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Grey Griffins #3
The Fall of the Templar
The action-packed third installment of the legend of the GREY GRIFFINS!
The epic battle between the Grey Griffins and forces of evil continues, as Max, Harley, and Natalia face off against Morgan La Fey and Lord Sumner. The friends also struggle to find a way to save Ernie, who remains trapped in an enchanted coma, and Max must come to terms with his father's most wicked betrayal. The Grey Griffins and the Templar knights stage the last stand-off to save the world and the Land of Faerie....
The epic battle between the Grey Griffins and forces of evil continues, as Max, Harley, and Natalia face off against Morgan La Fey and Lord Sumner. The friends also struggle to find a way to save Ernie, who remains trapped in an enchanted coma, and Max must come to terms with his father's most wicked betrayal. The Grey Griffins and the Templar knights stage the last stand-off to save the world and the Land of Faerie....
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
25 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Derek Benz
21 books111 followersBorn in the wrong place, and unquestionably the wrong time, Derek Benz spent most of his early years trying to figure out where he was and why he was different than everyone else. By the age of five, he had stumbled upon the answer: the rest of humanity was really nothing more than an elaborate hoax of cleverly disguised robots, and he was the only real human among them. Having overcome that mystery, he set out with other young members of the Grey Griffins (a super-secret club) to protect the world from darkness and bring about a better world through friendship, wit, and superbly-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
He's climbed volcanoes in the Ring of Fire, fished for sharks in the North Atlantic, scandalized the Cathedral of Barcelona, been mauled by an angry kitten off the coast of Turkey, narrowly avoided being blown up outside Belfast, learned the meaning of defenestration in France, and even jumped off a few cliffs in Greece. His interests spanned a wide spectrum: archaeology, linguistics, mythology, cosmology, conspiracy theory, religion and a host of others. At the same time, he managed to catapult himself to the top of his game in a Fortune 100 company doing what some idly speculated to be nothing less than international computer espionage.
But there was always the desire to change the world around him. And since the age of fifteen, he had become obsessed with writing as a means to this end. Year after year, he labored to prefect his craft, until he felt the time was right. In 2000, he teamed up with J.S. Lewis and with an eye to the stars, they launched The Revenge of the Shadow King.
Benz met and married his lovely wife and son in sunny Arizona, where they enjoy researching ancient civilizations and studying theology.
He's climbed volcanoes in the Ring of Fire, fished for sharks in the North Atlantic, scandalized the Cathedral of Barcelona, been mauled by an angry kitten off the coast of Turkey, narrowly avoided being blown up outside Belfast, learned the meaning of defenestration in France, and even jumped off a few cliffs in Greece. His interests spanned a wide spectrum: archaeology, linguistics, mythology, cosmology, conspiracy theory, religion and a host of others. At the same time, he managed to catapult himself to the top of his game in a Fortune 100 company doing what some idly speculated to be nothing less than international computer espionage.
But there was always the desire to change the world around him. And since the age of fifteen, he had become obsessed with writing as a means to this end. Year after year, he labored to prefect his craft, until he felt the time was right. In 2000, he teamed up with J.S. Lewis and with an eye to the stars, they launched The Revenge of the Shadow King.
Benz met and married his lovely wife and son in sunny Arizona, where they enjoy researching ancient civilizations and studying theology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 23, 2009
Terrible. As in, ridiculously bad. How long have I been trying to finish this book? It was painful, and if I wasn't obsessed with finishing every book I started, I never would've gotten through it. It's such a disappointment after the first book in the series was so good.
First of all, I can't count the number of things that were stolen from other books/movies, and I'm talking about exact quotes:
"I'm not scared!"
"You will be!"
Star Wars, anyone? And that's not the only one. Jacob and I were literally rolling our eyes and laughing out loud. Ridiculous.
And the story just went on for forever. Have you ever seen the Ninja's Review of Pirate of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on YouTube? If not, you should...it's hilarious. Anyway, there's a quote in it that kept running through my head while reading this book: "It's incredible how many plot lines there are...and instead of finishing any of them, they just add more plot lines." (Or something like that) Seriously, ridiculous. Just when you think they're about to get to the point...nope, just add another plot line.
Not to mention that there is no consistency with characters. You begin to think you're understanding someone...and then they do something randomly stupid. I think the authors were trying to make this an intricate story with lots of betrayals, but they don't invest enough time in any of the characters to make it work.
Like I said before, reading this book involves a lot of laughing out loud and rolling your eyes. Disaster.
First of all, I can't count the number of things that were stolen from other books/movies, and I'm talking about exact quotes:
"I'm not scared!"
"You will be!"
Star Wars, anyone? And that's not the only one. Jacob and I were literally rolling our eyes and laughing out loud. Ridiculous.
And the story just went on for forever. Have you ever seen the Ninja's Review of Pirate of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on YouTube? If not, you should...it's hilarious. Anyway, there's a quote in it that kept running through my head while reading this book: "It's incredible how many plot lines there are...and instead of finishing any of them, they just add more plot lines." (Or something like that) Seriously, ridiculous. Just when you think they're about to get to the point...nope, just add another plot line.
Not to mention that there is no consistency with characters. You begin to think you're understanding someone...and then they do something randomly stupid. I think the authors were trying to make this an intricate story with lots of betrayals, but they don't invest enough time in any of the characters to make it work.
Like I said before, reading this book involves a lot of laughing out loud and rolling your eyes. Disaster.
March 18, 2011
I was so pleased with the 1st book I just don't know what happened with the 2nd and 3rd. It gave closure, but I still wish there was something more that happened. I just wasn't surprised or moved by anything that happened. Thumbs down. :(
February 10, 2014
I absolutely loved this trilogy! This book was a wonderful end to the Grey Griffins' initial quest. Here are some of the best things about this book and the other 2 in the trilogy:
1) The books have a unique way of bringing fantasy and history to life.
2) The books are enjoyable, fast-paced reads for all ages
3) The characters! The characters teach us so much. I think we have all felt like each of the Griffins at one time or another. Natalia: smart, calculating, and trying not to feel hurt by those who make her feel left out; Ernie: nerdy, at times cowardly, who needs to be around the protection of his friends; Harley: strong, but misunderstood because of his size and social status; finally Max: wealthy kid who seems to have it all, leader, popular. The Grey Griffins (along with Brooke and the adults) are made to teach us that people aren't always what they seem. You really should get to know someone to see who they truly are. Natalia learns that sometimes people are just genuinely good, nice people (e.g. Brooke), and that others you admire and trust may turn out to be even more deceptive than you imagined (e.g. Athena). Ernie, the underdog, could show a hero side when necessary. Max, who's life seemed perfect, had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet took it in stride and always put the well-being of others before himself. Harley, though he looked a probable bully from the outside, showed so much compassion for his friends and wanted noting more than to be their protector. To me, the characters are what made these books come to life. The plot was great, the fantasy creatures with their definitions in tow were exciting, and how the books incorporated comedy with adventure was a home run. But without these amazingly developed characters, I don't think the books would have been as wonderful as they are. I highly recommend this trilogy to book lovers of all ages!
1) The books have a unique way of bringing fantasy and history to life.
2) The books are enjoyable, fast-paced reads for all ages
3) The characters! The characters teach us so much. I think we have all felt like each of the Griffins at one time or another. Natalia: smart, calculating, and trying not to feel hurt by those who make her feel left out; Ernie: nerdy, at times cowardly, who needs to be around the protection of his friends; Harley: strong, but misunderstood because of his size and social status; finally Max: wealthy kid who seems to have it all, leader, popular. The Grey Griffins (along with Brooke and the adults) are made to teach us that people aren't always what they seem. You really should get to know someone to see who they truly are. Natalia learns that sometimes people are just genuinely good, nice people (e.g. Brooke), and that others you admire and trust may turn out to be even more deceptive than you imagined (e.g. Athena). Ernie, the underdog, could show a hero side when necessary. Max, who's life seemed perfect, had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet took it in stride and always put the well-being of others before himself. Harley, though he looked a probable bully from the outside, showed so much compassion for his friends and wanted noting more than to be their protector. To me, the characters are what made these books come to life. The plot was great, the fantasy creatures with their definitions in tow were exciting, and how the books incorporated comedy with adventure was a home run. But without these amazingly developed characters, I don't think the books would have been as wonderful as they are. I highly recommend this trilogy to book lovers of all ages!
September 25, 2009
Totally awesome book! Max Sumner and the grey griffins are faced off yet again with the evil witch that still haunts their dreams and the ghoulish trolls and pixies that lurk every corner of their rooms. Great book if you like suspense/thriller. This book really kees you up at night and keeps you flipping through the pages for more. This is the third book in the series that i have read and it is really good. But this time Max is faced off to defeat one of his most haunting enemies ever......his DAD!!!!
September 3, 2016
Honestly I would not have finished this book had I not wasted 13 dollars on it. The plot was inconsistent and it was like reading a different story every-other chapter. It was basically and amalgam of different books and movies with maybe some originality. Maybe eight year old me would've enjoyed this book because that's when I started this series but definitely not now.
April 1, 2021
I honestly don’t even know where to begin. From the first book to this one I have read each book in 3 days or less. Max, Natalie, Ernie and Harley have become part of my world. I am forever grateful for them allowing me to go on this wild ride.
If you have read this series so far I recommend this last book. It is slightly rushed in certain parts, but past that you won’t want to put this book down.
You’ll want to know what happens to Max’s relationship with his father. You’ll want to learn more about Max’s powers. You’ll also want to learn more about the friendship dynamic between the Grey Griffins.
I now bow my head to the authors and thank them for creating a series I couldn’t imagine my life never coming into contract with.
If you have read this series so far I recommend this last book. It is slightly rushed in certain parts, but past that you won’t want to put this book down.
You’ll want to know what happens to Max’s relationship with his father. You’ll want to learn more about Max’s powers. You’ll also want to learn more about the friendship dynamic between the Grey Griffins.
I now bow my head to the authors and thank them for creating a series I couldn’t imagine my life never coming into contract with.
April 5, 2018
good ending, hope his other books are good as well, their are more of this story to read I am sure
May 6, 2020
LOVE IT SO MUCH OMGOMGOMG
October 29, 2025
Love a good conspiracy about Templars, Morgana, magic, and super sleuths. Very Scooby-Doo :)
But I want more!
But I want more!
February 18, 2017
The first story of the GREY GRIFFINS comes to its conclusion in this exciting last chapter. Max and friends have put the entire world in danger due to Max's misguided loyalties. Further more, one of the Griffins has been terribly injured and is on the verge of death.
The team must harness all their experience, courage, and teamwork to save the world as well as each other.
The authors take you back into the world of Fairies, Gods, and all things Supernatural as the Griffins team up with their friends and allies to stop the end of the world as they know it. But...at what a cost? The team puts an end to, or capture, many of the enemy, but the loss of someone closest to all of them can make all their efforts meaningless.
Templars, Werewolves, Witches, Fairies, Changelings, and Super-Heroes. The reader will love every chapter...page...paragraph...and sentence will keep you wanting more.
The team must harness all their experience, courage, and teamwork to save the world as well as each other.
The authors take you back into the world of Fairies, Gods, and all things Supernatural as the Griffins team up with their friends and allies to stop the end of the world as they know it. But...at what a cost? The team puts an end to, or capture, many of the enemy, but the loss of someone closest to all of them can make all their efforts meaningless.
Templars, Werewolves, Witches, Fairies, Changelings, and Super-Heroes. The reader will love every chapter...page...paragraph...and sentence will keep you wanting more.
February 1, 2008
Max and the Grey Griffins are back and better than ever. Well although they've got some trouble to deal with. Max's father now has the Spear of Ragnarok and things don't look good. The Spear of Ragnarok can control the end of the world, but one thing is missing; only the Guardian of the Codex can work it. So Max has to be super careful about where or what he is doing because if the Black Wolf society catches him, well things will turn for the worse. The Griffins and with the help of the Templar go into the Underworld to stop Lord Sumner from ending the world. Can they do it? Well find out!
February 4, 2008
This is the third book in the Grey Griffins series and they just keep getting better!
In The Fall of the Templar, the friends learn more about the Templar Knights and the magical world around them as they attempt to thwart world destruction. You meet interesting new characters, get to know familiar characters better, and enjoy another exciting adventure with the Grey Griffins that will leave you wishing that you already had book four!
This fun, action-packed fantasy series is great for all ages. For independent reading it is great for third grade and up.
In The Fall of the Templar, the friends learn more about the Templar Knights and the magical world around them as they attempt to thwart world destruction. You meet interesting new characters, get to know familiar characters better, and enjoy another exciting adventure with the Grey Griffins that will leave you wishing that you already had book four!
This fun, action-packed fantasy series is great for all ages. For independent reading it is great for third grade and up.
March 16, 2014
This was definitely better than the second book, but still had a few things that kind of ruined it for me. The climax was extremely short and had no complete resolution afterward because it occurred so late in the book. The other problem was that some of the important information that should have been in the second book was kind of carelessly shoved into casual conversation like it meant nothing, probably an attempt at some sort of plot for a huge twist, but it just bugged me. All in all though, this series was okay, the first book is definitely the best.
December 28, 2015
Kind of anti-climatic since the end battle or whatever was in the last twenty or so pages and was wrapped up in 5 pages...but it was by far the best installment of the trilogy. There was more world building that should have been in the first book and there were more point of views so I wasn't too annoyed with Ernie and Natalia. Glad to be done with this trilogy. It was definitely a little too middle grade for me.
March 9, 2008
Just finished this morning and it tied the series up nicely if there are to be no future installments but left room in case there are. I think it is an excellent break from the traditional "Pokemon cards and game" in today's society by combing the Round Table Card Game with fantasy history as most of us know it, introducing King Arthur's story to the Pokemon kids of today.
January 29, 2011
I did not like this book better than the second one. The title did not fit it at all though, in fact it is an absolutely terrible title. Also the ending was written sort of strangely and kinda hard for me to follow. But I got what it was saying after reflecting. This book is worth reading if you are already hooked on the series.
March 1, 2011
While it was intricately written, I honestly believe that some of the writing felt stiff at times. Although I didn't read the first two books, this book managed to give me most of the information about what happened. I think that the book's fantasy writing was a bit too cliché and wasn't really that interesting.
August 6, 2016
The final book in the Grey Griffins Trilogy. The Griffins face the most dangerous challenge of their lives. Ernie is still trapped in an enchanted coma and Max's father is trying to destroy the world. Max, his friends, and the few remaining Templars head to the Underworld to locate the Eye of Odin which will prevent Lord Sumner from using the Spear of Ragnarok before it's too late.
January 12, 2016
This was an amazing book! I liked the suspense and the creepiness of it all. It was mysterious, and you couldn't even guess what was going to happen next! This was an amazing book! If you're reading this, don't forget to read book 1, Revenge of the Shadow King, and book two, The rise of the Black Wolf! :D
May 17, 2008
Final book of the Grey Griffins series. . . blew me away. Max's emotions play a huge part in this book, and there are some betrayals. . . Aside from that, it is like most Grey Griffins books. AMAZING AND MUST READ!
April 18, 2009
Really good!Read this series if you have time.My favorite book of all time! p.s. third in series. first book Revenge of the Shadow King. second book the rise of the Black Wolf. I can lend any of this seies to you except the first one.
April 22, 2010
I really liked this book. My son Dylan gave it to me, because after he bought it at his school's book fair, he tried to read it, but it was a little to much for him (too many pages), so he gave it to me. I hope he an Sean will read it in the future.
February 22, 2010
It felt like the Griffins were treated too much like kids in this book. It has been a while since I first read "The Shadow Kings Revenge" but I don't think that they had nerely as much adult interferance in the first two books.
April 30, 2012
It ended better than I thought it would, but it seemed a little anti-climatic, and the final "battle" didn't feel like it was written very well. It glossed through a lot, and didn't feel like the epic battle that it was supposed to be. It left it open ended, so there might be another book.
June 28, 2012
This book was a bit weaker than the last, but still interesting. The unresolvedness at the end bothers me, especially since this is supposedly the end of a trilogy. While predictable, the element of some failure is unique and allows for not such a "happy-ever-after" which I appreciated.
November 19, 2013
This book is a really exciting and filled with action! I can easily connect to this book and picture the things they say. It's basically fantasy/science fiction; if you like genres like these, I strongly recommend reading this book.
March 4, 2008
Just finishing off series which I started over the past year.
October 27, 2008
Lovin it!
October 3, 2008
I liked the third book better than the second one. I think it flowed a little better and it had a pretty happy ending.
October 25, 2008
Ok just so everyone knows there isn't really 304 or whatever in the 300's. There is only 284.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews