspring in the wild and seek to stay out of the hands of humans. The story even reunites Ari with his own father, who hates all humans for taking his mate, Valtora, from him. If this continues, the only gryphons born will be from captivity and that is in far too small a number to help the country win any wars, or keep the population of gryphons going. Sivana has to work out what her actual role is in helping the gryphons and to keep her place at the academy, to keep Ari himself off the chopping block. She knows she can’t do what the crown prince wants her to, but should she align herself with the king who wants her dead? The crown prince wants to use her fame as the first female rider and her following, to incite others to join in with a civil war, as he ignites discontent around the capital and further. Sivana knows she can’t allow herself to do what he wants, but has no idea how to stop what has been put into motion, nor how to stop her parents and family from being dragged into it too! I loved how Sivan kept fighting to show her worth as a rider and become equal or better to others in her classes. The dolls and the wooden gryphons, plus the practical joke were great fun and I like how it brought her flight together and they had her back. She finds out the truth about where Crown Prince Mateo stands and also the secrets behind his younger sister and why she never leaves the palace. Another cracking read, with so much going on and both Sivana and Ari having to face multiple challenges and obstacles along the way. She also gains more supporters as she proves her worth as a rider, and in her wish to climb up the rankings. The harsh reality of an unsuitable gryphon and what happens if they are deemed unable to be trained for war, hits home with Sivana and another friend, and they must do all they can to stop it from happening! I can’t wait to see what happens in their final year, with everything being advanced so rapidly because of the possibility of war, and to catch up with all my favourite characters, human and gryphon alike. I would heartily recommend this book and series to others who love an underdog story, with a touch of magic and an academy setting. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 15, 2022
This is the second book in this fantastic series. Lady Silvana Walker, first female gryphon rider, is caught up in the political intrigue of the land. Hated by the king and in debt to the crown prince, she navigates the complex political landscape as well as trying to improve her rank at the gryphon rider academy. Silvana and Ari are just great characters. The side characters are so awesome too - Sharde and Puzzle box, my heart just melts. One of the most interesting and unique fantasy series that I have read. I could not put this book down. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2022
If I could give this ten stars, that still wouldn't be enough.
I am absolutely obsessed with the world that Hennessy created. I cannot say enough how immersive these books are and how deeply I wish I could join the characters in their adventures.
We once again join Silvana and Ari at the Gryphon Rider School, but the stakes are higher. I don't want to give spoilers, but we see Silvana justified by the God of Man(kind) in her role as a Gryphon Rider and see her bond with Ari grow stronger with some pretty cool side effects.
The twist at the end had me at the edge of my seat and I am so excited for book three!
I am absolutely obsessed with the world that Hennessy created. I cannot say enough how immersive these books are and how deeply I wish I could join the characters in their adventures.
We once again join Silvana and Ari at the Gryphon Rider School, but the stakes are higher. I don't want to give spoilers, but we see Silvana justified by the God of Man(kind) in her role as a Gryphon Rider and see her bond with Ari grow stronger with some pretty cool side effects.
The twist at the end had me at the edge of my seat and I am so excited for book three!
September 28, 2022
Navigating Through Year 2 . . .
In year 2 of the story, Silvana Walker and her gryphon Arimus are still at the Gryphon Rider School, but the challenges are more difficult than ever. Her bond with Arimus gets even stronger as they face the Trial by Fire which they must overcome or lose each other. And, as expected, there is someone secretly trying to make sure Silvana and Arimus fail. Even someone she thought was trying to help is actually using her for his own ends. Will they get through the trials ahead? Or will they suffer the consequences of the political intrigue that surrounds them?
In year 2 of the story, Silvana Walker and her gryphon Arimus are still at the Gryphon Rider School, but the challenges are more difficult than ever. Her bond with Arimus gets even stronger as they face the Trial by Fire which they must overcome or lose each other. And, as expected, there is someone secretly trying to make sure Silvana and Arimus fail. Even someone she thought was trying to help is actually using her for his own ends. Will they get through the trials ahead? Or will they suffer the consequences of the political intrigue that surrounds them?
October 25, 2022
I received Gryphon Rider Academy Year 2 by Elise Hennessy through BookFunnel and loved it. In this book Sivana Walker is in her second year of the academy where passing the most grueling classes yet are just the beginning of the danger. There is someone trying to make sure she is not only the first, but the last female gryphon rider who may be working at the kings orders. At the same time the crown prince is manipulating her reputation and calls in a favor for intervening for her in the past. He plans to use her name to ignite a civil war. Will Sivana manage to stop it along with protecting herself? I loved this book and recommend the series so far. This book is on Amazon
February 18, 2025
Der zweite Band der Reihe der Gryphon Rider Academy von Elise Hennessy knüpft nahtlos an den ersten Band an. Dabei hat er mir noch besser gefallen als der erste, weil das Lesen Spannung pur ist.
Sivana schart so langsam eine Gruppe von Freunden, Greifen und ihre Familie hinter sich,die sie alle unterstützen.
Vorsicht ist geboten, um nicht in die Intrigen des Königshauses verwickelt zu werden. Doch ob sie das schafft? Dazu kommt noch der ganz normale Wahnsinn an der Academy, an der sie sich mit ihrem blinden Greifen Ari einigen Prüfungen stellen muss. Victor macht ihr das Leben schwer, doch jemand versucht ihr im Geheimen zu helfen und sie vor dem größten Unheil zu bewahren.
Sivana schart so langsam eine Gruppe von Freunden, Greifen und ihre Familie hinter sich,die sie alle unterstützen.
Vorsicht ist geboten, um nicht in die Intrigen des Königshauses verwickelt zu werden. Doch ob sie das schafft? Dazu kommt noch der ganz normale Wahnsinn an der Academy, an der sie sich mit ihrem blinden Greifen Ari einigen Prüfungen stellen muss. Victor macht ihr das Leben schwer, doch jemand versucht ihr im Geheimen zu helfen und sie vor dem größten Unheil zu bewahren.
September 27, 2022
This is an incredible series as we rejoin Sivana for her second year at the academy. Her relationship with her gryphon Ari continues to grow and develop and is a pleasure to watch and the amazing world building continues to enthral and draw you in. Then there’s the complex world of politics that has to be navigated as Sivana tries to progress in the academy and they face the trial by fire challenge. It’s an incredible read about the first female gryphon rider and it’s gripping and thrilling and filled with twists and turns and it’s one hell of a ride. I am very excited for the next book.
October 5, 2022
OMG, I could not put this book down. Mystery, suspense, and more. Silvana has her work cut out for her. The King wants her dead, the Prince wants to use her or does he want her dead too. Follow Silvana and Ari her gryphon as they try to become top rankers and stay alive. Who will she trust? Can she help the gryphons? Will her an Ari make it on the journey they must take? Who can she really trust? Can she keep her family safe or will they be caught in the middle?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2022
I loved this book as much as the first. Ari and Siavana are fantastic characters. And since the book is based at an academy you can already guess book is about they're second year of training.
In the beginning I found myself either agreeing with every chapters conclusion or having just plain old LOL moments!
So don't wait pick-up the bk and find out what happens next... remember book three's released date is just around the corner!
Here's a quote I liked.
"It felt like the wind swirled around us both, suspending us in a bubble of freezing air."
In the beginning I found myself either agreeing with every chapters conclusion or having just plain old LOL moments!
So don't wait pick-up the bk and find out what happens next... remember book three's released date is just around the corner!
Here's a quote I liked.
"It felt like the wind swirled around us both, suspending us in a bubble of freezing air."
January 28, 2023
A great continuation of a young adult fantasy series
In an easy-to-digest feast of words, we get to follow our favorite gryphon-rider, her gryphon, and her flight of friends as they continue to try to pass Rider Academy. This year, even more is at stake, and the consequences are greater than ever, of course. Be prepared to continue to listen to Sivana stutter her speech while she leads with her heart, as always.
In an easy-to-digest feast of words, we get to follow our favorite gryphon-rider, her gryphon, and her flight of friends as they continue to try to pass Rider Academy. This year, even more is at stake, and the consequences are greater than ever, of course. Be prepared to continue to listen to Sivana stutter her speech while she leads with her heart, as always.
March 7, 2024
This is a very clean series. It could be spectacular with some serious editing. However, I did still enjoy it immensely. #2 had more of like mysticism stuff in it. I kind of skipped over that stuff. I also don't care for scenes when authors have elders sit down and share an entire history that will be the premise of the remainder of the book.... that happened a few times....i skimmed those too. The ending to this one had me turning pages in eager anticipation though! On to #3 !
August 20, 2024
Amazing academy series
Academy series are some of my favorites. Gryphon Rider Academy is an amazing series full of intrigue and adventure. I love learning about the cadets daily schedule. Their classes are interesting. The plot and world building is engaging. I love that this story keeps building and we get to watch the cadets grow into who they are supposed to be. This is a clean series great for all readers.
Academy series are some of my favorites. Gryphon Rider Academy is an amazing series full of intrigue and adventure. I love learning about the cadets daily schedule. Their classes are interesting. The plot and world building is engaging. I love that this story keeps building and we get to watch the cadets grow into who they are supposed to be. This is a clean series great for all readers.
September 23, 2022
Wow lots happening during Sivana’s second year at the academy. Her relationship with her gryphon Ari continues to grow. More attempts on Sivana’s life Ari also gets hurt. The relationships between the characters can be very intense at time. Great world building an$ characters, look forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
Sivana’s and Ari are back for another fun adventure as they try to survive their second year. Lots of action, danger, surprise, friends and enemies. So easy to ready and get sucked into the story. Had to see who was friend and enemy this time around. Enjoyed it all. I laughed and groaned and had a great time reading the story.
January 12, 2023
This is a great book. Loved reading thru the academy activities and the interactions between students and instructors. It was also very nice to finally ready a series that isnt all about sexual tension and relationships. I cant wait for the 3 book to come out later this month. I highly recommend this series
February 16, 2023
And the plot thickens
This is book 2 and although you might be able to read it alone reading book 1 first would give you more. In this book we get more of everything. The characters are developing, lessons are being learned and we are finding out who the bad guys are. It is time for change and who better to help than a female Gryphon Rider!
This is book 2 and although you might be able to read it alone reading book 1 first would give you more. In this book we get more of everything. The characters are developing, lessons are being learned and we are finding out who the bad guys are. It is time for change and who better to help than a female Gryphon Rider!
January 19, 2024
Excellent Read and Surprise Ending
I continue to enjoy reading this excellent series. I just love all the characters and the new direction leading them. King Alonso is very self righteous who only cares about himself. However, Sivana Walker has finally awakened and with her blind gryphon and others is planning to save the kingdom.
I continue to enjoy reading this excellent series. I just love all the characters and the new direction leading them. King Alonso is very self righteous who only cares about himself. However, Sivana Walker has finally awakened and with her blind gryphon and others is planning to save the kingdom.
September 29, 2022
A gripping, adventurous series
The plight of a young girl sucked into an all male world by Griffins, gods and politics. Yet she manages to overcome all obstacles slowly, bit by bit with a little help from friends and the factions who caused her plight to begin with.
The plight of a young girl sucked into an all male world by Griffins, gods and politics. Yet she manages to overcome all obstacles slowly, bit by bit with a little help from friends and the factions who caused her plight to begin with.
September 30, 2022
I’m absolutely in love with this series. The story sucks you into the world. I want a Gryphon. I absolutely love the determination Sivana and Ari have. The story is so easy to read and I honestly couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to find out what awaits them next.
October 5, 2022
As things become more complicated, our young heroine is put to the test. Truly, I have not read two books so fast in my life - I really enjoyed this series so far and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
October 6, 2022
Gripping intrugue!
I recommend this intricate tale of a young woman that changes her world thru her example, with the support of 2_gods. A look into the politics and the danger a person of change might have to face.
I recommend this intricate tale of a young woman that changes her world thru her example, with the support of 2_gods. A look into the politics and the danger a person of change might have to face.
December 14, 2022
Excellent!
This has to be one of my favorite coming of age, school adventure, epic stories, ever. I had been waiting on this second tale in the series, but then life happened, and the release passed me by for a bit. Now I can hardly await the next part. Truly a fantastic read!
This has to be one of my favorite coming of age, school adventure, epic stories, ever. I had been waiting on this second tale in the series, but then life happened, and the release passed me by for a bit. Now I can hardly await the next part. Truly a fantastic read!
March 12, 2023
Wow!
As with Year 1 of Gryphon Rider Academy, I could not put this book down! Well written, well plotted and a storyline I had not read before! Yes, it is YA....and it is a breath of fresh air!
As with Year 1 of Gryphon Rider Academy, I could not put this book down! Well written, well plotted and a storyline I had not read before! Yes, it is YA....and it is a breath of fresh air!
April 15, 2024
Such a great book!
Listen, I’m going to put myself out there and say that this book is every bit as good as The Fourth Wing series. This is not just a YA fantasy. It’s well written and the storyline keeps you enthralled. I’ll hate when I finish this series.
Listen, I’m going to put myself out there and say that this book is every bit as good as The Fourth Wing series. This is not just a YA fantasy. It’s well written and the storyline keeps you enthralled. I’ll hate when I finish this series.
June 6, 2024
enjoyable
This is a very enjoyable young adult series. For those concerned about age appropriate content, I would let my 13 year old granddaughter read it. There have only been a few references to romantic feelings between the characters.
This is a very enjoyable young adult series. For those concerned about age appropriate content, I would let my 13 year old granddaughter read it. There have only been a few references to romantic feelings between the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews