The Griffin Cryer
It is amazing how an ordinary act can have extraordinary consequences. This is what happened to Frankie Shaunessy when she tries to call her dog home. Instead, she summons a griffin from another world, complete with his Rider – wearing fancy dress! That is how The Griffin Cryer by Julia Hughes starts!
Frankie is determined to help Balkind, the griffin, and his rider return to their own world. Her efforts, set against the backdrop of a young woman trying to balance school, friends, teenage angst, and a tragic family situation, make for a compelling and entertaining story.
I loved the character development in this novel. Balkind is not your usual griffin. He is sweet and loves attention. His rider is rude and demanding. Frankie’s parents are solid parental types, but have their own issues. Frankie, as with most young people, is complex and finds that friends aren’t always friends and enemies aren’t always enemies. Romance isn’t always like the movies, and relationships within the family can be difficult. But, in the end, love and friendship always win!
The story itself grabbed me from the start (who doesn’t love supernatural things happening in a graveyard) and kept its hold on me until the end. It follows Frankie’s life from finding Balkind and his rider, through a romance with her dream guy, and back to helping Balkind and the rider get back home. I did get a little confused toward the end when Frankie has to help her brother, but the story sorted itself out.
I think this book is suitable for all ages and all genres. It has some romance, teen issues, paranormal elements, suspense, and fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book to be added to your to-be-read pile!
My rating 4.5 Stars!!
This sounds like a really good adventure. I had a good time reading A Ripple in Time, so I look forward to this.
Tony, I really liked it! It was a bit different than I expected (my own preconceived notion), but I enjoyed it and hope for a sequel!