I received a digital galley, free, in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked Griffin Rising, the ending was not expected. I may not have enjoyed that ending as much if I had not known that that the story continued, if I didn't know that something was up. But I did, so it didn't sting as much. With this installment, I kind of knew what to expect, but not in the way that it all came together. I loved Griffin's Fire! Loved it! I liked it so much more than the first book! I wish that I could say exactly what it is that I loved about this book, but there really isn't one thing.
The story is an interesting take on angels. It's not the usual winged beings either fallen or earth-homed (yep made that word up). And it's not even that I don't like the winged angels, I do. But this is more boy-next-door type of story. Griffin is a teenager, and he is going through the normal teenage stuff with a whole lot more. He was created to be an earth-angel. also known as guardian angel. That is what he has been aiming to become since his arrival. When that gift and ability was taken from him, he was forced to become mortal. Not so easy when you are so very different and you know you were created for one purpose, so much so that it's etched into your bones. But Griffin, finally accepts his mortality and goes about making those adjustments.
Once he kind of gets into the swing of things, he starts to regain his lost abilities. Griffin makes some stomach-clenching awful mistakes. A lot of bad things/bad luck continues to happen to him. Now, he has the confidence to deal with. Yes, he thinks he has to do it alone. Yes, he is often a bratty teenage boy. Yes, he makes some stupid - really stupid- mistakes. He still has the ability to lose more than what he knows he can. But in the end, you still root for him. You want things to work out because he genuinely cares and he truly wants to do the right thing. I so enjoyed reading Griffin's Fire. I think it is worth checking out, and this is one that I will be recommending to everyone I can!

What's Next? Book 3: Griffin's Storm
5 Stars *****
Another favorite! ( )

GRIFFIN'S FIRE by Darby Karchut is a solid, engaging sequel in a wonderful series. Griffin is about to embark on one of the most terrifying journeys of his life – high school. Resigned to living his life as a human, Griffin not only has to worry about a math teacher who seems out to get him and his relationship with Katie but a new apprentice moving in to the house – Sergei, who clashes with Griffin like water on fire.

I still really like Griffin, and I think his stint as a human has allowed him to mature and grow in a way that staying a Terrae Angeli wouldn’t have. He seems to have a better appreciation for what he’s lost, and what he has in his relationships with Basil and Katie. A lot of that appreciation comes from having Sergei on the scene, too. Here is someone else who moves into the position with Basil that Griffin can no longer fill, and he begins to doubt Basil’s care. And of course Sergei has to hone in on Katie and manages to bully and blackmail Griffin in regards to their relationship. Sergei is one of those characters that I love to hate.

In GRIFFIN'S FIRE, Darby Karchut has Griffin trying to figure out where he fits in and navigate a world that has completely changed for him. And things aren’t calm now. Nicopolis is still out there somewhere, and he’s been experiencing some weird fluctuations with his powers – powers he’s not even supposed to have anymore. There are some great moments of introspection through the journal entries from Griffin, Basil and Katie, and the battle of words that Griffin and Sergei involve themselves in daily turns into an actual battle near the end, resulting in some tense moments for Basil and Griffin. This second book is quieter than the first (despite being named for the fire element). The ending seemed to come up quickly and be resolved without too much angst, but it has a good lead up to the third book to come, which I will definitely be waiting for. ( )

*Fangirl Squeal* Now that I got that out of my system, holy crapola! This book is awesome. I managed to read it so fast that once I got to the end I was mad at myself! I told myself to slow down and take it easy but instead, I kept devouring it as if I was starved.

What hooked me from the start is Griffin. This book picks up where the first one left off , where Griffin is getting into the swing of things. He is not used to certain things and has a hard time adjusting. I love how Ms. Karchut really lets the reader feels his emotions. Griffin's stress over his nightly nightmares, his girlfriend, his school and the new angel that his mentor took under his wing. I felt that jealousy like WOAH! I really like this part of the book cause the reader is able to feel and see his insecurities. But Basil, his is one amazing man. Even though he knew why Griffin was rebelling he stuck by him like if he was his own son.

The plot flows nicely as the reader goes through Griffin's day to day life. I like that the plot isn't just about Griffin but there is something bigger going on. An amazing thing happens to Griffin. With this new element, a whole new ball game out and ready to be played.

The love interest went through it stages and flowed nicely as well. I liked that despite what they went through, they went through it together and got through it. I can only hope that in the third book their love will continue to grow.

Griffin's Fire is an compelling read that leaves you so excited that you just want more. Like a roller coaster, you must get on again so you can enjoy the ride all over. Griffin's Fire is an amazing sequel you must read! ( )

Griffin's Fire by Darby Karchut is the follow up to Griffin Rising. This series follows a boy ex-angel named Griffin. He's been dealt a bad hand throughout his life. The only good things seem to be his mentor Basil and his girl friend, Katie. After losing not only his wings but also his purpose he's forced to face life as a human. To make matters worse he has to go to high-school.
Griffin goes through a lot of struggles in this book. He has to deal with the abrupt change in his life and the fear of losing Basil, the only person who has ever believed in him. He also struggles with finding his place now that he's no longer an angel. Darby Karchut really puts emotion into her books. I found myself really caring about the characters in this novel. Basil and Griffin have great chemistry together. Basil cares for Griffin. They have a wonderful friendship but Basil is more like a father to him. I love that Basil can be really easy going when he needs to be but also really tough. There are a lot of themes in this novel including forgiveness, acceptance, trust, jealousy, and love.
Overall this is a great series. It has warmth, emotion, and is full of depth. Darby Karchut pulls at my heartstrings and leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to read more about Griffin. If you've not read this series yet, you need to. I recommend it for middle grade readers and up. This is a great read for adults as well as kids. ( )

At the end of 2011, my bloggy boss asked me to put together a list of the best reads of the year. On that list was Darby Karchut’s Griffin Rising, and this year, book two in the on-going series will make the list! Griffin’s Fire is an exciting and somewhat tragic read that I absolutely could NOT put down.

Griffin’s Fire opens with a very angry and depressed Griffin, who has had his angelic powers stripped and is now facing life as a mere mortal. Sadly enough, this is not the only trial Griffin is facing. He’s also challenged with high school and algebra, a new Tiro Sergei moving into the house, and a girlfriend who is absolutely stoked about Griffin’s new mortal status. Too bad Griffin isn’t as stoked. (HA – stoked, fire!)

A delightful and extremely patient Basil tries his hardest to help Griffin adjust to his new reality, but the road is long and arduous, and Griffin is quite resistant to change. Griffin does his best to fit in at school, but trouble seems to follow the poor kid, and incident after incident (and detentions) piles up. The hits just keep on coming at home, too: Sergei is an arrogant butthole, and Griffin is forced to sit on the side lines while Basil and the butthole go out on mission after mission. For Griffin, the future is little more than a bleak existence, with his only hope coming from his intense desire to somehow, someway, and despite all the odds, earn back his angelic abilities.

The greatest strength of this book is its characters! Karchut literally had me sighing at each of the incidents in which Griffin found himself involved, hating the new Tiro and Nicopolis (oh yes, he’s back!), wanting to thump Basil on the head for not paying enough attention to Griffin, and wanting to slap Katie for being selfish, even if it is only in her diary. Additionally, the key moment in the book when everything changes for everyone had me obnoxiously cheering out loud, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Karchut has a knack for creating substantial characters in whom the reader can become absolutely invested. When you place these kinds of characters into a roller coaster plot, everything just gets better. Karchut has done just that. The plot line for this book is a fast-paced roller coaster ride and believe me, you will gladly strap yourself in and hold on for the ride. It’s OK if you squeal a little as well; roller coasters have been known to cause such behavior.

The bottom line: book one of this series was so good that I was afraid book two would not be able to live up to the high standards set by book one. (Do I really need to make an Alanis Morissette “Jagged Little Pill” reference here?) I needn’t have worried, as I am beyond impressed with book two! Karchut delivers once again with a smooth, exhilarating, and wild ride that has the reader hooked from the beginning. The plot, the characters, the writing, the pace, everything about this book is top notch. Overall, the series is perfectly appropriate for young adult readers, but I would encourage adult readers not to overlook this series because of its young adult classification. I highly recommend this book and its predecessor to anyone looking for, quite simply, a fantastic read.

Next up in the series is Griffin’s Storm: Book 3: Water. Can’t. Wait. ( )