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Rachel Griffin #4

The Awful Truth About Forgetting

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What she knows, she dare not tell. Rachel Griffin should be having an amazing freshman year. She has the Princess of Magical Australia and crazy orphan Sigfried the Dragonslayer for friends and a handsome sorcerer boyfriend romancing her with charms magical and otherwise. But otherworldly forces conspire against those she loves. While all others can be made to forget the truth, Rachel cannot. When she runs afoul of the hidden force responsible for hiding these terrible secrets, Rachel must face her most desperate hour yet. This on top of winter fairies, missing friends, Yule gifts, flying practice, and a rampaging ogre…oh, and schoolwork. Then there is the matter of a certain undeniably attractive older boy…

452 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2017

22 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

L. Jagi Lamplighter

68 books120 followers


L. Jagi Lamplighter is a writer of fantasy and children's stories.  When not writing, she reverts to her secret ID where she lives in fairytale happiness with her husband, writer John C. Wright, and their four delightful children Orville, Ping-Ping, the Cherubim, and Justinian the Elf King.



For more information, see:



Prospero Lost:  A Writer's Odyssey -- an essay about how Prospero Lost came to be, the rigors of the writing life, negotiating the labyrinth of the publishing world, and the Great Agent Hunt.



All About The Wonder:  Why I Write Fantasy -- an essay about wonder and the real magic of life.


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5 stars
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31 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
3,317 reviews27 followers
January 9, 2018
WOw. That's about all I can say or type that makes any sense right now. THIS BOOK SERIES.

Ok, so proud moment, finally figured out who Leander is. Like Duh Jen! BUT. WHO is the Raven?!? And the Master of the World, who is he REALLY??

Disclaimer thingy: The author is coming to my store this month (if the weather holds, pleasepleaseplease) and I will be BOMBARDING her with questions and BEGGING for the next book in the series.

Because NEED NOW. This 5 star rating is not due to her visit, but because this book is just so incredibly awesome! I love the fast pace of it, seeing the characters grow in relationship to one another, the mystery of just what the heck is going on and how it's all going to end.

The book is clean, but there is some violence that could be scary to younger readers. I would say this is good for Middle Grade on up and for those who liked Harry Potter.

5, swoopy steeple-chaser, stars!
Profile Image for David.
Author 18 books399 followers
July 3, 2022
Okay, I have to be honest here. I'm pushing onward with this series because it is charming and cute in places and I really liked the first book, which was absolutely "What if Harry Potter was a girl going to an American wizarding school?" fan fiction with the serial numbers filed off. But... despite this being trade published (albeit through a very, very small press), the author seems to have fallen prey to the same tendency to bloat her work that actual fan fiction does. Each Rachel Griffin book is about 400 pages, and at the end of book four, we've covered.... the first semester of her freshman year.

Also, the worldbuilding takes a kitchen-sink approach to myths and magic, there are way too many characters, I can't keep track of all the storylines, and sometimes the writing is just not great.

That may sound harsh, but this series has very much fallen into the "guilty pleasure" category for me. Basically, see my reviews of earlier books in the series: the author based this series on an RPG campaign she and her husband play in (one of the most chaotic and annoying characters in the book is her husband's PC) and at times the story absolutely reads like an RPG session where the players are being munchkins and forcing the GM to make shit up on the fly.

The world of Rachel Griffin is, as I said, basically a Harry Potter-like wizarding world where the Wise keep their world hidden from the Unwary. Lady Rachel Griffin is the 13-year-old half-Korean daughter of the Duchess of Devon who also happens to be a witch. She is tiny, adorable, and has perfect recall (she can literally sift through her memories in a split-second like a living computer). She's phenomenally skilled with a broom and is supposedly destined to become the Librarian of All Worlds.

Does this sound like a Player Character or what?

For some reason, royalty from all over the world go to the Roanoke School of Magic in the U.S. So Rachel for the past three books has been sorting out a mystery she stumbled upon in the first book: what are "churches" and "angels"? See, in this world, everyone worships pagan gods and there's no such thing as Christianity (or Judaism or Islam, apparently). And my suspicion from book one has proven correct: just as wizards use magic to keep the Unwary from knowing about their world, some powerful force has made the entire world forget about the existence of, well, God.

Yes, it's that kind of series. Rachel is slowly unwrapping the Christian allegory, having made friends first with an Aslan-like lion, and now becoming friends with a being known as the Raven, who is actually the angel Jariel. She learns that her best friend's grandfather is a villainous being whom Rachel dubs "The Master of the World" after a villain from a Jules Verne novel, but an obvious allusion to Lucifer.

Rachel almost got sacrificed to Moloch in the last book. The world was once almost taken over by the Terrible Five, consisting of Simon Magus, Baba Yaga, Morgana Le Fay, Koschei the Deathless, and Aleister Crowley.

So the setting is kind of nuts, like a Marvel comic + Harry Potter + Narnia. But it's still fun if goofy. And yet so very long. And so very many side plots and minor characters making me go "Wait, who was this again and why do I care?"

Such advancement as occurs in this book consists of Rachel slowly learning more about the secret history of the world and her role in it. So far there has been no mention of the J-word, but Rachel is kinda sorta becoming devoted to a higher power that she doesn't fully conceptualize yet.

The action consists of her father losing his memories, and Rachel and her friends taking on an immortal ogre. And a few other things, but still, it's an awful lot of pages for relatively little passage of time.

And then there is a bunch of girly feelings treacle. Rachel looks to male authority figures to a degree that's a little uncomfortable, and would frankly be a little creepy if written by a male author. She bounces between her 16-year-old boyfriend and the 19-year-old BMOC for candidate Daddy replacement, before realizing that no, actually the angel Jariel should be "captain of her heart." There are a lot of scenes of either Gaius (the boyfriend) or Valiant Von Dread (yes, seriously), the BMOC, picking her up like a small child. It seems to be meant wholesomely (this isn't a Piers Anthony novel) but it's wholesome the way a Purity Ball is wholesome.

As a work of "unauthorized fan fiction," this is a fun if at times strangely creepy series. But if RPG tropes mixed with weird Christian allegory written in a very girly tone isn't your thing, you might find it offputting. I find it offputting, but I'm invested enough now that I want to see where the author is going to go.
Profile Image for Mary Catelli.
Author 54 books202 followers
December 15, 2017
Book 4. Spoilers ahead for the earlier ones!

Gaius brings Rachel, after a little contretemps, to Ouroboros Industries, where she learns interesting things, gets an unexpected honor, and meets with a second cousin who's suffered memory loss, up to her first lessons in mundane physics.

Back at school, life goes on. Vlad gives her a bracelet that lets her communicate with him and the rest of the inner circle. Nastasia and Zoe vanish -- and worse, then Nastasia comes back alone. And Siegfried and Nastasia are on the outs. A lecture about the history of Roanoke. An ogre with a charmed life. Ice-skating. Attacks during thunderstorms. And more discoveries about the nature of the world and the things that are hidden from the magical world. And many more complications.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 114 books209 followers
June 5, 2018
Delightful!

I have never read a series with more depth and detail woven together seemingly without effort. I cannot wait for the story to continue.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,677 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2018
I have decided that in spite of my dislike of several of the main characters, I continue to read this series because I enjoy the overall plot and want to find out its conclusion.

After mostly redeeming herself in book 3, once again I find myself disliking Rachel. Early on she seethes because someone faults her desire to "know everything." She exposes her immaturity in her belief that no one should have a different outlook on life. She's also fantasizing about boys as future husbands again. Get a grip; you're only 13.

In an earlier review I said I was mystified that adults did not seem to acknowledge Rachel's involvement in capturing the bad guys. This theory is blown away when Rachel is presented with a plaque and flowers from the head of Ouroboros Industries in gratitude for her help in apprehending a demon. Why her family members who were present apparently missed this is not addressed. A great-aunt of hers is at the ceremony but why she's at O.I. is either never explained or I forgot.

One of Rachel's self-professed greatest joys is to reveal secrets. This aspect of her personality makes her the last person that should be privy to confidential and dangerous information. She evidently doesn't understand that "secret" is something that is kept to oneself and not shared. She also seems to want to disclose information so that others will be in awe of her knowledge. Rather a selfish motive if you ask me (nobody did)

"The part of her that loved sharing secrets longed to see his face when she revealed the startling things she had discovered. In particular, the most shocking secret of all..."

Rachel finds out that the Prince she was trying to marry off to her sister Laurel was only kidding when he agreed to Rachel's suggestion. She's furious that she misinterpreted his intention. Not at herself for being gullible, mind you, but at him for taking advantage of her social ineptitude.

Then, and I find this really strange, instead of telling Laurel what she has discovered, Rachel goes off on her merry self-indulgent way. She totally fails in a situation where revealing knowledge might actually be helpful.

Rachel later meets with Laurel and discovers that Laurel had thought the Prince was joking so she does not feel misled. Additionally, Rachel is introduced to Laurel's real boyfriend. So why is Rachel still walking around with a chip on her shoulder regarding this misunderstanding on her part? Immature much?

Rachel's ability to withhold emotions to be dealt with at a later date is becoming overwhelming. She vents somewhat when staying at her sister Sandra's apartment in London. After another death defying incident, Rachel, Sandra and her parents return to said apartment. Why doesn't Rachel take advantage of her mother's close proximity to get help with this? Her mother is the one who warned her that frequent dissembling could be a two-edged sword. She is also who taught Rachel this tactic so logically might be able to help her.

The Princess is an enigma. She obviously does not feel compelled to go along with the club's unwritten tenet to share any and all information. Her loyalty seems strictly to adults, especially the dean, to whom she spills her guts at every opportunity. At one point she starts to say something about saving her friends from dying but catches herself before uttering the whole sentence.

Sigfried seems to be maturing, no doubt due to his level-headed girlfriend Valerie, although he and Rachel still share being adrenaline junkies.

Why are Joy and Salome even included as part of the inner circle? Neither seems to contribute much and Joy's adulation of Sigfried and the Princess is extremely annoying. Why is the lion Kitten's familiar? Kitten isn't a member of the club and is barely mentioned yet the lion has significant influence on what is happening.

Some jealous older female students taunt Rachel by saying that Gaius is only paying attention to her because he wants to join her father's organization. Um, no. Rachel's family is not in favor of her dating so I seriously doubt that wooing his youngest daughter is a way to curry favor with Agent Griffith. He would be better served to befriend Peter, Rachel's brother. Instead he apparently alienated him the previous school year.

Rachel's ladder of loyalty is another juvenile aspect of her personality. The Guardian raven is higher in the hierarchy than her father because Rachel is miffed that he hasn't made time to consult with her.
Later, due to her extreme stubbornness, her father actually has a portion of his memory removed. He knows the consequence of his action that causes this, yet his devotion to his youngest daughter makes him willing to undergo this punishment. It seems that then, and only then, does Rachel regret some of her actions and decisions.

The story is becoming very convoluted. Seemingly out of nowhere the Transylvanian king is a major player. I will need to read further to determine why.

OMG, would somebody please smack Rachel alongside the head? Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?
Once again she is experiencing a major hissy just because Gaius had the temerity to question why she couldn't go along with her father's (reasonable) request. Who in the hell is he to question a 13 year old girl and what she is experiencing? He knows nothing! Off with his head!

Much to my chagrin this story is not wrapped up in volume four. Five hasn't been published yet. There are very few authors that I like enough to keep track of new publications. Smart money says this isn't going to be one of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joanne G..
673 reviews35 followers
January 14, 2018
Rachel and her friends not only have to deal with the usual annoyances and restrictions of being freshmen, raging hormones, and teen angst, but they have the rather unusual drama of dealing with malevolent creatures, a rampaging ogre, and a troubling conspiracy.

As the series continues, I grow ever fonder of Rachel and her friends. I appreciate Ms. Lamplighter slowing showing Rachel growing from an obedient, mannerly girl to a rebellious, deceitful girl who justified her actions, to a young woman who is beginning to understand others' motivations and realizes her father's restrictions were protective ones done out of his love for her.
61 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2017
Put the vroom in vroomerang

Just fantastic. So much adventure packed into this book it's like a book of holding. As for young adult books this one beats Johns. Sorry John, your wife rocks this genre, step up your game. Always good when you have such excellent competition. This one feels like the best one of this series so far, so glad they keep getting better. Well done on the feelings of the youth and how much of a factor it plays during our young adult years. Also for absolutely crushing nihilism into paste for the awful rot it is. Superversive! Long live the Last Crusade!
Profile Image for Jeff Miller.
1,179 reviews202 followers
November 27, 2017
Just love this series. Really something different in the magical school genre. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for michael hooper.
671 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2018
Loved it

Fast paced with interesting characters that you instantly start rooting for. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out. I highly recommend this series
26 reviews
April 26, 2018
Another great story!!

What I like best about L. Jagi Lamplighter's books is that they entertain me. I can't wait for the next one.
82 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2017
This book I am terribly sad about. I was happy when I saw it was released, then realized that I had already read it - in review for Jagi - and thus cannot read it again for the first time. I will buy it, even though I have an early copy, because I love this whole series and will probably read it again. There is a certain happiness that she generates, on nearly every page. I just adore the characters and the world. I can only wait, patiently, for L. Jagi Lamplighter to write more books, as I have read them all.

1,432 reviews25 followers
August 9, 2019
Rachel is determined to fight against the demons invading her world---if anyone could figure out how. But she's also struggling with the betrayal of one of her closest friends, and the things she remembers that everyone else forgets. Ordinary magical school life once again mingles with an adventure that could determine the fate of the world.

I like that Rachel is learning physics from Gaius. I also like the growing relationship with Vlad and the Knights---and how Rachel is now a key figure for Vlad as well.

“We are defending the world,” replied Vlad, firmly. “I am not certain that all we do keeps the entire world from spinning off into chaos. But, on the other hand, I am not sure it doesn’t. Why would I take the risk?”


And the humor is, as always, spectacular. Sigfried takes another easy first place with his many quotable moments.

“Siggy! Come and meet me in the gym. I’ve had a most superior idea! Come see!” Rachel spoke into her calling card.
“I can’t. We’re locked in.” Sigfried sounded petulant, as if the security measures had been designed to personally stop him. “Lucky and I are burrowing through the basement floor with flaming acid. But we won’t be out for another hour or two.”


The revelation of one of the major villains was a very nice surprise. Rachel can't tell anyone who could help, because that would mean showing that she's aware of something she should have forgotten. Rachel is also starting to run into real trouble due to her relationship with Jariel. Her trust in him is pitting her against those she loves, who still see him as an enemy.

Overall this was a fantastic fourth book, and given the secrets revealed by the end, I hope the next will not take long to arrive. I rate this book Highly Recommended.

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
Profile Image for mirba.
880 reviews26 followers
January 31, 2018
Nothing much to add to the other reviews. I liked it, it works good, while it has a Harry potterish theme, the characters and topics are pretty different and will follow it while it gets published.
Profile Image for Bryanna.
19 reviews
Read
December 17, 2017
Great!

I am Definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book. The raven has more secrets to share.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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