Beyond the North Wind

Bradshaw maximizes the power of this taut fantasy adventure by grounding it in classical mythology. Aristeas, a Greek poet, is spirited off on a mission by Apollo. Captured by a couple of Arimaspians, a one-eyed people living under a terrible curse, Aristeas discovers that their powerful queen is planning an attack against the griffins. Instinctively, Aristeas knows that he must warn these winged beasts of impending ambush, yet feels it is also his duty to save the war-mongering Arimaspians. To resolve this seemingly paradoxical task, he calls on his magical powers, his sheer determination and his stalwart griffin friend, Firegold. As the opposing sides move into action and magic begins to take its course, the plot builds to an exciting climax. The mix of beasts and humans, of the mythical and the magical, results in a happy synergism. Especially well portrayed is the griffin nation, its mores and foibles, history and culture. Ages 10-up. (Apr.)