The Devil's Lair

The Gryphon Chronicles #9

by E.G. Foley

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.One Night. One Mission. One Destiny.In a world plunged into chaos by dark magic and monstrous creatures, destiny awaits Jake Everton in the scorched sands of Karakum, where the Black Fortress, stronghold of the Dark Druids, looms over a fiery crater, holding captive countless agents of the Order - including Jake's own parents. If they're still alive.Once an orphaned street urchin, now a brave thirteen-year-old warrior with incredible powers, Jake must venture into the heart of darkness to save them. With his fearless Gryphon and his loyal band of friends (who refuse to be left behind!), the bold young adventurers will face monstrous trials and magical mayhem.In this pulse-pounding installment of The Gryphon Chronicles, secrets will be revealed, courage will be tested, and sacrifices will be made. The path is fraught with peril, but Jake must break the power of the sorcerer-king and will stop at nothing to reunite his family.Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that will keep young and old alike on the edge of their seats. Will Jake and his friends triumph over evil? Or will the desert's flames consume everything they hold dear?Join Jake on his most thrilling quest yet - for time is running out, and the battle for everything begins now.The Gryphon Chronicles 1) THE LOST HEIR2) JAKE & THE GIANT3) THE DARK PORTAL3.5) THE GINGERBREAD WARS4) RISE OF ALLIES5) SECRETS OF THE DEEP6) THE BLACK FORTRESS7) THE DRAGON LORD8) THE SORCERER'S ARMY9) THE DEVIL'S LAIR

Genres: Fantasy

718 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Aleena Grosjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!!

This is the ninth book, so if you've been on this journey since book one - you don't need me to recommend this book. You've been waiting for this to come out and you will gladly hand over your money. 🙂 If you have never read this series, start with book one and enjoy.

There were times in this book where I thought the authors were crazy, but wait ... can't tell you. You'll just have to buy it and find out.

It is a LONG book, but there were so many things that had to be finalized and wrapped up and this installment did just that and more. I wish I could tell you, but I don't want to spoil anything. 🙂

I read another review where a teacher complained about the ages of the characters and the situations they were dealing with, but I think it is important to remember that this was set back in the 1870s in London. There is nothing that is remotely inappropriate in these books! It is action packed with intense battles and a little bit of romance sprinkled in, but mild compared to the movies most middle schoolers watch! I highly recommend these for middle school and older.

I love that it is a good vs. evil story, but it is so much more. People aren't always what they seem and you get a look at what some of the main characters really think and feel in this installment. Will all your questions be answered? NO. But be honest, did you really want this series to end? NO, I didn't think so either.

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions. I'm a guardian (mother of four boys), so I cannot lie. 🙂

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, when you win - you lose. And sometimes you need to lose in order to win! If you're looking at the review for this book, you already know that The Devil's Lair is the ninth book in an absolutely AMAZING series set in Victorian London. You already know who Jake and his friends are, how they have come together in a magical war to end all wars (you know, until the next one!), and their loyal sidekicks - Red and Teddy - are just as important to the story as The Order is to protecting all that is good in the world.

What you hopefully know is that once you hit the last Part of each book, you'd better make sure that you have hours to read as you won't put the book down until you reach the climax - and beyond! I have now made that mistake two books in a row and am proud to say I will almost certainly do it again in the next book!

Now, what you won't know until you read this book is that SO. MUCH. HAPPENS. Seriously, way more than I thought was going to be resolved in this book happened and it was such a genuine roller coaster ride to the end that I found myself speechless throughout most of it. The Devil's Lair picks up immediately at the end of The Sorcerer's Army, following Jake through the red portal to the Black Fortress and ALL of the danger and terror that begins there. And, of course, despite his best intentions, Jake's best girl and the rest of the crew are all going to follow him come Hell or high water! I laughed, I cried (way more than I wanted to! but trust the authors, they know what they're doing!), I screeched at characters good and evil alike. I found myself holding my breath around every plot twist and action scene, I nearly spit out my drink when Jake and friends found the skeleton men and STILL have their song stuck in my head (and isn't that a feat when the authors can create an ear worm level tune with ONLY written word!). Without spoiling anything, I can only reiterate - when you start to realize the climax is beginning, make sure you have several hours ahead to read - you're not going to want to stop for trivial things like sleep or adulting!

But wait, there's more! It seems as you're coming to the end of the excitement that everything will be wrapped up in a nice little bow. And you may find yourself thinking that this is how the story should end, that the ninth book is the last in the series. But then another bombshell hits, and then Jake has to pivot, has to learn to live with the losses that he got from what he won, and now I can't possibly wait for the tenth book to come out because WHERE WILL THEY GO FROM HERE?!? Seriously, I cried through the last chapter and the epilogue and need the next book in the series pronto! I was surprised that in the author's note, Jake didn't come stomping into the authors' house in order to demand his plot line be continued right. then. (see the author's note in The Dragon Lord to get a glimpse of what I was expecting in this book's notes!)

What are you waiting for? Go buy the book and continue the adventure that E.G. Foley have been crafting for us since the very first page of the very first book.

I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book, and the views expressed are my honest opinions.

[Emmers S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are not sure if you want to read this series, let me reassure you. YOU MUST. If I ever meet the amazing husband and wife team, EG Foley, I will hug them for this series and beg for more. I love each book, and book 9 SHINES in the series.

[Adrianne Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy ride

This book was full of action and adventure as we followed all the characters through the battle with Wyvern and the Dark Druids. Is actually love to see what happens to all my favorite characters after all this, but I'm pretty sure this is the final book of the series. If they choose to write more about Jake and all of his friends, I would definitely read it. Thoroughly enjoyable series I will definitely revisit in the future.

[jdwok2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every young adult fantasy series in the last 15 or 20 years and I have to say this is probably the best book in its genre that I have ever read. I have long been an admirer of the character development, and growth of the young protagonists in the series, but I am awed by the fact that they entered this story as children and emerged as new people poised on the brink of becoming young men and women ready to lead a New World which, as yet is still cloaked in confusion. The battle scenes are uncomfortably realistic and not at all repetitious. Interactions between the characters are fraught with deep and sincere emotions. The good people sometimes find they’re not as good as they thought they were, and bad people sometimes find they’re better than they thought they were. Absolutely nothing is predictable in this book. It’s a wild and exciting ride from first to last.. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book.

[Parker Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic adventure and I say this is the best book in the series. I had a hard time putting this one down and enjoyed all the action. I found few parts funny and a few made me sad. Based on the ending I’ll love know to how things will turn out in the future. I believe that I’ve heard that they’re making a spinoff or sequel series.

I’ll definitely be reading this series again.

[Janet Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be the best book of the series but book 1,2, and 3 were also great.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So much in one book! Been reading these books for years and years. Been privileged to beta read for a few of them. I have to say, the writing just gets better and better. There have been gut punches in every book really, but the past three or so books have found more ways to kick you in the “feels”. I seriously hate saying goodbye to characters I’ve grown to love. I have mixed feelings about how things were left, but it all fits so well. Just bittersweet. The group has changed so drastically over the years. Hope we can still catch up with then again sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to see how things go for them as they grow older. I’ll definitely be purchasing the audiobook as soon as it’s out as well! Props to the authors for creating another fantastic installment!

(I received a free digital copy for review.)

[Sharon R Scheber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Series

I would highly recommend all the books in this platform of The Gryphon on Chronicles. There are just as entertaining as the Harry Potter books. As an older adult, I found the books to be very entertaining and a joy to read. The last two books were very long. Perhaps they could have been spread out over three or four books.
But I understand the logic of putting everything into the length of the last two books.

[DAVID JOHN · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!

I have just completed all 10, yes 10 books, in order, including book 3.5( Gingerbread wars) and I loved every page, it tends to keep you reading, to find out what is around the corner for Jake! Roll on the next set!
Only downside is when I “drop off” reading, the kindle smacks me in the head and I wake up. Books were lighter!
Someone ought to make these into a film series. George Lucas springs to mind!

[Jordyn Woolsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this series was AMAZING. I can see myself rereading it to my children and rereading it for myself. I’m a little disappointed about the fate of a few characters, but all in all I enjoyed the story. Although this was 1000+ pages long, I felt like I flew through it. I found myself wanting to just sit and read until I finished the book. I’ll be looking out for more stories by these authors!

[Kathy Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrill a minute

This culmination of the Gryphon Chronicles is full of danger, excitement, enchantment, and wonder. It is quite dark in places, but nothing you would not expect from the storyline. I am left wondering about the skunkies and Victor, but maybe that's best left to the imagination.

[Christine Errington · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars for the series

One of the most thrilling and enchanting series a fantasy fan could hope for. Characters you love, admire, despair of and root for. The battles between good and evil so carefully nuanced that you really truly care about the effect on the protagonist.
A glorious series that you won’t want to end.

[Mr D K Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have laughed, I've cried. I've worried. After 8 books I believe in these characters and I am 71

I am 71 years young. I am registered Blind. I believe there is good in the world, and I believe in all the magic in the words and characters in these books. I know it's fiction but reading the stories, I have become friends with Jake, Dani and their friends.

[Sheryl K Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying conclusion

Wrapped up the storyline of all the characters very well. I recommend this series. It is unique and exciting and not like the myriad of HP knockoffs. Enjoy the characters and their challenges.

[Susan Pitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil's Lair picks up exactly where we left our hero Jake, standing on the sands of a desert having been transported through an unholy portal with his trusty griffin and fully illuminated Brightwield in hand. His transformation into one worthy of such a weapon was inspiring and offered foreshadowing for what is to come in this action-packed next offering. I loved the insights into Jake's thought processes in his overwhelming concern for his friends and his hopes of rescuing his Lightrider parents from the seriously evil Wyvern. Jake's exploits as documented in the previous books reveal him to be a somewhat flawed character with potential for growth and this book provides the venue and proof that it's happening. We get to experience battles both personal and those involving massed armies of evil magical beings against the forces of good including the superhuman Guardians and other magical beings with whom we've grown familiar. The lovely Isabel finds a wealth of power she never knew existed. Archie and his enormous intellect are on full display. We see him mature and incorporate the concerns of others into his ingenious contributions to the war effort with Nixie at his side. Throughout the larger battle we are surprised by the strengths and weaknesses in familiar characters. Jake once again learns humility, gratitude, and acceptance. His battles in the Black Fortress are enthralling, a bit reminiscent of another wizard we know and love. The unwavering loyalty exhibited by Jake's close group of friends including Dani and Brian adds a level of warmth to every encounter. Many dangling questions are answered and more danglers appear. What of the Skunkies? And Victor, the true heir-apparent to the dark throne? While there is a brief respite at the end of this volume, we just know there's more, much more to the story and I can't wait for more!

[Diane Waldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another epic adventure in the life of Jake Gryphon, former pickpocket turned aristocrat. Blessed (or cursed) with telekenesis and the ability to see and talk to ghosts, life for young Jake is never dull; when he adds pyrokenesis to his magical powers, it gets even more interesting.

In this installment, Jake and his stalwart friends continue their fight against the Dark Druids and their leader, Lord Wyvern. Jake uses a portal to transport himself and Red, his gryphon, to the very outskirts of the Black Fortress in pursuit of his goals--to avenge the deaths Lord Wyvern has caused and to release his parents from the spell which has kept them captive for the last 12 years.

Jake thinks he is undertaking this quest on his own, but his friends won't allow that. They make use of the same portal he took and wind up right next to him as the battle between good and evil continues. Each person in the group plays a vital role in the story, making for lots of exciting adventures with a bit of comedy mixed in for good measure.

Spoilers are discouraged, so I encourage you to read this book yourself and find out exactly what happens to Jake and the other characters! If you have not read the previous eight books in this series, you will feel left out of much of the activities that take place in book 9, so get yourself a copy of those books and get started! You won't regret it!

The book was well-written, entertaining, and exciting. I can't wait to read further adventures of Jake and his friends (and maybe-not friends)! I was very happy to learn that the author plans to continue Jake's story with further tales.

I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed are entirely my own.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite the finale of a book and even though the authors gave me more info than I wanted, some storylines still didn't feel finished to me. I see that this is to make a spinoff but I think just wrapping it all up would have been better.
This book is long. Almost 28 hours long to listen to and after awhile parts of the battle seem to be very repetitive. I think 200 or so pages could have been cut from this easily and it wouldn't have altered the story too much. At some point I just wanted to know if good was going to trump over evil.
Characters, that really didn't need to be brought up, were woven in, and I don't think we needed that. Stick to the main core group and just let us have that. I didn't really care about the skunkies at all and would have been fine to never think about them again.
The epilogue of this was pretty much a book in itself. Yet it still didn't finish the arc of love/attraction between Janos and Isabelle?!! Honestly by the end that's what I was listening for and I'm very sad that they didn't wrap that into a happily ever after.
Overall a good series I would recommend, just with some reassurance that the ending is worth the slog through the middle.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ninth book in the Gryphon Chronicles was a page-turner! Jake and his friends take on their most harrowing adventure yet. Will they survive their trip to the Black Fortress? Will Uncle Waldrick redeem himself? Will Jake and Dani survive their biggest fight ever? Will Izzy ever be more than a damsel in distress? Will the Order or the Dark Druids win this war?
All these questions and more will be answered.
The book has some terrifying parts, so I would not recommend it for anyone under 12 years of age.
It is a long book with much to consider, so don't expect to zip through it in a day.
I look forward to reading the next book.

[Kristin Gregozeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I could not put this book down it was so actioned packed and fun. I loved the way the kids grouped together to accomplish there goals and help each other out. This book had me crying and cheering for Jake and his friends throughout the book. This is one of my favorite books series ever. Not only because of the amazing writing but it is a book series our whole family loves and it has given us hours of things to listen to and talk about. I highly recommend these books for all ages and I cannot wait for more!

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book, however, the views expressed are my honest opinions.

[Cherie Fairburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Gryphon Chronicles (all 9 books), but by the time I reached this book, I grew tired of the repetition and the authors’ overuse of certain words. Initially, I thought their use of uncommon words was good because many children reading this series likely didn’t know the meaning and would have to look them up. But they use certain words so often that it becomes tedious and annoying, particularly ’sardonic’, ‘forelock’, ‘roguish’, and a few other words. I’m not an English major and certainly not an author, but I believe it would improve the books in this series if the authors used a thesaurus and selected different words for several instances.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

After all that.... This is how it ends? Not satisfying. I don't agree with the fate of several characters. Several were left behind and might as well, not even introduced half of them. Jake is one of the most obnoxious kids. Not a fan. The fact that this was written about kids and the attitudes some of them have, the infatuations, and bullheadedness... Did not make for an inspiring read. Not recommending. My kids were disappointed as they had been looking forward to continuing this series.

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great series, annoying ending

I love how the story went, the actions the characters took, and the twists and turns throughout the story.
I just disliked how the ending finished with Jake loosing his powers and may never get them back

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

And so the chapter of this part of their life comes to an end. And yet they (all the main characters) are lined up to start new life adventures. I could see a sequel series that takes place a few years into the future.

[Peggy Keleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gryphon Chronicles

A wonderful end to the series! Lots of action in all of the war scenes, and it was wonderful how the book kept going and filled in the next few months of Jake's life.

[Miss Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good

One of the big twists I really enjoyed. However, I felt that things the series was building to ended without being resolved or in disappointing way. Also felt it could have easily ended 20-40 pages before it did, i got bored reading the end.

[Tony Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!

The final book in this series, like the rest, does not disappoint. The Foleys wove a masterpiece with every book in this series. The Devil's Lair is the gold on the strands of this collection.

[Vickie L. Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending

This was an excellent ending to the series. I hope there will be more stories in this world in the future.

[Robin La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

So happy that so much came together in this book, but that there are still some things to carry on with in future books. I hope we don't have to wait too long!! :)

[Robyn Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This eagerly awaited book 9 was so great and satisfying!