Griffin Rising by: Darby Karchut (Review)

Title: Griffin Rising

Author: Darby Karchut

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

Number of Pages: 174

Date of Release: June, 24^th 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

"Sometimes, lad, it's hell being an angel."

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.

But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever. It is their father-and-son relationship, sometimes turbulent, often hilarious, always affectionate, that sings through the story like a pure note.

Masquerading as the average teen next door, Griffin struggles to learn his trade, navigate the ups and downs of modern life among humans (including falling in love with the girl next door), and prepare for the ancient trial-by-combat every apprentice must pass at sixteen or be forced to become mortal.

Review:  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. Yes, I knew about the Angel element, but not much more. The first thing that I found exciting was the main character was a male! I don’t see or maybe I am blind to this, many male angels in YA literature! Also the book does not conform to the average page length that has become the standard of books lately. I felt nothing missing in this book. It was just as good and better than some books 300 and over.

The plot was skillfully arranged; from the prologue to the 3years early and then 3 years after. I loved this, it kept me guessing and gave me all the background information that is key to Griffin’s character.

This all brings me to the characters. I loved everyone’s names and personality’s. The minor characters felt like main characters they were so well done. I really enjoyed the relationship between Basil and Griffin. The characters are what makes and breaks a book for me and they made this book phenomenal.

If you are a fan of the angel genre pick this up. If you are sick of the angel genre pick this up. Finally if you are not a fan, be prepared to be blown away. Griffin’s Rising will twist what you thought you knew about Angels and create a beautiful new version that is highly captivating.