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The Gryphon Chronicles #3
The Dark Portal
NY Times Bestselling Author E.G. Foley brews up a magical potion for fantasy readers of all ages!
Take a dash of Harry Potter and a splash of Oliver Twist, add a pinch of steampunk and a sprinkle of Victorian fairy lore, and what do you get? The Gryphon Chronicles! A rollicking fantasy adventure series that's as much fun for grownups as it is for kids.
The Pickpocket Who Inherited a Goldmine
After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of London, Jake Everton, the boy Earl of Griffon, takes his rightful place as the long-lost heir of an aristocratic family with magical powers - his personal quest, to follow in his slain parents' footsteps as a Lightrider in the age-old battle of good versus evil. In the fantastical nooks and crannies of the Victorian Age, Jake and his friends (including his pet Gryphon!) find no shortage of adventure - righting magic-related wrongs, solving supernatural mysteries, and exploring wondrous new worlds.
A Dark Presence
Something wicked stalks a quaint town in the misty mountains of Wales, attacking humans and magic folk alike. Jake and his friends must get to the bottom of it - and in the land of deep, dwarven mines, the bottom can be very dark, indeed.
The Gryphon Chronicles
1) THE LOST HEIR
2) JAKE & THE GIANT
3) THE DARK PORTAL
3.5) THE GINGERBREAD WARS
4) RISE OF ALLIES
5) SECRETS OF THE DEEP
6) THE BLACK FORTRESS
7) THE DRAGON LORD
8) THE SORCERER'S ARMY
Take a dash of Harry Potter and a splash of Oliver Twist, add a pinch of steampunk and a sprinkle of Victorian fairy lore, and what do you get? The Gryphon Chronicles! A rollicking fantasy adventure series that's as much fun for grownups as it is for kids.
The Pickpocket Who Inherited a Goldmine
After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of London, Jake Everton, the boy Earl of Griffon, takes his rightful place as the long-lost heir of an aristocratic family with magical powers - his personal quest, to follow in his slain parents' footsteps as a Lightrider in the age-old battle of good versus evil. In the fantastical nooks and crannies of the Victorian Age, Jake and his friends (including his pet Gryphon!) find no shortage of adventure - righting magic-related wrongs, solving supernatural mysteries, and exploring wondrous new worlds.
A Dark Presence
Something wicked stalks a quaint town in the misty mountains of Wales, attacking humans and magic folk alike. Jake and his friends must get to the bottom of it - and in the land of deep, dwarven mines, the bottom can be very dark, indeed.
The Gryphon Chronicles
1) THE LOST HEIR
2) JAKE & THE GIANT
3) THE DARK PORTAL
3.5) THE GINGERBREAD WARS
4) RISE OF ALLIES
5) SECRETS OF THE DEEP
6) THE BLACK FORTRESS
7) THE DRAGON LORD
8) THE SORCERER'S ARMY
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2013
504 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
E.G. Foley
32 books414 followersE.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 23, 2015
This series just gets better and better with each book! It's fast becoming one of my favourites, and indeed, on of my kids favourites!
This one is a bit darker and scarier than the rest but I loved that! Jake finds himself in Wales this time, visiting his mine, when strange things start happening! One thing I love about these books is the settings. The authors manage to pick the perfect setting for each story. This is no different, Wales is a beautiful place, add in a spooky mine, small village and you have a winner!
Jake once again is such an exceptional character. He struggles with a lot of things but always does his best. At first he struggles with his wealth and finds it hard to deal with, but because of his friends, he snaps out of it. The character development from a pickpocket to what he is now is phenomenal.
The plot is, once again, amazing. As I said, it's a bit darker and scarier than the rest but I think it needed to be. Jake always finds himself in trouble so a little scary is needed! Even though it's darker, it doesn't loose its trade mark wit, that I've come to love! We still get the funny, we just have an added tenseness this time, which makes the story extraordinary.
There isn't a lot more I can say about this without spoiling it, other than if you haven't read these books then you really need to! It has everything an amazing book needs! The authors have really captures my attention and my heart with these books and I can't recommend it enough! From it's fantastical creatures, to it's phenomenal writing, this is a must read for any age!!
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This one is a bit darker and scarier than the rest but I loved that! Jake finds himself in Wales this time, visiting his mine, when strange things start happening! One thing I love about these books is the settings. The authors manage to pick the perfect setting for each story. This is no different, Wales is a beautiful place, add in a spooky mine, small village and you have a winner!
Jake once again is such an exceptional character. He struggles with a lot of things but always does his best. At first he struggles with his wealth and finds it hard to deal with, but because of his friends, he snaps out of it. The character development from a pickpocket to what he is now is phenomenal.
The plot is, once again, amazing. As I said, it's a bit darker and scarier than the rest but I think it needed to be. Jake always finds himself in trouble so a little scary is needed! Even though it's darker, it doesn't loose its trade mark wit, that I've come to love! We still get the funny, we just have an added tenseness this time, which makes the story extraordinary.
There isn't a lot more I can say about this without spoiling it, other than if you haven't read these books then you really need to! It has everything an amazing book needs! The authors have really captures my attention and my heart with these books and I can't recommend it enough! From it's fantastical creatures, to it's phenomenal writing, this is a must read for any age!!
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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 great character voices, evil characters, pompous characters and great kid voices.
This series continues to be a Fun listen and I'm still loving it.
In this book, Jake and his cousins, along with Danni are in Wales, to visit his property and his new Gold Mine, but a tragic mining accident ends up being a little bit more than it appears. A dark mysterious specter is causing mayhem and has all the local ghosts in an uproar.
The kids have some entertaining interactions with goblins and pixies and some not so fun battles against gargoyles and an evil wizard.
Full of adventure, humor and a few dangerous bits, this is a really enjoyable series 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.
Narration - Jamie du Pont MacKenzie - Really Good!
Jamie is such a terrific storyteller and just perfect for this series. He has lots of great character voices, evil characters, pompous characters and great kid voices.
This series continues to be a Fun listen and I'm still loving it.
In this book, Jake and his cousins, along with Danni are in Wales, to visit his property and his new Gold Mine, but a tragic mining accident ends up being a little bit more than it appears. A dark mysterious specter is causing mayhem and has all the local ghosts in an uproar.
The kids have some entertaining interactions with goblins and pixies and some not so fun battles against gargoyles and an evil wizard.
Full of adventure, humor and a few dangerous bits, this is a really enjoyable series 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.
October 19, 2022
Finished listening to Book 3 of this series on Audible. Very good story, unpredictable, and great characters. I said with the first 2 books and I’ll say it again that if you enjoy Harry Potter, you’ll enjoy this series too. 😊
June 5, 2024
Knocking off one star as I found some of the build up to the main scenes to be too long.
Honestly, for a child's book though, I do find these highly entertaining and a fun adventure story.
Honestly, for a child's book though, I do find these highly entertaining and a fun adventure story.
November 2, 2024
Good addition to the chronicles with some fun twist and call backs to previous books.
November 30, 2014
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.
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.
December 24, 2022
So this was a pretty interesting read but Im kind of disappointed in Jake. Like "gold fever" or whatever? You fr?? But also i didnt see any sympathy from Red or Derek. Like clearly he was having a little mental breakdown or sm and what read comes and roars at him then holds a grudge against him. Like no. Also why does this man apologise to at least two people in every book because of something he done?? I mena i think its good to let go of your pride and admit your mistakes but fr why does at least 3 people get angry at him in everybook???Id also like to address a fact I have talked about before: the fact that he is always saying "im going to regret this afterward because Ill be very teird but here goes" It never mentions it after like o yeah now he isnt teird WHOOOPYY. Bru what calm down. He said he is 10000000000 exhausted and you just skip what I find to be a very important part of the story. Like ive never seen this man struggling with anything like that. I feel is very needed. Also they keep protraying Jack as a selfish brat but really he was raised on the streets and forced to work in a coal mine. What did you expect??? Also I cant find book 4 at my library??? Am i the only person with this problem?
April 26, 2025
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.
(This one wasn't as fun as all the others thus far. It does still have a vast amount of excitement and adventure. What it does do help to fill in the gaps and the main characters' family history, how the Gryphon's come to play such an integral role, and other pieces like these.)
Highly recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚📚
(This one wasn't as fun as all the others thus far. It does still have a vast amount of excitement and adventure. What it does do help to fill in the gaps and the main characters' family history, how the Gryphon's come to play such an integral role, and other pieces like these.)
Highly recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚📚
November 26, 2025
Yeeks, this was a bit of a let down. It missed all of the aspects that I enjoyed with the first two books and just felt flat overall. Since I cannot do half star reviews I'm generously bumping this to a three overall. It just felt overly rushed and did little to build up the main characters and the villain, but at the same time was slow to get to the point.
Basically the first half felt like filler with little substance and then when it picks up and Jake is presented with his main obstacle of escaping the Underworld it's over in the blink of an eye. I'm still planning on continuing the series, but I sure hope things don't continue with the patterns this book gave.
Basically the first half felt like filler with little substance and then when it picks up and Jake is presented with his main obstacle of escaping the Underworld it's over in the blink of an eye. I'm still planning on continuing the series, but I sure hope things don't continue with the patterns this book gave.
January 24, 2025
Another grand magical adventure
It was fun to see the world expanded with dwarves and gargoyles and their magic. I also enjoyed seeing the character growth. A Hallmark or all good YA series is seeing the characters growing up, developing their powers and coming into themselves as characters. I definitely have been getting to see that in this book and I'm sure that will continue as the series progresses.
It was fun to see the world expanded with dwarves and gargoyles and their magic. I also enjoyed seeing the character growth. A Hallmark or all good YA series is seeing the characters growing up, developing their powers and coming into themselves as characters. I definitely have been getting to see that in this book and I'm sure that will continue as the series progresses.
June 4, 2024
This was another entertaining addition to the series. Jake still has some issues to work out surrounding his sudden wealth, and has to figure out how to navigate life as Lord Griffen. Along with all that, he also has to deal with evil creatures hurting and killing innocent people and creatures. Altogether made for a fun read. Looking forward to the next book!
May 29, 2025
Loving these books! The magic, adventure, creatures... the story is very engaging. The audiobook narrator does a great job with his performance in telling the story. I don't think I'd enjoy it as much if I had to read it myself, but i would still really enjoy it. Moving on to the next book in the series.
November 4, 2019
In this sequel, Jake begins to see more of his inheritance, including his gold mine. He learns about responsibility toward others and how being a Lord requires concern for many others beside himself. Another fun read with the kids.
January 20, 2021
Extraordinarily magical!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to readers of all ages. It combines vivid imagery, myth and lore, faith, love, and magic to create an amazing adventure for the imagination. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to readers of all ages. It combines vivid imagery, myth and lore, faith, love, and magic to create an amazing adventure for the imagination. Enjoy!
June 27, 2023
The Dark Portal (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) by E.G. Foley – As Jake learns about his parents, this series has some Series of Unfortunate Events vibes. Jake probably wishes he had more backup to call in even with a pet gryphon lol. Happy Reading!
July 21, 2023
Dead sorcorer raising
Jake and friends go to see his gold mine. while there a nearby mine and school belonging to the mine owner start having unexplained deaths, accidents and illnesses among the population. Now to find out the reasons and stop it.
Jake and friends go to see his gold mine. while there a nearby mine and school belonging to the mine owner start having unexplained deaths, accidents and illnesses among the population. Now to find out the reasons and stop it.
August 10, 2024
Fun young adult fantasy
I am really enjoying this series of magical fantasy written for young adults. The characters are likable, the stories fast-paced and entertaining. My Summer vacation get away series.
I am really enjoying this series of magical fantasy written for young adults. The characters are likable, the stories fast-paced and entertaining. My Summer vacation get away series.
October 29, 2024
good clean read
I love these books because there is nothing in them but adventure and the story. There isn’t a bunch of inappropriateness or any romance nonsense. Just sheer adventure and enjoyable reading. Highly recommend.
I love these books because there is nothing in them but adventure and the story. There isn’t a bunch of inappropriateness or any romance nonsense. Just sheer adventure and enjoyable reading. Highly recommend.
December 9, 2024
A thrilling adventure
Jake and his friends take on their most challenging foe to date. Set in Wales, and with the addition of some interesting folklore, this thrilling tale has high adventure, and scenes that tug at your heartstrings. The best yet of the Gryphon Chronicles.
Jake and his friends take on their most challenging foe to date. Set in Wales, and with the addition of some interesting folklore, this thrilling tale has high adventure, and scenes that tug at your heartstrings. The best yet of the Gryphon Chronicles.
April 10, 2018
im loving this series jake the hero is a bit stuck on himself but enjoying the read
April 29, 2019
Wonderful book in an epic series! I’m enjoying seeing Jake’s character growth as the books move along as well as seeing the other characters shine.
August 27, 2019
I am a big fan of this book series and this book did not disappoint! It was another page turner filled with excitement and ghosts of course! Highly recommend this book!
October 7, 2020
Another fun book in this series. I'm excited for the next one!
March 7, 2021
4.5 stars.
July 10, 2021
A very exciting book!
December 18, 2021
I felt this was more slow going and a lot was.going on in the beginning, but the story progresses and once it gets going, it gets good. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 11, 2022
Love it
These characters just keep getting better. They are showing strength that was hidden before. We are really enjoying this series.
These characters just keep getting better. They are showing strength that was hidden before. We are really enjoying this series.
May 27, 2022
excellent series
Book three is just as enjoyable as the first two books of this series. Looking forward to reading the fourth book
Book three is just as enjoyable as the first two books of this series. Looking forward to reading the fourth book
March 14, 2024
Listened on audio. Great series and the narration is fantastic.
April 1, 2024
This novel has some darker themes than previous novels. It’s a good read though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews