This is the third novel in Lackey's Gryphon series, so if you haven't already you should read The Black Gryphon and The White Gryphon first. This book is centered on two children of the central characters of the first two books: Tadrith and Silverblade.
I think they're not as interesting as their fathers, Skandranon and Amberdrake, nor is the plot as engaging as the first two books; there are dull spots, I think because for much of it Tadrith and Silverblade are stranded by themselves, with little interaction with others. This particular novel dragged for me I'm afraid, I rather had to push myself to finish it, and I didn't feel the pay off was worth it.
Lackey is actually a favorite author of mine, with books I've read again and again--fantasy comfort food. But this isn't one of her stronger books (or trilogies). If you've never read her before, don't start here. If this was your first novel by her, don't judge her by it. Try Arrows of the Queen or Magic's Pawn or Joust before you decide she's not for you.
