Gryphon in Light

I've received this arc through Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review, thank you for letting me read it.
First let me tell you first and foremost, I'm a huge fan of Mercedes Lackey work...and before this book I've not picked up one of her works set in the world of Valdemar. I know, I know, crazy, but it's an intimidating series to start! Well after reading Gryphon in Light, I'm feeling inspired to start at the very beginning.
Would I recommend this book to start? No, not if you aren't comfortable with high fantasy books with specific lingo and established set of rules that's been expanded upon through multiple series. To me, it didn't really deter me, I tend to power through world building and allow context to help my understanding. One thing about Mercedes Lackey's books is just the ease and comfortability of her writing. I read one of her books and it just feels like a warm sweater, and this felt the same.
Regarding to the actual plot of this book, most of the actual action is set off screen, but the results of war is shown on screen. Some tws would be taking about death, war but nothing on screen. We follow a gryphon eager to make his mark on a world, and in the process of trying to help others creates a quest with a motley crew of magical and non magical beings, not all as recognizable as gryphons. This book is mainly the getting together the group, establishing it as a holy and dangerous mission and creation of a chosen one. But not much happens and they don't even leave on the quest until 250 pages pass out of 319.
Overall I'm intrigued but before the next book in this series comes out, I'm going to brush up on my lore so I can keep up and appreciate cameos of past important characters and references. Thanks again for letting me review!