The Rise of the Black Wolf (Grey Giffin, Book 2) [Paperback]

Derek Benz (Author), J. S. Lewis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2007

In THE RISE OF THE BLACK WOLF Max and his fellow Grey Griffins, Ernie, Harley, and Natalia, set off on another extraordinary adventure - traveling to Scotland to visit Max's dad for the winter holidays. It doesn't take long before strange things start to happen to the four kids while they explore Mr. Sumner's ancient castle. Once again, the Grey Griffins must do battle with the forces of evil - Fireball Pixes, Werewolves, and Morgan the Black Witch. But when Max's dad disappears, it's up to the Grey Griffins to rescue him, with the help of Knights of Templar!

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: SCHOLASTIC (2007)
• ISBN-10: 0545019761
• ISBN-13: 978-0545019767
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,945,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non-stop adventure and excitement bombard the likable heroes throughout the pages, June 5, 2007

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rise of the Black Wolf (Grey Griffins, Book 2) (Hardcover)

Eleven-year-old Grayson Maximillian Sumner III, or Max, used to believe he led a boring life in an ordinary town. But ever since he discovered an ancient book called THE CODEX in his grandmother's attic, life has spun into an unbelievable adventure. He has learned that he is related to King Arthur and part of an elite group called The Templar Knights, whose members are devoted to protecting the world against evil. Max's new job is Guardian of the Codex, and it's no small task. However, he does have three best friends to help, and together the Grey Griffins, as they call themselves, bravely face all sorts of scary creatures like goblins, bone crunchers and fireball pixies.

As Christmas approaches, the Grey Griffins receive an invitation to visit Scotland where Max's rich dad lives. They expect awesome gifts and a peaceful vacation from school, but they're only half right. The Scottish castle is stocked full of amazing comic books, a unicorn Ferris wheel, go-carts and a racing track, a pool-sized aquarium and unending amounts of yummy things to eat. However, the trip is in no way relaxing. Before they even get to Scotland, their plane is attacked by Kobolds, soldiers of the Black Witch. Thanks to Logan, Max's bodyguard and member of the Templar Knights, they manage to escape and make it safely to the castle.

Of course the Grey Griffins have to explore the castle, and the very first night they sneak off into the darkness. They discover a hidden room filled with unexplainable artifacts, including a painting of King Arthur's son holding the Spear of Ragnarok, made at the same time and out of the same material as the famous sword Excalibur. They also find a secret map of the castle property, with one spot marked as The Witching Well. The Grey Griffins aren't aware of the important roles that these items will play in their near future.

All too soon, another attack descends, this time by the Black Wolf Society, an army of indestructible werewolves. Once again, they barely escape with their lives, taking refuge in the Templar Library where they finally learn what they're up against. The Black Witch and the Black Wolf Society have kidnapped Max's father. In return for his life, they want the Spear of Ragnarok with which they can rule the world. According to a prophesy, only a boy guarding the Codex will be able to find the three parts of the spear and reassemble them --- and Max is that person. He and the Grey Griffins set out to save his dad, but they have no idea of the obstacles they will have to face nor do they know about the evil spies hidden amongst them.

Fans who have eagerly awaited this sequel to THE REVENGE OF THE SHADOW KING will not be disappointed. Non-stop adventure and excitement bombard the likable heroes throughout the pages. Vivid descriptions will put readers right next to Max and his friends as they fight for peace and freedom. And it's not over yet, as a third book is lined up for the Grey Griffins. Authors Derek Benze and J. S. Lewis have delivered another winner!

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Grey Griffins series, April 3, 2007

By 

L. Graham "Orion" (Bloomington, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rise of the Black Wolf (Grey Griffins, Book 2) (Hardcover)

The Grey Griffins series if packed full of mystery, suspense and fantasy. Although rated appropriate for 9-12 year olds, parents might want to consider the higher age range. The books are fascinating however the types of monsters and violent actions the Griffins go through I feel may not be appropriate for younger readers. It's a series I think kids will enjoy but parents should use caution.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cameron from Lake Tapps says,"Awesome book!", November 30, 2009

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Rise of the Black Wolf (Grey Griffins, Book 2) (Hardcover)

The Rise of the Black Wolf

Are you interested in a book filled with action, mystery and non-stop surprises? If so, you must read The Rise of the Black Wolf. If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy the first and second book as well.
It starts with the Griffins which are the four main characters and one is the guardian of a book called the Codex Spitrus. So the Griffins go and have a snowball fight when they find a symbol on the ground and their friend Iver tells them it's the Black Wolf society symbol. They are evil. The good guys are the Templars, they are like knights, but better. The four main characters names are Max, Natalie, Harley, and Ernie. My favorite is Max. If you also like magic there are faries and the Codex Spitrus can trap the faries in the book forever. There is someone else who is really cool and his name is Vlad Dracula. He is different from Dracula because he doesn't drink blood and his full name is Prince Vlad Dracula. He is with the good guys and is their best man. With a sword and the speed of light he is very powerful. About in the middle Max and his friends get to go to his dad's house and boy is he rich. If you read it it seams he has a trillion dollars, but he turns out being bad. He is actually a commander to the Black Wolves.
I think my favorite part in the book was when Max is trying to recover the spear of Raganock to destroy the bad guys. The spear is the most powerful weapon in the world. It stands for doomsday and could destroy a country in a blink of an eye. If the black wolves get it it could be the end, but I don't want to give it away.
From this book I think I learned to listen to your elders because Max almost got himself killed and so did his friends about four times. So I would listen to your elders if I were you.

I thought this book was great so I'm going to give it five stars.