The Wyvern's Spur

The Wyvern's Spur is a fantasy novel by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb, originally published in 1990. It is the second installment in the Finder's Stone Trilogy, set within the Forgotten Realms world of Dungeons & Dragons.

### Plot Summary

The novel centers around Giogioni "Giogi" Wyvernspur, a clumsy but well-meaning young nobleman who returns to his ancestral home in Immersea after a lengthy absence. Upon his return, he discovers that the family heirloom, the wyvern's spur, has been stolen. This artifact, a mummified wyvern's talon, is crucial to the family's protection and prosperity. The loss of the spur triggers an omen of family misfortune, which is underscored by the discovery of the wizard Drone Wyvernspur dead and the appearance of a twisted mage named Flattery.

Giogi is aided in his quest by Olive Ruskettle, a female halfling bard, and Cat, a female apprentice mage. However, it is revealed that Cat is actually Flattery's agent, under duress. As the story progresses, Giogi uncovers family secrets and relearns the repressed history of his family. He eventually convinces Cat to leave Flattery and the two fall in love. Giogi uses his newfound knowledge to defeat Flattery and restore the family's good heritage.

### Key Themes

1. Personal Identity: The novel explores themes of personal identity, particularly through Giogi's journey. He struggles to accept his destiny and find self-confidence, while Cat grapples with her unknown past and identity. Olive Ruskettle also experiences a loss of identity when she is polymorphed into a domestic animal.

2. Family Legacy: The novel delves into the complexities of family legacy and the weight of ancestral responsibilities. The Wyvernspur family's history and the significance of the wyvern's spur are central to the plot, highlighting the importance of preserving family heritage.

3. Romance and Relationships: The story features a strong romantic component, particularly between Giogi and Cat. Their relationship is a significant part of the narrative, adding an emotional depth to the plot.

### Critical Reception

Reviews:

• Goodreads: The book has an average rating of 3.82 out of 5 stars, indicating a generally positive reception.
• Let's Read TSR: The novel is praised for its character development, particularly Giogi's growth from a foppish black sheep to a more mature individual. The supporting cast is also commended for their distinct personalities and motivations.
• Let's Read TSR (The Wyvern's Spur): This review highlights the novel's ability to move away from typical "D&D fiction" and become a more engaging story set in the Forgotten Realms. The plot is described as well-constructed, but with some convenient plot twists and character coincidences.

Overall Impression

The Wyvern's Spur is a fantasy novel that effectively blends elements of mystery, romance, and drama within the Forgotten Realms setting. It offers a compelling story with well-developed characters, particularly in its exploration of personal identity and family legacy. While it may have some convenient plot elements, the novel is generally well-received for its engaging narrative and character development.