Griffin Rising Review

Author: Darby Karchut
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Most appropriate for ages: 12+
How I got it: For review from author 

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.  

Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin’s destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin’s belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?  

For Griffin, it’s time to angel up.

Griffin Rising had some interesting mythology and kept me engrossed enough to keep me reading, but I can't help but feel like this book was on its was to awesome things but just kinda missed the mark with one mild error after another.

I was not expecting a romance when I started Griffin Rising, but that's what I primarily got.
Not that I hated the romance or anything--I actually thought it was an honest portrayal of a teen relationship, even with the cheesiness (cause Teens In Love are the cheesiest, guys. Don't even get me started). BUT though I didn't mind the romance, I was far more interested in the supernatural element of the story and I can't help but wish we had gotten more of it, as well as some more conflict to keep the story moving along better, because it definitely dragged for me.

Griffin Rising's a mildly entertaining debut, and if Karchut loosens up her writing then I can see her becoming a great author. If you're in the market for a different spin on angels with a heavy romance, then maybe give Griffin Rising a try.

Plot: Interesting concept, but too much romance for me.
Characters: Pretty good.
Writing: Kind of stiff, but definitely not unbearably so. It wasn't bad.Ending: My favorite part! (Can't say anything without spoilers, though.)
Kid friendly? Yeah. There's some mild swearing and mentions of abuse, but nothing graphic.
Overall:
I'd be willing to stop reading this book for a conversation.
Griffin Rising was an interesting debut despite the flaws I found with it, but it didn't hold my attention for long periods of time, so I was able to put it down and talk to someone while in the middle of reading.