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The Gryphon Chronicles #3.5
Jake & The Gingerbread Wars
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.
A very special Gryphon Chronicles story, for all those who love A Christmas Carol and savor the joys and traditions of a Victorian Christmas.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men...and Gingerbread Men?!
After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of Victorian London, Jake Everton, the twelve-year-old Lord 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. Now it's Jake's first Christmas with his eccentric magical relatives...but trouble never takes a holiday.
Santa's Horrid Little Helper
Humbug hates being a Christmas elf. Instead of making toys, he'd rather make mischief. Angling for a new job in Halloween Town, he sets out to prove he's frightful enough for the post by ruining Christmas for as many people as possible - until Jake and his friends manage to capture the little troublemaker, determined to put a stop to his devious schemes.
When the kids find out that Santa is offering a reward of 'One Christmas Wish Granted' for the safe return of his runaway elf, the gang sets out on a rip-roaring, snowbound adventure to the North Pole to hand Humbug over and collect the bounty. But the way is fraught with danger, leaving Jake and his pals to wonder if they'll make it home in time for Christmas - or if they'll even make it back alive!
(This book can stand alone without having read the rest of the series.)
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.
A very special Gryphon Chronicles story, for all those who love A Christmas Carol and savor the joys and traditions of a Victorian Christmas.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men...and Gingerbread Men?!
After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of Victorian London, Jake Everton, the twelve-year-old Lord 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. Now it's Jake's first Christmas with his eccentric magical relatives...but trouble never takes a holiday.
Santa's Horrid Little Helper
Humbug hates being a Christmas elf. Instead of making toys, he'd rather make mischief. Angling for a new job in Halloween Town, he sets out to prove he's frightful enough for the post by ruining Christmas for as many people as possible - until Jake and his friends manage to capture the little troublemaker, determined to put a stop to his devious schemes.
When the kids find out that Santa is offering a reward of 'One Christmas Wish Granted' for the safe return of his runaway elf, the gang sets out on a rip-roaring, snowbound adventure to the North Pole to hand Humbug over and collect the bounty. But the way is fraught with danger, leaving Jake and his pals to wonder if they'll make it home in time for Christmas - or if they'll even make it back alive!
(This book can stand alone without having read the rest of the series.)
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
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2013
384 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
E.G. Foley
28 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 90 reviews
December 14, 2016
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.
December 26, 2018
This is a book in the middle of a series, and I don't usually like to dive into series in the middle. This story works really well as a standalone though, and I was able to feel immediately immersed in the world with the characters. I didn't feel lost, or like I was missing anything.
This is a well written, well balanced story. It's got good imagery, an engaging plot, and nice world building and attention to detail.
There's a lot of magic intertwined, which is a nice touch, given the season, and it seems to be just the right amount, not overdone.
This was a sweet Christmas story all on it's own, but I'd definitely be interested to see what happens to the characters in their other adventures.
This is a well written, well balanced story. It's got good imagery, an engaging plot, and nice world building and attention to detail.
There's a lot of magic intertwined, which is a nice touch, given the season, and it seems to be just the right amount, not overdone.
This was a sweet Christmas story all on it's own, but I'd definitely be interested to see what happens to the characters in their other adventures.
November 30, 2014
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.
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.
March 18, 2014
Kids would probably love it, but I'm getting a little tired of Jake's predictable adventures. This one takes the brave rich orphan to the North Pole, searching for (don't hold your breath...) Santa Claus. This is the worst of the series, with weak villains and a preachy ending (when asked why he never came to the orphanage, Santa answered "but I was there and I gave you my love, which helped you go through bad and thin" - yeah, right...)
January 26, 2023
It's Christmastime, and Jake and his friends want to relax and enjoy the sweets and joy of the season. Well, that's what Jake says - but when he spots green and red sparkles flitting around inside a bakery and sees love-crossed gingerbread people fleeing their warring families, he can't resist the call of a Christmas quest. This quest will strand Jake and Co. at the farthest reaches of the North Pole - will they find a way home in time to play their parts in the Christmas pageant?
In looking for a short, Christmas read to complete a challenge activity for the library's winter reading challenge, I found this chilling in my Kindle app. It was light, it was fun, it was possible to read it as a stand-alone - though I did feel a bit like coming into the middle of things as far as character development goes, which is not unexpected. I especially felt Jake's past as an orphaned street urchin and his present as a young orphan lord from a magically-inclined family came across a little clunky, in how he reacted to situations, what he seemed to know about/do for acting lordly, and when his street skills came into play especially as the narration made a point of pointing out when, for example, he had to fall back to his old lock-picking skills. Even his relationships with his little friend group (Dani, Archie, and Isabelle) felt as though they relied a little much on repeating a characteristic such as Dani being a "carrot-head" or referring to Archie's smarts or Isabelle's aristocratic skills - so not very organic feeling. But it wasn't enough to pull me too much out of the story with the exception of "carrot-head," and it was useful for catching up with who plays what role in the story considering I came in to a novella which takes place after the third book in the series.
Overall the story was a nice, quick diversion, perfect for knocking out a reading challenge. It also made me really want to eat some gingerbread!
Quote:
"No, the toys and treats I bring are only reminders of the true gift of His pure love, and I myself am only a shadow of who the real Giver is." - page 132
In looking for a short, Christmas read to complete a challenge activity for the library's winter reading challenge, I found this chilling in my Kindle app. It was light, it was fun, it was possible to read it as a stand-alone - though I did feel a bit like coming into the middle of things as far as character development goes, which is not unexpected. I especially felt Jake's past as an orphaned street urchin and his present as a young orphan lord from a magically-inclined family came across a little clunky, in how he reacted to situations, what he seemed to know about/do for acting lordly, and when his street skills came into play especially as the narration made a point of pointing out when, for example, he had to fall back to his old lock-picking skills. Even his relationships with his little friend group (Dani, Archie, and Isabelle) felt as though they relied a little much on repeating a characteristic such as Dani being a "carrot-head" or referring to Archie's smarts or Isabelle's aristocratic skills - so not very organic feeling. But it wasn't enough to pull me too much out of the story with the exception of "carrot-head," and it was useful for catching up with who plays what role in the story considering I came in to a novella which takes place after the third book in the series.
Overall the story was a nice, quick diversion, perfect for knocking out a reading challenge. It also made me really want to eat some gingerbread!
Quote:
"No, the toys and treats I bring are only reminders of the true gift of His pure love, and I myself am only a shadow of who the real Giver is." - page 132
January 29, 2019
A novella to go along with the Gryphon Chronicles, Jake & The Gingerbread Wars follows Jake and his group as they attempt to take a wayward elf back to Santa Claus. The story is fun and the outcome is sweet. My 10- and 12-year-old sons and I all enjoyed it. We haven’t read any of the rest of the series, and my 10-year-old asked me to please put them on our “books to read” list. Because we haven’t read any of the other books, there were occasions where things were referenced that we didn’t know about, but for the most part we didn’t have any trouble jumping into the middle of the series. I recommend reading this book to middle grade kids. It makes a great family read aloud!
September 7, 2018
This is the best one of the series yet. It really delivered a Christmas message and just really made you think and feel good too. This would be an awesome book to read especially near Christmas time. I really loved this book.
December 16, 2019
The story follows the adventures of Jake, Isabelle, Dani, and Archie.
Jake is certain he sighted a fairy in Marie’s bakery shop and he suspects the fairy is helping Marie cheat in the baking contest against her ex-boyfriend and rival, Bob. So he enlists his friends’ help in finding the fairy.
Jake is certain he sighted a fairy in Marie’s bakery shop and he suspects the fairy is helping Marie cheat in the baking contest against her ex-boyfriend and rival, Bob. So he enlists his friends’ help in finding the fairy.
December 16, 2022
Great for anyone who likes a Christmas story that isn’t overly religious and is just fun.
November 9, 2023
This is a light, quick middle grade fantasy about a group of kids (roughly ages 10-14) who find a runaway elf and must figure out how to return him to the North Pole. It's a novella in a series that I've never read so there was spoilers for the first three books, but I never felt lost or confused and it stands on its own well. Clean Christmas adventure and fun for readers ages 8+.
June 9, 2022
Jake is experiencing his first Christmas after finding out that he's not an orphan anymore; rather, he is a peer of the realm and he has magical abilities. Unfortunately, it's not quite as easy to leave his past behind. One afternoon, he is visiting a bakery when he notices a trail of sparkles that indicates a fairy. While chasing the fairy around the shop in a bid to catch it, he is stymied when his quarry knocks over a large display - and everyone assumes he did it, despite his protestations. Paying for the damage and leaving the store, Jake determines to go back to the store that evening to catch the fairy.
Jake does just that, but when he returns and successfully catches the fairy, he realizes that the fairy isn't a fairy and that what he thought was going to be a simple job is actually going to be rather difficult instead.
The difficulties that Jake and his friends have while trying to get Humbug, the disgruntled Christmas Elf, back to the North Pole and Santa are actually pretty funny. Every time he thought things couldn't get any worse, they did, and the situation was usually pretty humorous. The only thing that kind of annoyed me about this story was that it became very preachy at times. Yes, it takes place a Christmas, and yes, that is a Christian holiday, but the story was billed as a fun adventure story that just happens to take place at Christmas time. As such, the few times the dialogue started going on about "the real reason for Christmas" and "the best gift a person could receive" and other such comments didn't really fit.
The narrator, Jamie du Pont MacKenzie, was pretty good, if paced a bit fast. It was odd because I typically listen to audiobooks at roughly 1.25 speed to get the pacing to sound like typical speech speed. For this book, though, the 1.0 speed sounded like it had already been sped up to 1.25 or more. There were some places where I actually had to slow it down. I'm not sure if that is typical of this narrator or if that was an issue with post-production, but it was odd.
Jake does just that, but when he returns and successfully catches the fairy, he realizes that the fairy isn't a fairy and that what he thought was going to be a simple job is actually going to be rather difficult instead.
The difficulties that Jake and his friends have while trying to get Humbug, the disgruntled Christmas Elf, back to the North Pole and Santa are actually pretty funny. Every time he thought things couldn't get any worse, they did, and the situation was usually pretty humorous. The only thing that kind of annoyed me about this story was that it became very preachy at times. Yes, it takes place a Christmas, and yes, that is a Christian holiday, but the story was billed as a fun adventure story that just happens to take place at Christmas time. As such, the few times the dialogue started going on about "the real reason for Christmas" and "the best gift a person could receive" and other such comments didn't really fit.
The narrator, Jamie du Pont MacKenzie, was pretty good, if paced a bit fast. It was odd because I typically listen to audiobooks at roughly 1.25 speed to get the pacing to sound like typical speech speed. For this book, though, the 1.0 speed sounded like it had already been sped up to 1.25 or more. There were some places where I actually had to slow it down. I'm not sure if that is typical of this narrator or if that was an issue with post-production, but it was odd.
November 11, 2023
After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of London, Jake Everton 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. Now it’s Jake’s first Christmas with his eccentric magical relatives, but trouble never takes a holiday…
Santa’s Horrid Little Helper
Wanted! Humbug, the disgruntled Christmas elf.
Reward: One Christmas wish granted, courtesy of Santa.
Humbug hates being a Christmas elf. Instead of making toys, he’d rather make mischief. Angling for a new job in Halloween Town, he sets out to prove he’s frightful enough for the task by ruining Christmas for as many people as possible - until Jake and his friends capture him. The kids set out on a rip-roaring adventure to the North Pole to hand the troublemaker over to Santa and collect the reward. But the way is fraught with danger, leaving them to wonder if they’ll make it back in time for Christmas…or if they’ll even make it back alive!
A fun read when you need a lot of laughs with a bit of guilty pleasure. Some teens and a lot of children that like a good read will enjoy this! I know I di!
Santa’s Horrid Little Helper
Wanted! Humbug, the disgruntled Christmas elf.
Reward: One Christmas wish granted, courtesy of Santa.
Humbug hates being a Christmas elf. Instead of making toys, he’d rather make mischief. Angling for a new job in Halloween Town, he sets out to prove he’s frightful enough for the task by ruining Christmas for as many people as possible - until Jake and his friends capture him. The kids set out on a rip-roaring adventure to the North Pole to hand the troublemaker over to Santa and collect the reward. But the way is fraught with danger, leaving them to wonder if they’ll make it back in time for Christmas…or if they’ll even make it back alive!
A fun read when you need a lot of laughs with a bit of guilty pleasure. Some teens and a lot of children that like a good read will enjoy this! I know I di!
December 16, 2019
A sweet story set in the Victorian Age, this is a story suitable for children 10 and up, and adults too. I enjoyed the adventures of Jake Everton, his cousins Archie and Isabelle, friend Dani O’Dell, and pet Gryphon Red, as they captured a trouble making elf named Humbug, who is on the run from the North Pole. They’re on a mission to return him to Santa and hope for a Christmas wish granted as a reward. They run into feuding pastry chefs, battling gingerbread people, yetis, Snow Maiden and her brother Jack Frost, and plenty of danger on their way to the frigid North Pole. Of course there is magic, we’re dealing with Santa Claus here, as well as elves and fairies, and the children have some magical abilities as well, which makes it even more fun. I loved how it all turned out and I would definitely recommend this story. This is a stand-alone, but is part of the Gryphon Chronicles series, so there are more adventures to enjoy.
December 18, 2017
Jake & The Gingerbread Wars follows a young orphan boy who after being rescued from his orphanage by his Aunt and Uncle, goes on a Christmas adventure with his friends in the hope of giving a young boy the Christmas wish of his dreams.
Not everything is as it seems in this gingerbread scented book, due to the pesky Christmas turned Halloween Elf Humbug who is determined to eradicate Christmas for all. We follow Jake as he battles Yetis, warring bakes and the bored Snow Maiden in their attempt to bring joy and merriment back to those who have been dosed with Jack'o'Lantern's spiteful spice.
A great holiday read for all ages. The only downside was the blandness of the characters in the book. They were very two-dimensional but considering they were children there's always time for them to develop further.
Not everything is as it seems in this gingerbread scented book, due to the pesky Christmas turned Halloween Elf Humbug who is determined to eradicate Christmas for all. We follow Jake as he battles Yetis, warring bakes and the bored Snow Maiden in their attempt to bring joy and merriment back to those who have been dosed with Jack'o'Lantern's spiteful spice.
A great holiday read for all ages. The only downside was the blandness of the characters in the book. They were very two-dimensional but considering they were children there's always time for them to develop further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
This is a charming book about a young boy who once lived in an orphanage but was now an earl. While walking through town with his cousins and friend, they visit two different pastry shops. This is where their adventure begins. The two bakers who at one time cared for each other were not warring against each other. Jake discovers that there is mischief and magic behind it all. With the ability of telekinesis and his friends and family with him, he sets out to make things right. His adventures have him chasing an elf and meeting Santa, Yetis, Jack Frost, and the Ice Princess. This is a short Christmas novella that falls between books 3 and 4 in the Gryphon Chronicles by E.G. Foley. This can be read as a stand-alone book. However, I personally want to check out the other books in this series—great adventure with a touch of magic.
April 17, 2018
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!
My copies are all audio, and no one could possibly do a better audio interpretation than Jamie du Pont MacKenzie!
December 13, 2019
Brilliant and will be passing on to my daughter
Lovely fantastical tale, with a great hint of steampunk. Good mix of fantastical elements and Victorian world, and a good mix of the Santa mythical side of Christmas and the True meaning of Christmas. I'm going to be passing this on to my nine year old avid reader.
Jake and his cousins and friend go on a mission to the North Pole trying to return a renegade Christmas elf. On the way they encounter all sorts of wild adventures. Jake is great - a bit cocky and runs right into things getting himself and others in trouble, but his heart is very much in the right place.
I'll be looking for others by the same authors!
Lovely fantastical tale, with a great hint of steampunk. Good mix of fantastical elements and Victorian world, and a good mix of the Santa mythical side of Christmas and the True meaning of Christmas. I'm going to be passing this on to my nine year old avid reader.
Jake and his cousins and friend go on a mission to the North Pole trying to return a renegade Christmas elf. On the way they encounter all sorts of wild adventures. Jake is great - a bit cocky and runs right into things getting himself and others in trouble, but his heart is very much in the right place.
I'll be looking for others by the same authors!
December 24, 2019
I haven't read the others in the series, but figured it didn't matter, since this one is advertized as being suitable as a stand-alone title. Well, either that's not true, and reading this book (which is book 3.5 in the series officially) out of order means I missed out on understanding some things about the world and characters, or the plot and characters need some work. Whichever is the case, though I liked it enough to give it three stars, I most certainly didn't love it. Do I want to read the other books in the series to find out what I might have missed before, and what comes after? Yes. But there are plenty of books I'm much more eager to read first.
December 1, 2022
I liked this book however not knowing it came from a series really hurt in the understanding of some of the characters, specially Jake.
This is like the 5th book in a series, and these are like novellas, so there's a lot of character development that happens in the other stories that I didn't have the benefit of knowing.
Even though I like the plot and the characters in general sometimes it felt like the over reacted and were almost screaming as they talk, I don't know it that's just a personal perception that I got or if they are written like they are always in crisis mode.
I think it was ok.
This is like the 5th book in a series, and these are like novellas, so there's a lot of character development that happens in the other stories that I didn't have the benefit of knowing.
Even though I like the plot and the characters in general sometimes it felt like the over reacted and were almost screaming as they talk, I don't know it that's just a personal perception that I got or if they are written like they are always in crisis mode.
I think it was ok.
December 9, 2025
This was a cute quick afternoon read perfect for the Holidays. For a book geared towards kids, having Romeo and Juliet inspired suicidal Gingerbread People was a bit heavy though.
Unlike with Book 3 (the Dark Portal) which I didn't care for, this one from start to finish flowed well and brought back the charm I enjoyed in the first two books of the series from our main characters.
Being a novella at around 170 pages, it got straight to the point without cutting any corners yet still adding on to the larger story as a whole. It's renewed my interest in continuing on with the rest of the main series.
Unlike with Book 3 (the Dark Portal) which I didn't care for, this one from start to finish flowed well and brought back the charm I enjoyed in the first two books of the series from our main characters.
Being a novella at around 170 pages, it got straight to the point without cutting any corners yet still adding on to the larger story as a whole. It's renewed my interest in continuing on with the rest of the main series.
January 10, 2023
Well written book.
I was impressed with this book mainly because unlike most authors of adolescent books these do not talk down to their audience or avoid using words that a teenager might have to look up. It was intelligently written and even addressed social and moral issues without becoming preachy. At several points it references a previous book but explains in such a way that you do not have to have read it. I appreciated the fact that there was no moral ambiguity that many adolescent books have had in recent years. Good on you, Foleys.
I was impressed with this book mainly because unlike most authors of adolescent books these do not talk down to their audience or avoid using words that a teenager might have to look up. It was intelligently written and even addressed social and moral issues without becoming preachy. At several points it references a previous book but explains in such a way that you do not have to have read it. I appreciated the fact that there was no moral ambiguity that many adolescent books have had in recent years. Good on you, Foleys.
December 17, 2023
What an adorable Christmas themed story! I listened to the free audiobook on Spotify. While the main characters are from a series, I appreciated you didn't need any prior knowledge of it to enjoy this story. The world - both the series' original Victorian setting and later the holiday-themed locations - were well written and fascinating to explore as the story progressed. I enjoyed the Nightmare Before Christmas and Alice In Wonderland vibes it gave as well as the Gingerbread spin on Romeo and Juliet. If you're looking for a fun magical Christmas story, this is definitely one to check out.
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.
(It's so much more than a book about gingerbread men. Give it a try.)
Highly recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚📚
(It's so much more than a book about gingerbread men. Give it a try.)
Highly recommended 👍
📚📚📚📚📚
Read
January 7, 2020What an amazing journey into the Christmas time in a different era. I am not of the age that is book is intended for but with six grandchildren I find it very interesting to find novels and stories that hold their attention as well as mine. I definitely will be looking to read all of the books in this set. Thank you for a welcome break in the holiday craziness. A book that an adult or older sibling could read to the younger ones or just curl up and enjoy it themselves.
December 17, 2025
This was a lot longer than I was expecting it to be.
Overall it was pretty good, but it didn't really stand out as anything memorable, and that might be because it's part way through the series.
The situations were as over the top as middle-grade books should be, but although it had everything to be the type of book that I like, I never really got that invested in it. Personal preference, not an issue with the story.
Overall it was pretty good, but it didn't really stand out as anything memorable, and that might be because it's part way through the series.
The situations were as over the top as middle-grade books should be, but although it had everything to be the type of book that I like, I never really got that invested in it. Personal preference, not an issue with the story.
December 22, 2025
Jake and the Gingerbread Wars is a delightful, imaginative story that’s perfectly suited for younger readers. Full of whimsy and playful adventure, it’s a charming tale that would make an excellent bedtime listen or read-aloud. The story is engaging without being overwhelming, and the tone is warm, humorous, and age-appropriate. A sweet and entertaining children’s book that balances fun and storytelling in a way that’s sure to hold kids’ attention while gently sparking their imagination.
May 5, 2020
Cute cute story
I love these books and have read all the available novels. They are imaginative and unique as well as appropriate for young and old. They are clean and well written and exciting adventures. I highly recommend them and am looking forward to reading more of Jake's adventures as they are published.
I love these books and have read all the available novels. They are imaginative and unique as well as appropriate for young and old. They are clean and well written and exciting adventures. I highly recommend them and am looking forward to reading more of Jake's adventures as they are published.
November 26, 2020
What in the world did I just read? I get that it’s part of a series, but it was rather odd and all over the place.
Overall, it was a good message about Christmas, but I do think a suicidal Gingerbread couple (Romeo and Juliet parody) and killing abominable snowmen was rather dark for middle grade.
PENGUINS DO NOT LIVE AT THE NORTH POLE!!!
Overall, it was a good message about Christmas, but I do think a suicidal Gingerbread couple (Romeo and Juliet parody) and killing abominable snowmen was rather dark for middle grade.
PENGUINS DO NOT LIVE AT THE NORTH POLE!!!
September 14, 2022
This is a fun romp, one snow-covered Christmas. Although not soley focused on the gingerbread peoples, Jake and his friends start out to find the cause of the odd war between bakers and find a spiteful dissatisfied elf. The trek to return the disgruntled elf to Santa was delightfully riddled with obsticles of all types of beings. Looking forward to reading more!
July 22, 2017
A charming children's story which adults will love as well. Jake and his new found family have to save Christmas, and for that have to traverse dangerous wilderness and face enemies to reach the North Pole and Santa Claus.
I love the Gryphon Chronicles.
I love the Gryphon Chronicles.
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