Leslie Ann Moore, Griffin’s Daughter

Griffin's Daughter

Leslie Ann Moore

Avari Press, February 2007, $18.95

ISBN: 1933770015

All her life Jelena has known prejudice, because she is half elf, and the Soldaran Empire believes elves are soulless evil demons. The Duke of Amsara, who is her uncle, keeps her out of sight; her only friends are her foster mother Claudia and her cousin Magnes. When her uncle sells her to another noble as his concubine, the two cousins run away seeking Alasiri, the land of elves.

Attacked by bandits, they are rescued by Ashinji Sakehera, who has dreamed constantly of Jelena. He takes the twosome to Kerala Castle, where she heals from injuries and Magnes returns home to face his irate father for abetting the escape of his cousin. Jehena's blue fire attracts the attention of the Nameless One, an evil entity who wants the Key and the talisman so he can return to the living. A group of elves have plans for Jehena and Ashinji, to use them as expendable pawns to defeat the Nameless One. They believe destiny will save this pair, especially if they marry, but to persuade his parents to allow him to wed a half-breed seems unlikely, in spite of love, and even if the realm is at stake.

This is the opening tale of what looks to be a great epic fantasy. Refreshing, the saga is prejudice and so overwhelming, that even with a world at stake, few bend, let alone move past their bias. Jelena is a fascinating protagonist, used to being the subject of scorn and de jure and de facto discrimination because she is half elf, which has enabled her to become independent and brave as she faces the ridicule of others. Fantasy fans who read this author's first published tale will demand Moore adventures in the Soldaran Empire and beyond.