"Will's eyes were pulled back to the crystal ball. The colours swirled, making him feel dizzy. Sweat prickled his back. "It's awfully hot in here," he muttered. The ball started to spin, faster and faster. He thought his head was going to explode. In a panic, he searched For Granny Storm, but the room was full of purple mist and he couldn't see her. Clammy fingers of mist touched his cheeks and seeped into his ears. He was cold now, ice-cold. "Help!" Will squeezed his eyes shut."

12 year old Will Poppy has always been fascinated with writing – he thinks there is something almost magical about it. But when his mother dies, and he has to live with his crabby aunt, Will finds himself unable to write a word (despite the fact that two Muses will not leave him alone.) Then things get complicated – he is sent a mysterious package that includes an old picture of his grandparents and a piece of cloth with the words The Griffin of Darkwood on it. His aunt takes him to a run-down castle with servants who are up to no good – and that’s just the beginning! Will must find his way in this new world and discover the magic all over again.