Magic, mystery and mayhem are alive and well in Sparrowhawk Hall as Will Poppy tries to break an ancient curse. 10 year old Will has always been fascintaed with writing - he thinks there's something almost magical aout it. But when his mother dies and he has to live with his crabby aunt, Will finds himself unable to write a word.

Then things get complicated. He is sent a mysterious package that contains an old picture of his grandparents and a piece of cloth with the words "The Griffin of Darkwood" on it, and his aunt takes him to a run-down old castle with evil servants. Now Will must find his way in this new world and discover the magic all over again.