Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 176
Source: ARC from Author
Challenge: 100 Books in 2011; 2011 Debut Author
Buy the Book: Amazon
From the Cover:
The only creature who can harm an angel is another angel.
Armed with the power to control the ancient elements of Earth and Fire, sixteen-year-old Griffin is determined to complete his apprenticeship and rise to the rank of Terrae Angeli.
But first, he must overcome a brutal past if he is to survive in this world. Will the perseverance of his mentor and the love of a mortal girl give Griffin the courage he needs to face the monster still haunting him?
My Thoughts:
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when opening the book for the first time. Sure I read the blurb on the back and it sounded interesting but still… As I began reading Darby’s debut novel I became pleasantly surprised with the characters, the story and the overall concept of the book.
Griffin Rising introduces us to two main characters, Griffin and Basil, who are guardian angels (Terrae Angeli). Both can control the different elements, Basil can control air and water and Griffin earth and fire. Basil becomes Griffin’s mentor when he is around 13 years old. Griffin arrives bruised, battered and scared. It takes Griffin a remarkable amount of time to start feeling comfortable and to start trusting Basil.
The relationship between Griffin and Basil is one of the most remarkable aspects of this novel. To watch the bond and trust grow between these two characters is something everyone will enjoy. Griffin and Basil’s bond not only grows as mentor and student but also grows into much more to include a father and son bond.
Another unique aspect of this novel is that sections of the book are journal entries showing us the personalities of Griffin, Basil and Katie. I loved the journal entries because you could see the various events with different perspectives of the characters. They also gave you a more in depth look into Griffin, Basil and Katie’s thoughts.
I enjoyed that Ms. Karchut used a creative and original slant on angels than the normal Young Adult book. It was a unique and interesting view and created a novel that many will enjoy.
Griffin’s Rising is a wonderful mixture of action, myth and of course a little romance. It’s an easy; fun read with impressive characterization and wonderful storytelling especially the plot twists.
Griffin’s Rising is a very strong debut from Ms. Karchut and I am anxiously awaiting Griffin’s Fire so that I may continue to learn more about the Terrae Angeli, Griffin, and Basil.
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Oh, Carrie, thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. You made my day!!! And I'm so excited it is now available as an e-book on both Amazon and B&N.; (The first chapter is up on my website.)
Thanks again for helping Griffin to soar! You rock!
Nice review – seems like an interesting story.
Lovely blog…new follower from book blogs
I haven't heard of this one until now but it sounds really good and i'm glad you liked it
Darby- You are very welcome! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your debut novel! I can't wait for the next part of Griffin's story.
Stacy- Thank you so much!
Sounds like a great book
Awesome review.
I'm following.
ecwrites.blogspot.com