“… an astonishing debut … a dark, deep tale of destiny and loyalty of heroic proportion, a strong recommendation for fantasy readers; this will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

— School Librarian Magazine on 'A Cage of Roots'

In 2014, while working as a colourist on a graphic novel for Irish publisher The O'Brien Press, the Art Director asked me if I had any stories of my own. If I had, maybe I'd like to pitch them. I replied that I had the very thing - a dark adventure about an American girl discovering ancient Irish roots. I made my pitch and a year later my debut novel, A Cage of Roots, was published.

As well as the writing, I provided the cover design, interior illustrations & interior design elements.

The critical reception was overwhelmingly positive and so, added to the fact that I had ended the story on a cliffhanger, a sequel was green lit: 'Storm Weaver'.

"The magical adventure that began so explosively with A Cage of Roots continues in this equally gripping new episode … setting and adversaries are thrillingly described, a seam of real myth and legend giving the story extra depth. Matt Griffin’s atmospheric black and white illustrations add to the mood"

Lovereading4kids

Again, the response was positive; again I ended it on a cliffhanger. And so in 2017 'The Spiral Path' finished off the trilogy.

In that same year, A Cage of Roots was named Children's Book of the Year 2017 by The Literacy Association of Ireland.

"...a finale that subverts expectations at every turn … a fast, lean and creepy adventure … an unsettling combination of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the scouring of the Shire section from Lord of the Rings … both a haunting coda and sweet send-off, Matt Griffin’s new offering says goodbye to his strange world with aplomb."

Inis Magazine

In 2024, The O'Brien Press agreed to a full rights reversion. So now Ayla and her friends are free to find a new future.

MattGriffin

Selected works

Matt
Griffin