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NY Times and USA Today bestselling author E.G. Foley presents The Gryphon Chronicles, a new series of historical fantasy adventure novels that's as much fun for grownups as it is for kids!

Big Trouble...

Reunited with his aristocratic magical relatives, and finally getting used to his own supernatural powers, orphaned ex-pickpocket Jake Everton, the young Lord Griffon, travels on his first-ever holiday to beautiful Norway. There, at an amazing Invention Convention, his cousin Archie, the boy genius, plans to unveil his marvelous new flying machine to the scientific world.

But legends of the Viking Age die hard in Scandinavia. Danger strikes as famous Victorian scientists start mysteriously disappearing. When Archie vanishes, too, Jake races to the rescue. With the help of his trusty pet Gryphon, he tracks the kidnapper to his lair-only to come face-to-face with an angry Norse giant!

From the whimsical oddities of the Invention Convention to wondrous worlds of Norse mythology, join Jake and his friends on a giant-sized adventure full of hair-raising dangers and big laughs!

"A wonderful novel in the same vein as Harry Potter, full of nonstop action, magical creatures, and the reality that was Queen Victoria's England." The Reading Caf�

The Complete Gryphon Chronicles Series:
Book 1 - THE LOST HEIR
Book 2 - JAKE & THE GIANT
Book 3 - THE DARK PORTAL
Book 3.5 - JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARS
Book 4 - RISE OF ALLIES
Book 5 - SECRETS OF THE DEEP
Book 6 - THE BLACK FORTRESS

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2013

813 people are currently reading
814 people want to read

About the author

E.G. Foley

27 books414 followers
E.G. FOLEY is the pen name of a husband-and-wife writing duo. He's the "E" (Eric), a former chiropractor turned middle-school teacher - now full-time author. Eric first got the creative writing bug at the age of seven and hasn't stopped scribbling down stories since. She's the "G" (Gael), a New York Times, USA Today, & Publisher's Weekly bestselling author. Writing for adults as Gaelen Foley, Gael's award-winning novels from Big 5 publishers have hit all the major bestseller lists, been translated into 20+ languages, and sold millions of copies worldwide. Together, they are the authors of the pulse-pounding middle grade fantasy series, The Gryphon Chronicles, about a twelve-year-old orphan living on the streets of Victorian London, who discovers he is the long-lost heir of an aristocratic family with magical powers. Come and join the adventure today!

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5 stars
678 (51%)
4 stars
436 (32%)
3 stars
184 (13%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for BookLoversLife.
1,838 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2015
Let's just talk about the awesomeness that is the narrator! Take a minute to bow down to his super powers ;) He is fan-freaking-tastic!! The amount of different voices he can do is phenomenal. It felt like I was listening to an audio that had multiple narrators, he is that good!!

Now onto the book. I didn't think this would top book 1, but it did!! This had so much going on that it's impossible not to love. I mean, first and foremost we have the stunningly beautiful setting that is Norway! It's a beautiful place and the authors capture that perfectly. Then we have the Norse mythology! I love mythology, no matter where it's from but most of the mythology is Greek or Roman Gods, so it was nice to see the Norse Gods have their turn.

We have giants, well one giant to start, Snorri! We have Yggdrasil. Valhalla. We have Odin, Thor and LOKI! Loki, as the trickster god, is up to his usual no good in this, and wants to bring about Ragnarok, but he needs the giants help. Loki will try anything to do it so we see plenty of antics from him! We also have scientists added into the mix! Some of the most famous are mentioned in the story and I absolutely loved that fact! Anyway, add all those together and you get this amazingly addictive read.

Every single character in the book is well written and developed. Jake grows a lot and I loved seeing him take responsibility and try to do the right thing. Snorri was such a great character too. He was hilarious at times and the narrator really brought him to life.

The plot was fast paced and engrossing. As I said, I loved the mythology of it but we still have a great story at the core. Jake and his cousin are willing to do what they can to help Snorri get home and save the day. Snorri isn't the brightest but the boys treat him with respect.

In all, this was an entertaining, laugh out loud, engaging and engrossing read. Right from the start you are pulled into a land of myth and legend, of magic and mayhem and a land that you will fall in love with. It's definitely a series that all ages will enjoy and one that will firmly stay on my favourite shelf. I can not wait to listen to the next one!! Amazing book and an amazing narrator!!

*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Katie V.
52 reviews
February 1, 2024
Listened to this with my 7 year old. Well narrated.
Fun adventure story with brave and clever main characters, cunning antagonist, with an undercurrent of kindness and loyalty throughout.
Got my child curious about Norse mythology, so we're doing some research on the traditions, gods, and creatures from the story now.
Profile Image for One-Click.
709 reviews22 followers
February 18, 2016
Audiobook

Narration - Jamie du Pont MacKenzie - Really Good!
Jamie is such a terrific storyteller and just perfect for this series. He has lots of character voices, great kid voices, Great Giants, Great Gods, Great Evil Wizard/Bird/God, just really all around terrific job of narration.

This series is just Fun and I'm loving it and I think I like this one even better than the first, so they are getting better as we go. Jake and his cousins, along with Danni are in Norway for the great invention convention where he runs into Loki, the God of mischief. Loki has a devious plan and Jake and his cousins end up right in the thick of it.

Jake and Archie end up in the land of Giants and help one of the Giants learn some great life lessons of courage and confidence as he tries to save the day and win the heart of the Princess of the Giants. Full of adventure, humor and a few dangerous bits, this is an enjoyable story with lovable characters.

Totally on board for the next in the series.



I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from Audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Tim Kamen.
65 reviews
November 20, 2025
If "The Lost Heir" pulled inspiration from "Harry Potter" then this book gives a nod to "Magnus Chase" with the Norse Mythology theme.

I really enjoyed this book for what it was - a fun and quick lighthearted read with loveable main and supporting characters. I'm surprised though that a YA book geared towards kids mentions and goes into pretty descriptive detail what the Blood Eagle torture was that Vikings were known for and is done so on more than one occasion.

While this book strays a little bit from the plot of the first one and feels more or less like a side adventure, I did read a theory someone else posted who was new to the series that said that their take was that Jake was going to go around to all of these different mythical realms where he will befriend other characters as well as make enemies throughout his journey. This will inevitably culminate into one big epic battle to end the series where everyone comes back full circle to join his fight. While this is just the theory, I do hope that's how it all ends up playing out.
997 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2025
I dare you not to fall in love with this big, friendly giant & cheer for him by the end!

I can't recommend this author and his fun-filled fantasy books enough! They are fantastic for both kids and adults as well. The mix of mythical creatures, adventures, friendships, danger, and so much more are all mixed in throughout and hints of old-time fairy tale favorites with major twists added in are enough to charm just about any reader. The audio is fantastic! (This is a sentence I've never written on a review.) There’s even some cool music that accompanies the book.

Highly recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚📚
Profile Image for Vanessa.
164 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2020
This review is based on both the Kindle ebook and the Audible audiobook.


As with the first book in the series, Jake & The Giant is a fun adventure with great themes. Adding to the fun is the steampunk vibe, characters based on literary and historical figures, and, of course, Norse mythology.

Jamie du Pont MacKenzie is an absolutely brilliant narrator. He truly brings the story and characters to life!
Profile Image for ikallam.
519 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2022
Ok so this book didnt really go into his powers or none. I know this review is hsort but it feels important to point this out:

This doesnt feel like a relivent plot in this story and more of a side adventure. UNLESS (and this is a big unless) the athour is having Jake go to a TONA TONA realms and places, makes freinds and saves them, makes enemies. Then in the final battle( while i assume there will be one) all his freinds from his travels will come aid him.


This is just a theory
Profile Image for Deborah.
130 reviews
March 27, 2024
Fun adventure

It was fun going to the conference with Jake and going to the land of giants.
I think the children are well written. The characters stay true to the first book. The boys get to have all the fun in this adventure. I especially liked Snorri the gentle giant and learning about the Horse goes.
I think young boys 11 up would like the book. I'm looking forward to book 3.
725 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2024
Great Series!

What a great series this is! Magical and ghostly characters who help move the story along so it keeps all who read it enthralled. Giants and other magical creatures who tend to assist our heroes in finding whatever answers they are looking for especially when they ask nicely. Many thanks to E.G.Foley for their fantastic imaginations. Can't wait to get to the next book.
99 reviews
May 22, 2022
even better than the first book

I enjoyed the second book even more than the first book. Excellent entertainment. My daughter teaches middle school language arts and is always on the lookout for good books for her kids. I’ve recommended this series to her. It’s a great read for all ages.
Profile Image for Erica Baxter.
1,052 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2023
Another fun and exciting book by the Foley duo. This book was packed with Norse gods, mythical creatures, giants, and ghosts. There is a surprising amount to learn about Scandinavian mythology from the numerous references tucked inside the pages of this book.

Lighthearted. Upbeat. Lots of adventure and magic.
Profile Image for Darren Vincent-Mears.
26 reviews
August 26, 2024
I loved the first book, I love this one more 😍

Although I was a bit disappointed near the beginning when I realised that Derek and aunt Ramona weren't in this book, as it went on I absolutely loved it! Snorri was such a loveable character in it and I loved how the book takes such a turn part way through!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Miss Cecile .
308 reviews
January 11, 2025
A great exploration of Norse mythology in a fun way

I enjoyed continuing this series, as I expected to. I fell even more in love with the characters, from brave Jake to intelligent Archer.

This book was a fun look at Norse mythology in a kid friendly way. I enjoyed seeing even more mythological characters come to life.
Profile Image for Colleen Mertens.
1,252 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2019
This sequel takes to kids to Norway for a competition for Archie. I loved watching the kids continue to interact with each other and their tutors. I love Dani and Isabelle even more than before and I loved how Norse mythology enters the tale. This fun book moves the series along nicely.
Profile Image for Rhonda Wise.
317 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2020
It is pretty good. Much better written than most children's books I've seen on the market. The mythology and history are pretty spot on and the steam punk is well done. Best of all, the kids are kids, not mini adult super heroes.
1,231 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2021
Extraordinarily imaginative!

I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to readers of all ages. Magic abounds on these adventurous quest. Amazing creatures, both mundane and cypto, play their parts for good or evil. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,067 reviews113 followers
June 27, 2023
Jake & The Giant by E.G. Foley – Jake gets tangles up with some missing scientists (including his newfound cousin) and some Norwegian giants! The steampunk vibes are strong in this one! Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Julie.
301 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this! Giants, magic, Odin and Vikings?! Use of actual myths, viking and archaelogical history in an easy format for kids/teens is perfect. I love the nod to Snorri Sturluson! Excellent adventure and can not wait to reread this to my son.
Profile Image for Adrianne Lemke.
Author 18 books60 followers
May 17, 2024
Fun addition

This was a fun story to read. Jake and his friends meet many famous geniuses, along with several beings from Norse mythology. I enjoyed the book, and definitely plan to continue reading the series.
Profile Image for Linda.
25 reviews
June 6, 2018
Jake on another adventure

I really liked this book as well as the first book. I can’t wait to read the whole series. On to the next adventure!
Profile Image for Mary.
581 reviews
December 5, 2018
I didn't like this one as much as the last one, but it was still a fun read with my kids.
Profile Image for Mikey Brooks.
Author 49 books48 followers
April 22, 2019
Wonderful sequel. I loved the mix of Norse legends in this story. Foley has hit another story out of the park. I can’t wait to see what Jake and his friends do next.
Profile Image for Rose Hale.
214 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2020
Absolutely wonderful! Well written with great imagination! Fantastic storyline! Definitely want the entire set!!
58 reviews
March 11, 2022
Great series

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. GlD I found it late, so I know the whole thing is already published. Immediate gratification
2 reviews
January 8, 2023
Loved this book from beginning to end. A great way to teach about the Norse mythology. Jake & Archie are great characters. Looking forward to their next adventures. On to book 3.
Profile Image for Tony Reeder.
59 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2024
Very well written. I love adventures rooted in mythology and this one was full.
2 reviews
October 22, 2024
Great read!!!

Love the Norse mythology angle of this book! Definitely a great read! Never a dull point from beginning to end in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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