Year of the Griffin

A hilarious fantasy sequel to The Dark Lord of Derkholm, set at the University after the ‘fantasy world’ tours have stopped, and centred around 6 students (one a Griffin) and the bumbling new University Head Wizard. From the ‘Godmother of Fantasy’, Diana Wynne Jones. The Year of the Griffin is the sequel to the Dark Lord of Derkholm, set in the same world several years after the abolition of commercial ‘fantasy world’ tourism from our world. The University now aims to produce competent wizards to repair the damage caused by the tours. It’s broke, and out of date in terms of what it teaches. The new head, Wizard Corkoran, is obsessed with becoming the first man to visit the moon so is mostly preoccupied, and the new faculty is mostly inexperienced. Wizard Corkoran has selected children from wealthy families to fill his own first-year classes, hoping to beg for money. But his students turn out to be more than he expected in oh-so-many ways, and despite the incompetence of their teacher, it falls to them to save the university… and themselves… The Year of the Griffin is a magical journey into a world of fantasy and adventure. This bestselling book by the acclaimed author, Diana Wynne Jones, is a must-read for all fans of science fiction and fantasy. The story is a perfect blend of magic, adventure, and humour, making it a delightful read for kids and adults alike. For fans of Katherine Rundell (Rooftoppers), Robin Stevens (The Ministry of Unladylike Activity 2), Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief), Cressida Cowell (Which Way Round the Galaxy), and Philip Pullman (The Secret Commonwealth).