Title: The Gryphon King’s Consort
Author: Jenn Burke
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press/Dreamspun Beyond
Length: 210 Pages
Category: Urban Fantasy, Shifters
At a Glance: Not my favorite book in the Dreamspun Beyond line, but, for the most part, it was entertaining and enjoyable.
Reviewed By: Lindsey
Blurb: Love takes flight.
The sudden death of the Gryphon King throws the kingdom of Mythos into uncertainty, and Crown Prince Luca rushes both his coronation and an arranged marriage to a man he’s never met. Eirian is young and idealistic, and while they both want what’s best for their people, their philosophies couldn’t be more different. While Luca believes in honoring tradition, Eirian is determined to infuse modern values into their kingdom of magical creatures. When given the choice between loyalty to his husband and his own crusade, Eirian makes a decision that might doom their marriage.
Still, Luca is committed to making their union work, and that means forgiving his brash consort. But when Eirian becomes the target of a deadly conspiracy, Luca must act fast—or forever lose the chance to explore their burgeoning love.
Review: The Dreamspun Desires and Dreamspun Beyond lines are sort of my little happy place. When I need something, I know I am guaranteed a HEA; when I need that balance of angst and romance, they usually deliver it. The Gryphon King’s Consort did it, for the most part, though it is not my favorite out of the ones I have read. I still liked the book, just didn’t love it.
The concept was interesting and gave a different spin on the paranormal world. I liked the background, where there were two factions—the Traditionalist and the Modernists—who each had different ideas on how to move forward. The fact that Luca and Eirian were of different leanings, and that the philosophies were at odds, formed a unique spin. And I really appreciated that both viewpoints were shown, the reasons behind their feelings, and their decisions; it helped me to understand each MCs’ perspective, and allowed me to see the bigger picture of how things got so out of hand.
What didn’t quite work for me was the execution of the romantic element. I love arranged marriage tropes, usually, and was really looking forward to reading how this one would work out. There was a sort of enemies-to-lovers vibe going on, since they were on opposite sides in values and beliefs, but it missed the mark and was not developed enough. I had a rough time connecting with the two as a couple. Separately, I got them both. I really liked Eirian and his young, idealistic views, and how he challenged the rules and how things were done in the council. He offered a different perspective to others, and was so passionate. Luca was a lot more reserved, older; he had a different take on the reasons things were the way they were. He also had an understanding of the bigger picture, and the possible repercussions of different decisions. So, I understood, individually, the reasons for their feelings and views. Sadly, together, I couldn’t quite see their chemistry. At least not the spark of romance. They fought all the time: there would be a second of smiles and sweet looks, and then they would be back at it, one or both of them making a rash decision and creating more obstacles and more damage to each other. There just wasn’t enough of a tangible connection between the two for me.
Ultimately, I still liked this book, just didn’t love it. The premise and mystery of what was happening, and the repercussions of decisions made, worked for me. It was interesting and kept me trying to figure out all the pieces. Though both MCs were interesting, there was just too much back and forth and too much fighting and arguing between them, with very little insight to anything more than the physical attraction, to get me invested in them as a couple.
Though this is not my favorite book in the Dreamspun Beyond line, for the most part it was entertaining and enjoyable.
You can buy The Gryphon King’s Consort here:
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