Raising the Griffin

Rating:
Summary: The other side of teen royalty
Review: There seems to be a wave of royalty books for teenagers right now, most of which play for laughs. Wyatt comes at the subject from the opposite side, giving us a prince rather than a princess, and one who must seriously consider what his role means to the impoverished country that needs him.

Alex Varenhoff grew up in England, knowing that his family once ruled Rovenia, a former Soviet state. Now that Rovenia is independent once more, they call on Alex's dad to return as king. That makes Alex Prince Alexei and turns his life upside down. Alexei tries but is soon overwhelmed by the demands of public life. Let astray by a publicity seeking princess, his bad behavior puts his life in danger.

RAISING THE GRIFFIN is a suspenseful, thought-provoking look at what it's really like to be a prince.

Rating:
Summary: Realistic and engrossing.
Review: This book is not the Princess Diaries, as others have stated. It is a truly believable account of Alex, heir to the throne of Rovenia, and the adjustments demanded of him as his father returns to take the throne lost by the family after WW2. Alex is a typically spoiled rich kid who has been raised in England with the knowledge of his lineage, but never in his wildest dreams did he expect that the Rovenian government would choose to reinstate the monarchy. Alex comes across as a confused, angry young man who only wants his old life back. The use of present tense, at first minorly irritating, became a plot device that brought the tragic surprise to the surface in complex, truthful ways. Alex is a sympathetic character, and the author does a credible job bringing him to life and making us understand his needs as he grows to accept his destiny.

Rating:
Summary: Loved this book!!!
Review: This is the best book I have read in like a year. Alex/Alexei and the problems he faces are so real. You feel like you are right there with him. I hope there's going to be a sequel. I want to know what happens to Alexei and Sophy. Bring Sophy Back, Ms. Wyatt! I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read that will almost break your heart.

Rating:
Summary: Completely believable
Review: Wyatt's book takes a completely realistic look at the life of a prince. Alex Varenhoff has always known he was royalty -- his grandfather was the last in a long line of kings of Rovenia (a fictional former Soviet country). However, the monarchy was overthrown years ago (Think Anastasia). Now, Rovenia has decided to reinstate the monarchy, and 16-year-old Alex is next in line for the throne! Having become used to the ordinary life of a British commoner, Alex is none to thrilled with having to move into a dank Rovenian castle, take Rovenian history lessons with a sour-faced Baron deBatz, or be called Prince Alexei. But there are some advantages, including his friendship with Sophy, his new publicist's daughter, and a romance with the beautiful Princess Isabella. I think fans of THE PRINCESS DIARIES would probably enjoy this book if they're into the royalty thing. However, people who did *not* like PRINCESS DIARIES may prefer RAISING THE GRIFFIN because it is more realistic. A winner!