
The dialogue is more finely tuned that in past books, especially when grumpy gryphons deliver zingers that had me truly smiling. Several main characters are developed in The Black Grpyhon, including the titular creature named Skandranon, whose best friend is a physical Healer and healer of heart and spirit - basically, a combo of therapist, masseur, and lover (as needed).

The characters of Lackey’s Valdemar series frequently travel and make new homes, so as long as there is land to which they can travel, Urtho’s people supposedly will be fine. It doesn’t go much deeper than keeping Ma’ar and his forces back, and if they come too close, it’s time to leave. The interesting thing about The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon is that it’s unclear what each side wants, other than for Ma’ar to have everything and for Urtho’s people to be left alone.
