Cover art for the books 'Godfrey's Crusade' and 'Godfrey Under Siege' by Mark Howard, featuring medieval castles, a knight on horseback, and a castle under siege.

The Griffin Legends

Duty, honor, and loyalty will be put to the ultimate test.


A knight’s destiny is determined by his adventures. His character is determined by the trials he faces along the way.

Mark Howard brings us an epic coming-of-age fantasy tale about duty, honor, and loyalty in a life-or-death stakes struggle for the realm. As the battles rage in a mysterious world that echoes J.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the true test for the young knight isn’t proving his bravery or vanquishing his foes – it’s realizing his own potential as a leader.

A military crusade is called to aid the Kingdom of Azgald in the distant Nordslands, and Godfrey, a young and idealistic knight, doesn’t hesitate to volunteer for the noble quest. Yet, he soon learns that the greatest threat is not the swords of savage clans under the High Warlord Alvir and the dark magic of the High Witch of the North, Nera, but the crusaders themselves.

“This skilled story has everything a fantasy reader could ask for: monsters (human and otherwise), intrigue, romance, and the quest for true knighthood. It is highly recommended.” -- Blue Ink Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Godfrey de Bastogne has much to prove when he answers the call to embark on an adventure to save the realm to the north from old enemies that have united against them. The expedition’s success against the mythical creatures and clansmen does not hinge on strategy, tactics, or victorious battles but on a vision granted to him by the gods. Flanked by soldiers, knights, loyal friends, and his love interest, Madeline, who is hiding her magical powers, he must stop his foes from unleashing an ancient evil on the land…or die trying.

Now a veteran of fateful struggles and epic military clashes, all eyes turn to the hero Godfrey as the chosen one to fulfill the prophecy by delivering them victory in their quest. With the fate of Azgald hanging in the balance, can he succeed in uniting the crusaders with his holy blade, or will the political intrigue, egos, and self-interest of the bickering factions be too much to overcome in the face of almost impossible odds?

PRAISE FOR THE GRIFFIN LEGENDS

  • This skilled story has everything a fantasy reader could ask for: monsters (human and otherwise), intrigue, romance, and the quest for true knighthood. It is highly recommended.

    Blue Ink Review

  • This fast-moving classic fantasy brings appealing life to a familiar tapestry.

    Book Life

  • This is a brilliant and sprawling adventure that will appeal to fans of fantasy that is heavy on magic and noble quests, for a stellar first entry in the series.

    Self-Publishing Review


E-books exclusively for the Kindle and available on Kindle Unlimited!

Digital illustrations of two mobile devices displaying fantasy book covers. The larger device shows the cover of "Godfrey's Crusade" featuring a medieval castle and a knight on horseback in a snowy landscape. The smaller device displays the cover of "Godfrey Under Siege" with a castle under attack by stormy weather and a knight in a blue cloak.

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Two fantasy novels by Mark Howard: 'Godfrey's Crusade' shows a castle with a knight on horseback in a snowy landscape; 'Godfrey Under Siege' depicts a warrior with a sword standing before a fortress under attack with stormy skies.

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Knight on horseback approaching a snowy medieval castle, with the text "Godfrey's Crusade" and "Mark Howard" in the foreground.