The Gryphon King — Review of a SWA-Inspired Fantasy Novel

Jan 24

**Book cover of *The Gryphon King* by Sara Omer**

Bataar was just a child when he first earned and survived the scars of a gryphon’s attack. Now he’s a man, and he’s ready to make the world bow to him as Bataar Rhah, The Gryphon King.

But across his global campaign, Bataar crosses Nohra Zultama, the pegasus-riding, scythe-wielding Harpy Knight of Kalafar. Bataar will have to do more than simply apologize for his actions in order to prevent Nohra’s vengeance and earn her alliance.

And with the world evolving into something more sinister with each passing day, Bataar doesn’t just want her loyalty— he needs it.

Engrossing in its politics and breathtaking in visual world building, The Gryphon King is an addictive read. Sara Omer demands her audience’s attention to each character on an individual level, showcasing in each their inherent dichotomy of peace and chaos.

The diction throughout the piece is evocative and meaningful, which carries the authenticity of the piece each mile of its inevitable journey. Picturesque in both darkness and light, this first installment of The Chaos Constellation guarantees a reader will be begging for more pages to turn. Be prepared to fall in love with every space you explore in Omer’s world, especially those featuring rich cuisine! I promise you’ll love every beast too, tamed or otherwise.

Any reader who hopes to diversify their TBR would be satisfied with the queer-normative, SWA-inspired world that Omer has so expertly crafted. If you love a slow burn romance (be warned: VERY slow burn), a woman protagonist full to bursting with unbridled rage, gorgeously described architecture, and plenty of characters you won’t know whether to adore or despise, The Gryphon King is the read for you.

I look forward to reading Omer’s upcoming sequel, The Harpy Knight, coming to a bookstore near you on July 28, 2026.

Follow Omer’s journey on Instagram, or meet her at Love Y’all Book Fest in Atlanta, GA this February.