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Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut Book Review | SFReader.com
Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut Genre: Modern/Urban Fantasy Publisher: Twilight Times Books Published: 2011 Review Posted: 8/11/2013 Reviewer Rating:
Reader Rating: Not Rated
Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut
Book Review by Michael D. Griffiths
Have you read this book?
Griffin Rising is an Urban Fantasy set in our current times. It is
geared toward a younger audience, which is fitting, for this book
chronicles the early adventures of the teenaged Griffin as he comes to
terms with his supernatural nature.
Griffin is no ordinary teen. He is a Guardian Angel charged with
protecting and keeping as many humans out of danger as he can. He has
several powerful supernatural abilities, based on the four elements,
which his mentor, Basil, is helping him develop. Basil took over his
training when his former mentor, the cruel Nicopolis, found the young
boy unworthy.
Griffin is home schooled by the kind-hearted Basil, but this does not
keep him from meeting and then dating a girl his own age. The book soon
becomes a delicate balance between Griffin heading off to save unlucky
humans with his growing powers and trying to be a normal teen that is
falling for a pretty girl.
His life only grows more complicated when he must pass a test in order
to be allowed to become a true Guardian Angel and Griffin is horrified
to discover that his old mentor Nicopolis will be conducting the test.
If he fails the initiation, he will be stripped of his powers and cursed
to live a mortal life as a mere human. As this test draws near, his
girlfriend and her family begin to discover that Griffin and Basil are
far more than they seem.
Drawbacks of the book might include the fact that is geared for young
adults. Not many young adult novels have crossed my path, so I do not
wish to be overly harsh. I would happily let me son read this in a few
years, but it was a little juvenile for my tastes. I might have liked to
see more supernatural conflict and less teenaged awkwardness. The book
is also a bit on the short side.
Despite these small issues, Griffin Rising is an entertaining book. Most
young lovers of Urban Fantasy would enjoy giving this a read. It is a
wholesome book that parents should not hesitate to allow their teenage
children to read, which is more that can be said for a lot of the modern
YA novels out there. If your children are into fantasies set in modern
times and you would rather not have them drawn into the myriad novels
that center around vampire erotica, I might suggest you get a copy of
Griffin Rising for them.
Click here to buy Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut on Amazon