Year of the Griffin is rich in overlapping themes conveyed by a diverse cast of characters involved in the workings of magic.

Through these characters, readers explore themes of the use and abuse of power, family and gender relations, self-realization and growth, cooperation, and education. The major characters are the students, named Ruskin, Claudia, Elda, Lukin, Olga, and Felim. All are enrolled at the university to develop their powers. Each has a distinctive background and personal problem.

The problem faced by Ruskin illustrates the abuse of power through a hierarchical order, or a society in which some groups control others. Ruskin is a dwarf belonging to an artisan tribe, one of the lowest in his fastness, or secluded place. He is secretly learning wizardry so that his lower orders can revolt against the highest order, the forgemasters. Ruskin's peers seek equality and recognition of...