E.G. FoleyRessenyes

In this continuation of the story of Jake Everton, Lord Griffon, he and his allies are still reeling from the death of their leader, Aunt Ramona, as well as other high-ranking members of the Order of the Yew Tree. Training for future Guardians and Lightriders is increased, while those already in service are on heightened alert.

Lord Wyvern and the Dark Druids, of course, are not resting on their victory at Merlin Hall. Plans are underway to crown Wyvern as the leader of the Druids and celebrate the occasion by unleashing a horrendous attack on the whole world. Thanks to some intrepid spying, the Guardians learn when and where the ceremony is to take place and plot their own attack.

As both sides prepare to go to battle, Jake is doing some training of his own with a new power he has acquired--against the advice of all of his friends who warn him it will be too powerful for him. He plans to sneak into the battle against the Dark Druids by disguising himself as a Guardian, but his plot is foiled when he is recognized just before departure.

It turns out that it's just as well he is forced to stay at Merlin Hall, as that is one of the first sites where Wyvern sends his unholy army; if Jake hadn't been there to lead his friends, all might have been lost.

This is an action-packed book which I found hard to put down. It could be read on its own, but a new reader would not understand all of the back story and would not get as much enjoyment out of it so I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series first.

I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Lost Heir is historical fantasy set in a fantastic Victorian London and is charming all the way through. You can really tell that E.G. Foley, the husband and wife team who author these books, know what readers will enjoy.

Jake and Dani fly over the city of London and work together to defeat a pair of colorful villains who pose as philanthropists. Dani uses her back street smarts and Jake uses his magical powers.

The story has ALL THE THINGS from unicorns to mermaids. Oh, and fairies and Queen Victoria. And helpful ghosts. Every chapter delivers. Nicely done and fun to read for kids and grown-ups. A great book to take on vacation or to keep the reading skills alive over the summer, absolutely painlessly.

This is an adorable well written story about Jake and his friends in a very magical London trying to resolve problems caused by one of Santa’s elves, who’s decided he wants to be mean instead, using magic to make the gingerbread cookies go to war. The task of catching and delivering the elf back to Santa involves a trek through the land of the yetis, the Snow Princess, and finally the North Pole. Reading the series to understand the backstory would’ve helped but wasn’t necessary. I’ll bet this entire middle school age series is just adorable and fantastic. I’m so glad I read it. It was so much fun.

What fun! It's been a while since I read any of the Gryphon Chronicles, so it was easy to approach it as a standalone. I don't think it matters what time of year this one gets read, as there are so many fun (as well as the irritating) beings involved in the problems created for this special group of friends by a disgruntled elf who wants to be a Halloween elf! The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but that can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs! I love this one at least as much as I remember enjoying the others, which I plan to reread this week!
My copies are all audio, and no one could possibly do a better audio interpretation than Jamie du Pont MacKenzie!

I read this book after my 11-year-old daughter and a friend of hers loved it. It was just frightening enough to keep the reader glued to the page but not so frightening that I'd never be able to take my daughter camping again afterward (as it starts out deep in the wilderness). The author weaves the story of a contemporary middle school boy's predicament into the exciting, action-packed, historical legend of the Bigfoot. Really fun read.

Fantastic story! Great writing - a quick read for a kid or a grown-up!

historical figures, fantasy, suspense, mystery, Europe, action/adventure

Excellent! It's been a while since I read the previous Gryphon Chronicles, so I was very happy to get this one! Lots of action, painless history, fun, and more! The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but that can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs and excitement!
I got the audio, and my only caveat is that I wish that it had been divided into two parts. Facing 19 hours required a bit of planning to fit it into life.
The narrator does a fantastic job of differentiating characters and bringing them to life!

After reading the Christmas special I was quite happy to give this one a try too. Not bad, a good read for Middle Grade readers and still trying to decide whether to buy the rest of the series.

Parts of this were really good - like the description of the bakery. However, I want Jake to get hit by a train. He's a preachy and judgmental so and so.

I have to say I was disappointed with this as the second book of the series. It so significantly departs from the first book. My thinking is that once you build a world for readers, you ought to continue their adventures in said world.

In book 2, the author takes off on a significant tangent and has us go back in time to Norse mythology, something the first book had nothing to do with. At times, the narrative gets VERY far fetched and unbelievable, yet it just keeps going and going. I was very tempted to just shut the book about 2/3rd of the way through, but chose to stick with it.

It seemed like the mentions of things that happened in book 1 were superficial at best. Will I read book 3? I'm not sure...

I enjoyed the fast paced nature of this book. It kept my interest. The characters were believable and the plot worked. The only thing I would say against it is the are instances where the time does not make sense. For example, at the beginning of the book, the action sequence takes place in the morning. Shortly after the narrative mentions it being afternoon and then shortly after that it says it is still morning, all of the same day. Need to make sure all the details line up and make sense. I noticed some thing similar later on as well. Overall, a good start t a new series though. I hope book 2 measures up and we get to know these characters even better.

This is another fun entry in The Gryphon Chronicles! On the run from the Dark Druids, Jake and his cohorts encounter many new adventures while making new friends--and new enemies. In the process of rescuing the world from a second flood, the group realizes just how important friendships are and what each member of the group means to the others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I did feel there was a bit too much dialogue about the various personal relationships within the group which detracted just a bit from the plot. The resolution to the situation with Aunt Ramona wasn't entirely satisfactory, either, but neither of these quibbles were serious flaws and I highly recommend the book. If you have not yet read the previous books in the Gryphon Chronciles, you will want to do so as soon as possible after reading this book!

I received a free digital copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.½

Jake and his friends are hunted by the Dark Druids. In order to protect them Aunt Ramona has them take the Grand Tour where the end up in Italy. While there they test Archie's new invention that will take them underwater without breathing apparatus. As they explore a sunken temple that Jake has previously discovered they find an orb that Archie says came from the Atlantisans. Is he right?

I enjoyed this newest adventure of Jake, Archie, and the rest of them. It is full of action, adventure, and a little romance. I liked how the legends of mermaid and Atlantis are woven through the story. Watching Jake and company learn as they reason out the mystery is fun. I got into the story as they work to discover what the orb they found does and why the villains want it so much. I appreciate that Jake can go back to his roots in the rookery when he needs to and use the skills he learned there to help him today. The support among the friends is tremendous even when they are fighting with each other. But a good clearing of the air never hurt any romance.

While most of the action involves the gang, I liked when the adults had their chance for their own adventure. That was a cliff hanger. As their adventure is occurring so is Jake's and company. Each group has formidable enemies to conquer.

Read this series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. The world building is fantastic. I love this world. I look forward to the next book to answer my questions lingering from this one.

Entertaining story brimming with life lessons!
An awesome addition to the series! I loved the characters, elements of the story and especially the travels through 'other' lands. It takes fairy tales, myths and legends and shakes them all together. Our friends and some new companions begin on a new, intriguing journey that will have you both cheering for and against our own species (at times). I appreciated that the author noted some of our faults as well as those of the non-humans.

As before, the narrator did a wonderful job giving different voices to the different characters.

I can't wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this audio book from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really liked this audio book. It's perfect to listen to in the car with kids- or just by yourself! (Like I did!) It's probably one of the best 'kid friendly' books I've listened to in quite awhile.

While I liked Jake, I loved Dani. She was such a great, driving element in the story line. The narrator did a wonderful job- I love his ability to go from 'villain' to 'cocky village street kid' to ' noble matriarch' to 'hyperactive young genius.'

I noticed some reviews made comparisons to Harry Potter. This book doesn't rely much on the same elements. The only real commonalities were that they both take place in England and our hero is a young man who can perform magic. Please don’t compare them.

I was provided this audio book at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Gryphon Chronicles have another adventure, and this one is longer! Jake, Dani, Archie, and Izzy are back with old friends and make new ones as well. And more frightening enemies. Jake suffers the anticipation and trials of the tests known as the Assessment, hoping that he will pass muster to be considered for a Lightrider like hos parents were. There are many new adventures and his friends also learn more about themselves. While written for younger readers, the kinds of growth and self-awareness depicted are applicable to most of us. See publisher's summary for story clues without spoilers, and get on board to enjoy this fun installment with it's characteristic vivid imagery.
Jamie continues with his stellar performance which adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of this series.

Jake and friends expect a fine vacation in Wales visiting the family's mining operation. They meet the house brownies, dwarves, faeries, pixies, unicorns, a headless ghost, a local boarding school, and a villainous dead sorcerer. The publisher's summary will give you some basics, and no spoilers in this review. I just want you to know that there is a lot of adventure, magic, suspense, scary stuff, and a few hidden life lessons for the fellow who has had his whole life and world view upended. That would be Jake. He may be 12, but these novels are great for people of all ages. I guarantee that playing the story during a long journey will keep the whole carfull too engaged to squabble!
Again, Jamie's performance brings it all to vivid life with his way of becoming the characters, not just simply narrating this super series.

NORWAY!!! Jake and pals accompany Cousin Archie to the Invention Convention in NORWAY and meet Edison, Bell, and many more inventors. But the best part is all of the legendary Norse that they become involved with. Truly, Librarian Eva, Nordic Pride Worldwide, Nordic Brotherhood, Nordic Gods, and Norse Mythology have got to favor this one! Ja! Whether the reader is 8 or 80, this is a great book to tickle the fancy of we Norsk, followers of Atticus O'Sullivan, Harry Dresden, George R R Martin, or those who need to 'Google This' for all of the fascinating places and personages met here. Of course, there is a Giant, and Loki, and The Norns, and Yggdrasil, and 3 of the 9 worlds. No spoilers, the publisher's summary will give hints.
Jamie must have spent enough time in Minnesota or Decorah to do a creditable job performing the voices, but it is obvious that he is fully engaged in this tale and really enjoys the performance!
What a perfectly wonderful gift this is! Guess what the kids are getting for gifts, too!

This book is too much fun! There is heroism, compassion, villainy, humor, sarcasm. badassery and wiseassery. Jake learns that he has more than one friend in the world, and that magic and magical beings are real. In some ways, this is Atticus O'Sullivan meets the Artful Dodger and Dani is a younger version of Cinderella. There is a Guardian, an angel, mythical monsters, a young genius, shapeshifters, a giant spider who sounds like Renfield, and more! If you've ever been 12, or know someone who is 12, you will enjoy this tale of good vs evil. The story is well-crafted, and the characters are even better.
Jamie performs this fine fantasy with a flair and adds depth and voice to the character interpretations in a fully engaged manner.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com, but plan to continue with this series which ended on a hook.

This book was quick, fun read. Although I am not a conspiracy theorist, I enjoyed reading about the conspiracy hatched in this adventure, which pits 12-year-old Gabby Reynolds against 13-year-old Dr. K-Mack, child prodigy. K-Mack has taken over a secret government facility called "Northern Lights" and has subverted it from a harmless research facility to a mind- and weather-control weapon which causes riots, hurricanes, and all sorts of disasters. Gabby, her father, and some friends try to fight the evil child genius and return life to normal.

I felt the book was well-written, particularly the scenes with the killer whales affected by K-Mack's new weaponry. And the scenes between Gabby and K-Mack are entertaining, as K-Mack tries to woo Gabby and she resists. The end of the book is a cliff-hanger--will K-Mack and Gabby have to face off again in a future installment of the 50 States of Fear?

I received this book free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Gabby is being kept a prisoner in her home by her mother because of riots occurring in San Francisco. When she gets the chance to go to Alaska with her father, she jumps at it. In Alaska Gabby hears a radio broadcast about the Northern Lights facility, a government installation supposedly studying the Aurora Borealis. It causes her to think about things she has seen in Alaska that do not seem to be right as well as the riots happening through the United States. Could the broadcaster be right about a government cover-up?

I liked Gabby. She is spunky, feisty, and independent. I loved her curiosity to find out what is behind things she has seen and know cannot be right. I liked her inventiveness when necessary. She a wonderful heroine. When she discovers who is behind these events, she is shocked but not afraid to do what she must to defeat the person. Once the action begins, it is a non-stop ride to the ending. I did not see this coming.

The secondary characters are fun and interesting. Her dad is not happy with her insistence that the radio announcer might be onto the truth but his risk-taking has him throwing his hand in with them. Dr. Mackowsky is a hiss-worthy villain as are his cronies. He only needs a mustache to twirl as he plots his takeover. He already has the evil laugh down pat. Gabby's interaction with him is enjoyable especially when she is ahead of him.

I am loving this series! I keep wondering how it will be kept fresh and exciting. So far I have not been disappointed.

Jake and the gang are off to the Gathering where Jake will have his Assessment. He is not happy about it. It is at the Gathering where they will make new friends, vanquish new foes, and learn of bad news.

I love this series! Read it in order (even JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARS) as there are people and events referred to from previous books. Some story lines that seemed over are not. Some story lines continue in this story and will go into the next book.

Jake seemed to be growing up last book but he has slid back to being a child. His pity party with Red is priceless! He sounds like a kid. Jake has to face his jealousy of a rival for Derek Stone's attention. He also has to look at his actions and learn to be humble when dealing with others. Jake learns that he needs to rely on others as much as they need to rely on him.

I love Archie, Dani, and Isabelle. Archie and Isabelle deal with their first crushes. It's adorable! Isabelle also deals with a suitor she does not want and cannot decide if he is serious or harassing her. Dani's temper causes her some trouble but her solution brought a smile to my face. But they are firmly behind Jake no matter what happens.

The adults seem oblivious to what the gang is up to until after things happen that become a problem. They never question what Jake and his friends (old and new) are doing even as they watch them preparing their weapons (but you cannot believe what they use for weapons.)

I look forward to book 5. RISE OF ALLIES sets it up nicely. There will be plenty of adventures and bad guys for Jake, Archie, Dani, and Isabelle.

JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARS is a new must-read Christmas classic. This time Jake finds that an elf, Humbug, has run away from the North Pole and is creating mischief because he hates Christmas. Humbug wants to be a Halloween elf. Jake must return him to Santa.

Once again Jake takes the rest with him as he goes to the North Pole to return Humbug to Santa. Along the way they, naturally, run into trouble with yetis and Santa's granddaughter (didn't know he had one.) They are not sure they will stay alive to get to Santa never mind getting back in time to be in the Nativity play.

I like how myths from the Arctic Circle are blended into JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARS. I loved how Santa brings in the Nativity story as he answers Jake's question. There is even a little Shakespeare blended in here.

This is a feel good story with much that made me smile and a little that brought a tear to my eye. It is one that will bring a new Christmas tradition into my holiday season.

THE DARK PORTAL is the 3rd book of THE GRYPHON CHRONICLES by E. G. Foley. This time Jake and the gang travel to Wales to see Jake's estate and gold mine. While there Jake sees ghosts who haunt the mine school. While the ghosts do not have much faith in Jake's abilities it is up to him to discover why there is a pall over the school and how to handle it.

I enjoyed this story. I got caught up in it and wanted to know more of what was happening in Wales. I liked how more supernatural folk are introduced into the series. This time Jake meets the house brownies who take care of his estate when he is not there. He also meets the dwarves who mine the gold in his mine. There are also supernatural folk who Jake does not want to meet but does as he defends his friends and solves the mystery surrounding the school.

I like how Jake has to make choices of when to reveal his magic and to whom. His reasoning is thoughtful and deliberate. He is growing up somewhat. Jake and his friends defending the unicorn herd in Wales is not something they take lightly. They know what is at stake and the importance of doing what is necessary. When Jake discovers another medium in town I like how he goes undercover (so to speak) to discover if the medium is a fraud. I also like how Jake has to swallow his outrage when she discovers who Jake is.

I enjoy these people especially Jake, Archie, Dani, and Isabelle. They are kids but they are responsible and know their duty to protect others.

This is book 2 of The Gryphon Chronicles. The gang is headed to Norway where Archie is attending the Invention Convention where he will unveil his flying machine and meet his scientific heroes. Jake and Archie get more than they bargained for when they meet Snorri the Giant. He accidentally opened a hole in the sky between humans and giants. The boys have adventures with giants and the residents of Valhalla.

I enjoyed this book. I loved how the Norse gods, Viking legends and myths, as well as Norwegian myths and stories are woven into the story line. I liked watching Jake and Archie see the legends, stories, and myths come alive as they help Snorri return home and win his love. I also liked how the boys had conflicts and got angry with each other but resolved their issues as they worked together to help Snoori and get out of Valhalla alive.

I look forward to more of the series.