Giada the Healer Novel How to Heal a Gryphon, Book 1, (Hardcover)

How to Heal a Gryphon follows Giada, who is almost thirteen and comes from a long line of magical healers, the Guaritori, followers of Apollo. Giada is not interested in using her healing powers on people; she feels an affinity for the goddess Diana and wants to help animals. Giada feels as if she is always being compared to her older brother Rocco who has followed the family tradition and is the perfect son and guaritore. Rocco goes missing, abducted by the dark witches of the underground city of Malafi. Giada sets out to rescue him with the help of her animal friends, including, Sinistro, a talking cat who I just loved. This middle-grade story is sweet, fast-paced and fun, and Giada is a spirited, persistent, headstrong character who sometimes has to be reminded to tone down her stubbornness. A few things were incongruous, such as characters making the sign of the cross in a world where people practice magic and follow Apollo, and Giada who loves animals but also eats some of them. Overall, a cute, enjoyable read that is hopefully a series starter.