Raising the Griffin [Hardcover]

Melissa Wyatt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 2004

What’s it really like to be a prince? To his horror, British schoolboy Alex Varenhoff finds out when the monarchy is restored in the tiny country of Rovenia.

“To see, to do, to prevail.” The motto of Rovenia stands for bravery and honor. But none of this matters to Alex Varenhoff. Though he was always aware of his tie to the ancient monarchy, Rovenia tossed out the Varenhoff dynasty long ago, when the Communists took over. But Rovenia now finds itself in need of the leadership of a king.

Alex must leave home in England and assume his role in Rovenia as . . . prince? He’s thrust into a life he was never raised for. Alex hates pomp and circumstance, and the hordes of screaming girls that wait everywhere. And this new life is dangerous, for there are Rovenians who oppose the monarchy. Becoming a true prince presents Alex with a heartbreaking challenge far beyond anything he ever expected, one of the greatest challenges that any Varenhoff has ever had to face.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up--Alex, a carefree 16-year-old British schoolboy, discovers suddenly that he is heir to the throne of Rovenia, a former Communist country. The monarchy has been restored and his father wants to return to his homeland to become king. Alex is understandably confused and resents having to leave his familiar life to study Rovenian history and learn his princely duties. He thoughtlessly becomes involved with a beautiful and titled jet-setter with her own agenda. Tragedy strikes in the form of an assassination attempt, forcing Alex to grow up, to admit that he has made serious mistakes, and to acknowledge his responsibility toward Rovenia's citizens. This is not a male version of Meg Cabot's "Princess Diaries" series (HarperCollins), despite its plot similarities. It is a darker, more realistic look at the perils of being a public figure who has to deal with death threats, the paparazzi, and hordes of rabid fans. There are no easy answers in this powerfully affecting novel that avoids cliché and the expected fairy-tale ending. The characters, while not always likable, are real and complex, even the secondary ones. This is a compulsively readable book that lingers in the mind long after the final page.--Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-12. British-born Alex Varenhoff discovers at the age of 16 that he's about to become the prince of his ancestral home--the fictional Rovenia--from which his family was exiled when the Communists took power. It seems that a majority of Rovenians now want their royal family back. Alex is a reluctant prince, however, and he is angry that he's being pulled from a world he understands and thrown into a new and confining existence. Adding to Alex's difficulties is a Eurotrash princess-in-exile, who romances him and then sells her story to the tabloids. It takes politically motivated violence and a serious injury for Alex to begin to finally accept his duty and destiny. Other recent stories about ordinary kids who discover their royal roots have played for laughs. In contrast, this serious, realistic debut novel will draw plenty of young readers with Alex's taut, first-person narration of his predicaments, as well as the detailed creation of a nonexistent yet totally plausible Eastern European country. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (January 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385730950
• ISBN-13: 978-0385730952
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,645,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Melissa Wyatt was born in York, Pennsylvania. In addition to writing, she has also worked as a sculptor and professional photographer. She lives with a bunch of men (husband and two sons.) For some reason she can't adequately explain, she still lives in York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The other side of teen royalty, February 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising the Griffin (Hardcover)

There seems to be a wave of royalty books for teenagers right now, most of which play for laughs. Wyatt comes at the subject from the opposite side, giving us a prince rather than a princess, and one who must seriously consider what his role means to the impoverished country that needs him.

Alex Varenhoff grew up in England, knowing that his family once ruled Rovenia, a former Soviet state. Now that Rovenia is independent once more, they call on Alex's dad to return as king. That makes Alex Prince Alexei and turns his life upside down. Alexei tries but is soon overwhelmed by the demands of public life. Let astray by a publicity seeking princess, his bad behavior puts his life in danger.

RAISING THE GRIFFIN is a suspenseful, thought-provoking look at what it's really like to be a prince.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Completely believable, January 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising the Griffin (Hardcover)

Wyatt's book takes a completely realistic look at the life of a prince. Alex Varenhoff has always known he was royalty -- his grandfather was the last in a long line of kings of Rovenia (a fictional former Soviet country). However, the monarchy was overthrown years ago (Think Anastasia). Now, Rovenia has decided to reinstate the monarchy, and 16-year-old Alex is next in line for the throne! Having become used to the ordinary life of a British commoner, Alex is none to thrilled with having to move into a dank Rovenian castle, take Rovenian history lessons with a sour-faced Baron deBatz, or be called Prince Alexei. But there are some advantages, including his friendship with Sophy, his new publicist's daughter, and a romance with the beautiful Princess Isabella. I think fans of THE PRINCESS DIARIES would probably enjoy this book if they're into the royalty thing. However, people who did *not* like PRINCESS DIARIES may prefer RAISING THE GRIFFIN because it is more realistic. A winner!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!!!, March 10, 2004

By 

"selkiekit" (Reston, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raising the Griffin (Hardcover)

This is the best book I have read in like a year. Alex/Alexei and the problems he faces are so real. You feel like you are right there with him. I hope there's going to be a sequel. I want to know what happens to Alexei and Sophy. Bring Sophy Back, Ms. Wyatt! I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read that will almost break your heart.