Griffins

Series statement from publisher's website.

Book 1: LORD OF THE CHANGING WINDS Little ever happens in the quiet villages of peaceful Feierabiand. For Kes, the course of her life seems set: she'll grow up to be an herb-woman and healer, never quite fitting in but always more or less accepted. And she's content with that path - or she thinks she is. Until the day the griffins come down from the mountains, bringing with them the fiery wind of their desert and a desperate need for a healer. But what the griffins need is a healer who is not quite human...or a healer who can be made into something not quite human. Book 2: LAND OF THE BURNING SANDS Gereint Enseichen of Casmantium knows little and cares less about the recent war in which his king tried to use griffins and fire to wrest territory from the neighboring country of Feierabiand. Now, his kingdom's unexpected defeat offers him a chance to escape from his own servitude. But now that the griffins find themselves in a position of strength, they are not inclined to forgive and the entire kingdom finds itself in a deadly peril. Willing or not, Gereint is caught up in a desperate struggle between the griffins and the last remaining mage...

After suffering a crushing defeat, The Dark Wizard flees into the khalifates to regain his strength, pursued by an army from the Free Kingdoms. Meanwhile, the dark wizard's dragons range up and down the mountains, burning forests and attacking the griffin riders in their aeries. With her father dead, the young leader of the griffin riders must venture into the northern wilds to tame the powerful and elusive golden griffin. If she fails, her people will be scattered and destroyed. Book #3 of the epic fantasy series, The Dark Citadel, by Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Michael Wallace. The adventure continues with book #4, The Warrior King. Keywords: dragons, griffins, wizards, epic fantasy, sword and sorcery.

After promising his allegiance to the Night God, Arenadd Taranisaii escapes death for the second time and vows to free his people. With the dark griffin Skandar by his side, Arenadd begins to gather an army and prepare for war using the power gifted to him by the Night God to move through the shadows. But even as Arenadd's strength grows his nemesis sets out for the Island of the Sun, seeking the one weapon that can truly kill Arenadd, the man without a heart.

A treasury of astonishing mythic marvels—and the surprising truths behind them Adrienne Mayor is renowned for exploring the borders of history, science, archaeology, anthropology, and popular knowledge to find historical realities and scientific insights—glimmering, long-buried nuggets of truth—embedded in myth, legends, and folklore. Combing through ancient texts and obscure sources, she has spent decades prospecting for intriguing wonders and marvels, historical mysteries, diverting anecdotes, and hidden gems from ancient, medieval, and modern times. Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a treasury of fifty of her most amazing and amusing discoveries. The book explores such subjects as how mirages inspired legends of cities in the sky; the true identity of winged serpents in ancient Egypt; how ghost ships led to the discovery of the Gulf Stream; and the beauty secrets of ancient Amazons. Other pieces examine Arthur Conan Doyle’s sea serpent and Geronimo’s dragon; Flaubert’s obsession with ancient Carthage; ancient tattooing practices; and the strange relationship between wine goblets and women’s breasts since the times of Helen of Troy and Marie Antoinette. And there’s much, much more. Showcasing Mayor’s trademark passion not to demythologize myths, but to uncover the fascinating truths buried beneath them, Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a wonder cabinet of delightful curiosities.

A boy and a dragon team up to keep the Pegasus from extinction in this “not-to-be-missed” sequel to the #1 New York Times–bestselling Dragon Rider (School Library Journal). The last Pegasus in the world has been discovered and when Ben learns the legendary horse has three unhatched eggs that need to be protected, he vows to help. But the only way the eggs will ever hatch—and continue the survival of this incredible magical species—is if they are placed under a griffin’s feather. But griffins are the most dangerous creatures in the world, and their mortal enemies are dragons . . . Ben vows not to tell his beloved dragon Firedrake about his quest, if only to protect him. But as Ben sets off for a remote island where the terrible griffins are rumored to live, he may just need the help of his best friend and dragon . . . “A richly imagined, adeptly illustrated adventure with a strong message of respect for all species of creatures.” —Kirkus Reviews

Australian journalist Leo Castella receives word that his father is in a coma after an assault on the streets of Palermo, and promptly boards a flight to Italy. The emblem of a griffin has been left as a warning and becomes a recurring theme. In Sicily he meets a cousin who is a Cistercian monk belonging to a group who've found remarkable ancient Greek artifacts, inscribed with advanced scientific formulae. He is taken to Agrigento and introduced to other project workers who show him the mysterious carvings. He falls in love with one of the team, Rosie, a beautiful young antique dealer. After touring the Valley of the Temples, they narrowly avoid injury from an explosion in an ambush. Treacherous behaviour is afoot in the race to interpret the archaic messages, and suspects include the monks, the Vatican, the Mafia and academics from the local university. A long lost relative shows up with information about a subterranean chamber in the Valley of the Temples, and an ancient sage who had built a device to harness cosmic rays. Only Leo learns the secret of activating the apparatus. A siege leads to a kidnapping, ending in a rescue operation by undercover police who have been observing proceedings with interest. Back in Palermo, the old man emerges from his coma. The traitor is identified as part of an organization they had least suspected, and is caught with the help of government agents after a boat chase leading to the island of Ustica. The characters grapple with moral issues of power and financial gain, ownership and the possible misuse of the newfound cosmic energy in the wrong hands. At the last minute, new information is uncovered which suggests that their unique source of power has far greater potential than they had ever imagined.

"Memoirs of a Griffin" by way of Francis John Bellew is a charming and enlightening travel narrative that gives readers with a vibrant glimpse into the life of a "griffin" during the British colonial generation in India. Published inside the nineteenth century, the book gives a primary-hand account of the demanding situations and adventures confronted by means of young and inexperienced those who arrived in India as part of the British administration. Bellew's memoir is a high-quality exploration of the complex and diverse international of India. Through his eager observations and eloquent prose, he invitations readers to immerse themselves in the colourful landscapes, cultures, and customs of the subcontinent. His writing is marked by using a true interest about the human beings he encounters and a sharp sense of humor that adds a touch of heat to his narrative. As a "griffin," Bellew's reports reflect the ones of endless others who navigated the unfamiliar terrain of colonial India. His memoir gives historical insights into the British colonial enjoy and serves as a treasured resource for expertise the elaborate cultural dynamics of the technology. "Memoirs of a Griffin" not simplest informs readers approximately the colonial history of India but additionally fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of move-cultural interactions during that point.