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Griffin Speaker #1
Griffin Speaker
As an orphan on the lowest rung of society, twelve-year-old Rain is destined for a future of hard labor—until she meets a wild griffin and bonds with him.
An old law says that bond entitles Rain to an education at the elite Griffin Riders Academy instead of a life in the mines. But Rain’s Rise threatens to topple Griffin Land’s fragile hierarchy, and those at the top are determined to see her fail. So they task Rain with proving herself: Armed with just her wit and accompanied by her best friend and an unlikely ally, Rain must scale the highest peak in Griffin Land and defeat the monster at its summit.
Rain’s success could change the world. But with an impossible quest ahead, will she and her griffin even survive?
Filled with awe-inspiring black-and-white illustrations, Griffin Speaker is both a delightful friendship-adventure story and a hopeful tale of resistance in an unequal world.
An old law says that bond entitles Rain to an education at the elite Griffin Riders Academy instead of a life in the mines. But Rain’s Rise threatens to topple Griffin Land’s fragile hierarchy, and those at the top are determined to see her fail. So they task Rain with proving herself: Armed with just her wit and accompanied by her best friend and an unlikely ally, Rain must scale the highest peak in Griffin Land and defeat the monster at its summit.
Rain’s success could change the world. But with an impossible quest ahead, will she and her griffin even survive?
Filled with awe-inspiring black-and-white illustrations, Griffin Speaker is both a delightful friendship-adventure story and a hopeful tale of resistance in an unequal world.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 26, 2026
4.5⭐️
Amazing first book in a series that promises to be a favorite for family read alouds and independent readers. I’m hooked!!
Amazing first book in a series that promises to be a favorite for family read alouds and independent readers. I’m hooked!!
May 12, 2026
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
The adventure and illustrations in this book were absolutely amazing!
!FIVE STARS!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The adventure and illustrations in this book were absolutely amazing!
!FIVE STARS!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This middle grade fantasy tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Rain who is an orphan at the lowest rank in society. Her future will consist of underground mining of root. She fears her future because she is afraid of the dark, closed-in tunnels.
Rain's future changes when she meets a griffin that her aunt, who has a farm raising exotic winged creatures for sale to the rich, is hiding in her barn and training to sell to a man from the highest rank of society. His daughter Orla wants to join the exclusive griffin riders, but she's been denied because of politics.
Rain names the creature Griff. She able to talk to him and understand him in her mind. Griff is a wild griffin. Wild griffins are hunted by the griffin riders who are the society's enforcers. Rain decides that she and Griff will present themselves to the griffin training academy which must admit them both according to an ancient law.
Rain's plan runs into politics. Those in the highest ranks of society see Rain as a demonstration of societal change that they do not want to happen. To keep her out, they design a quest that they intend to see that she doesn't survive. With Griff taken from her and drugged, Rain and Orla who has declared herself Rain's Champion have to travel to a distant mountain to get the tail of the queen of the Nightflyers. They are joined on their quest by Rain's only friend Twig who has come to the city with Rain's belongings.
This was an engaging introduction to epic fantasy for young readers. A young heroine of pure heart goes on a quest which changes society before it is all finished. It is also a friendship story about friends working together for a goal.
Rain's future changes when she meets a griffin that her aunt, who has a farm raising exotic winged creatures for sale to the rich, is hiding in her barn and training to sell to a man from the highest rank of society. His daughter Orla wants to join the exclusive griffin riders, but she's been denied because of politics.
Rain names the creature Griff. She able to talk to him and understand him in her mind. Griff is a wild griffin. Wild griffins are hunted by the griffin riders who are the society's enforcers. Rain decides that she and Griff will present themselves to the griffin training academy which must admit them both according to an ancient law.
Rain's plan runs into politics. Those in the highest ranks of society see Rain as a demonstration of societal change that they do not want to happen. To keep her out, they design a quest that they intend to see that she doesn't survive. With Griff taken from her and drugged, Rain and Orla who has declared herself Rain's Champion have to travel to a distant mountain to get the tail of the queen of the Nightflyers. They are joined on their quest by Rain's only friend Twig who has come to the city with Rain's belongings.
This was an engaging introduction to epic fantasy for young readers. A young heroine of pure heart goes on a quest which changes society before it is all finished. It is also a friendship story about friends working together for a goal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All her life, Rain has felt like an outsider. Part of the lowest caste of her striated society, grubs like Rain can expect to do little more in their lifetimes than harvest Root for the benefit of the elite. But when a wild griffin—a creature many believe no longer exists—finds its way to Rain’s home and bonds with her, everything begins to change. And when Rain invokes one of the land’s most ancient laws, she may be able to transform her world for the better. This rich fantasy story immerses readers in a world that shares similarities with Earth but is altogether different. Introducing new flora, fauna, and dialects, the narrative utilizes effective worldbuilding to make Rain and her situation both believable and approachable. At the heart of the story are unfair societal expectations and biases that are made more accessible thanks to the highly engaging fantasy lens through which they are viewed. Recounted from multiple points of view, the third person delivery of the narrative permits readers to gain insight into a variety of perspectives as they absorb this tale. Because of the complexity of the storytelling and the child-friendly plot, this book is well suited to advanced middle grade readers who are prepared for the depth of young adult literature without mature themes. This book fits easily into the canon of fantasy stories while being appropriately tailored for a middle grade audience, and it is a memorable and entertaining addition to fantasy collections for advanced middle grade readers and up.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Griffin Speaker by Jan M. Flynn, 384 pages. Disney, MAY 2026. $ 18.
Content: PG (one death by dropping, other mild danger)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
12yo Rain lives with her aunt in a Harvester, or grub, village, just dreading the day when she turns 13 and will be forced to work in the Root mines, harvesting the Roots, which are essential to the realm’s economy. Her aunt, who is an Outlier (outcast) who runs an illegal magical animal menagerie, has a secret hidden in the barn and Rain is sure that it is a griffin - flying animals reserved for only the top ranks of Griffin Land society. When Rain can no longer resist, she bonds with the griffin, starting her down a path to defying all social conventions and expectations.
Rain’s story is thrilling! I read almost straight through (had to get some sleep and do some work). She has a couple of great friends to help her and all of the action hangs together and makes sense as well as being interesting to read. The only thing I don't like is that the illustrations make her feel more like 10, instead of 12.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Content: PG (one death by dropping, other mild danger)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
12yo Rain lives with her aunt in a Harvester, or grub, village, just dreading the day when she turns 13 and will be forced to work in the Root mines, harvesting the Roots, which are essential to the realm’s economy. Her aunt, who is an Outlier (outcast) who runs an illegal magical animal menagerie, has a secret hidden in the barn and Rain is sure that it is a griffin - flying animals reserved for only the top ranks of Griffin Land society. When Rain can no longer resist, she bonds with the griffin, starting her down a path to defying all social conventions and expectations.
Rain’s story is thrilling! I read almost straight through (had to get some sleep and do some work). She has a couple of great friends to help her and all of the action hangs together and makes sense as well as being interesting to read. The only thing I don't like is that the illustrations make her feel more like 10, instead of 12.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The synopsis of this book written for middle school kids: "As an orphan on the lowest rung of society, twelve-year-old Rain is destined for a future of hard labor—until she meets a wild griffin and bonds with him."
Rain is that orphan. She lives with her Aunt on her little farm of winged animals. Aunt Willow is hiding something though, she has a wild Griffin in the barn. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime for Rain, but also one that could destroy her life, her future and all those she holds dear.
I am 70 years old and I loved this book. The characters are engaging and there is no difficulty in discerning good from evil or right from wrong. The messages sent are that courage and determination and caring about others can determine ones path in life and make a difference to those around us. I just love seeing that sometimes the weakest and smallest of people can make the greatest change in the world. I highly recommend this book for all youngsters and oldsters too. I look forward to a sequel.
I would like to thank Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for this early read. I so appreciate it.
Rain is that orphan. She lives with her Aunt on her little farm of winged animals. Aunt Willow is hiding something though, she has a wild Griffin in the barn. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime for Rain, but also one that could destroy her life, her future and all those she holds dear.
I am 70 years old and I loved this book. The characters are engaging and there is no difficulty in discerning good from evil or right from wrong. The messages sent are that courage and determination and caring about others can determine ones path in life and make a difference to those around us. I just love seeing that sometimes the weakest and smallest of people can make the greatest change in the world. I highly recommend this book for all youngsters and oldsters too. I look forward to a sequel.
I would like to thank Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for this early read. I so appreciate it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an electronic ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion through NetGalley.
First in a new series by Flynn.
Rain belongs to the lowest caste in her country's system. Not only is she a Grub, but she is an orphaned Grub being raised by someone who is an outcast. Her "aunt" runs a menagerie and Rain assists. Early in the story, she discovers that her aunt is trying to train a wild griffin she has hidden in the barn. To everyone's surprise, Rain is able to speak with this griffin and ancient bonds are revitalized. The bulk of the book is about Rain's journey to find her way and rise to her role.
A classic rise above your station story that adds mythical creatures to the journey. She is joined by old and new friends on her quest and faces obstacles and those who don't want her to succeed. The suspense builds until the last minute completion of the ordeal. This triggers a revelation about the evil men and the victory over their plots.
The early part of the book drug a bit but once Rain and Griff bonded and made their first journey together, the pace picked up and adventures began.
Middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy will love this series.
First in a new series by Flynn.
Rain belongs to the lowest caste in her country's system. Not only is she a Grub, but she is an orphaned Grub being raised by someone who is an outcast. Her "aunt" runs a menagerie and Rain assists. Early in the story, she discovers that her aunt is trying to train a wild griffin she has hidden in the barn. To everyone's surprise, Rain is able to speak with this griffin and ancient bonds are revitalized. The bulk of the book is about Rain's journey to find her way and rise to her role.
A classic rise above your station story that adds mythical creatures to the journey. She is joined by old and new friends on her quest and faces obstacles and those who don't want her to succeed. The suspense builds until the last minute completion of the ordeal. This triggers a revelation about the evil men and the victory over their plots.
The early part of the book drug a bit but once Rain and Griff bonded and made their first journey together, the pace picked up and adventures began.
Middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy will love this series.
May 6, 2026
I was very excited to read this book because I have a tween aged granddaughter who loves to read fantasy books and I wanted to make sure this was appropriate for her age. I'm happy to report that it is, and that I enjoyed it very much, as well.
The premise of this book was very unique, which I loved. The characters were well written and easy to connect with. Rain and her wild griffin, Griff, were the main characters, as none of the events in the book would have happened without their friendship and the lengths they would go to realize Rain's dream of being a griffin rider, which is unheard of given Rain's low social status. Her old friend, Twig, has a very endearing way about him, and her new friend, Orla, is a character who grows as much as Rain does throughout the book. The world building was absolutely phenomenal, the pacing was spot on, and the illustrations were a bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to my granddaughter reading it as well.
5/5 stars
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Jan M. Flynn for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The premise of this book was very unique, which I loved. The characters were well written and easy to connect with. Rain and her wild griffin, Griff, were the main characters, as none of the events in the book would have happened without their friendship and the lengths they would go to realize Rain's dream of being a griffin rider, which is unheard of given Rain's low social status. Her old friend, Twig, has a very endearing way about him, and her new friend, Orla, is a character who grows as much as Rain does throughout the book. The world building was absolutely phenomenal, the pacing was spot on, and the illustrations were a bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to my granddaughter reading it as well.
5/5 stars
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Jan M. Flynn for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Rain is an orphan living with her Aunt who keeps and trains animals for others. Rain has one rule to follow, do not go into the barn, of course she does and finds a griffin, a wild griffin which no one has seen in many generations and thought to be extinct. The griffin bonds with Rain and when the high up officials find out they set out to capture the griffin and do the unthinkable to Rain make her start to take the meds. There is only one thing that can save them both and that is if they can get to the academy and make it past the trial set before them then even as an orphan she will be provided the education of the academy and hopefully become a griffin rider.
So much action and suspense right from the start and continuing on until the very end, however now I can’t wait to see what the pair will get up to next. These characters each and everyone are well thought out and the story is just wonderful. I really loved it and hope to see more of the duo as they move along the ranks.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
So much action and suspense right from the start and continuing on until the very end, however now I can’t wait to see what the pair will get up to next. These characters each and everyone are well thought out and the story is just wonderful. I really loved it and hope to see more of the duo as they move along the ranks.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Twelve year old Rain is a grub, the lowest position in society. She lives with her aunt, an Outlier(outcast) who makes her living providing magical animals she raises on her farm. When Rain discovers the wild griffin her aunt is raising, Rain discovers she can communicate with the creature. With the help of the daughter of a high ranking official, Rain challenges the right to become an Enforcer due to her ability to griffin speak. To gain this privilege, she must undergo an ordeal. As she heads out with the daughter and her friend Twig, they will learn more about the way society operates and about enemies, hungry for power, who will do whatever they can to ensure Rain fail.
Book 1 in a new series - cannot wait to read the next one.
#GriffinSpeaker #DisneyWorldwidePublishing #DisneyHyperion #NetGalley
Book 1 in a new series - cannot wait to read the next one.
#GriffinSpeaker #DisneyWorldwidePublishing #DisneyHyperion #NetGalley
October 22, 2025
Griffin Speaker is an engaging book about Rain, a girl who is part of the lowest class of Griffin Land's society. She is doomed to toil underground cutting roots for the big Corporation that keeps their society strictly separated into the very rich and the very poor. After she inadvertently bonds with a wild griffin, Rain finds out that there is a lot more to her land than she realized. There are important people that want her dead and will go to extreme lengths to make sure that she disappears. Griffin Speaker is a fast paced adventure that is great for middle grades on up. There are scenes of mild peril, discussion of death and very poor work and living conditions.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off, I would like to thank Jan M. Flynn and Disney Hyperion for the chance to read this advanced reader. In return, I give my honest opinion.
I wanted to like this one a little more. I loved Griff and all the characters, and the idea of Griffin Speak. I felt like the story was lacking though and that there could have been more. I had a huge issue with the transitions between characters and scenes. It has a good message and I love the world. I would like to see another book in this world that digs a little deeper. Paints a little more of a bigger picture. It's an enjoyable read. I was glad I got the opportunity to read it with my three sons, but I felt it just shy of a four-star read.
I wanted to like this one a little more. I loved Griff and all the characters, and the idea of Griffin Speak. I felt like the story was lacking though and that there could have been more. I had a huge issue with the transitions between characters and scenes. It has a good message and I love the world. I would like to see another book in this world that digs a little deeper. Paints a little more of a bigger picture. It's an enjoyable read. I was glad I got the opportunity to read it with my three sons, but I felt it just shy of a four-star read.
May 13, 2026
I pre-ordered this book, and I’m really glad I did. It’s a page-turner. Jan M. Flynn has spun a good yarn; it's an excellent read that held my attention so that, reading the book in two days, I aggravated the people around me because I continued reading when I had other responsibilities.
I'm a word guy, and one phrase jumped out at me—the author said a character had "patience like water on stone," That’s doing a lot of work in five words, particularly impressing me because the sentence had nothing to do with the fantasy world she was creating. One nugget among many in the novel’s solid, cover-to-cover writing.
I'm a word guy, and one phrase jumped out at me—the author said a character had "patience like water on stone," That’s doing a lot of work in five words, particularly impressing me because the sentence had nothing to do with the fantasy world she was creating. One nugget among many in the novel’s solid, cover-to-cover writing.
May 12, 2026
This book was so creative and imaginative! I loved the creatures introduced in this book (our real life animals combined with another) and the tunnel system for the grubs.
As someone with a very poor imagination I found this so fun.
The griffin being able to speak to Rain was so intriguing, reminded me of the bond with dragons in Fourth Wing.
I wasn’t expecting the conflict in this story which brought a whole new element of “right vs wrong” for young kids to think about.
I ultimately got this book for my kids, but ended up devouring it myself!
As someone with a very poor imagination I found this so fun.
The griffin being able to speak to Rain was so intriguing, reminded me of the bond with dragons in Fourth Wing.
I wasn’t expecting the conflict in this story which brought a whole new element of “right vs wrong” for young kids to think about.
I ultimately got this book for my kids, but ended up devouring it myself!
May 13, 2026
This middle grade novel packages up a lot of concepts that were very in vogue for the YA dystopian novels of a certain era (think the Hunger Games and similar). Griffin Speaker is, somewhat heavy-handedly, about a pretty horrible, stratified society in which some people are forcibly kept downtrodden to provide a laboring underclass for an oligarchy. Also a bit of commentary on colonialism—but all for kids! Grim, quite dire colonialism and hypercapitalism for kids. While it also contained a good amount of cool magical animals and a good amount of adventure, it was pretty unceasingly grim.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love the characters and the social, political structure that makes for a complexe, well written world building abd story a younger version of some of my current scifi fantasy. Riders, Chosen ones, laws bent and a rebellious heart, it stands out even when some tropes seem the same as other projects. I appreciate Orla a lot being a character in high society with a good heart. This is a great start, well illustrated and a series to follow right there with storm dragons.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
an utter delight!! I love when a book surpasses my expectations. GRIFFIN SPEAKER was breathtakingly fresh, adventurous, and bursting with heart—and most of all, so much fun!!! it isn't afraid to tackle big systemic issues with its (incredible) world-building, and Rain is such an endearing protagonist. perhaps a little less griffin than I'd hoped for, but I'm sure more lore is to come!!
a stupendous debut.
a stupendous debut.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Griffin Speaker" is an adventurous, engaging fantasy story full of heart and action. The world building is fantastic with magical creatures and a social system that sets up the plot in such an intriguing way. The main character Rain is endearing and easy to root for. This book is rated for middle grade but as an adult, I really enjoyed this as well. I read this with my tween and we both really liked it.
Here is her review:
Giffin Speaker is a fun book filled with bravery, adventure, friendship, cool creatures and magic. I really liked it and give it 5 stars. In the book, a girl from the lowest rank wants to rise in rank. With the special griffin she can talk to and good friends, she goes on a quest full of adventure and action.
Thank you Jan M. Flynn, Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for a copy of "Griffin Speaker" in exchange for my honest review.
Here is her review:
Giffin Speaker is a fun book filled with bravery, adventure, friendship, cool creatures and magic. I really liked it and give it 5 stars. In the book, a girl from the lowest rank wants to rise in rank. With the special griffin she can talk to and good friends, she goes on a quest full of adventure and action.
Thank you Jan M. Flynn, Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for a copy of "Griffin Speaker" in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I would have absolutely adored this book as a kid. As an adult, it feels a little like every other fantasy book I've read with a strict hierarchy and a protagonist who rises above their station, but that is kind of a mainstay of the genre. Tropes are gonna trope, you know? But for the kids in the target age range, I bet this is going to be a hit.
Thanks so much to Edelweiss and Disney Hyperion for the digital ARC! All opinions are unbiased and totally my own.
Thanks so much to Edelweiss and Disney Hyperion for the digital ARC! All opinions are unbiased and totally my own.
May 6, 2026
I read this book so I could preread it for my kids. This was a very good book! The world was unique but also everything in it. I only needed a few pages to get into it and everything felt normal and realistic. Add in magical creatures, a “caste” system, and an epic quest and it’s a winner! There are mean people trying to keep the poor people in line and a mean girl in school. I can’t wait to let my 9 and 11 year olds read it!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free copy of, Griffin Speaker, by Jan M Flynn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in the Griffin Speaker series. Rain is not yet a teenager but has a lot going on. I do not really read fantasy books, but I rather enjoyed Rain, and this book.
May 2, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5⭐️ - this was such a unique, new MG fantasy! It would make a great read aloud. I loved the storyline and the characters - I only docked half a star because it read a little slow to me, but I really did enjoy it! It’s on my Newbery radar!
4.5⭐️ - this was such a unique, new MG fantasy! It would make a great read aloud. I loved the storyline and the characters - I only docked half a star because it read a little slow to me, but I really did enjoy it! It’s on my Newbery radar!
May 6, 2026
My son read this book as an ARC. He absolutely devoured it and said it sucked him in directly from the beginning. He cannot wait to read another installment. The characters were well developed, and the magical world was immersive. He said this is perfect for any middle school-high school kid. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary advanced readers copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A nice book the artwork is great, wish there was more of it in the book. The story does start out a little slow but the book is setting up a world that will be great middle grade readers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews