Cover of the book “The Gryphon King” by Sara Omer. Photo Credit: Sara Omer
This absorbing debut novel by Sara Omer, a masters student at Kennesaw State, takes readers on a fantasy journey into a world rooted in Turkic and Kurdish mythology – where legends and gryphons battle.
Sara Omer introduces the novel with complexity, where there are religious systems, beasts, power hierarchies and political intrigue. It displays epic fantasy and captures themes of power, vengeance and morality.
“The Gryphon King” begins in a vivid setting that displays graphic violence, which is captured throughout the book. At a very young age, character Bataar Rhah killed a gryphon, making him a legend across the Red Steppe. He grows into a warlord who is not only an ambitious leader, but one that is feared by allies and enemies alike. As a legend, Bataar’s ambitions include reshaping kingdoms- and he succeeds.
Filled with vengeance, character Nohra Zultama, princess of Dumakra, goes to battle with Bataar. Nohra fights with a sense of grief and betrayal, fueled by Bataar’s campaigns. Her bond with Bataar and his wife, Qaira, pulls her into an emotional setback that raged a war.
Omer’s storytelling surrounding this love triangle depicts human-like characteristics of power and resentment, making the novel, in some ways, personable.
Omer’s ability to build fantastical worlds is one of the many strengths of the book. Although it was written in reflection of Turkish relationships and culture, readers can witness the counterparts of China and Europe throughout the novel. The history of the Turkish people is filled with a complex dynamic.
Nevertheless, Omer writes about this expertly.
The novel introduced a wide cast of characters, which at first seemed overwhelming. However, these supporting characters were easily likeable and carried an important part of the novel. Characters such as Qaira’s sister, Shaza, who was opposite of her sister, showed a great number of loyalties in her relationships.
Tarken, who was Bataar’s best friend, also proved his loyalty within his inner circle. His character balanced out that of Bataar’s by often checking Bataar’s harsh instincts. Tarken plays a role that was made to see Bataar in a more personable way, more than just a warlord. By showing real emotions, relationships, ambition and drive, Omer succeeded in creating characters that are captivating.
Romance throughout the novel is minimal, yet powerful. It does not center romance, but tensions are built through conversations, battles and loyalties.
The beginning of the novel displays the triangular tension between Bataar, Nohra and Qaira. This tension mostly rises out of resentment from Nohra. Furthermore, there are subtle hints of attraction between Qaira and Nohra, bringing supporters of the queer and LGBTQ+ communities into the fold of the book.
What is different about these romantic scenes are the fact that they are not pure or safe. They are formed from a place of danger, tied to betrayal and ruin, which adds to the darkness of the novel.
Ultimately, The Gryphon King is not only dark and bold, but it is also a rewarding novel for readers who may like epic fantasy. By introducing human-like characteristics, the novel makes readers question how vengeance and loyalty can coexist in a world of ruin.
Sara Omer successfully debuted a novel that is well worth the read.
