Griffin Storm is one of the most fascinating characters I have encountered in a novel. Kirsten Campbell, author of the G.O.D. series, has done a superb job of developing characters in a way that makes you wish you could pull them out of the book and talk to them. This is why I’ve decided to sit down and interview Griffin.
1. Good afternoon, and thank you for your time. First things first: If you get this question wrong the interview is over (LOL just kidding). Before the devastating earthquake, were you a Falcons fan?
Griffin sat down on a couch in the corner of the room and he smiled slightly. He got a faraway look in his eyes and then he raised an eyebrow as he stared at Jessica. “I was a kid back then. I mean, it was back before 2018, right? It’s 2052 now, and well, I don’t remember that much of my childhood,” Griffin shrugged. “I didn’t know anything about football until I got to the Brotherhood Fortress. Penn has an old football in his room. He also has videos of different teams playing. He showed me the Falcons. I like them. Yea, I’m definitely a fan of the Falcons.”
2. What is life as an albino like? I am familiar with the excruciating Georgia heat and cannot imagine having to stay covered head to toe.
Griffin ran a hand through his pale white hair and he said, “Life’s hard for an albino in 2052, especially since I’m supposedly the last albino alive. Hey, that’s a harsh fact to face, but remember, I’ve been there, been behind the scenes. I survived the Guild Faction experiments and escaped the huge fire at their Main Office ten years ago. I have to hide and stay hidden from the Guild. I don’t want to go back there so I’ll do whatever I have to. Yes, the Georgia heat used to be something to deal with, but things are a bit different now, since the Great War and the earthquakes. The ocean’s not the same, and the weather’s different. I don’t know all the meteorological stuff but I do know that the weather has been affected. It’s not as hot as it used to be so I can get away with a hooded long-sleeved shirt. Hey, I have to protect not only my skin and eyes, I have to make sure that no one knows I’m in the Underground. And, I have to protect all those wonderful children, so I opt to be a little uncomfortable. Not a problem…
3. Do you have any memory of your life before you were “dipped?” Do you remember your parents?
Griffin smiled a generous smile and his blue eyes twinkled. “Yes, yes I do remember my mother. She was beautiful… She was my adopted mother and she had dark brown hair, green eyes and the sweetest smile. She was kind. I remember how kind she was-and she loved children.
4. What were you thinking the first time you saw Tassta? What exactly do you feel for her? Do you think a future with her is possible?
“Are you kidding me? The first time I saw Tassta I almost had a heart attack! She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Griffin said and blinked. He shook his head slowly and crossed his arms over his chest. “I love her, you know? I love her so much it scares me sometimes. I-I’ve never felt this way before, about anyone. I want to marry her and have lots and lots of kids.”
5. You and Penn call each other ‘best friends’ but there seems to be a lot of antagonism between the two of you. Is there a reason or is it just a “guy thing?”
“Call it what you want to call it, he’s a jerk!” Griffin said and laughed lightly. He kicked back and relaxed on the couch as he eyed Jessica quizzically and flashed a bright smile. “What can I say? He’s my best friend and I like him. He’s funny and crazy, but when you’re in trouble, he has your back. He’s there for you. I mean, yes, we have a weird “guy thing” going on, but it’s because we’re close and don’t forget, I’m dating his sister. That adds a tenseness to the friendship, but we’re dealing with it.”
6. The children sheltered in the ruins of Underground Atlanta appear very attached to you, which we know is mutual. Do you hope to be a father one day?
“Yes, they are attached to me,” Griffin said. He took a deep breath and released it slowly and he suddenly got a real serious look on his pale, handsome face and he said, “They love me, and I love them. I lived in the Underground for two years. I hid there, but I was there when they needed me. I know every one of them, I know their names, know what games they like to play. I fed them, clothed them and protected them from the Rogue Boy Scouts and the Jade Stomper gangs. And yes, one day I hope to be a father, hope to have lots of kids. Wait a second, did I mention that I love kids?
7. Would you explain the process of manipulating crystals? What is the purpose of this? When did you first discover this ability?
“Okay, well… I take a small piece of crystal and put it in the palm of my hand. I wrap it in an interdimensional air envelope and then I concentrate on super heating it. Within seconds, the crystal heats, glows and becomes gelatinous. Once the crystal is superheated, I blow it towards its destination. It’s a process that I found I could control once I was taken out of the Enhancement Gels. I use the heated crystals as weapons when necessary. I believe crystal is very effective since it can travel very quickly through the air and shoot through flesh, cauterizing the wound as it exits the body. Pretty cool, huh?”
8. You have been predestined to have a special role in the future of the world. How do you feel about that?
“I don’t know… According to the Master Scroll Books, (some really important books at the Brotherhood fortress), I’m supposed to transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. G.O.D.s have interdimensional doors to heaven and hell in their bodies. They can call angels from heaven and demons from hell. The demons crave flesh and blood and eventually G.O.D.s learn to control the cravings. Once they learn control they are called ” Blood Masters”. I know, it all sounds so detrimental, so serious and what’s worse is that they believe all that mumbo-jumbo. Geez, I mean, it’s really not fair. All I want is a normal life. I thought once I got to the fortress I would be able to live a normal life but these darn prophecies keep getting in the way.”
9. What do you think of Lerin, Dean, and the other authority figures at the Brotherhood Fortress? I get the distinct impression that you can’t tolerate being ordered around.
“I admire Lerin. I like him. Dean? Hell, that’s another story. Let’s stick to Lerin. He allowed me to stay at the fortress and he told me that I could bring all the children from the Underground to the fortress. He also is aware that I’m in love with his niece and he’s not giving me any grief about it. I am honored that he wants me to remain at the fortress. Yes, it’s hard to be ordered around when you have abilities like I have, but I do realize that there has to be order wherever you live, especially when the place where you live has well over 300 people.”
10. Do you have anything you wish to say to those who read your story?
“Yes, I do. Look everyone, I hope I didn’t scare the crap out of you at the end of Blood Master. I know things got tense, but please remember that it’s going to take a strong person to protect the Brotherhood Fortress, Tassta and to go up against the Guild Faction and finally grab all of the kids from Underground Atlanta. It’s going to take a G.O.D., end of story,” Griffin got up off the couch and headed for the door. He turned around and tilted his head. “Blood Rage is coming out in a few months. Read it. You’ll see what I mean,” Griffin said and waved good-bye, walked out of the room.
Jessica Wren Fiction 