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Hale: The Rise of the Griffins
After a desperate escape attempt from his kidnapper, sixteen-year-old Hale is thrust into the brutal world of magic that his sister had tried to protect him from.
Here, in the violent Land of Griffins, Hale learns he is anything but normal. He is in fact a griffin who has pretty amazing talents. As Hale grows close to the Griffin Leader, Bayo, he can't deny their connection. However, Hale is unaware of the dark plans Bayo has in store for him....as well as who they truly are to one another.
In Hale: The Rise of the Griffins, readers discover a diverse fantasy world with four unique nations and cultures. The novel is broken into short stories that follow a different set in the cast bringing the reader into fun adventures in every chapter. This unique magic system is unlike anything in fantasy literature today. Hale: The Rise of the Griffins is an anti-chosen-one story that addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with one’s mistakes.
Here, in the violent Land of Griffins, Hale learns he is anything but normal. He is in fact a griffin who has pretty amazing talents. As Hale grows close to the Griffin Leader, Bayo, he can't deny their connection. However, Hale is unaware of the dark plans Bayo has in store for him....as well as who they truly are to one another.
In Hale: The Rise of the Griffins, readers discover a diverse fantasy world with four unique nations and cultures. The novel is broken into short stories that follow a different set in the cast bringing the reader into fun adventures in every chapter. This unique magic system is unlike anything in fantasy literature today. Hale: The Rise of the Griffins is an anti-chosen-one story that addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with one’s mistakes.
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2021
10 people are currently reading
6701 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Noble
1 book52 followersJ.K. Noble is the author and illustrator of the Hale series, including Hale: The Rise of the Griffins and Hale: The Prophet's Journal. A multi-talented artist, she created the Hale Extraordinary Collection trading cards, which bring characters from her books to life. Noble also hosts the podcast Pen's Sorcery, where she explores storytelling in the fantasy genre. Beyond her creative work, she founded the J.K. Noble Humanity Foundation, dedicated to providing free recreational books to public schools. Noble’s dedication to art, literature, and community makes her a significant presence in young adult literature and beyond.
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Share your review of the Hale series, and as a thank-you, you’ll receive a free Hale graphic T-shirt! Just post your review, then direct message @jknobleauthor on social media to claim your gift. Don’t miss this chance to represent Hale in style!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 27, 2021
Hale: The Rise of the Griffins by JK Noble is fantasy fiction set around four nations, diverse cultures, and a multitude of characters. Bayo, a Griffin elder, wants to do everything possible to set his people free. However, his ambitious plans come at the price of sacrificing his family. On the other hand, we have Hale who is confused all along the way about his purpose in life. He is bruised, battered, and defeated after the deaths of his family members. But what remains to be seen is how the 16-year-old will find his way out of the web of lies and deceit.
The book explores multiple themes including family values, betrayal, brotherhood, friendships, and more with subtle finesse. Replete with magic and more human-like elements, this book turns out to be entertaining. While the imagination of the author presents itself through the power-packed storyline, I was surprised by the development of the plot that left me wanting more. The writing surely had some magic for it brings alive the characters and their interactions.
Capable of providing an immersive reading experience to its readers, Hale does a good job at connecting the different worlds altogether. Moreover, the seamless description of the parallel storylines eased me. Despite this, I found it a bit difficult to keep track of several characters. While each of them had a role to play and a story to tell, I found it uneasy to keep up with the pace because of the crowd. Nonetheless, Hale is a story that deserves to be read for its anti-chosen-one story that addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with one’s mistakes.
The book explores multiple themes including family values, betrayal, brotherhood, friendships, and more with subtle finesse. Replete with magic and more human-like elements, this book turns out to be entertaining. While the imagination of the author presents itself through the power-packed storyline, I was surprised by the development of the plot that left me wanting more. The writing surely had some magic for it brings alive the characters and their interactions.
Capable of providing an immersive reading experience to its readers, Hale does a good job at connecting the different worlds altogether. Moreover, the seamless description of the parallel storylines eased me. Despite this, I found it a bit difficult to keep track of several characters. While each of them had a role to play and a story to tell, I found it uneasy to keep up with the pace because of the crowd. Nonetheless, Hale is a story that deserves to be read for its anti-chosen-one story that addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with one’s mistakes.
August 28, 2023
What an interesting fantasy read. I loved this unique and diverse fantasy world that the author created and loved how it had four different nations all with different cultures. I also really liked the magic system in this one. Overall this was a really good, enjoyable read. I have never read a book quite like this one.
Read this if you like:
📖 Unique magic systems
📖 Anti-chosen one
📖 Descriptive writing style
If you are looking for a fantasy read that targets ages 13-17 check this one out!
Read this if you like:
📖 Unique magic systems
📖 Anti-chosen one
📖 Descriptive writing style
If you are looking for a fantasy read that targets ages 13-17 check this one out!
April 9, 2022
Hale: the Rise of the Griffins
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to the author for sending me a free digital copy to review!
From the first page on, I was really intrigued by this book. The concept is unlike any story I’ve ever read. I thought that the fictional world and magic system were super unique.
I didn’t necessarily love the writing style, but the imagery and the way the author can describe a scenery was lovely. The world-building was wonderful and I could picture everything perfectly.
I do think the world was a lot to take in at once, and at some points the story felt rushed. The first quarter of the book I had no clue what was going on.
Something that added up to my confusion was the amount of characters. Every few chapters we would follow a different set of people, and I felt like they were not connected with each other in any way. The characters’ paths don’t intertwine much and it was difficult to keep track of every person.
The names of the characters were all very unique, but I felt like there were just random combinations of letters thrown at me and I could not remember any of them. I also found myself unable to really connect with the characters, probably because there were so many. We didn’t really get to know any characters in depth, we only got bits and pieces of everyone. I would love it if in the future books we would get to learn more about each characters backstory, especially about the Elders, since their history goes back centuries.
I think the author wanted to tell much more story than a 300-page book could fit, but considering this is her debut novel I was still pleasantly surprised. I liked certain elements about the story, I just think there were too many.
If you are a fan of complicated fantasy novels that include lots of magic, I would definitely recommend you check it out. I’m looking forward to the author’s future works!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to the author for sending me a free digital copy to review!
From the first page on, I was really intrigued by this book. The concept is unlike any story I’ve ever read. I thought that the fictional world and magic system were super unique.
I didn’t necessarily love the writing style, but the imagery and the way the author can describe a scenery was lovely. The world-building was wonderful and I could picture everything perfectly.
I do think the world was a lot to take in at once, and at some points the story felt rushed. The first quarter of the book I had no clue what was going on.
Something that added up to my confusion was the amount of characters. Every few chapters we would follow a different set of people, and I felt like they were not connected with each other in any way. The characters’ paths don’t intertwine much and it was difficult to keep track of every person.
The names of the characters were all very unique, but I felt like there were just random combinations of letters thrown at me and I could not remember any of them. I also found myself unable to really connect with the characters, probably because there were so many. We didn’t really get to know any characters in depth, we only got bits and pieces of everyone. I would love it if in the future books we would get to learn more about each characters backstory, especially about the Elders, since their history goes back centuries.
I think the author wanted to tell much more story than a 300-page book could fit, but considering this is her debut novel I was still pleasantly surprised. I liked certain elements about the story, I just think there were too many.
If you are a fan of complicated fantasy novels that include lots of magic, I would definitely recommend you check it out. I’m looking forward to the author’s future works!
March 14, 2022
I really wanted to like this book, but the amount of flaws I found in it truly upset me. This book has a good concept that it seems to forget about due to having so many elements.
I really enjoyed the main character, but he never really feels like the main character. So many other things are going on in the book with so, so, many characters that multiple chapters will go by before we even hear about our main character again. I understand that we are suppose to get 4 different stories in this book and I think that’s were the problem lies. If we only had the story of Hale and his relationship with Carly, Bayo and even Greon I think this would’ve been a great book. We could’ve gotten a lot more backstory for all of those characters. Since all of them have such strong ties of Hale it would have flowed really nicely.
What we end up with is clunky writing that tries to cover far to much ground which is completely unnecessary. It not only makes the story hard to follow, but it makes everything that the characters do seem chaotic. Anything good that happens to anyone seems undeserved and anything bad isn’t set up enough to make sense. It really pains me how much this book shoots itself in the foot from being all over the place. I’d loved to have a story that is truly just about Hale and his growth, relationships and coming to terms with being a Griffin. Which this story could have been if it didn’t want to become a thousand things at once instead.
I really enjoyed the main character, but he never really feels like the main character. So many other things are going on in the book with so, so, many characters that multiple chapters will go by before we even hear about our main character again. I understand that we are suppose to get 4 different stories in this book and I think that’s were the problem lies. If we only had the story of Hale and his relationship with Carly, Bayo and even Greon I think this would’ve been a great book. We could’ve gotten a lot more backstory for all of those characters. Since all of them have such strong ties of Hale it would have flowed really nicely.
What we end up with is clunky writing that tries to cover far to much ground which is completely unnecessary. It not only makes the story hard to follow, but it makes everything that the characters do seem chaotic. Anything good that happens to anyone seems undeserved and anything bad isn’t set up enough to make sense. It really pains me how much this book shoots itself in the foot from being all over the place. I’d loved to have a story that is truly just about Hale and his growth, relationships and coming to terms with being a Griffin. Which this story could have been if it didn’t want to become a thousand things at once instead.
February 21, 2024
I just couldn't get into the storyline
May 26, 2021
✨✨✨Book review✨✨✨
My ratings - 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚Hale: the rise of the Griffins by @jknobleauthor
📚Hale, a sixteen-year-old, joined the world of sorcery, and his sister tried everything she could to shield him from it, but she failed.
Hale was unaware, however, that Bayo was plotting anything against him.📚
📚The tale takes place in a cruel fantasy world where the villains, the cold-hearted Griffins, are ready to carry out their evil schemes. Another character in the story is Gayo, the Griffins' king, who forms a strong bond with Hale, but Hale is completely unaware of Bayo's evil ideas and betrayal mentality. Readers will experience companionship, confidence, friendship, and unfaithfulness in this extraordinary strong fiction. Select this charismatic book to see something truly amazing, as it is both inspirational and entertaining.📚
📚I enjoy reading literature, and this is one of the most interesting and well-written stories I've ever read. The author has done an excellent job of developing the story's context and introducing the characters. The storytelling is extremely special and intriguing; the book is divided into short stories, and believe me when I say that with each new page and chapter, there is a new trail of fun and adventure to be discovered.📚
📚The plot is very exciting and mystical. The narration is advanced, with many interesting details to learn about the magical world. It comes highly recommended.📚
😊In the end I want to appreciate the work of author and I also want to thank author that they give me such a amazing book for reading 🙏🙏
My ratings - 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚Hale: the rise of the Griffins by @jknobleauthor
📚Hale, a sixteen-year-old, joined the world of sorcery, and his sister tried everything she could to shield him from it, but she failed.
Hale was unaware, however, that Bayo was plotting anything against him.📚
📚The tale takes place in a cruel fantasy world where the villains, the cold-hearted Griffins, are ready to carry out their evil schemes. Another character in the story is Gayo, the Griffins' king, who forms a strong bond with Hale, but Hale is completely unaware of Bayo's evil ideas and betrayal mentality. Readers will experience companionship, confidence, friendship, and unfaithfulness in this extraordinary strong fiction. Select this charismatic book to see something truly amazing, as it is both inspirational and entertaining.📚
📚I enjoy reading literature, and this is one of the most interesting and well-written stories I've ever read. The author has done an excellent job of developing the story's context and introducing the characters. The storytelling is extremely special and intriguing; the book is divided into short stories, and believe me when I say that with each new page and chapter, there is a new trail of fun and adventure to be discovered.📚
📚The plot is very exciting and mystical. The narration is advanced, with many interesting details to learn about the magical world. It comes highly recommended.📚
😊In the end I want to appreciate the work of author and I also want to thank author that they give me such a amazing book for reading 🙏🙏
December 22, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5
This was an enjoyable book, a light read that you can finish in one sitting on a lazy Sunday afternoon in winters. Yes, it is that book. I enjoyed reading it, and it was well written. The multiple POVs and multiple settings makes you eager to know how and when all of this will play out, and I really, really, wanted to know.
The world building of this book was quite amazing. It was vivid, large, and a high fantasy one. But it could have been explained a bit more clearly. I hope to see more world building in the next book, as I am totally intrigued by the really cool with griffins with abilities, ancient ancestors, tribal connections, and this is literally the best part of any book!
The Characters were...okay. I didn't relate to Hale that much, honestly, but the other ones? I was totally in. But their personalities were kind of not-so-clear.
Apart from it, writing, and plot were fantastic! I loved it. The writing was what made me continue the book when the plot was going a bit slow. Yes, the plot was a bit slow at times. But as I said earlier, the multiple POVs working out were hard to leave. The ending was totally worth it, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Well, the writing pulled me in, the plot made me stay, and the world building made me dive into it.
P.S: I had written a review for this one, and I just saw that it wasn't there. I don't know, maybe it got deleted?😭
This was an enjoyable book, a light read that you can finish in one sitting on a lazy Sunday afternoon in winters. Yes, it is that book. I enjoyed reading it, and it was well written. The multiple POVs and multiple settings makes you eager to know how and when all of this will play out, and I really, really, wanted to know.
The world building of this book was quite amazing. It was vivid, large, and a high fantasy one. But it could have been explained a bit more clearly. I hope to see more world building in the next book, as I am totally intrigued by the really cool with griffins with abilities, ancient ancestors, tribal connections, and this is literally the best part of any book!
The Characters were...okay. I didn't relate to Hale that much, honestly, but the other ones? I was totally in. But their personalities were kind of not-so-clear.
Apart from it, writing, and plot were fantastic! I loved it. The writing was what made me continue the book when the plot was going a bit slow. Yes, the plot was a bit slow at times. But as I said earlier, the multiple POVs working out were hard to leave. The ending was totally worth it, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Well, the writing pulled me in, the plot made me stay, and the world building made me dive into it.
P.S: I had written a review for this one, and I just saw that it wasn't there. I don't know, maybe it got deleted?😭
August 29, 2023
Many people will contribute to changes brewing in Malphora.
Hale and his older sister, Carly, have just escaped from their kidnapper, only for Carly to meet her tragic end. Hale accidentally loses his amulet, the only thing left of his family, and is transported into Malphora, where Griffins and much more roam. Mary, another griffin, tries to bond with the reincarnation of her lost love, River, who just happened to be Hale's best friend. Ellionna, the vessel of the siren, has just been banished from her tribe after accidentally murdering two boys with her voice, and now she's trying to find herself. Marcus, the prophet of the griffins, helps with a problem in the Bimmoran kingdom that could impact all of the worlds in existence. How will each of these characters cope with the changes that could affect every one of these lives?
It's a fantasy novel with a dash of dark sides.
This book takes place in the fantasy world called Malphora, where many mythical creatures live. The worldbuilding of this book was rich and engaging. There were a lot of details of the places taking place in the story. I wouldn't want to go to Malphora because of a lot of violence and dangerous, bloodthirsty creatures ruling the place. Though, with many people changing the perspective in the story, it took a lot of work to keep track of what was going on. On the bright side, it was incredible how they transformed into griffins and the powers.
Hale is a perceptive and intelligent character. He can notice many things about a person with just a glance. Carly was a protective big sister. Mary was a cunning girl. Ellionna is kind-hearted and a little tragic due to her situation. Marcus had great powers and was also intelligent.
Under the magical world, this book tackles the theme of family values and friendships. The cliffhanger was a little too rushed, and I'm not too fond of rushed endings of books, series, or movies.
Give this book to any YA fantasy lovers who like multiple short stories that fold into one.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @jknobleauthor, for sending me this book, won via a Goodreads giveaway.
Hale and his older sister, Carly, have just escaped from their kidnapper, only for Carly to meet her tragic end. Hale accidentally loses his amulet, the only thing left of his family, and is transported into Malphora, where Griffins and much more roam. Mary, another griffin, tries to bond with the reincarnation of her lost love, River, who just happened to be Hale's best friend. Ellionna, the vessel of the siren, has just been banished from her tribe after accidentally murdering two boys with her voice, and now she's trying to find herself. Marcus, the prophet of the griffins, helps with a problem in the Bimmoran kingdom that could impact all of the worlds in existence. How will each of these characters cope with the changes that could affect every one of these lives?
It's a fantasy novel with a dash of dark sides.
This book takes place in the fantasy world called Malphora, where many mythical creatures live. The worldbuilding of this book was rich and engaging. There were a lot of details of the places taking place in the story. I wouldn't want to go to Malphora because of a lot of violence and dangerous, bloodthirsty creatures ruling the place. Though, with many people changing the perspective in the story, it took a lot of work to keep track of what was going on. On the bright side, it was incredible how they transformed into griffins and the powers.
Hale is a perceptive and intelligent character. He can notice many things about a person with just a glance. Carly was a protective big sister. Mary was a cunning girl. Ellionna is kind-hearted and a little tragic due to her situation. Marcus had great powers and was also intelligent.
Under the magical world, this book tackles the theme of family values and friendships. The cliffhanger was a little too rushed, and I'm not too fond of rushed endings of books, series, or movies.
Give this book to any YA fantasy lovers who like multiple short stories that fold into one.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @jknobleauthor, for sending me this book, won via a Goodreads giveaway.
August 11, 2023
“Hale: The Rise of the Griffins” by JK Noble is an exciting, dramatic YA novel fantasy fans will adore. Hale is sixteen and finds himself in the middle of the world of magic, after having escaped a kidnapping. His sister tried to protect him from this world, but he had no idea how unforgiving the Land of Griffins was. While there, he discovers he isn’t like other teens. He’s a griffin too, capable of awe-inspiring skills. Bayo is the leader of the Griffins, and he and Hale grow closer, but Hale has no idea of the nefarious plot Bayo has hatched for him. Will the truth of who they are come out?
This unique novel is actually multiple short stories folded into one, yet still related to one another. The rich world-building is quite evident as you will meet and enjoy various cultures and countries in this arena. Magic and a myriad of diverse characters come to life in this unique book. You will find yourself immersed in the lives of Hale, Bayo, Marcus, Felix, Greon, Elliona, Robin, Rioma, and Mary, and the worlds they live in, and will anxiously experience the unfolding of the plot.
There are universal themes that you can relate to on a personal level, like stressful family relations, discovering one’s purpose, coming of age, and acknowledging mistakes. This award-winning novel will make you want to read more from this author, and the good news is that there is more. If you look for depth of character and story, while exploring new worlds, especially the detailed world of magic, this book will more than satisfy.
This story is imaginative and clever, allowing you to become absorbed in the reading starting with the first pages of Hale and Carly’s time in the cellar, which ranges from horrifying to heartbreaking. The dialogue is fresh, and the writing is lyrical and intricate. Hale is a truly original, well-crafted main character. Also, Bayo is a thoroughly bad villain. If you like dynamic fantasy novels that aren’t afraid to go to the dark side at times, “Hale: The Rise of the Griffins” by JK Noble is a must-read.
This unique novel is actually multiple short stories folded into one, yet still related to one another. The rich world-building is quite evident as you will meet and enjoy various cultures and countries in this arena. Magic and a myriad of diverse characters come to life in this unique book. You will find yourself immersed in the lives of Hale, Bayo, Marcus, Felix, Greon, Elliona, Robin, Rioma, and Mary, and the worlds they live in, and will anxiously experience the unfolding of the plot.
There are universal themes that you can relate to on a personal level, like stressful family relations, discovering one’s purpose, coming of age, and acknowledging mistakes. This award-winning novel will make you want to read more from this author, and the good news is that there is more. If you look for depth of character and story, while exploring new worlds, especially the detailed world of magic, this book will more than satisfy.
This story is imaginative and clever, allowing you to become absorbed in the reading starting with the first pages of Hale and Carly’s time in the cellar, which ranges from horrifying to heartbreaking. The dialogue is fresh, and the writing is lyrical and intricate. Hale is a truly original, well-crafted main character. Also, Bayo is a thoroughly bad villain. If you like dynamic fantasy novels that aren’t afraid to go to the dark side at times, “Hale: The Rise of the Griffins” by JK Noble is a must-read.
March 31, 2022
My teenage son made me purchase this book at Barnes and Noble. I read all the five and four-star editorial reviews, and it seemed incredible! I figured I’d get one too to have something to bond over with him. I usually read adult fantasy books like The Games of Thrones by George R.R Martine.
I tell you, I was impressed with this book. It engaged me as well as it did my son.
If you're looking for a boring book about one character and his journey, this one isn't it. I felt like I was at the movies watching an epic film. It's a fantasy book with very intricate world-building and a map to follow for fantasy world lovers like me, and my son also loved it. I appreciate the ease of reading that JK Noble has administered in this novel. I didn't have to break my head to overthink. My son also completely understood everything with ease. It's full of heartbreak, action, suspense, and a killer ending that leaves you with a thirst for more. It's defiantly not for the faint of heart. There was a bit of violence that my son appreciated and no sexual content, which the wife very much appreciated.
It's been a few days since we both finished the book, and my son still goes back and forth discussing the characters and guessing what is going to happen next.
I tell you, I was impressed with this book. It engaged me as well as it did my son.
If you're looking for a boring book about one character and his journey, this one isn't it. I felt like I was at the movies watching an epic film. It's a fantasy book with very intricate world-building and a map to follow for fantasy world lovers like me, and my son also loved it. I appreciate the ease of reading that JK Noble has administered in this novel. I didn't have to break my head to overthink. My son also completely understood everything with ease. It's full of heartbreak, action, suspense, and a killer ending that leaves you with a thirst for more. It's defiantly not for the faint of heart. There was a bit of violence that my son appreciated and no sexual content, which the wife very much appreciated.
It's been a few days since we both finished the book, and my son still goes back and forth discussing the characters and guessing what is going to happen next.
July 24, 2023
Ellionna is a spirit who cannot control her power. Her journey is one that I related with. The themes mentioned in the book Hale who faces manipulation, Marcus who faces racism, and Ellionna who faces self acceptance were all inspiring and beautifully thought out. I also love how this book isn’t just another vampire/werewolf/witch story that we often find in YA fantasy. It has an original world, magic system, objects, lands, and creatures. Not to mention, an original way of writing which kept me captivated and excited to find what each new chapter held. I’ve been seeing a lot of other reviews about there being too many characters and not liking the book structure. But after reading it, I realized that this isn’t true. I found it easy to follow along because Noble’s writing was so easy to follow and so immersive. It took me 3 days to read. I loved the map, and after looking more into it I found out that the author is actually the artist behind all the Hale artwork as well. I love how the author didn’t just put love into the writing, but into the artwork. The well drawn map is one of my favorite things about this book because I could follow along as I read and get a visual of where everything is taking place and the distances between everything. I see that there are some lands we haven’t discussed yet which makes me even more excited for book 2. The cliffhanger ending has me thinking that we will soon be visiting these places. I haven’t been this interested in a book for years. This is why I’m choosing to give this book a 5/5 rating. I recommended this to all genuine lovers of real fantasy. This isn’t a gushy love triangle book, this is a story with substance.
February 5, 2024
I received this book as a give-away on Good Reads. There were elements of the story I enjoyed, however more character and story development were needed. There were a lot of characters and their stories included in this book, but you never got to know the main characters. There was just too much going on for a 275 page book. The book was also confusing at times due to the organization. I did enjoy the ending and the writing itself was good, the book doesn't seem to be completely developed.
February 27, 2024
I had the luxury of getting a signed first addition from J.K. Noble before her book hit shelves in 2021. Now I'm dying for the follow up! It's a great read. I love the characters and their separate origins, but just the entire book keeps you wanting to read. Fantasy at its finest and I look forward to reading what's in store for Hale and the rest of the Griffin when the next book hits the shelf. I'm telling you, if you like fantasy, sci-fi. This is the book you have to read.
July 20, 2023
Honestly, starting this book, I was a bit apprehensive as I wasn't entirely sure if I'd like it, but from the first page, it grabbed me and I was hooked on finding out the secrets each character had and what would happen next. I was also a bit apprehensive regarding the writing style as it had a different feel from most of the other books I read, but I ended up finding it refreshing and it only added to my appreciation of the book overall. My biggest complaint after reading it was that the sequel isn't out yet!
April 27, 2022
My 10 year old bought this book at the mall. It seemed like something he would enjoy. He absolutely loved it! He can’t wait for the sequel. We would definitely recommend this book to everyone. You won’t be disappointed!
December 2, 2023
What a wonderful enticing book! The little excerpt on the back piqued my interest immediately and boy did the writing hold up! Lovely
May 16, 2023
This was a very interesting book. It seems to be a combination of stories and it is not clear how they join together. The characters are interesting although a couple of times they seem to leap ahead in time. I liked the myth and the magic.
I think with some more detail about the background of the characters and how they connect together that this could be an amazing series.
Thank you to the author who provided this book through Voracious Readers Only.
I think with some more detail about the background of the characters and how they connect together that this could be an amazing series.
Thank you to the author who provided this book through Voracious Readers Only.
July 4, 2023
Firstly, thank you for the copy book sirens. I absolutely loved this book. I read it so quickly that I am definitely going to read it again.
November 29, 2022
Hale:The Rise of the Griffins, loved this book
Easy reading
Plenty of characters
Look forward to more from this Author
Easy reading
Plenty of characters
Look forward to more from this Author
February 7, 2024
Great fantasy novel
December 21, 2023
"Hale: The Rise of the Griffins" by J.K. Noble isn't just a fantasy novel, it's an aerial adventure that will leave you breathless. Buckle up as Hale, a sheltered boy thrust into a hidden realm teeming with griffins, witches, and ancient magic, navigates a destiny larger than himself.
Noble's worldbuilding is exquisite. Malphora, the fantastical land where our hero lands, is vividly painted, bursting with danger and wonder. From majestic griffin aeries to treacherous goblin-infested forests, every corner begs to be explored.
But it's not just the landscape that shines. Noble crafts nuanced characters you'll root for – the brave and conflicted Hale, the wise and enigmatic mentor Marcus, and the fiery gryffin princess Ellionna. Their relationships crackle with tension and loyalty, driving the narrative forward with an emotional punch.
The plot itself is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. Noble expertly blends action-packed fight scenes with moments of quiet introspective growth, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. And let's not forget the griffins! These majestic creatures are more than just mythical beasts; they're companions, warriors, and symbols of a magical lineage waiting to be rekindled.
"Hale: The Rise of the Griffins" is a perfect blend of classic fantasy tropes and fresh innovation. It's a coming-of-age story, a thrilling adventure, and a love letter to the power of magic and wonder. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or just embarking on your first quest, this book will grab you and refuse to let go.
Five out of five stars, for its breathtaking world, engaging characters, and a plot that will keep you glued to the page. Prepare to soar with the griffins!
Noble's worldbuilding is exquisite. Malphora, the fantastical land where our hero lands, is vividly painted, bursting with danger and wonder. From majestic griffin aeries to treacherous goblin-infested forests, every corner begs to be explored.
But it's not just the landscape that shines. Noble crafts nuanced characters you'll root for – the brave and conflicted Hale, the wise and enigmatic mentor Marcus, and the fiery gryffin princess Ellionna. Their relationships crackle with tension and loyalty, driving the narrative forward with an emotional punch.
The plot itself is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. Noble expertly blends action-packed fight scenes with moments of quiet introspective growth, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. And let's not forget the griffins! These majestic creatures are more than just mythical beasts; they're companions, warriors, and symbols of a magical lineage waiting to be rekindled.
"Hale: The Rise of the Griffins" is a perfect blend of classic fantasy tropes and fresh innovation. It's a coming-of-age story, a thrilling adventure, and a love letter to the power of magic and wonder. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or just embarking on your first quest, this book will grab you and refuse to let go.
Five out of five stars, for its breathtaking world, engaging characters, and a plot that will keep you glued to the page. Prepare to soar with the griffins!
September 30, 2024
I'm mad. I thought this might've been one of the best books I'd ever read, but that ending: 🤬. The characters were developed pretty well. And this book is certainly a good option for when you want some hardcore fantasy that's not 12,357 pages. There was alot of head hopping but I personally think it was done pretty well.
There was a good question is whether Bayo was evil or if he really cared about Hale.
Ready for that ✨wOnDeRfuL✨ending I was telling you about.
Picture this. The worlds start to connect and all the protagonists are in the same place. Some things are kind of resolved.
Carly's ghost finds Hale.
Hale realizes what a bloodthirsty monster he has become and mutters that he's sorry while he's on River's back racing through the sky.
Evan seems to be on good terms with the protagonists.
Bayo had us trusting him for no more than like five seconds before I hated him again.
Some other neutral/good things happen (this is epic fantasy it's hard to recap it without a hundred backstories I'm sorry)
But the big ick, the reason I low-key punched this book:
Everything was halfway resolved for like two minutes book time and then JK Noble decides Ellionna needs to accidentally let out her siren song which as any fantasy reader knows,
KILLED EVERY MALE IN HER VICINITY!
Including Hale, Evan, River, Leon (He wasn't really a problem), and I feel like there's so many characters and subplots I haven't mentioned so I'm sorry.
What did JK Noble choose to accomplish with this ending?
Make me wonder? Leave us screaming and crying? Leave us begging for a sequel?
So basically I would recommend because I actually LOVED this book. I really did!
Just substitute her ending with 'they lived happily ever after' because it's much more positive and JUST AS VAGUE.
Read this book. 🙃
Edit: there is a sequel to this book so the ending is forgiven for now
There was a good question is whether Bayo was evil or if he really cared about Hale.
Ready for that ✨wOnDeRfuL✨ending I was telling you about.
Picture this. The worlds start to connect and all the protagonists are in the same place. Some things are kind of resolved.
Carly's ghost finds Hale.
Hale realizes what a bloodthirsty monster he has become and mutters that he's sorry while he's on River's back racing through the sky.
Evan seems to be on good terms with the protagonists.
Bayo had us trusting him for no more than like five seconds before I hated him again.
Some other neutral/good things happen (this is epic fantasy it's hard to recap it without a hundred backstories I'm sorry)
But the big ick, the reason I low-key punched this book:
Everything was halfway resolved for like two minutes book time and then JK Noble decides Ellionna needs to accidentally let out her siren song which as any fantasy reader knows,
KILLED EVERY MALE IN HER VICINITY!
Including Hale, Evan, River, Leon (He wasn't really a problem), and I feel like there's so many characters and subplots I haven't mentioned so I'm sorry.
What did JK Noble choose to accomplish with this ending?
Make me wonder? Leave us screaming and crying? Leave us begging for a sequel?
So basically I would recommend because I actually LOVED this book. I really did!
Just substitute her ending with 'they lived happily ever after' because it's much more positive and JUST AS VAGUE.
Read this book. 🙃
Edit: there is a sequel to this book so the ending is forgiven for now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
Don't let the cover mislead you! This isn't a sweet toothed Fantasy with an innocent angel-shaped creature and a safe world. Instead author JK Noble has created a fully visualized world with parallel storylines in this debut novel that embraces hidden dark powers, enchanting realm and mythical creatures!
The story mainly follows a teenager boy who was thrusted into a brutal world upon escaping his kidnapper tragically. Alone in a vicious world where you have to do everything you can to live. The male griffin protagonist has a very charming and warm personality. We get to see how he interacts with a world that wasn't build for him and see how his attitude and friendliness carry him through rough patches as he struggles to stay alive in this monstrous world.
The wide diversity of harsh and welcoming environments make the characters' struggles more realistic, not to mention the way Noble describes the strange lands of Melphora. The story moves fast and the use of vocabulary was broad but simple making it count as an easy read.
Hale is a story that revolves around strong and weak family bonds, hidden powers, dealing with your losses and finding your path which I thoroughly enjoyed. To discover the start of a New Fantasy series with all its Griffins' characters, this one did not disappoint!
Full of complex world building and history, a lush and well-described setting, and countless engaging characters, this novel will take a proud place on my Gryphon shelf! I very much look forward to lay my paws on the second installment in the Rise of the Griffins series and see what the choices ultimately wrought!
January 4, 2022
The story is truely interesting. The world of the Griffins is a mysterious place with strange rules and interesting rituals.
It is told from several points of view - one of them being Hale. He's a cute character just as his friends. It's amazing how every character is engaged in this story and how active or passive their paths cross with Hale's.
I just wished that Hale's change would be described more detailed and that the story would be a little more focused on that.
Otherwise it's really fun to read. The writing style is easy to understand and flowing. Sometimes you just can't stop reading.
There are many secrets that are slowly uncovered and create a great suspense in the story.
In the last 10% of the book is an unexpected turning point which makes your head just blow up. The cliffhanger at the end makes you want to find more about Hale and his story.
So I'm waiting for the next book.
It is told from several points of view - one of them being Hale. He's a cute character just as his friends. It's amazing how every character is engaged in this story and how active or passive their paths cross with Hale's.
I just wished that Hale's change would be described more detailed and that the story would be a little more focused on that.
Otherwise it's really fun to read. The writing style is easy to understand and flowing. Sometimes you just can't stop reading.
There are many secrets that are slowly uncovered and create a great suspense in the story.
In the last 10% of the book is an unexpected turning point which makes your head just blow up. The cliffhanger at the end makes you want to find more about Hale and his story.
So I'm waiting for the next book.
July 23, 2022
Review soon!
September 13, 2024
About the book:
Hale, a sixteen-year-old, makes a daring escape from his kidnapper only to find himself in a brutal world full of magic that his sister, Carly, had tried to protect him from.
Hale finds himself in the violent Land of Griffins where he learns he’s not a normal kid. In fact, he’s actually a griffin and has extraordinary talents. As he learns how to be a griffin, he becomes close with Bayo, the Griffin Leader, and Hale can’t deny that there is a connection between them. Bayo has secrets though, he has dark plans in store for Hale as well as who they really are to each other.
Review:
I received this book through a giveaway on Goodreads, all ARC’s that I receive, I give my honest review.
In this book, there’s a diverse fantasy world with four unique nations and cultures, their magic different from one another and unique in different ways. This book addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with mistakes made.
Starting the book, I did have a bit of a hard time reading and kept putting it down, but this is no fault of the author as it’s a children’s book and I always have a hard time reading them as it isn’t as mature as I would like them. Now, saying all that, later in the book I ended up not being able to put down the book as it just transported me into the world, with a few exceptions.
Characters:
We’ll start with the main character Hale. I definitely felt for him in the beginning of the book but as the story progressed, I felt like I missed out on a lot of development that had to do with him and he didn’t feel like the main character anymore. One chapter, he’s a kind friend who’s trying to help his friends out and the next, he’s completely ignoring them and treating them like scum and even fighting them.. How did his feelings get to that point?
All I can say about Carly without spoilers is I felt bad for her, she was just trying to protect Hale.
Greon, the one who kidnaps Hale and Carly for Bayo in the beginning of the book, was written very well. He doesn’t want to do these things but with Bayo looking over his shoulder and threatening his family, he has no choice. I really felt for him because technically, he isn’t a bad guy but he’s done bad things for Bayo.
Bayo confused me throughout this whole book, that’s all I’ll say about him.
I think I would have preferred if the P.O.V’s stayed with Hale, Bayo, Greon, and Carly. I felt like there were so many character viewpoints that I missed out on a lot of Hale’s developments and it didn’t seem to blend very well. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the point of view from the characters who aren’t really connected to Hale as it gave insight for who will be in the next book. The other characters that have viewpoints that are sorta connected felt more like filler to me but it gives you more information on why they're doing what they’re doing and how they handle Bayo.
Overall, a very good children's fantasy book that touches on topics that are hard to talk about. I recommend this book if you enjoy reading fantasy with different cultures, unique magic, big world building, and finding one’s path.
Hale, a sixteen-year-old, makes a daring escape from his kidnapper only to find himself in a brutal world full of magic that his sister, Carly, had tried to protect him from.
Hale finds himself in the violent Land of Griffins where he learns he’s not a normal kid. In fact, he’s actually a griffin and has extraordinary talents. As he learns how to be a griffin, he becomes close with Bayo, the Griffin Leader, and Hale can’t deny that there is a connection between them. Bayo has secrets though, he has dark plans in store for Hale as well as who they really are to each other.
Review:
I received this book through a giveaway on Goodreads, all ARC’s that I receive, I give my honest review.
In this book, there’s a diverse fantasy world with four unique nations and cultures, their magic different from one another and unique in different ways. This book addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one’s path, and dealing with mistakes made.
Starting the book, I did have a bit of a hard time reading and kept putting it down, but this is no fault of the author as it’s a children’s book and I always have a hard time reading them as it isn’t as mature as I would like them. Now, saying all that, later in the book I ended up not being able to put down the book as it just transported me into the world, with a few exceptions.
Characters:
We’ll start with the main character Hale. I definitely felt for him in the beginning of the book but as the story progressed, I felt like I missed out on a lot of development that had to do with him and he didn’t feel like the main character anymore. One chapter, he’s a kind friend who’s trying to help his friends out and the next, he’s completely ignoring them and treating them like scum and even fighting them.. How did his feelings get to that point?
All I can say about Carly without spoilers is I felt bad for her, she was just trying to protect Hale.
Greon, the one who kidnaps Hale and Carly for Bayo in the beginning of the book, was written very well. He doesn’t want to do these things but with Bayo looking over his shoulder and threatening his family, he has no choice. I really felt for him because technically, he isn’t a bad guy but he’s done bad things for Bayo.
Bayo confused me throughout this whole book, that’s all I’ll say about him.
I think I would have preferred if the P.O.V’s stayed with Hale, Bayo, Greon, and Carly. I felt like there were so many character viewpoints that I missed out on a lot of Hale’s developments and it didn’t seem to blend very well. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the point of view from the characters who aren’t really connected to Hale as it gave insight for who will be in the next book. The other characters that have viewpoints that are sorta connected felt more like filler to me but it gives you more information on why they're doing what they’re doing and how they handle Bayo.
Overall, a very good children's fantasy book that touches on topics that are hard to talk about. I recommend this book if you enjoy reading fantasy with different cultures, unique magic, big world building, and finding one’s path.
May 22, 2021
Hale: The Rise of the Griffins is an anti-chosen-one story that addresses loss, manipulation, good and bad family relationships, finding one's path, and dealing with one's mistakes.
The book is based on magic, adventure, romance.
A sixteen-year-old Hale entered into the world of magic and her sister tried a lot that to protect him from this world but she failed to do that.
Unfortunately, Hale was not aware that Bayo, was planning something against him.
There are no images shown in the orbs of Carly and Hale. They
are invisible, protected by an unknown magic he had ordered Greon to destroy.
Bayo’s pale skin grows paler as his brown eyes pierce into the orbs. “Deor!”
A moment later, the door behind him opens, and a tall man enters.
Deor is of the power of the Dark, like Carly, and he is the strongest of his
kind. Using his gift, he can read minds as well as manipulate them. Although
Deor can read thoughts through the orbs, as much as he tried, he has never been
able to manipulate a person through their image in the orb.
“Greon is fighting the girl,” Deor says, rubbing his long jaw. “She and the
boy escaped while Greon slept.”
It is clear to Greon that though Hale’s powers were unknown to
Hale himself, they are stronger than the High Elder of Endurance.
Greon could take Hale this very second. This was his chance to finally bring
him back to Bayo. All he has to do is rip off Hale’s necklace to remove his
protection against magic.
Instead, Greon stands there, thinking of Felix, his old friend, and how he
and his daughter sacrificed their lives to keep Hale from Bayo. Greon looks at the
illusion of his own dead body, and his mind begins to spin.
He could be free from
Bayo—if he recreate the pendant.
The story is quite adventures and magical. Narration is advanced and having so many intresting things get to know about the magical world. Highly recommended!!!!
The book is based on magic, adventure, romance.
A sixteen-year-old Hale entered into the world of magic and her sister tried a lot that to protect him from this world but she failed to do that.
Unfortunately, Hale was not aware that Bayo, was planning something against him.
There are no images shown in the orbs of Carly and Hale. They
are invisible, protected by an unknown magic he had ordered Greon to destroy.
Bayo’s pale skin grows paler as his brown eyes pierce into the orbs. “Deor!”
A moment later, the door behind him opens, and a tall man enters.
Deor is of the power of the Dark, like Carly, and he is the strongest of his
kind. Using his gift, he can read minds as well as manipulate them. Although
Deor can read thoughts through the orbs, as much as he tried, he has never been
able to manipulate a person through their image in the orb.
“Greon is fighting the girl,” Deor says, rubbing his long jaw. “She and the
boy escaped while Greon slept.”
It is clear to Greon that though Hale’s powers were unknown to
Hale himself, they are stronger than the High Elder of Endurance.
Greon could take Hale this very second. This was his chance to finally bring
him back to Bayo. All he has to do is rip off Hale’s necklace to remove his
protection against magic.
Instead, Greon stands there, thinking of Felix, his old friend, and how he
and his daughter sacrificed their lives to keep Hale from Bayo. Greon looks at the
illusion of his own dead body, and his mind begins to spin.
He could be free from
Bayo—if he recreate the pendant.
The story is quite adventures and magical. Narration is advanced and having so many intresting things get to know about the magical world. Highly recommended!!!!
May 28, 2021
I have been telling myself for years that I should try and branch out from just romance, paranormal romance, UF romance, sci-fi alien smut and the occasional murder mystery or biography (not that there is a damn thing wrong with my beloved romance, but just to challenge myself to try something new) and attempt to tackle a straight high fantasy.
In all sincerity though, this book was everything and I truly don't know why I waited so long to tackle this genre. And this book felt like I was locked in one of them. Like I was in a theater watching an epic fantasy film. Only BETTER. Because we ALL know the book is always better.
Her writing is so amazing. I was enthralled from page one until page end. This book was also my first encounter with Noble’s spectacular world-building skill along with her simple, vivid, and immersive prose. Her writings did not get in the way of the story and she’s still capable of telling a story of epic proportion with simplicity.
The book have an amazing world-building, great characters development and most of all, very intricate magic system and actions. This is coming from someone who've seen plenty of magics (not real of course) from 20 years of gaming and watching anime/movie/television series. The amount of details J.K. Noble put into each words (not to mention it's really simple and easy to understand) is insane.
I actually want to start re-reading it right now. Grab your copy now and get on with it, ASAP!!
In all sincerity though, this book was everything and I truly don't know why I waited so long to tackle this genre. And this book felt like I was locked in one of them. Like I was in a theater watching an epic fantasy film. Only BETTER. Because we ALL know the book is always better.
Her writing is so amazing. I was enthralled from page one until page end. This book was also my first encounter with Noble’s spectacular world-building skill along with her simple, vivid, and immersive prose. Her writings did not get in the way of the story and she’s still capable of telling a story of epic proportion with simplicity.
The book have an amazing world-building, great characters development and most of all, very intricate magic system and actions. This is coming from someone who've seen plenty of magics (not real of course) from 20 years of gaming and watching anime/movie/television series. The amount of details J.K. Noble put into each words (not to mention it's really simple and easy to understand) is insane.
I actually want to start re-reading it right now. Grab your copy now and get on with it, ASAP!!
July 2, 2021
HALE : The Rise Of The Griffins by J K Noble!
Blurb-
After a desperate escape attempt from his kidnapper, sixteen-year-old Hale is thrust into the brutal world of magic that his sister had tried to protect him from.
Here, in the violent Land of Griffins, Hale learns he is anything but normal. He is in fact a griffin who has pretty amazing talents. As Hale grows close to the Griffin Leader, Bayo, he can't deny their connection. However, Hale is unaware of the dark plans Bayo has in store for him....as well as who they truly are to one another.
My review-
The trope is Fantasy. The world in this one has four nations each with its own cultures & customs. The book has been divided into short stories each with an adventure of its own. This story is unique in that it is 'anti chosen one' trope. It expresses loss of home, various relationships, manipulation, finding ones true self & ofcourse dealing with one's mistakes.
The author has done a commendable job on the book, weaving all those short stories into one big expanse of the world & with it expressing all that the protagonist has been going through. The development of the characters is incredible, and the language easy to understand. The plot, ...my god the plot. It's easy to be lost in this book. Especially when you got nothing else to keep you occupied.
Blurb-
After a desperate escape attempt from his kidnapper, sixteen-year-old Hale is thrust into the brutal world of magic that his sister had tried to protect him from.
Here, in the violent Land of Griffins, Hale learns he is anything but normal. He is in fact a griffin who has pretty amazing talents. As Hale grows close to the Griffin Leader, Bayo, he can't deny their connection. However, Hale is unaware of the dark plans Bayo has in store for him....as well as who they truly are to one another.
My review-
The trope is Fantasy. The world in this one has four nations each with its own cultures & customs. The book has been divided into short stories each with an adventure of its own. This story is unique in that it is 'anti chosen one' trope. It expresses loss of home, various relationships, manipulation, finding ones true self & ofcourse dealing with one's mistakes.
The author has done a commendable job on the book, weaving all those short stories into one big expanse of the world & with it expressing all that the protagonist has been going through. The development of the characters is incredible, and the language easy to understand. The plot, ...my god the plot. It's easy to be lost in this book. Especially when you got nothing else to keep you occupied.
November 8, 2022
"Do you truly believe you are not a monster?"
-J.K. Noble, Hale: The Rise of the Griffins
3🌟/5
I received this e-book from J.K. Noble.
"Hale" is the main character of the story, a griffin who is kidnapped with his sister Carly. Throughout the story, Hale will discover who he really is and the secrets about him which have been kept hidden. He will learn more about his powers and obviously a sprinkle of prophecies (because why not?).
Although Hale is in fact the main character of his story, he is not the only one we read about. We also have Ellionna, the siren of the Arketcha tribe, Marcus, a griffin who has a gift (a rare power) and Hale's kidnapper. It appears as if in future books all of their stories will intertwine in one way or another.
"Hale: The Rise of the Griffins" has good worldbuilding and the story in itself is promising. However, the many characters in this book were distracting, especially the ones who seem to be just filler characters. There were too many to actually care about every single one of them.
While, as I mentioned before, the story was promising, the writing style was, unfortunately, "not my cup of tea".
-J.K. Noble, Hale: The Rise of the Griffins
3🌟/5
I received this e-book from J.K. Noble.
"Hale" is the main character of the story, a griffin who is kidnapped with his sister Carly. Throughout the story, Hale will discover who he really is and the secrets about him which have been kept hidden. He will learn more about his powers and obviously a sprinkle of prophecies (because why not?).
Although Hale is in fact the main character of his story, he is not the only one we read about. We also have Ellionna, the siren of the Arketcha tribe, Marcus, a griffin who has a gift (a rare power) and Hale's kidnapper. It appears as if in future books all of their stories will intertwine in one way or another.
"Hale: The Rise of the Griffins" has good worldbuilding and the story in itself is promising. However, the many characters in this book were distracting, especially the ones who seem to be just filler characters. There were too many to actually care about every single one of them.
While, as I mentioned before, the story was promising, the writing style was, unfortunately, "not my cup of tea".
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