Book Review: Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut

Attachment 564Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut
Reviewed by Michael D. Griffiths
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Year Published: 2011

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.

Griffin Rising, by Darby Karchut at Amazon.com