Reader Reviews

I'm not much of a sci-fi fan and had a hard time really getting into the story. That being said, I think Phillip Williams has an unparalleled mastery of language - almost Shakespearean insofar as it makes you wonder if it wasn't a collaborative effort. It's simply not fair for one person to be THAT talented. I found reading his sentences absolutely mesmerizing. I finally stopped reading for content at all and just let myself be enthralled with the quality of the sentence composition.

Second book is a little bit easier to follow, story-wise.

–rn from Amazon

really enjoyed this and reading the whole series, actually. nice writing, engaging characters and plot moves along quickly. good job

—Kindle Customer 

I liked the book Ashes of Honor especially because the machines and animals can think and are sentient. That makes the whole story very exciting. And although the journey of the hero and the world it takes place in are extremely dangerous there are some really hilarious scenes and funny dialogues. I loved the humor of the book.
I can't wait to read the second book. I want to know how the story about Garrand and the pandas unfolds.

—SequiaL

 

 

This was a first book from the author that I have read and I would recommend wholeheartedly to those who like this genure

—doc2149 from Amazon

As Garrand and Helen set out on their quest, their story unfolds. Reminiscent of Star Wars and, my all-time favorite, The Hobbit, the adventure of Garrand merely begins with Ashes of Honor.

As the characters are methodically introduced throughout the first chapters, it leads the way for more intrigue and suspense. As a result, this novel becomes difficult to put down. I'm looking forward to the next leg of this team's intergalactic journey.

—JT from Amazon

I don't normally post reviews. But after reading Ashes of Honor, I purchased the remaining books in the series. The storyline was fast-paced, moving, and I was thoroughly engrossed in the unique worlds, locales, and characters portrayed by the author. Highly recommended if you like sci-fi.

—Zachery Smith

Out of all the science fiction literature I have read over the years, The Griffin: Ashes of Honor is indeed an ORIGINAL breath of fresh air!

Philip Williams delivers a vibrant new world and universe, with a plethora of inventive and unique technologies (engineering & scientific minds will appreciate that facet for sure) along with a colorful cast of flora, fauna and sentient lifeforms... The protagonists and antagonists are each given an Identity, so the reader can identify with each character, be they "Good" or "Evil", All points of view can easily be painted via the Imagination and brought to "life" on-screen mentally.

I have become rather sedentary with my reading, but Ashes of Honor has been just the bug I needed to bite, Looking forward to the 2nd installment!

—Andrew Z from Amazon

The book leaves you wanting more. Lots of interesting roads taken and not yet taken. The story is complicated, but so is real life. The book doesn't provide the complete back stories of all their characters, but you know it's coming. It's why you have to have the next book.

—JTK from Amazon

This is the type of book that keeps you up reading late at night. You start it and suddenly find yourself gobbling up page after page until it's over. I absolutely loved it! The portrayal of each character was stunning. Williams has every detail and conversation spot on. After one or two chapters you are hooked to the fast-paced and thrilling action. I highly recommend Ashes of Honor for all readers. The universe has a feeling of being old and new at the same time. I can't wait for the next book!

—DC from Amazon

I loved this book. After finishing it, I immediately bought the next two. The heroes are impossible not to love and even the villains are awesome (might be some surprises there). I highly recommend this series. P.s. There are also cute panda bears.

—Kindle Customer

Just finished #1 of this to be four part series. Right down to the wire. Guy knows how to write space opera,that's for sure. That extra little bit that makes a book sink in deep and grab you-Ashes of Honor has got it.

—Barry Melius from Amazon

The author builds an interesting setting and well developed main characters. I enjoyed the few combat scenes but this story is more an adventure driven plot. We gradually learn about Garrand as he flies the Destiny's Needle from point A to Point B; I like the hero back story and how the author teases little bits out at a time--builds the dimension of his character, honor and loyalty.

Vice Proctor Barrett and Captain Vailetta Strom are our bad guys and they fill just the right amount of the story. A very enjoyable read.

—Sparta from Amazon

Originally posted 9/3/2013

In the attic, I have, much to my wife's chagrin, boxes and boxes of science fiction paperbacks. Probably not quite a thousand of them, but getting there. Given that I have three kids in a two-bedroom house, the notion of being able to have that many books in a device the size of a thick pad of paper is exciting to me. And so I've decided to embrace the notion of the Kindle wholeheartedly, beginning with a book written by author, sculptor, and fellow dad Philip Williams.

Now, as a parent, I don't have a lot of time for personal entertainment. When I do get the chance to read a book or watch a movie, I prefer something fun and enjoyable, not something that I have to think about and that will get me upset. (No Bonfire of the Vanities for me.) If I wanted that, I'd watch the news; there's plenty there to piss me off. So The Griffin: Ashes of Honor, the first book in the Griffin Series, was right up my alley. If there was a deep meaning or grand lesson to the story, I'm happy to say I missed it completely.

Instead, what I got was a good time and a good tale of adventure. The characters are not difficult to understand -- the former fair-haired boy turned independent rogue (think Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly), his loyal-to-the-end crew, the mysterious woman with an unknown agenda, and, of course, the powerful forces behind the scenes working for their own interests -- but that isn't to say they're simple or one-dimensional. They are complex characters that keep you interested and involved.

The overall story idea is clever -- the rescue of stolen critters apparently bred to have special powers -- but that's not what makes this book a good read; it's the engaging writing and exciting details that draw you in and leave you wanting more. The only downside to the story is that it does end leaving you wanting more -- more excitement, more adventures, and, of course, more about what happens to the critters and characters. Luckily, the rest of the books in the series are on their way. I'm looking forward to the next three volumes and as for my paternal duties, well, the kids have to go to bed sometime.

—Roger Sinasohn from Amazon

The world that the author creates is very vivid in its detail, well done.

—M.M. from Amazon

This four book series is one of the best I have ever read. Hopefully there will be, at least, one more.

—Amazon Customer

If you love Han Solo in Star Wars but feel that the film spends too much time with Luke Skywalker, read The Griffin: Ashes of Honor. You can sense Philip and Cat William's love for galactic space drama that has gone missing from much of the naval-gazing science fiction of today.

The writers carefully craft a similar yet unique universe that readily stands out to Star Wars fans. I won't go into the plot, since it's covered in other reviews, but Philip happily takes pains to move away from the mystical nature of Star Wars, instead letting his heroes rely on technology, grit and determination. The result is a little less fantasy but a lot more believability. Key characters reveal themselves in a manner that shows they are deeper than those found in Star Wars. Despite the better grounding in reality, the visual descriptions of Garrand's ship and the worlds he visits are stunning.

While there are a few confusing points in the story, none stop the reader cold. It's obvious the authors put their heart into this series, which is a joy to read. Disclosure: I've been friends with Philip for almost 10 years, but I would not give a positive review unless I thought the book was worthwhile.

–Amazon Customer

As I started reading this book, I took many parallels to Star Wars and how the early part of that series started (from book 4 I mean). Here we have a boat captain trying to stay afloat, interesting arts (Artificial sentient and non sentient beings) a damsel in distress (well, she is one tough damsel...) with a mysterious cargo that needs to be picked up.

You get the same dashes of humor but at least Garrand, the captain, is a bit better prepared for what he runs into, if still as baffled as Han Solo ever was with Princess Lea.

So we have:

The Inner Core (Imperials)
The Shell (a vast space area of various systems of governments and players trying to consolidate power)
The Mysterious cargo
Advance technology
some nicely played out personal and ship to ship battles

and you wanting more at the end of the first book. Hopefully the 2nd book picks right up on the same fast pace.

—Ram-z from Amazon

Book 1,2,3 &4 is a must read-complete Syfy series!
I loved these books!!
From the very beginning I was hooked. The characters are well defined and immediately you begin to associate yourself with them and all of life's similar struggles. Garrod, the lone duck, the rogue, savior for some traitor to others. He comes off with this armored exterior but he's such a softy. His past is heart wrenching and filled with difficult decisions and soul searching guilt. Can he overcome his past to save his and the local galaxy's future?
You will immediately fall in love with his ship and the artificial life forms aboard ship, who he has helped program into more self awareness and free will: Destiny- the ship, Bailey- the first lieutenant/2nd in command, Jean Wa-the extravagant Chef & Little Bit--Tech Assist/jack of all trades. They, also have their own journey, which is really cool. They add such life and humor to the story. There are all kinds of stories within the story which is so great, entertaining and keeps us guessing.
The main plot concerns Garrod being hired by an unknown, Helen. She is a person of many faces. Can Garrod trust her? Is she a spy? She is determined on the path of treachery but to whom? Will she sacrifice the ship and all it's occupants to succeed in her mission? And what is this secret cargo that her mission revolves around? The cargo that is now being sought after by multiple military task forces? The cargo that is so precious and threatening at the same time. Who will be left standing?
Love, love,love these books!!
Well edited, minor errors. Good read for junior high to adult.

—Jules from Amazon

A good read. Perhaps very good if you read the whole series (?).
There was much attention to detail, too much. So much in setting scenes, at times you just wanted to yell "get on with it".
I don't know what's a set up for the rest of the series, but as a stand alone book, there was a great deal of subplots, several which were never explained what they had to do with anything else in the book. I would have much rather have had more of the central plot fleshed out, & had the whatever the subplots were alluding to dealt with when it came time to tell their story, assuming there will be one in one of the other books in the series. It felt like the arc movie that plays between two blockbusters to set the stage & grab your dollars.
Although original, the juxtaposition & interaction of the characters on the ship felt very definitely Star War-ish

—Lizil from Amazon

Pretty good book. Planning on reading the next in the series at some point.

One of the things I liked was the variety of interests/skill sets he has outside of the fact that he's a ex-imperial guard/warrior/space pilot. Like he designed/built the ship, though he had help from a renowned ship builder, his little hidden cache of rare/extinct plants used for healing purposes, him writing subroutines to help his arts become better people etc.

At this point in the story line I'm not sure we've seen anything to really set the main bad guy apart from any main bad guy in any story. His menagarie of useful people, such as his two assassins, seems to be the closest. Is that enough to counter Garrand/Tchelakov? We'll see how much growth he gets in the later books, right now Garrand is interesting enough that it's not too much of a problem. More of an observation I guess.

—Modrukinstealer from Good reads

Dang it! Now I have to get the next one! Slow to start but this was a good book.

—Barbra Doll from Good Reads

Fun read. Felt like an awesome anime story. Who doesn't love genetically modified pandas able to see the future? Good times...

—Matthew Burnham from Good Reads

It took a while to get into the book, but once I did it just raced on. The ending is a bit annoying - now I HAVE to find the second book (darn it!).

—Rhona Crawford from Good Reads

I enjoyed this very much! I don't give fives often but this was a very nice surprise. A solid well-written, well-paced hard sci-fi that I would recommend with no problem. This is one series that I want to read more of. Plus I was very pleased to find out that the author is a fellow North Carolina native!

—Daniel Ace from Good Reads

What a joy to read this engaging novel from talented new author Phillip Williams! Well developed characters and twists and turns, well worth the read. Excited for more in the series!

—KC, Huntersville

The Griffin has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf and in my heart. As an avid sci-fi fan, I was excited to find an new and original title series to get into and I rewarded for delving into this breakout novel. I love a good series and after reading the first installment I simply cant wait to see what comes next. Ashes of Honor has so many familiar elements of science fiction and just the right touch of humanity that I instantly found myself taken in by the characters of these vibrant new worlds! Even the artificials and robots feel tangible as they interact with the main characters and i can only imagine it wont be long until someone wants to put these original personalities into live action tv or film! The Griffin series is a must explore for any adventurer worth their ink!

—KK, Huntersville

Out of all the science fiction literature I have read over the years, The Griffin: Ashes of Honor is indeed an ORIGINAL breath of fresh air!

Philip Williams delivers a vibrant new world and universe, with a plethora of inventive and unique technologies (engineering & scientific minds will appreciate that facet for sure) along with a colorful cast of flora, fauna and sentient lifeforms... The protagonists and antagonists are each given an Identity, so the reader can identify with each character, be they "Good" or "Evil." All points of view can easily be painted via the Imagination and brought to "life" on-screen mentally.

I have become rather sedentary with my reading, but Ashes of Honor has been just the bug I needed to bite, Looking forward to the 2nd installment!

—AP, Davidson

 

If you love Han Solo in Star Wars but feel that the film spends too much time with Luke Skywalker, read The Griffin: Ashes of Honor. You can sense Philip and Cat William's love for galactic space drama that has gone missing from much of the naval-gazing science fiction of today. The writers carefully craft a similar yet unique universe that readily stands out to Star Wars fans.

I won't go into the plot, since it's covered in other reviews, but Philip happily takes pains to move away from the mystical nature of Star Wars, instead letting his heroes rely on technology, grit and determination. The result is a little less fantasy but a lot more believability. Key characters reveal themselves in a manner that shows they are deeper than those found in Star Wars. Despite the better grounding in reality, the visual descriptions of Garrand's ship and the worlds he visits are stunning.

While there are a few confusing points in the story, none stop the reader cold. It's obvious the authors put their heart into this series, which is a joy to read.

Disclosure: I've been friends with Philip for almost 10 years, but I would not give a positive review unless I thought the book was worthwhile.

—BL, Scottsdale

Complex characters, evocative landscapes, wild creatures and intricately detailed technology will leave you eager to follow Garrand and Helen on their adventures. In Ashes of Honor Phillip Williams draws the reader into fantastic future worlds. A fascinating and intriguing book that sci-fi fans will enjoy.

—SF

I liked the book Ashes of Honor especially because the machines and animals can think and are sentient. That makes the whole story very exciting. And although the journey of the hero and the world it takes place in are extremely dangerous there are some really hilarious scenes and funny dialogues. I loved the humor of the book.

I can't wait to read the second book. I want to know how the story about Garrand and the pandas unfolds.

—SL

In the attic, I have, much to my wife's chagrin, boxes and boxes of science fiction paperbacks. Probably not quite a thousand of them, but getting there. Given that I have three kids in a two-bedroom house, the notion of being able to have that many books in a device the size of a thick pad of paper is exciting to me. And so I've decided to embrace the notion of the Kindle wholeheartedly, beginning with a book written by author, sculptor, and fellow dad Philip Williams.

Now, as a parent, I don't have a lot of time for personal entertainment. When I do get the chance to read a book or watch a movie, I prefer something fun and enjoyable, not something that I have to think about and that will get me upset. (No Bonfire of the Vanities for me.) If I wanted that, I'd watch the news; there's plenty there to piss me off. So The Griffin: Ashes of Honor, the first book in the Griffin Series, was right up my alley. If there was a deep meaning or grand lesson to the story, I'm happy to say I missed it completely.

Instead, what I got was a good time and a good tale of adventure. The characters are not difficult to understand -- the former fair-haired boy turned independent rogue (think Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly), his loyal-to-the-end crew, the mysterious woman with an unknown agenda, and, of course, the powerful forces behind the scenes working for their own interests -- but that isn't to say they're simple or one-dimensional. They are complex characters that keep you interested and involved.

The overall story idea is clever -- the rescue of stolen critters apparently bred to have special powers -- but that's not what makes this book a good read; it's the engaging writing and exciting details that draw you in and leave you wanting more. The only downside to the story is that it does end leaving you wanting more -- more excitement, more adventures, and, of course, more about what happens to the critters and characters. Luckily, the rest of the books in the series are on their way. I'm looking forward to the next three volumes and as for my paternal duties, well, the kids have to go to bed sometime.

—RS, San Francisco

Ashes of Honor is a gripping story. It takes the reader into a world of space adventure and intrigue which comes vibrantly alive. Book 1 teems with memorable and powerful characters some sinister while others delight - all coping with difficulties and experiences. One can feel the tug of inexorable fate propelling characters to their inevitable and sometimes surprising destinies. Sweeping panoramic scenes are so vivid and visual, one feels transported into Garrand's world. It would be a great movie! The plot twists and turns with mystery and underlying humor. This is a multilayered novel that captivates and defies you to put it down, a book to be savored, enjoyed and wish for more!! Loved the book and look forward to #2. Bravo!!

—S, Wichita

I've been thinking of writing a book for a while now but when I read a really well written book such as The Griffin, I ask myself, "Do I have what it takes?"

My husband commented that an author of good science fiction has a monumental task when writing not only one book but an entire series. The details and backstory are excellent.

This book is very well constructed and entertaining. The writing is vivid and creates a perfect portrait in your mind of the world Mr. Williams has produced.

As I was reading the book, I could imagine the movie, complete with big furry pandas. At first it seems illogical, pandas in science fiction but it really works!
There are great themes here that we can all relate to, my favorite being redemption.

Check it out! Enjoy!

—MB

Philip William’s literary style transports you to a futuristic universe in “Ashes of Honor”. It is easy to envision the strange planets, infrastructure, and richly imaginative creatures that inhabit this exciting extraterrestrial environment. The book follows exiled hero, Garrand Ai’Gonet Medeville as he tries to evade the Imperial Guard. He takes on a new assignment helping Helen Tchelakov transport 37 prescient pandas, and battles Vice Proctor Barrett and Captain Vailetta Strom. Medeville’s endearing ‘artificial’ Bailey, his chef Jean-Wa and Little Bit loyally support him as his ship Destiny’s Needle tries to avoid being captured. I was sorry to see Book I end and will wait for Book II to continue their intergalactic journey.

—KN, Minnesota

What a fantastic new complex futuristic universe! Philip Williams created complex characters and I could not help but cheer on the efforts of robots and ‘arts’ as they aided the hero, Garrand Ai’Gonet Medeville on the perilous journey to safely transport Helen Tchelakov and 37 genetically engineered pandas. William’s first novel “Ashes of Honor” describes a world populated by humans, strange alien animals and insects, and a host of technological machines with artificial intelligence. The first part of the book methodically describes the intricate details of this sci-fi world; a wonderful galaxy filled with beautiful imagery and masterful descriptions. As the novel develops there are believable interactions between the characters and conversational dialogue. Well written! Awaiting the release of books II-IV in “The Griffin”, to see if Medeville will be able to keep Tchelakov’s precognitive cargo from becoming a military advantage for the Imperial Guard.

—KH, Asheville

Just as Isaac Asimov’s book, “I-Robot” changed the way we perceive robots, Philip Williams’ debut novel, “Ashes of Honor”, has raised the level of artificial intelligence to heights unknown by today’s A.I. researchers and software engineers. Whether by parallel processes, neural nets, or undiscovered means, these robots can create, emote, and care. I was captivated with these technologically advanced machines that can think for themselves.

—DLH, Salisbury

I loved The Griffin! From the start you become immersed in this strange world with its bizarre mix of inhabitants from humans to animals with technological beings bridging the gaps.

You get a good sense that there is a lot more to come from this series with little hints of hidden pasts creeping in as the story develops. I was gripped and really disappointed when I reached the end as now I have to wait for the next in the series to find out what happens next!

—KM, London

As Garrand and Helen set out on their quest, their story unfolds. Reminiscent of Star Wars and, my all-time favorite, The Hobbit, the adventure of Garrand merely begins with Ashes of Honor.

As the characters are methodically introduced throughout the first chapters, it leads the way for more intrigue and suspense. As a result, this novel becomes difficult to put down. I'm looking forward to the next leg of this team's intergalactic journey.

—JT, Wilmington

Ashes of Honor is a great composition of fondly drawn characters, technically ingenious details and bold ideas that leads us to a journey through an exciting, alien world. The author succeeds to fascinate with his story about the banished hero Garrand Ai´Gonet Médeville who is found by an incomparable adventure. Williams combines fantastic, futuristic elements and romantic suspense as well as a large portion exotic with an elegance that equals poetry. You just have to fall in love with this outer space scenery and the creatures that inhabit it!

—SK, Berlin