This story was originally published by ArtsATL .

Nearly 10 years in the making, “The Gryphon King” marks a major debut for metro Atlanta author Sara Omer. Out this summer from Titan Books, the novel proves that some stories are worth the time it takes to find their voice. In a recent conversation , Omer opened up about her writing process, the Atlanta literary scene and what it means to write dark fantasy novels rooted in real life perspectives.

“The Gryphon King” introduces readers to Bataar of the Red Steppe, a young warrior whose life is irrevocably changed after a harrowing encounter with a gryphon, depicted as a mythical, monsterlike creature. As Bataar rises to power, leading conquests across the continent, the story delves into themes of leadership, loyalty, the weig

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