Twelve-year-old Will Poppy has always been fascinated by writing, but when his mother dies and he has to live with his crabby aunt, he finds himself unable to write a word. When he is sent a mysterious package that includes an old picture of his grandparents and a piece of cloth with the words "The Griffin of Darkwood" on it, his aunt takes him to a run-down castle with servants who are up to no good. Now Will must find his way in this new world, and discover the magic all over again.

"Edited by Kathryn Cole"--Title page verso.