Jess E. Owen

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, and am looking forward to finding out what happens next: if the sequel had been available I would have bought it immediately on finishing this one.

I'd describe it as a coming of age story, that features griffins (that feel like dragons to me, but apparently there are also dragons in this world and griffins are not them) with political intrigue, secret rebellions, competing worldviews and religions, cross-species communications, divided loyalties, and heartfelt friendships.… (plus d'informations)

Shard has begun his mission of raising Amaranstu's son, Hikaru. Hikaru is a very bright dragonet who has already learned so much in the small crystal dome with Shard, which Amaranstu sacrificed herself into being for the protection of them both. As Shard tells his "son" of the Gryphon-Dragon past, Shard's wing brother, Kjorn, has returned to the Silver Isles. Sadly, Sverin, the Red King, finally went mad and Nameless with grief. Kjorn tells the pride that he himself will return, for now he has set off again to find Shard. While Shard and Hikrau are in the mountain, earthquakes begin to shake it vigorously, and the ground warms. With Wyrms outside that have been lulled to sleep by the heat they escape, and Shard shows Hikrau what the world truly is. Now, their conjoined journey can start; bring Hikrau to the Sunland dragons, the families and friends of Amaranstu. Yet, as Kjorn is trying desperately to find Shard, his Aesir built body weakens with the flight over the ocean. He is found and held captive by three exile Gryphons and a Nameless wolf, who refuse to believe his is royalty. As the wolf recovers his name, he helps Kjorn escape, sadly awaking the other Gryphons. He has escaped, although, he ran into the Vanhar, who are neither Aesir nor Vanir. Hikrau has already gotten older, and has already learned a lot. As they fly over sea to find the Sunland, Hikaru, notices some Killer Whales down below. When they try to make peace with the strange animals, they attempt to kill Shard and Hikrau, and nearly succeed. Shard's hind leg is completely and utterly ripped, broken. Suntanned dragons arrive, and help Hikrau; while leaving Shard stranded on a floating pice of ice. Finally, he has enough energy to stand and fly, and reaches a small cave. There, he meets a Gryphoness, Groa, who heals him. As he and Groa share a dream when Shard awakes; Groa is a pile of dusted bones. Finally, he reaches the Sunland. As he rejoices with Hikaru, he is highly untrusted by all the other Dragons. They send him to a prison where he will surely die, after sneaking out to talk with the Chronicler. Miraculously, Hikrau finds Shard. Then, two of the most unthinkable happen. Caj, Shard's nest-father, has found the Red King and returned him to his name. The second thing; Stigr is alive. At a cost, sadly; he has lost a wing. After Shard is well again, Hikrau tells him he wishes to stay with the dragons, and Shard understands. He travels alone back to the Dawn Spire, where he gathers the lost Vanir and faces the Wyrms again. This time, however, he meets Kjorn, and they fight together. Now, with the Wyrms defeated, the two Princes bring their Gryphon prides to victory, and plan their great, great lives ahead.
I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Watching Hikrau grow up was incredible, and to think, he will only live for a year. Watching him learn, watching Shard teach and learn himself was just amazing. Again, all the tough choices they had to make made me feel split myself. When they wanted vengeance, I could almost feel their rage. It was, honestly, so much like a movie. I could see every event play out in my mind with each new word, desperately thinking what could happen next. The emotions throughout this book were astonishing, and many times over I had to fight myself from crying. Those pure moments of joy Shard had when he found Kjorn and Stigr, along with when Caj returned Sverin to his name came so close to breaking me. This trilogy has been one the best adventures I have ever had, and I hope it is one I never forget!! :)… (plus d'informations)

Shard has just begun his incredible journey. He decided, after a conversation with his wolf allies, to travel onto the highest peak of the White Mountains in hopes of having a vision. With the guidance of a mysterious Snowy Owl, Shard succeeds. The vision, however, was thought to have been his father's. Guided through the forest with the Owl again to meet a Great Moose, Shard returns to Catori and friends with confusing and exciting news of his recent vision. While celebrating Half-Night with the wolves, things suddenly go off track. The Sun is rising too early. A massive comet shoots StarWard across the Sky. Shard believes it is a sign; and he follows it, all the way across the ocean. As a Vanir, it seems easy. Suddenly, a massive storm begins to cut him off track. Above clouds, he meets an Albatross; and names him WindWalker. For the journey to be smooth, Shard must forget himself. Become a nameless, witless creature. When he reaches the Lost Land of the Aesir, the place he hoped the comet was leading him to, Shard is still desperately trying to reclaim his name and memories. After helping a few Gryphess fight off a small hunting band of wolves, he does. With new allies and an angry Stigr, Shard tries to reason with everybody. Soon, after showing off his flight, flight, and friendliness, Shard has made him and Stigr new, respected members of the Winderost Pride. Although, being the rebellious and determined soul he is, Shard begins to speak eagles, lions, and wolves with painted fur. Soon, he discovers why Sverin hates the dark. Wyrms. Violent, insane, cruel cousins to the dragons. When Shard tries to speak with one, all goes horribly wrong. The Wyrms attack, and follow Shard and Stigr back to Winderost. Suddenly, everything Shard knew is twisted. His wing brother in his old pride, Kjorn, is missing, Sverin is slowly going mad with grief, and Stigr; may or may not be dead from a Wyrm attack. Terrified and named betrayer from the entire Winderost pride (including the King), Shard flies witless and nameless once again, back over the ocean. Soon, he comes across the mountain from his vision; and meets a true dragon. Amaranstu. Helping Shard recover his name and tell him his past, she entrusts him with her egg; and sacrifices herself for the future of Shard and her son.
All around, this book definitely deserves five stars. I could so clearly imagine the shock of each new scene in every character, the struggle for Shard trying to remember his name. Emotions flew so strongly out of this books words. Honestly, I almost cried in the last chapter. The joy and one moment of happiness of that little dragonet entering the world was enough to keep me smiling every time I thought about it. This book will definitely keep you clinging on for more, I can ensure you. Watching Shard grow throughout this book and making the tough decisions he had to have been stunning. I cannot wait to read the final book in this trilogy. It is going to be thrilling, watching Shard and the little dragonet, Hikaru, start their journey together. In fact, I already have started the Third book!! :)… (plus d'informations)