Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mystics of Mistvale #1

The Elusive Griffin

Rate this book
An incubus dad working hard to be his best self for his son. A griffin librarian who doesn't trust incubi after getting his heart broken. An unlikely situation that brings them together.

Memphis

Moving to Mistvale was the best decision I could've made for myself and my son Neel. I loved having the Mistvale clan to depend on, and Neel was flourishing.

But when he kept mentioning the griffin librarian who seemed to elude me every time I visited the library, it made me curious. Who was this man, and why was I the only one who hadn't seen him?

When we finally crossed paths, it was for a completely different reason. The griffin needed my help, and I couldn't bring myself to say no,

Orion

Being a librarian in a small town where a storm dragon watched over the supes was safe. It was secure. I liked my life, even if it got somewhat lonely. Being lonely was better than being hurt.

When my past came back to haunt me with what looked like a wicked twist of fate, I needed help. Asking an incubus for help was the last thing I wanted to do, but his son convinced me it would be a good idea.

What I hadn't expected was how sweet this particular incubus was. I just needed his help, but I couldn't help liking him more with each day we spent together.

The Elusive Griffin is an MM paranormal romance featuring an elusive griffin with trust issues, an incubus single-dad who just wants the best for his son, and two tweens who know for sure their dads are going to end up together.

Look out for:

A cautious griffin, a carefree incubus, single-dad, a librarian and all the book love, quiet times, slow burn, fated mates, Memphis just wants to be a good dad, Orion is great with kids, Neel is just a kid being a kid, Pax needs lots of hugs, sweet father-son moments, Mistvale craziness.

Mystics of Mistvale is the third series set in the fictional town of Mistvale, and each book in this series can be read as a standalone. The chronological order for all the Mistvale books is available on the author's website.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2023

144 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Stella Rainbow

55 books273 followers
Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.

Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.

She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
213 (46%)
4 stars
156 (34%)
3 stars
81 (17%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Astro.
27 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2023
Okay dad, bad cat owner
Athena was never seen or heard from again
13 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
Stella Rainbow again brings her wonderful writing to "The Elusive Griffin"

I was born in the 1950s when being out gay meant being sent to mental hospitals to rewire your brain using electric shock.  I’ve known I was gay since the 1960s, which were about free love and not taking it from the man, but . . . When you’re from the foothills of the Appalachia Mountains, it doesn’t matter what is happening at Stonewall in New York City.  Fortunately, I identified as male and as the son of a beloved teacher, straight acting, and a harmless geek. I was able to get through high school without any incidents.

I finally came out of the closet in the 1990s, when I thought it was safe.  I learned that you can’t take anything for granted the hard way.  I was working for Oracle, which was supposed to be a gay-friendly company.  My second-level manager was a Mormon who found me coming out of the bathroom on his floor (directly under mine).  We were in a new building, and the bathroom on my floor was under repair.  He made it very clear I was never to enter or use his bathroom because I was a deviant.  A few weeks later, he terminated me for not completing a presentation required every six months.  The thing I found interesting:  I still had 2.5 weeks left to do the presentation.  The reason I didn’t go after him and Oracle is that I got a new job the very next day. Whether it was God or not depends upon your view of life.

I bring my past up to set the background on my perspective of Stella Rainbow and her 23 books (Mistvale and Otherworld).  During the pandemic, I started reading male/male paranormal romance novels with a five-book series (“The Gladstone Shifters”) by Alexander Elliott.  His writing brought to life wolf shifters as I’ve never experienced.  According to Mr. Elliott, he doesn’t mix different supernatural types (e.g., wolf and lion shifters) in the same book.  After finishing the last book (“Discovery Moon”), I wanted to read more.  In my search for other wolves, I found the book “My Elf Mate” by Stella Rainbow, in which a wolf finds his fated mate to be an elf!  Upon finishing the book, I realized a simple fact.  She had me hooked.

After finishing “The Elusive Griffin,” I’ve purchased and read all of her published Kindle books.  One thing is clear whether she meant it or not, her books show us the Vulcan philosophy of IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations).

Reading her many books about vampires fated to mages, mages with humans, wendigos with vampires, elves with wolves, dragons with humans, etc., we can see the many combinations possible for all sentient beings.  They’ve not forced combinations but natural occurrences.  The diversity of gender identity and sexual orientations, along with the many combinations of supernatural beings, gives us clear examples of how to bring IDIC to our writing (books or fan fiction).

As I understand it, “The Elusive Griffin” starts a three-book series about “Mystics of Mistvale.”  This series introduces us to the newest members of the Mistvale Clan and expands our understanding of those who count themselves as part of Mistvale and the most prominent clan of supernatural beings in the city.


“The Elusive Griffin” brings an Incubus (Memphis) and a Griffin (Orion) together as fated mates.  These two gentlemen come with their own uniqueness that allows them to fit together like a lock and key. Like many fated mates, they complement each other physically and with their souls.  Ms. Rainbow uses her techniques (developed over many books) to give us multidimensional characters that jump off the page, tugging at our hearts, as they try to fix themselves, each other, and finally (in the end) find their HEA (Happy Ever After).

As always, the book ends with an epilog and a bonus epilog for those who sign up for her newsletter.

I am a new member of Ms. Rainbow’s ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) group.  In the case of “The Elusive Griffin,” I placed a pre-order through Amazon paying the first-day full price.  My ARC copy arrived a few days before the pre-order went through.  I am a verified purchaser of “The Elusive Griffin” and received no financial remuneration for reviewing this book.

 I firmly believe authors (software, fiction, non-fiction, etc.) should receive remuneration for their hard work.  I encourage you to read this five-star book and her other Mistvale and Otherworld books.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
1,998 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2023
Once again, the author brings us back to the world of Mistvale. This time for a story about an incubus and a griffon. Although there are some heavy subjects (school bullying, species prejudice) this is a fairly light and airy love story. The found family and clan acceptance is quite heartwarming.
This was a quick, lite read. Full of fun and love. Sweet family time. And some hot smexy times.
1,033 reviews14 followers
April 28, 2023
I haven't been able to read every single book that has taken place in Mistvale, (yet), but I still recognized most of the characters that were featured in this book.

I honestly don't know how Stella keeps track of all of the different characters she creates, and all of their different personalities.

The Elusive Griffin does take place in Mistvale but it's a spin off from the original series. We get introduced to Orion, Pax, Neel, Memphis, Vo, and Alden. A lot of characters I'm really excited to get to know.

These characters already had a found family theme going on, but once Memphis finally meets the librarian his son was friends with, they form an ever bigger and better family.

I was really impressed with this book, sometimes when a series goes on for a while books start to.. not be as great as the first few in the series were. However, that did not happen here! This book is just as well written, with great background details, plot, loveable characters, and moments that break your heart, as the first book was. Stella just keeps improving with each book that she writes.

While I was reading this I kept waiting for something bad to happen, I was constantly guessing, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. And I could not figure it out! And what did happen surprised me!

I adored 'seeing' all of the Mistvale clan together, and getting to know Orion and Pax, it was so sweet how they all rallied around each other. I'm really excited to see where this series goes next. And I also hope that at some point, we'll get Cam's story, he's such a fiesty character that I think his book would be fantastic!

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,886 reviews46 followers
August 9, 2025
Memphis, a devoted incubus father, moves to Mistvale to build a better life for his son, Neel. Surrounded by a supportive clan, things are going well—until Neel keeps mentioning a mysterious griffin librarian Memphis has yet to meet. When fate finally brings them face to face, it’s not through books, but through a plea for help that Memphis can’t ignore. Orion, the reserved griffin librarian, has built a quiet life to shield himself from heartbreak—especially the kind incubi are known for. But when his past resurfaces in a dangerous way, he reluctantly turns to Memphis. What begins as a reluctant alliance slowly transforms into something deeper, as Orion discovers that this incubus is nothing like the one who once broke his heart.

I enjoyed this story of story of cautious trust, gentle healing, and the unexpected magic of finding love where you least expect it. I loved how Neel’s presence helped bridge the emotional gap between Memphis and Orion. I liked that the story blended healing, trust, and unexpected connection. Some danger and drama as well as feelings and emotions. This was an MM story with mature content.
871 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2023
Once Orion stops being a judgemental jerk, I liked him, lol. He’s very sweet to Memphis’s son, Neel, and seems to be a genuinely nice person otherwise, but his decision to actively avoid and mistrust Memphis because he shares a species with Orion’s awful ex is pretty problematic. (Trauma isn’t logical, of course, and it’s strongly implied by Memphis himself that most incubi/succubi behave poorly. But still. Not a stance you want to hold up or apply IRL.)

It fortunately doesn’t take too long once there’s actual contact with Memphis for Orion to admit that he’s nothing like he feared. I loved Pax and Neel, and it was awesome how the whole clan came together to help and support Orion. I laughed at Memphis and Orion’s mock date before the real one, and I loved the honest conversations the characters could have, which actual communication between partners and friends and families. This is a sweet, low-angst romance. I think it’s probably best enjoyed having read the other Mistvale books because of the sheer quantity of other couples, triads, and kids in the clan.
Profile Image for Choyang.
518 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2024
'The Elusive Griffin' (Mystics of Mistvale, #1)
by Stella Rainbow

I have to confess that the books I've read in this series were read mostly in an illogical order, starting with another book by this author, 'Claws' (one of my fave books) in her multiple & intermingled fantasy series.

This was a great read! Lots of mystery, some big-time danger & trauma involving a mysterious child, a vengeful ex, and the usual fated-mate trope these fantasies invoke...but this author writes them so interestingly!

Full of found families, a mix of human & other kinds of beings (who have been written off, by most humans, erroneously relegated to "myths & legends") and who are learning how to live together, finding love and friendships in unexpected ways!
Oh, and steamy lovemaking scenes...ssst!

Love this whole other world-building that the author has created!
(I'd really like to go live there...although, I don't have a superpower...unless it's annoying the crap out of people, lol)

Anyway, these intermingled series are very entertaining and can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Ana FREITAS.
27 reviews
April 26, 2023
Well, it's pretty obvious Orion and Memphis are meant for each other from the moment they meet, but they are cautious and maybe a bit suspicious, especially the sweet griffin, which is not a surprise after what he went through with his ex! It was really nice to watch them get to know each other and slowly fall in love.
I can't wait to see more of Vo and Alden, I loved how protective they were, which only made their teasing even more adorable! And what else can I say about the kids from Mistvale other than how great they are! Neel is definitely my favourite, though. He's so witty, kind, and fierce when he sees someone in need. And then there's sweet Pax who really deserves all the hugs and cuddles in the world!

It was a pleasure to go back to Mistvale, so I think I'm going to re-read the previous books while I wait for the next one!

An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny.
344 reviews
April 24, 2023
Incubi Memphis and his son Neel moved to Mistvale a year and a half ago. Raising a preteen isn't easy but having the help of his best friend and their clan works wonders. Neel befriends the town librarian but Memphis always seems to miss meeting him.
Orion is a Griffin and the librarian. His family has been protecting a chest of secrets for generations. When the contents are stolen he needs help. When Neel finds out he insists they tell his father and then the dragon leader of the clan, Raiden.
Many shocking surprises follow in their journey to recover Orion's family legacy and defeat the evil succubus who caused all the trouble. I can't say much more without giving heavy spoilers but, ginormous surprises and HEA.
Profile Image for Kirstine Hansen.
1,041 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2025
After his wild youth, Memphis the incubus lives a peaceful life in Mistvale with his son Neel and their diverse supernatural clan. All that changes when Neel's favorite librarian is robbed by his ex, and asks Memphis and their clan leader to help him recover the ancient books that were stolen.

There's no insta-love, since Orion the griffin has spent the last year avoiding Memphis. Turns out his horrible ex was a succubus, so Memphis understands his reservations and they take it slow when they realize they are meant to be mates.
9 reviews
April 27, 2023
Well Worth a Visit to Mistvale!

Orion is a Griffin with the ex from the Pitts of Hell, or at least she belongs there. Memphis is an Incubus that really deserves the Father of the Year award. Because of the trauma from the ex, Orion has been avoiding meeting Memphis for more than a year, even as Memphis's son becomes one of his favorite library patrons. When Orion is robbed, Memphis and his son step in to help. It takes a while for Orion to recognize his Mate in Memphis, but fate won't be denied, they are perfect for each other. It's never boring in Mistvale, and the clan there works hard on their HEA's. Memphis and Orions HEA is well worth a visit to Mistvale.
Profile Image for Teagan.
147 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2023
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, it was okay. Pretty standard in terms of Stella Rainbow books.

Pros:
I loved the kids, I think they acted very age appropriate (something I find writers struggle with, either writting them way to wise/mature or like infants).

I loved Vo and Alden, I think they were great side characters.

Cons:
I didn't really feel any chemistry between Memphis and Orion. I felt like they'd be better freinds than lovers

Orion isn't very likeable. He is very prejudiced at the start, and in my mind he never really made up for it.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books104 followers
May 25, 2023
This was okay and cute enough but you really have to read all the other series to know who is who. A Griffin who had a bad experience with an incubus ex, avoids the new guy in town despite bonding with his son. When some important books are stolen by his ex, he finally turns to the incubus for help and they turn out to be mates. Lots of characters from other books and Cam still annoys me. I don't find him cute and the adorable minx everyone else does and let him get away with murder because his step-dad is the dragon who runs the town.
Profile Image for Danis  ❤️ MM.
802 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2025
I did quite like this one. A solid 3.75 rounded up to a 4. Another spinoff series set in the world of Mistvale. Orion is a shy griffin librarian who has been avoiding meeting incubus Memphis for...reasons... But when his treasure is stolen and he needs to get it back, the only person he can turn to is Memphis.

There's alot going on in this one including the relationship between father and long lost son, the roommates and how they view Orion, Memphis's son and the new kid.
Profile Image for SFBookReviewer.
631 reviews3 followers
Read
April 26, 2023
The Elusive Griffin is the first book in a new spin-off series in the Mistvale universe. The book follows Memphis, an Incubus, and Orion, a Griffin. The book was well-written, the characters were interesting, and has all the feels of the Mistvale universe. Overall a good read and a good start to the series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gemi Star.
163 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2023
I was so excited to see this book was read. I stayed up all night and was not disappointed. I loved this story the low angst. Thankfully even though we have an EX from hell. His patience and love are felt. This is the sweetest relationship and cute kids. I love how Cam made their appearance again and how we get more of their story. It's worth it to read the whole series.
Profile Image for Amanda Fernandez-yerena.
18 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
I'm so glad Memphis finally got his story. I love the fact that Stella showed how that the way one person is to you doesn't mean that all of them are going to be that way. And I loved the fact Neel got a sibling. Got to love the cameos of alot of the Mistvale clan. Love Cam.. Can't wait to see what Stella writes next. Happy reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Murch.
447 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
Perfect

Oh I loved this book, Orion was such a cutie for a griffin. Memphis was such a great character and I loved how much he loved his son. The pair had a really rocky start but soon worked there way to perfect couple goals. I honestly love all the books in the Mistvale series :) xx
1,475 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2023
Great story

I absolutely loved being back in Mistvale. The world building is so amazing. I love getting to see all the different characters again and now we have a whole new group set to find their mates. This was such a fantastic story and I can’t wait to read the next one.
2,788 reviews14 followers
April 29, 2023
I love the town of Mistvale and I love all of Ms. Rainbow's stories from there. Orion and Memphis and their sons are perfect in this book. I enjoy all the different characters and many I look forward to see what is going in their lives. Recommend reading.
Profile Image for Li Taylor.
1,853 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2023
great

Another great story from Mistvale and I liked it so much . A griffin a succubus and a human child meet and the adults fall in love along the way they discover another family member and the live HEA . Highly recommended
Profile Image for Lee Hall.
1,209 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2023
Loved this story

Just a wonderful story filled with mystical creatures who fall in love. It’s not an easy fall either! There are some great twists and turns with a few surprises as well overall a great read! Highly recommend
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,268 reviews30 followers
December 22, 2023
Fated Mates

This was a sweet story. The lonely griffin and the incubus who isn’t like the rest of his kind. I loved the kids but that is pretty typical for the Mistvale clan. This town is some found family at its best.
Profile Image for Marie.
850 reviews8 followers
May 14, 2023
The Elusive Griffin

This is a sweet tale from this world. I like the family bonds and the cameos. The story was well told and leads well into the next book.
26 reviews
May 16, 2023
Meh

How is that a first book of a series?
I feel like its the tenth.
A lot of references to other coupes that I don't understand.
And even without them I didn't enjoy the book much.
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books87 followers
November 2, 2023
Help

Orion needs help because someone stole something very dangerous. Memphis agrees to help. They find Orion's son and how the things were stolen.
Profile Image for Stephanie Windon.
215 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2023
Just like the rest of the Mistvale series this is sooo sweet! There was just a tiny bit of drama but mostly fated mates and fluff. I love seeing the Mistvale found family growing and I cant wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.