Title: The Hellhound Growl
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #8
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

Although it’s not hard to fall for an animal, I really loved how strongly Charlotte bonded with Obie, the hellhound. It may not be the best, or most recommended thing for when you work in conservation, but, it’s also such a human response. Especially when you’re talking about well, a hound. It doesn’t matter what type – put a canine with a human, and they’re likely to bond. It just made Charlotte that much more relatable and loveable.

Although Charlotte bonded beautifully with Obie, her experiences also highlighted the risks that come with creating a special bond with an animal – that eventually they must be returned to the wild. Especially when working in conservation – rehabilitation means letting the animal remain as wild as possible. And although Charlotte manages to earn Obie’s trust to a degree, she still has to say her goodbyes and let him spread his wings.

After the turmoil in their relationship through the last few books, Charlotte and Felicity seem to be on firmer ground throughout The Hellhound Growl. I love that throughout everything, they have continued moving forward and just showing up for each other. In each and every moment, they show affection and acceptance. Which made it such a relief to finally find them back in a healthier and happier place.

As much as I love Charlotte, Obie absolutely stole the show for me in this one. He kind of reminds me a little of my boofheaded dog. So his journey to regaining the ability to trust and finding happiness again was just too beautiful. It made my heart explode with joy – again, because canines.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Kelpie Crisis
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Yet again, I really enjoyed how Tape was able to create a mythical creature out of something in our reality. And then give it the behavioural and conservation challenges that are already faced in our mundane world. In the case of the kelpies, they are a seahorse crossed with a horse. Semi aquatic and amphibians. With all of the challenges which seahorses and amphibians face in today’s world.

Throughout The Griffin Flock, Felicity and Charlotte find themselves at the first challenging point of their relationship. I love that throughout The Kelpie Crisis, these challenges are still there, but they’re working on them. It’s an indication of the health of their relationship – communication and a willingness to work through their grievances. And ultimately, they end up coming out of it stronger.

As someone who sometimes struggles with friendships and socialising, I really liked how Charlotte primarily viewed the friendships she was making as a networking opportunity. I sometimes do similar when I’m feeling stressed about being in a social situation, so it was really nice to be able to relate to that. Particularly as she very obviously formed strong friendships, she just had to shift her lens about her own expectations a little.

I can’t wait for more Griffin Sanctuary books. I’m really hoping that there will be a few moments in which Mei or others will do cross training at different sanctuaries. Or that Charlotte will be able to travel to someone else’s place. Like The Abyss. That would be intriguing and add to the cute and fun nature of these books.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Griffin Flock
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

The Griffin Flock takes a bit of a different spin on the journey through conservation which Charlotte is on – it takes a look at the horrors of animal farms. Don’t get me wrong, this is a big part of what it means to be in conservation – because there will always be animals farms. But, I found that it was an intriguing departure from the rest of the series. Where it is the more logistical difficulties of how to save animal species and their futures. This was all about saving individuals from the horrors of man’s selfishness.

Memphis was a really personable griffin, and, like Charlotte, I really enjoyed getting to know him. The way he is introduced to the griffin flock and finds his place in the world was actually kind of cute. And, really, after imagining what it would’ve been like for him to be in the animal farm – it was a nice and pleasant departure from the nastier aspects of this storyline. Which, again, like all animals, Memphis has a personality, one that I found completely adorable.

Not only is the idea of animal farms really tragic and heart wrenching, there are also moments in The Griffin Flock which deal with the harshest of realities. In this case, it is the fact that some of the animals which Charlotte comes across have been tortured, and for some, the kindest thing to do is to euthanise them. Tragic, but also, again, something that is absolutely a part of conservation and preservation of animals.

Whilst Charlotte and Felicity have been getting closer and closer, I love that The Griffin Flock creates some conflict in their relationship. And it is an organic conflict – overtime on Charlotte’s behalf and the lack of quality time together puts a strain on their relationship. I also love the healthiness of the way they both deal with it – talk about it and find ways to start to manage their emotions and the challenges of overtime.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Sphinx Pride
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

As with the rest of the Griffin Sanctuary books, I really enjoyed how The Sphinx Pride provided some great insight into animal sanctuaries and some of the challenges of conservation. Yes, these are mythical creatures, and there’s generally some form of silver lining within the story line – something that doesn’t always happen in reality. But I really love the insights into just how challenging the choices in conservation can be.

As with everything in Tape’s world of the Griffin Sanctuary, I’m always intrigued as to how she is going to create and describe the mythological animals. And I kind of loved how the sphinxes in this story were a combination of mandrills and lions. I absolutely adore Mandrills, and have a fascination with all big cats. The combination was great, and I really enjoyed how Tape used aspects of both animals’ behaviours to create the creatures in this story.

Alongside the passion of animal conservation, I really enjoy how Charlotte and Felicity continue to grow in this story. I mean, they’re just a cute couple anyway. The way that their relationship continues to build and both women are able to support each other is just gorgeous. It’s nice to read about a supportive relationship that continues to unfurl with minimal drama and angst.

The Sphinx Pride is a quick and easy read that reminds me of how much I love animals and conservation. I’m not sure if I love the Griffin Sanctuary because of the storyline, the characters, or the reminder of how much I adore animals. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Fairy Festival
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #0.75
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

The Fairy Festival is a quick, easy and light read. One that I dived into when I needed it the most. It was fun, brilliant and a great little departure from reality. It also acted as a really nice introduction to Charlotte and why fitting in at Griffin Sanctuary was such a rare and special moment for her. I loved this little insight into Charlotte’s history, and really enjoyed the joyful simplicity of this story.

I kind of wish that I had read this tale earlier in my read through to the Griffin Sanctuary series. It was a nice and fun story, but it also gave a bit more context to Charlotte’s character that I could’ve done with. I also really loved the peace and imagery that the Fairy Festival invokes in the mind’s eye.

The Fairy Festival reminded me why I really enjoy this series. It’s brilliant, cute, and, ultimately all about conservation. I was absolutely the passionate young person who wanted to sit and stare at the skies for hours, just to catch a glance of something rare and beautiful. Plus, the love for the environment that Tape shows through her words is gorgeous. It’s also just such a simple and unforgettable read.

Lastly, I really enjoy how Charlotte doesn’t want to break the rules (that actually exist for a reason). And, ultimately, how right she is about not breaking the rules. Rule breaking is great, but if you’re doing it for selfishness, and at the detriment of the environment, yeah, I’m on Charlotte’s side with this one.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.

World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.

As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.

Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.

Image source: Goodreads