Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Review: Griffin Rising

GRIFFIN RISING
Darby Karchut
Paranormal Young Adult
169 pages
Twilight Times Books
Available June 28th
Received from author for review

THE STORY
Griffin is an Angel, one with control over two of the four main Elements whose sole purpose is to protect and guard human lives. Well, that will be his sole goal once he completes his apprenticeship and passes his Proelium, becoming a full Guardian Angel. If he fails, he'll be stripped of his ability to control Earth and Fire and forced to live the remainder of his life as a human.

Though his training begins at the cruel hands of Nicopolis, the verbal and physical abuse sustained leaving indelible scars at the tender age of thirteen, his new mentor Basil is a man of humor and patience with a driving determination to see Griffin succeed. While Griffin attempts to gain control of his Elements and prepare for his final test, he is momentarily distracted from his purpose with the arrival of new neighbor Katie, a young woman who has his instant interest.

Though he wants a relationship with her, he knows it might be impossible due to the fact that he and Basil are constantly on call for their Angel duties, and what teenage girl would actually believe in their existence even if he told her the truth? Just when his life couldn't get any more complex with normal and paranormal complications, Griffin learns that Nicopolis will be overseeing his Proleium, and his former mentor is just as nasty and menacing as ever.

MY THOUGHTS
Griffin Rising introduces us to a race of Earth Angels, or Terrae Angeli, separated from the Celestial Angels in both the powers they possess and in their ability to have free will, thereby rendering them characters capable of making mistakes, their every flaw endearing them to us as we recognize our humanity reflected back at us regardless of their supernatural powers. Though Basil and Griffin can bend different Elements to their will, it is the low key moments of mentor to student and father to son interaction that keep us interested, their day to day dynamics both so humorous and touching the paranormal element often fades to the background as the shining joy of a boy recovering from an abusive past radiates from the pages. This is a story that combines a crushing responsibility with the levity of witty banter, mixes moments of teenage awkwardness with the developing maturity that accompanies such a daunting purpose, and illustrates how the word "angel" is not always so easily defined.

Griffin and Basil are the true highlight of this story, their bond a treat to watch slowly form as Griffin begins to heal from past psychological wounds, Basil's patience carefully drawing him from a shell the hand and barbed tongue of a another mentor forced him into. Added to the emotional mix is Griffin's romantic interest in Katie–a relationship that progresses at a refreshingly normal pace, complete with countless minutes and hours spent wondering how the other feels and if their interest might be reciprocated. Though a romance does enter the picture, the familial connection is not forgotten or overshadowed as Basil has many an amusing moment in having to deal with both a Guardian Angel apprentice and a smitten teenage boy, creating a well-rounded tale with strong relationships that span multiple dimensions.

Because Ms. Karchut has created such enjoyable and animated characters, we can't help but want to know more about them, wishing for a few extra details about their respective pasts as well as the history of the Terrae Angeli in general. We know Griffin's history with Nicopolis was brutal, but we are more told than shown that time in his life, and he recovers from it seemingly very quickly when the story's timeline suddenly jumps ahead three years until he reaches sixteen. Additionally, the presence of several journal entries from Griffin, Basil, and eventually Katie is a bit distracting as we long for the events mentioned in those excerpts to happen in real time, those fleeting moments pulling us out of the story for a just a few quick lines before we are dropped back in. The thoughts and musings in the journal passages do not necessarily provide any profound insight into the characters, and they might have easily been worked into the main storyline so events could have progressed more smoothly.

Overall however, Griffin Rising is a strong debut from Ms. Karchut, her characterization impressive and her storytelling engrossing. We are given a complete tale, left with things not wrapped up perfectly, but yet nicely concluded with just enough unknown to force us to make a note of the sequel's release date. Hopefully, the next book will delve deeper into the history missing from this tale so that we will have a more balanced understanding of the world, the Angel hierarchy, and the future for both Basil and Griffin.

Rating: 3.5/5

32 comments:

  1. I had not heard of this book at all. Thanks for the review Jenny, doesn't really look like something I'd like to read right now =/

    ReplyDelete
  2. "combines a crushing responsibility with the levity of witty banter, mixes moments of teenage awkwardness with the developing maturity that accompanies such a daunting purpose, and illustrates how the word "angel" is not always so easily defined" That sounds so good Jenny. I haven't heard much about this series but now I am definitely interested. Another great review.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the review, Jenny!

    I hadn't heard of this one either. Sounds like a good debut! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hmmm, this book looks good. I like books about angels. (it always intrigues me) Nice review Jenny :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Larissa - It's a debut, and despite the couple flaws I really enjoyed it!

    Nic - I'm always a little wary of the angel stories, they usually don't work for me, but I adored Griffin and Basil!

    Leanna - You're welcome:)

    Savy - The angel books are hit or miss with me, but I really liked her mythology and am looking forward to the next one in the series!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I don't think I am an angle girl, but you've made this one sound intruguing. I do like good, deep characterization, though.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm not really into the angel books so I'll probably skip this one. I am interested in Unearthly since that one was getting some rave reveiws.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, Jenny, many thanks for your postitive and insightful review! I'm so tickled you were touched by Griffin and Basil's story. I took a chance writing YA with a strong father figure!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linds - The characters were fabulous, Basil and Griffin had me cracking up:)

    Mollie - Angels aren't always for me either, but this one was as much about Griffin overcoming his past and learning to relate to Basil as it was about them being Angels.

    Darby - You're very welcome, thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this one, I got very involved in their story!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love romance, but I also really like "relationship" books that aren't the standard romantic relationship. Families, mentors, siblings, these types of relationships can really suck me into a story. I wasn't expecting that from this book, but hearing it makes me even more interested. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awesome review, as always, Jenny. I hadn't heard of this title previously, but I really like how the angels are depicted in a more "down to earth" type of setting, showing them as more of a family unit with father-son dynamics.

    Thanks for sharing this with us!

    This Week's Waiting on Wednesday: Don't Breathe A Word

    ReplyDelete
  12. Like Linds, I'm having trouble liking angel books. I find the concept of fallen angels interesting, but sadly the writing is lacking. I hope that's not the case with "unearthly" or "Angelfire" the next two angel books on my dock it or else I'm in trouble. :? I do, however, find the idea of Earth Angels being different from celestial beings intriguing. I think I might wait on this one, Jenny.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This looks amazing, and I hadn't even heard of it! Brilliant review!

    Um, can't say I'd be overly keen of it either, but that was the best quote on the page I opened it at!
    Thanks: I have soo many series to read! I have to get round to them all, asap!

    Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Small - Me too, that was my favorite part of this one!

    Carissa - Thank you! I liked the idea of their being different types of Angels as well, and that the Earth Angels weren't all that different from us:)

    Rummanah - I was really impressed with this one. The journal entries bothered me a bit, but the characters and story I adored. I loved Unearthly, can't wait to see what you think of that one!

    BookAddicted - Glad I could bring it to your attention:) I'm really looking forward to continuing this series.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well, I am a sucker for angel tales :) Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow what an interesting concept...I may have to check this out Thanks Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sounds nice enough. But what a boring cover, I kind of forget all about the book the moment I turn away

    ReplyDelete
  18. First off, I love the name Griffin, if I ever have kids (emphasis on if) I totally intend on naming a kid that (it is much better than something like Apple or Satchel in my opinion)! But I digress...
    I always love a good angel story, so this sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the great review Jenny, I'ma gonna add this one to the list!
    ;)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the review, I haven't heard of these, but I like well written characters. :)

    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
  20. I actually haven't heard of this book at all either. Thanks for introducing it to us! I haven't decided for sure whether or not I'm putting it on my to-read list yet, but I'm intrigued enough that it's on my radar now!

    P.S. Legend of the Seeker totally rocks! Lol!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Never heard of this one before. Sure sounds like it has an interesting concept though (and I don't even really like angels)!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hm... I'm on the fence with this one. On one hand you make it sound interesting, but I don't want to angel out of everything. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Juju - They're definitely growing on me!

    Tina - You're welcome, I liked how real this one felt despite the angel aspect.

    Blodeuedd - I agree, the cover is not great, but the story is a worth a read:)

    Avery - I love the name Griffin too! One of my boxers is named Griffin, mostly because I would totally name a child that but I was a long way from having children when we got him and I wanted to use it:)

    Brandi - Me too, characters are my favorite part:)

    Natalie - You're welcome, I hadn't heard much about this one before I received it for review either and was pleasantly surprised:) And yes Legend of the Seeker RULES!

    Aylee - It does have an interesting concept and really fantastic characters, I can't say enough good things about them.

    Melissa - You're hilarious. That is all.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This book sounds very interesting. It also sounds very complex. I know you mentioned the journal entries detract a bit, but did you fee like it was relatively easy going and you were able to digest it?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Alison - Yes the journal entries were distracting due mostly to the fact that they tended to be really short in nature, sometimes a single sentence or two before we went back to real time. Still easy-going for sure though:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have this one waiting to be read and reviewed so it's good to see you enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to the different take on angels! Plus, hooray for a slowly developing romantic relationship :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I can't say I'm a fan of the cover or of angels; I have yet to find an angel book I like. And I'm feeling kind of confused over the premise and hierarchy, but that is nothing new for me. LOL

    Still, the Griffin and Basil relationship sound refreshing as done the slower building romance between Griffin and Katie. If you continue the series, I hope you get your answers Jenny. :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. I haven't read an Angel book I've liked yet. I think I will give this book a try.I'm glad to hear that the characterization is great.

    Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm one of those "on the fence" with angels. Some books have been done really well and some I think they use angels cause you can plug any power into them. It sounds like she did a great job on characters though and that probably means she will get better as her books come out (cause characters are the base of anything)!

    Great Review :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I haven't seen this one anywhere but it sound great! I love your review. So comprehensive but not complex. And the fact that you like the characters. I like the different take on angels as well. I'll be picking this one up. Great revew!

    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  31. I just finished my review of this one and have to say I didn't come close to expressing my enjoyment of the books character half as well as you. I love reading your reviews and envy your way with words.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like the inclusion of a strong familial bond, which is normally absent in YA books.

    ReplyDelete