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Griffin's Daughter Trilogy #2
Griffin's Shadow
Long ago, the world was saved. The key to destruction was hidden. Now it is back—concealed in a young girl.
Griffin’s Shadow continues the adventure of Jelena, a mixed race outcast raised as a servant who has found a new home among the elves. But her peaceful life is shattered as war looms and the power of the Nameless One grows. Set amidst shocking betrayals and uneasy alliances, hers is a story of courage and enduring love in the face of adversity.
“In her sequel to Griffin’s Daughter and the second title in her trilogy, Moore introduces a deeper conflict on a grand scale. Her strong male and female char¬acters and their abiding feelings of love and honor bring a sense of true heroism to their struggles against their obstacles.” — Library Journal
“[N]onstop action and sympathetic characterizations. Moore’s narrative drive and suspenseful plot twists will leave readers eager for the conclusion to this intricate and appealing tale.” — Publishers Weekly
“GRIFFIN’S SHADOW is superb tale that will have the audience
wanting more from Ms. Moore.” — Harriet Klausner, Amazon
Griffin’s Shadow continues the adventure of Jelena, a mixed race outcast raised as a servant who has found a new home among the elves. But her peaceful life is shattered as war looms and the power of the Nameless One grows. Set amidst shocking betrayals and uneasy alliances, hers is a story of courage and enduring love in the face of adversity.
“In her sequel to Griffin’s Daughter and the second title in her trilogy, Moore introduces a deeper conflict on a grand scale. Her strong male and female char¬acters and their abiding feelings of love and honor bring a sense of true heroism to their struggles against their obstacles.” — Library Journal
“[N]onstop action and sympathetic characterizations. Moore’s narrative drive and suspenseful plot twists will leave readers eager for the conclusion to this intricate and appealing tale.” — Publishers Weekly
“GRIFFIN’S SHADOW is superb tale that will have the audience
wanting more from Ms. Moore.” — Harriet Klausner, Amazon
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ann Moore
8 books232 followersEver since I can remember, I've been a storyteller. Characters constantly walk onto the stage of my mind, introduce themselves, and talk to me about their lives. I also see snippets of scenes, hear pieces of dialogue, even smell particular scents--it's like watching chunks of wild, amazing movies play in my head. Some of those bits eventually begin making sense, and that's when I start the writing process in earnest.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 2, 2009
One of the highlights of my trip to the LA Times festival of books last weekend was finally getting the chance to meet Leslie Ann Moore and pick up a copy of this much-awaited sequel to Griffin's Daughter. I had just started reading the second Dresden Files book and was trying to decide if I would put that aside to read "Griffin's Shadow". Well, I decided to read "Griffin's Shadow" during lunch and break at work and Fool Moon in the evening. I ended up finishing both of them on the same day.
I have to say that I liked "Griffin's Shadow" much more than "Griffin's Daughter", which I loved enough to read the sequel. "Shadow" is a much more mature book than it's predecessor and the pacing is excellent. The characters were much more complex than in the first book. My only complaint is that the story ended in a huge cliffhanger and nothing at all was resolved. I need the third book NOW!
I have to say that I liked "Griffin's Shadow" much more than "Griffin's Daughter", which I loved enough to read the sequel. "Shadow" is a much more mature book than it's predecessor and the pacing is excellent. The characters were much more complex than in the first book. My only complaint is that the story ended in a huge cliffhanger and nothing at all was resolved. I need the third book NOW!
July 11, 2011
Much better than the first, as the events set up in the first novel are finally coming to fruition. I suspect the third and final book in the series will be the best of all.
June 28, 2018
Better book than the first, although there are still some moments of awkward writing. This one is considerably darker too. Some good new characters are introduced. And one past character whom I wished returned much earlier than he did. I was really left hanging there. My favorite POV chapters were with Ashinji even with him going through a lot of hell and suffering. He has really grown on me. Jelena is still kind of meh, on the other hand.
Final showdown in the next book I guess. It feels like this series could have been combined into one book instead of split up into three. Each of them has felt incomplete. Villain(s) could be better too. Awfully cliche. But these books have been enjoyable light reads nonetheless.
Final showdown in the next book I guess. It feels like this series could have been combined into one book instead of split up into three. Each of them has felt incomplete. Villain(s) could be better too. Awfully cliche. But these books have been enjoyable light reads nonetheless.
September 6, 2018
#2down
The story continues and I cannot put it down. Somewhat predictable but I like happy endings for which I am hoping for.
The story continues and I cannot put it down. Somewhat predictable but I like happy endings for which I am hoping for.
October 14, 2018
4 stars
April 9, 2014
New Meme, modeled after 'First World Problems', 'Mary Sue Problems'. Jelena - going from a half-breed kitchen maid nearly sold into sexual slavery by an uncle that despises you, to being rescued by the second son of an affluent and powerful [enemy] family, who then marries you. Only to find out that the father you've been searching for is really the Elven King, who readily accepts you. Her predominant thought? 'I hate wearing expensive clothing'. Mind you this all happens in less than a year.
That's the better part of the book. Followed by becoming pregnant, being told she is the Key to the Nameless One's resurrection/imprisonment, brief moment of worry for her beloved cousin Magnes, constantly telling other hikui (half breeds) how guilty she feels for having a better life then they do, railing against the injustice of it all...days before being crowned a Princess and her husband's 'death'.
I'll give Moore credit, she kind of ramped up the Big Bad presence in this novel, but it barely seemed to effect Jelena's little bubble of perfection. All the Big Bad did was torment his loyal minion (who wanted lots and lots of power) and speak about what he'd do when he was released. Everything 'bad' that occurs in this book is because of pettiness between family members and racial tensions! The only folk worried about the Nameless One's rising are the ones who are supposed to prevent it, but they're so busy hiding secrets from their spouses, each other, Jelena and the King that its a wonder anyone told anyone anything!
And don't get me started on Ashinji's death. Why Moore felt a need to push his and his despicable older brother's jealousy and hatred of each other so far is beyond me. Seriously, if half as much time was spent on the Big Bad being EVIL instead of inert, this book would have been a rip roaring adventure. Instead we have Ashinji/Saidaiyo's brotherly issues taking up the bulk of the tension, with some political unrest from Keizo (the King's) brother and then when Ashinji is sold into slavery, he becomes a gladiator.
Everything felt very contrived to keep the drama going. No less than three characters remark, at various points, that Jelena would have to die for various 'greater good' reasons. Or that they had to move up the time table--which is a joke. They say this when Jelena is maybe halfway done with being pregnant, and that they may have to kill her (as part of the ritual to keep the Nameless One imprisoned) before she gives birth...but its brought up ONCE and the ritual doesn't even take place for at least another half a year, likely more.
I honestly don't know why Moore bothered to include 'The Key' and the Nameless One in these books, they bare so little difference to the plot (other than to give an artificial sense of urgency) that I could (and did at times) skip the sections dealing with it and oh look we came right back to where we began.
That's the better part of the book. Followed by becoming pregnant, being told she is the Key to the Nameless One's resurrection/imprisonment, brief moment of worry for her beloved cousin Magnes, constantly telling other hikui (half breeds) how guilty she feels for having a better life then they do, railing against the injustice of it all...days before being crowned a Princess and her husband's 'death'.
I'll give Moore credit, she kind of ramped up the Big Bad presence in this novel, but it barely seemed to effect Jelena's little bubble of perfection. All the Big Bad did was torment his loyal minion (who wanted lots and lots of power) and speak about what he'd do when he was released. Everything 'bad' that occurs in this book is because of pettiness between family members and racial tensions! The only folk worried about the Nameless One's rising are the ones who are supposed to prevent it, but they're so busy hiding secrets from their spouses, each other, Jelena and the King that its a wonder anyone told anyone anything!
And don't get me started on Ashinji's death. Why Moore felt a need to push his and his despicable older brother's jealousy and hatred of each other so far is beyond me. Seriously, if half as much time was spent on the Big Bad being EVIL instead of inert, this book would have been a rip roaring adventure. Instead we have Ashinji/Saidaiyo's brotherly issues taking up the bulk of the tension, with some political unrest from Keizo (the King's) brother and then when Ashinji is sold into slavery, he becomes a gladiator.
Everything felt very contrived to keep the drama going. No less than three characters remark, at various points, that Jelena would have to die for various 'greater good' reasons. Or that they had to move up the time table--which is a joke. They say this when Jelena is maybe halfway done with being pregnant, and that they may have to kill her (as part of the ritual to keep the Nameless One imprisoned) before she gives birth...but its brought up ONCE and the ritual doesn't even take place for at least another half a year, likely more.
I honestly don't know why Moore bothered to include 'The Key' and the Nameless One in these books, they bare so little difference to the plot (other than to give an artificial sense of urgency) that I could (and did at times) skip the sections dealing with it and oh look we came right back to where we began.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2009
Deep in the bowels of The Black Tower, the elfin magic imprisoning an ancient evil is weakening. Using it’s power of projection, the evil finds an accomplice to help in recapturing and releasing the key to it’s power. Jelena Preseren, the half-elf and half-human unwitting vessel of the key, begins her training to unlock the power of her long dormant magically Talent. Because of her newly acquired position in elf society she also become a beacon of hope for the half breed elfin people who crave equality with the pure blood elves; though not all elves accept her and an secret conspiracy begins forms. Meanwhile, humans and elves prepare for war and Ashinji – a pure blood elf and Jelena’s love interest - struggles to survive and return to his people.
Leslie Ann Moore’s Griffin’s Shadow picks up where Griffin’s Daughter left off. I enjoyed the first book, but this chapter in the trilogy is even better. While the first installment introduced the foundational elements of the story, it’s focus was primarily on the love interest between Jelena and Ashinji. However, this novel injects considerably more fantasy elements such as the ancient evil sorcery as it grows in power. The treachery and betrayal of family, politics, power of the ruling class, cruelty of prejudice, remorse of lost love, and overall action and tension is ramped and builds throughout the multiple story arcs.
Griffin’s Shadow is a masterfully crafted fantasy adventure which immerses readers in it’s characters and wonderfully created universe. Once again, Moore seamlessly weaves in issues of prejudice while advancing the story. My only complaint is I have to wait for the next book to see how this all resolves! Most of the story arcs are left open at conclusion of this novel. It left me with the same feeling I had at the end of The Empire Strikes Back when I first saw it as a kid having to wait for the release of the then final chapter of the series.
Griffin’s Daughter is an award winning novel and Griffin’s Shadow is more than worthy of additional national acclaim.
Leslie Ann Moore’s Griffin’s Shadow picks up where Griffin’s Daughter left off. I enjoyed the first book, but this chapter in the trilogy is even better. While the first installment introduced the foundational elements of the story, it’s focus was primarily on the love interest between Jelena and Ashinji. However, this novel injects considerably more fantasy elements such as the ancient evil sorcery as it grows in power. The treachery and betrayal of family, politics, power of the ruling class, cruelty of prejudice, remorse of lost love, and overall action and tension is ramped and builds throughout the multiple story arcs.
Griffin’s Shadow is a masterfully crafted fantasy adventure which immerses readers in it’s characters and wonderfully created universe. Once again, Moore seamlessly weaves in issues of prejudice while advancing the story. My only complaint is I have to wait for the next book to see how this all resolves! Most of the story arcs are left open at conclusion of this novel. It left me with the same feeling I had at the end of The Empire Strikes Back when I first saw it as a kid having to wait for the release of the then final chapter of the series.
Griffin’s Daughter is an award winning novel and Griffin’s Shadow is more than worthy of additional national acclaim.
November 8, 2009
I really enjoyed this second installment of Leslie's trilogy. From the first page you could tell that Leslie really took this seris "up a level". That's not to say that I did not enjoy the first book. On the contrary I can see why she won the Ben Franklin Award - Leslie has a great writing style and is an excellent story teller.
I think one of the things I liked the best about Griffin's Shadow is there seemed to be more action then in Griffin's Daughter. In many ways the first book "sets the ball in the air" allowing Shadow to come in and spike it over the net.
I've actually also read the third book in the series (Which again pays off in spades) but I'll save my commentary on that for its own review.
Read it and enjoy!
Robin (The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising)
I think one of the things I liked the best about Griffin's Shadow is there seemed to be more action then in Griffin's Daughter. In many ways the first book "sets the ball in the air" allowing Shadow to come in and spike it over the net.
I've actually also read the third book in the series (Which again pays off in spades) but I'll save my commentary on that for its own review.
Read it and enjoy!
Robin (The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising)
January 20, 2012
Leslie Ann Moore is a genius. This book did everything a good book really should do, including taking the story up a notch from book one instead of being a somewhat filler-ish second book as so often seems to happen in trilogies. (Note: Readers should be aware that this story is WAY more action oriented than book 1.)
At various points while reading this book the plot made me feel anxious, angry, exasperated or all three. This sounds like a bad thing but I love it when a book can make me feel something (one of those "things a good book really should do"). Especially during those times where I was mad at how things were developing() I was still pleased that she wasn't writing the story I was expecting to read, she was surprising me and making sure I couldn't look away. And what more can you ask for in a book than a plot that makes you anxious (in a good way) and has you at the edge of your seat?
The end is a huge cliff hanger but I can very happily say I have no idea what is going to happen. I'm very much looking forward to reading book number three.
At various points while reading this book the plot made me feel anxious, angry, exasperated or all three. This sounds like a bad thing but I love it when a book can make me feel something (one of those "things a good book really should do"). Especially during those times where I was mad at how things were developing() I was still pleased that she wasn't writing the story I was expecting to read, she was surprising me and making sure I couldn't look away. And what more can you ask for in a book than a plot that makes you anxious (in a good way) and has you at the edge of your seat?
The end is a huge cliff hanger but I can very happily say I have no idea what is going to happen. I'm very much looking forward to reading book number three.
October 13, 2011
This series keeps getting better and better. The author knows how to make you invest in her characters. The pacing felt better in this book than the last - but it's almost as if this series is one long book that has been broken up rather than three individual books. The story is interesting and the action kept me hooked from the beginning.
I heard the young adult version of the book doesn't have some of the intimate scenes shown in the regular version. I didn't see any difference in what I previewed but that may be a good option for those who would really enjoy this book except for that content.
I heard the young adult version of the book doesn't have some of the intimate scenes shown in the regular version. I didn't see any difference in what I previewed but that may be a good option for those who would really enjoy this book except for that content.
December 30, 2011
I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first one. This one while there was still some romance in it, was much more into the action.
I don't read a lot of series, most of what I read are just one offs. However I like how Leslie started this book, it gives you just the very briefest glimpse of what happened previously. I'm not even sure if the little it gives you would be enough to know everything that went on. This is as opposed to the Harry Potter novels where practically the first chapter was the Cliff notes of the previous book.
I don't read a lot of series, most of what I read are just one offs. However I like how Leslie started this book, it gives you just the very briefest glimpse of what happened previously. I'm not even sure if the little it gives you would be enough to know everything that went on. This is as opposed to the Harry Potter novels where practically the first chapter was the Cliff notes of the previous book.
March 26, 2009
When I sat down to read Griffin's Shadow it had been several months since I'd read the first book, Griffin's Daughter, and yet little more than a dozen or so pages into the story and I felt as if I were back in Jelena's world.
Once again Leslie Ann Moore brings her characters and their world vibrantly alive, enticing the reader further. Twists and turns await you, dear reader.
Enjoy.
Once again Leslie Ann Moore brings her characters and their world vibrantly alive, enticing the reader further. Twists and turns await you, dear reader.
Enjoy.
June 14, 2012
I read the first book of this trilogy because it was a free ebook download and had won a young adult fiction award. I liked the first one enough to continue the trilogy to the end. I don't often read fantasy, but this is a fun series full of love, adventure, and magic that follows half-elf, half-human Jelena in her mystical journey to finding her father, true love, and her magical purpose to save her world. It's set in a fantastical medieval time period, which is interesting.
February 14, 2014
This entertaining fantasy continues in book two. Half fairy and half human Jelena and her husband Ashiniji are separated by what appears to be death and she is left alone to bear their daughter and to face the shadow, which is an ancient evil determined to steal the key within her so he can destroy their world. This book sets it up nicely for the conclusion.
August 16, 2011
All three books in this series had a little too much adultness to be a teen romance. Lots of violence, and language and sex, not descriptive just saying they do. No morals in most of the characters. But put that aside and it has a great plot.
August 11, 2014
Liked this second book in the series a lot more than the first. The writing is much better and the characters are starting to be well-developed (except Jalena). Finished and went straight to the final book. We'll see how it ends!
May 9, 2009
This was fantastic! What a wonderful follow up to Griffin's Daughter. The book was fast paced and continued right where Griffin's Daughter left off. I cannot wait for the 3rd book!!
August 3, 2009
okay, it was good, but i really hate ashinji's brother now and his wife and the sword master's son!!!!!!!!!!!ARGH!
October 17, 2009
A great read!
February 7, 2010
Read this one very fast, hoping to get the last one, but it seems I have to wait. Really hate that.
May 5, 2010
A very good continuation of the series. A more in depth review can be found here: Musings of the Othar
September 25, 2014
I'm liking this series a lot less this time around.
And, pro-tip: "single tear" is a lot more dramatic if not used at least three times for every character in your book (hyperbole, but sheesh).
And, pro-tip: "single tear" is a lot more dramatic if not used at least three times for every character in your book (hyperbole, but sheesh).
Read
July 29, 2011I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy, Griffin's Destiny.
September 21, 2011
I read the young adult version to avoid the sex... it worked!!!
October 25, 2011
2.5
Much the same as the first one - but, earned a half star back because the love scenes were more tame - still, I could do without the demon rape - it never was explicit, though.
Much the same as the first one - but, earned a half star back because the love scenes were more tame - still, I could do without the demon rape - it never was explicit, though.
November 30, 2011
LOVE this series !! ~~ can't wait to start the last book
January 11, 2012
liked this book as much or more than the first. I can't wait to read the next one
March 2, 2012
Light reading. Not bad, just not great!
September 15, 2012
Sorry but the main character didn't quite cut it for me. Too Much of a Mary Sue and too many reminders throughout the chapters of her Cinderella story.
February 11, 2013
Another great installment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews