THE BLACK GRYPHON

Prequel to Lackey's various fantasy series, chronologically set about a millennium before the founding of Valdemar. Here, the good archmage Urtho and his armies are locked in mortal combat with the evil Ma'ar. Urtho has created numerous races, most importantly the gryphons, chief among whom is the black-dyed mage, Skandranon; other leading characters include Winterhart, an emotionally repressed human Healer, and Amberdrake the kestra'chern—the latter something like a combined masseur, sex counselor, and psychotherapist. While Skandranon recuperates from wounds received in yet another heroic mission, young Zhaneel—a slender, clever, agile gryphon despised by some of Urtho's generals for her lack of sheer bulk and strength—develops new tactics against Ma'ar's airborne makaar slaves. While Amberdrake builds up Zhaneel's self-esteem, Skandranon heals, and Urtho loses more territory. Skandranon resolves to learn the secret of gryphon fertility—a secret closely guarded by Urtho. Amberdrake practices his healing arts on Winterhart, and they fall in love. Ma'ar advances to capture some of Urtho's Gates by which beings and material are moved about. Finally, as Urtho lies dying, poisoned by a treacherous mage, a clever plan by Skandranon and Amberdrake tempts Ma'ar to enter the Gate, which thereupon explodes. Weakly, unevenly plotted, with far too much chat and therapy, somewhat alleviated by the life-sized, believable characters. Should keep the fans happy but won't tempt many newcomers. (A sequel, The White Gryphon, is promised.)