Griffin's Castle

Dinah is an eleven year old girl neglected by her mother and despised by her mother's new boyfriend. All she has ever wanted was a home to call her own. When her mother's new boyfriend moves them into his family's dilapidated mansion, Dinah fantasizes about the way she wants it to look, believing she can wish it into existence. She calls upon the stone figures of a nearby castle to come to life and come to her garden to protect it from being torn down. The book was well written and a pleasure to read. However, the abrupt, happily-ever-after ending was unexpected and disappointing. There was nothing leading the reader up to the way the book ended it was just suddenly thrust upon the reader to accept. I would most definately give this book a four out of five stars.

Pre-teen Dinah is determined to make a run-down old mansion a home at last for her and her mother, when her loneliness leads her to wish the animal statues at a nearby Welsh castle would come to life and keep her company. When magic brings them to life she's delighted at first - but when they limit her freedom she comes to realize they are not a delight but a danger - a danger which could threaten her new life. GRIFFIN'S CASTLE is packed with delightful fantasy and a 'must' pick for any who enjoy fantasies and strong characterization.