THE AYLA TRILOGY
“… 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.”
Background
In 2014 I was working as a colourist on a graphic novel for Irish publisher The O’Brien Press.
During a meeting the Art Director, Emma Byrne, mentioned they felt I might have a story in me. She asked if I’d like to pitch a novel aimed at younger readers.
To cut a long story (sorry) short, I pitched, they helped me refine & the result was the publication in 2015 of my debut novel A Cage of Roots.
I provided the cover art, illustrations & a cliff hanger ending. And so in 2016 the second book, Storm Weaver, was released, with 2017’s The Spiral Path finishing out the series.
In 2017 A Cage of Roots was named Children’s Book of the Year (9-11) by The Literacy Association of Ireland.
RIGHTS REVERSION
In 2024, The O’Brien Press kindly agreed to a full rights reversion back to me. The audiobooks (narrated by my very own brother, Luke) remain under contract with Bolinda until 2029, but everything else has been reverted.
This means I am free to find a future for Alya, Seanie, Benvy & Finny. It’s apt because they feel very much like my offspring! As for what that future is, I have no idea. But if you are interested in discussing optioning, publication or anything else, drop me a line.
A very special thanks to O’Brien Press. They are true champions of untested Irish talent & without them, the trilogy wouldn’t exist. I’ll always be grateful.
Magic exists beneath our feet, if we only know where to look …
Growing up in a New York orphanage, Ayla has no idea who her family is. It is not until she comes to Ireland that she finds out just how deep her roots really are.
Then her past rises up to haunt her and seeks to destroy her as Ayla is abducted and buried alive in the bowels of the earth.
Above ground, her three best friends set out to find and save her from a fate that has been lying in wait for centuries. Guided by Ayla’s uncles, they must make a treacherous journey that takes them down among the very roots of time.
Back in the claustrophobic tunnels of the defeated Red Root King …
Ayla and her friends travel further from home and deeper into the strange and ancient world of Fal.
The chase leads them through a land of ever-deepening magic, populated with characters bizarre and beautiful, wondrous and dangerous.
It leads them to the Old Ones, where Ayla’s newfound powers are greeted with fear and trepidation.
They will meet allies and enemies, old and new, with the lines blurred between friend and foe. Battles spiral into war, and not everyone will fall on the same side…
The battle was won, the storm has subsided…
…but the enemy has escaped, the few remaining Danann leaving Fal with a threat that leaves Ayla, Sean, Finny and Benvy in no doubt: their home of Kilnabracka is in serious danger.
All is not well in the town. It looks untouched; life goes on, with no sign of the dangerous Danann. But a storm is brewing, and the friends are being drawn into a trap, down a Spiral Path.
Press
Praise for...
A Cage of Roots
"...an original and engaging fantasy … gorgeously, eerily illustrated by the author, A Cage of Roots is equal parts compelling, enchanting and unsettling"
Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reading Guide
"...full of magic and mystery, deeply rooted in Irish mythology and legends … 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. (I do not recommend this as a bedtime read!) Stunning."
School Librarian Magazine
Storm Weaver
"...magical and compelling, full of darkness and a deeply satisfying mythological depth. Matt Griffin’s striking black and white illustrations evoke and enhance the strangeness of his gripping tale"
CBI Recommended Reads 2016
"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
"A mesmerising story that has the reader pondering throughout on who can be trusted and who is the enemy. Atmospheric drawings are the perfect complement to the story and it's good to see illustrations in a book for this age group - it should help even reluctant readers to take an interest. An excellent read, full of darkness and mystery - a real page-turner"
ParentsinTouch
The Spiral Path
"...a breath-taking conclusion … author-illustrator Matt Griffin delvers a fantasy adventure with a lot of punch..."
Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Reading Guide 2017
"...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
LAI Children’s Book of the Year 2017.
I still pinch myself…
