Of Gryphons and Other Monsters: 1 (Taryn's Journey)

For the people of the Carpathe Mountains in the country of Somerlarth autumn marks the time of gryphons. Every year is the same: first the lesser gryphons move into the farm fields and then the standard gryphons move in on the local herds.Taryn a young shepherd is as used to this cycle as any mountain dweller and she knows how to ward off either strain of beast. Sure its a nuisance but its expected--just like her mothers insistence on her finding romance in their small mountain town. Nothings ever perfect right?But Taryns predictable world is turned on its head as two revelations hit in quick succession: First her twin brother Michael reveals that he has been offered a place in a distant lords service. Its no secret that her twin brother longs for more than the drudgery of shepherding and now he has a decision to make. Come spring he may leave Nophgrin and her forever.Next panic spreads as several of a neighbors livestock turns up dead in what looks to be the worst gryphon attack in recent memory. A string of more kills soon follows and a band of mercenaries is called to deal with the terrified towns problem.The twins quickly become embroiled in two conflicts that threaten to tear them apart. Can Michael be dissuaded from leaving? And what will Taryn do with the feeling that despite the inconvenience one of the mercenaries might just have that certain something she has been looking for?As the conflicts between family mercenaries and gryphons reach their peak Taryn must decide who the monsters truly are and what she will do about it.A novel set in a whole new world one populated by warriors monsters and magic Of Gryphons and Other Monsters is the first in the Taryns Journey quartet.