In an alternative universe Britain remains an island of mists, populated by Celtic tribes and governed by feudal hierarchy. Evolution has taken a different path and mythical beasts exist. Only noblemen’s sons are recruited into an elite troop known as the Griffin Riders. The best a nameless nobody like Neb can hope for is to become the equivalent of a stable lad.
But then his fate becomes entwined with the mischievous grey griffin Balkind, who everyone knows is trouble…and sure enough, Balkind disgraces himself on recruitment day and is rejected by Griffin Master Romulus. However, Neb is determined to change Romulus’ mind. Telling himself and anyone who will listen that Balkind deserves a second chance, Neb steals the beast and flies off on the adventure of a lifetime.
In his quest to re-unite the mischievous gryffant Balkind with the Griffin Master, Neb saves a Chieftain’s son’s life, encounters girls for the first time, and finds himself battling a demon for his very soul. He also discovers why baby griffins are known as cherubs, an alternative name for angels.
“The Griffin’s Boy” is a young adult fantasy adventure, a coming of age complete with first romance. However, parental guidance is recommended for younger readers, as this story contains some scenes of mild peril, and one of deadly violence.
A note from Julia: In the first Griffin Riders’ title, “The Griffin Cryer”, Frankie Shaunessy accidentally summons a griffin from a parallel universe. The griffin is followed into this world by his rider, who appears to be a very self-possessed young man. Despite the Rider’s arrogance, Frankie falls in love with the griffin, and is determined to help them both back to their own world. Readers wanted to know more about the mysterious Rider – this is his story. A couple of readers also wanted to know why griffins – why not, for example, dragons? The clue’s in my birthplace: I’m a Londoner, and griffins are the traditional guardians of London. In our world’s twin in a parallel universe, or if you prefer an alternative dimension, legend has it that baby griffins are called Cherubs, or baby angels: and so on Ella-Earth, together with their riders, griffins guard the ley-lines of power against demons and demonic interference.
