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The Gryphon Chronicles #5
Secrets Of The Deep
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.Some lost treasures were never meant to be found...With the Dark Druids after him and a magical war brewing, thirteen-year-old Jake Everton must lie low for a while, so Aunt Ramona, the Elder witch, takes him and the gang on a long beach holiday out of harm's way - supposedly. But, sure enough, Jake plunges into trouble once again when he meets a feisty royal mermaid on the run.Crown Princess Sapphira, the adventurous daughter of King Nereus, recently ventured to the edge of the Calypso Deep and stumbled upon a powerful artifact from ancient Atlantis. But the mysterious orb holds deadlier secrets than she ever suspected and, soon, every power-mad tyrant in the Seven Seas wants it - especially the dread, undead pirate king, Captain Davy Jones.When the legendary Lord of the Locker invades her father's kingdom, demanding the orb and taking her little sister hostage in exchange, Sapphira turns to her new friends, Jake and company, to help her rescue Princess Lil and stop Davy Jones from using the artifact's powers to expand his watery territory by covering the earth in a second Noah's Flood!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
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2016
480 people are currently reading
533 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 48 reviews
February 24, 2017
With a war on the horizon and the dark druids more intent than ever to get to Jake, he and his friends are sent to his Aunt's "out of the way" house! They are eager to have a nice quiet holiday, but as usual, trouble seems to find them! This time in the form of a royal mermaid, Princess Sapphira, daughter of King Nereus. She found a rare and powerful artifact that came from Atlantis and accidentally activated it. She quickly shut it off but not before the powerful magic was felt by some nefarious water folk. Word made it's way to Davy Jones and he wants the artifact badly!! So badly that he invades her fathers kingdom and takes her little sister hostage. But Sapphira hides the thing and goes in search of her sister.
Meanwhile, while testing out Archie's sub, Jake stumbles across, not only the artifact but the Princess too. When he finds out that Davy Jones intends to use it to flood the world to enlarge his domain, Jake and his friends find themselves fighting shark headed men, Davy Jones and the Dark Druids! Will this be the end of the gang??
This series is one that should be way more popular than it is. It is chocked full of amazing characters, action, adventure and fantastical world building and creatures, to keep everyone wanting more. I fell in love with the world and characters way back when I read the first and here we are at number 5 and the story is still as fresh and energetic as ever.
The characters are among my favourites as I find them to be "real". By that I mean that they act and behave exactly as they should. They are young people and behave like young people, they are just drawn into the trouble no matter where they go. They are extremely well written and developed and I loved each of them, even Davy Jones!!
The plot was amazingly entertaining and engaging! Being book 5, I thought we may have some things rehashed in the plot, but no, as I said before, it's as fresh and entertaining as always. These authors know how to write!!!
In all, this is one of my favourite series, it's right up there with Harry Potter!!! This is a massive book too, at over 18hrs, but it felt so short. I devoured it and didn't want it to end. More please ;) Lol.
Jamie du Pont MacKenzie was just as good as I remembered (it was a while ago that I listened to book 4). He really is a fantastic narrator and I'm surprised he hasn't narrated more books. He brought every single character to life, gave them their own unique tone and voice and made the story so much more enjoyable. Highly highly recommend!
Meanwhile, while testing out Archie's sub, Jake stumbles across, not only the artifact but the Princess too. When he finds out that Davy Jones intends to use it to flood the world to enlarge his domain, Jake and his friends find themselves fighting shark headed men, Davy Jones and the Dark Druids! Will this be the end of the gang??
This series is one that should be way more popular than it is. It is chocked full of amazing characters, action, adventure and fantastical world building and creatures, to keep everyone wanting more. I fell in love with the world and characters way back when I read the first and here we are at number 5 and the story is still as fresh and energetic as ever.
The characters are among my favourites as I find them to be "real". By that I mean that they act and behave exactly as they should. They are young people and behave like young people, they are just drawn into the trouble no matter where they go. They are extremely well written and developed and I loved each of them, even Davy Jones!!
The plot was amazingly entertaining and engaging! Being book 5, I thought we may have some things rehashed in the plot, but no, as I said before, it's as fresh and entertaining as always. These authors know how to write!!!
In all, this is one of my favourite series, it's right up there with Harry Potter!!! This is a massive book too, at over 18hrs, but it felt so short. I devoured it and didn't want it to end. More please ;) Lol.
Jamie du Pont MacKenzie was just as good as I remembered (it was a while ago that I listened to book 4). He really is a fantastic narrator and I'm surprised he hasn't narrated more books. He brought every single character to life, gave them their own unique tone and voice and made the story so much more enjoyable. Highly highly recommend!
July 25, 2016
Secrets of the Deep has a beautifully woven double plot line with intense twists and turns, with new ideas about old legends and amazing creatures you won’t see anywhere else. This book of the Gryphon Chronicles is the most exciting one yet. I hope you enjoy Gryphon Chronicles book 5, Secrets of the Deep.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
August 11, 2018
I love this adventure series. This installment was good with the narrator again doing a wonderful job. It just seemed a bit disjointed at times. The Jake and Danny blooming relationship was a bit cringe-worthy and had me skipping through many scenes. The story would have been much better without it.
July 16, 2016
a bit of a slow start, not as much good action as the earlier books. Jake is getting a bit irritating but his lovestruck self is cute.
January 28, 2024
Book #10 for me this year! I really enjoyed this adventure. Pirates, battles, mermaids… my favorite things as a kid. I can’t wait to start the next book of this series. Reading this series has made me feel like a kid again and I love it.
September 22, 2025
I like these stories but the romantic angel its taken with some of the characters is not want I want to read about. It just needs to stick to being a kids adventure story.
February 17, 2022
My reread was more successful than my first read last year. Maybe I was impatient. The story seems to be twice as long as is necessary and the whole matching up lovers trope for children between the ages of 11 and 16 annoyed the hell out of me. Yes they love each other, they are close and beloved friends and family but the mentions of romance seems unnecessary, trite and inappropriate. I especially did not enjoy the older mermaid character and her interactions with all of the characters and plot. I wish that her little sister ‘the barnacle’ had been the main character instead of being shoved to the background except for an occasional delightful spot light. The most interesting part of the story was in the last chapter. Unfortunately the slog to get here meant that I was thoroughly disengaged before reaching it. On my first read last year I don’t even recall this section, which is essential to the overall arch of the series. Maybe I dnf’ed it: I really can’t recall.
There were too many characters too many separate stories that barely intermingled with each other. All of my favorite characters had almost no screen time at all. There were lots of long boring explanations telling you what different characters ‘thought’ but not allowing you, the reader to make connections without explanations. Not enough of the griffin, no Malwort, barely any Nixie, almost no Aunt Ramona. The only saving grace was the significant character development of Dani. However this, as always, was overshadowed by the dominant personalities of Jake and Isabelle, as well as the way too large cast of ‘heroic’ characters. I’m fingers crossed the next will be better as the previous instalment was my absolute favourite. I don’t think I could have got through this book without the heroic efforts of the narrator of my audiobook, Jamie du Pont MacKenzie, whose beautiful storytelling held me when the plot and characters could not.
There were too many characters too many separate stories that barely intermingled with each other. All of my favorite characters had almost no screen time at all. There were lots of long boring explanations telling you what different characters ‘thought’ but not allowing you, the reader to make connections without explanations. Not enough of the griffin, no Malwort, barely any Nixie, almost no Aunt Ramona. The only saving grace was the significant character development of Dani. However this, as always, was overshadowed by the dominant personalities of Jake and Isabelle, as well as the way too large cast of ‘heroic’ characters. I’m fingers crossed the next will be better as the previous instalment was my absolute favourite. I don’t think I could have got through this book without the heroic efforts of the narrator of my audiobook, Jamie du Pont MacKenzie, whose beautiful storytelling held me when the plot and characters could not.
July 1, 2016
Jake and his friends are hunted by the Dark Druids. In order to protect them Aunt Ramona has them take the Grand Tour where the end up in Italy. While there they test Archie's new invention that will take them underwater without breathing apparatus. As they explore a sunken temple that Jake has previously discovered they find an orb that Archie says came from the Atlantisans. Is he right?
I enjoyed this newest adventure of Jake, Archie, and the rest of them. It is full of action, adventure, and a little romance. I liked how the legends of mermaid and Atlantis are woven through the story. Watching Jake and company learn as they reason out the mystery is fun. I got into the story as they work to discover what the orb they found does and why the villains want it so much. I appreciate that Jake can go back to his roots in the rookery when he needs to and use the skills he learned there to help him today. The support among the friends is tremendous even when they are fighting with each other. But a good clearing of the air never hurt any romance.
While most of the action involves the gang, I liked when the adults had their chance for their own adventure. That was a cliff hanger. As their adventure is occurring so is Jake's and company. Each group has formidable enemies to conquer.
Read this series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. The world building is fantastic. I love this world. I look forward to the next book to answer my questions lingering from this one.
I enjoyed this newest adventure of Jake, Archie, and the rest of them. It is full of action, adventure, and a little romance. I liked how the legends of mermaid and Atlantis are woven through the story. Watching Jake and company learn as they reason out the mystery is fun. I got into the story as they work to discover what the orb they found does and why the villains want it so much. I appreciate that Jake can go back to his roots in the rookery when he needs to and use the skills he learned there to help him today. The support among the friends is tremendous even when they are fighting with each other. But a good clearing of the air never hurt any romance.
While most of the action involves the gang, I liked when the adults had their chance for their own adventure. That was a cliff hanger. As their adventure is occurring so is Jake's and company. Each group has formidable enemies to conquer.
Read this series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. The world building is fantastic. I love this world. I look forward to the next book to answer my questions lingering from this one.
July 12, 2016
The adventures of Jake and his friends continue with a new and exciting installment! While trying to avoid the Dark Druids, this adventure loving group find themselves discovering more than Europe. With the help of Archie's newest invention, the group discover a sunken treasure with a secret that can change the world: on land and in the sea. Finding mermaids, meeting Davy Jones and his crew, and obtaining a lost artifact from the lost city of Atlantis is only the beginning! Add in some witchcraft, sorcery, and the advanced technologies of Atlantis. and there is bound to be some fun and bone-chilling excitement for these pre-teens in Italy and Greece.
You will be enchanted by the adventure and the colorful and inviting descriptions of the setting. With each book, E.G. Foley is providing more depth to primary characters as well as new characters and friends.
Totally fun read, and definitely will be recommending this book (and the series) to my students and friends. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You will be enchanted by the adventure and the colorful and inviting descriptions of the setting. With each book, E.G. Foley is providing more depth to primary characters as well as new characters and friends.
Totally fun read, and definitely will be recommending this book (and the series) to my students and friends. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
I listened to this book in the car with my teenage daughter. As usual, we both found it entertaining. Jake and his growing circle of friends are a magnet for big trouble, and it is up to them to use their wits and powers to come up with big and sometimes risky solutions, usually on their own. At the beginning of the series, Jake was completely foolhardy, never stopping to think about consequences. The pickles he found himself in provided much of the entertainment value. In this book, however, he is beginning to appreciate that his choices affect other people, especially his friends. As a result, he is either tempering his risk-taking behavior or taking measures to direct the risk at himself. Regardless, Jake and his friends face formidable challenges and ultimately overcome them, although some of the things Jake did seemed unrealistic even for a fantasy book. Regardless, my daughter and I enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next and last book of the series.
March 4, 2017
Rating 3.5 star. Rating has dropped mainly because of the cringeworthy handling of the "blossoming romance" between Jake and Danny. These books ARE targeted at a much younger audience, I would think at a middle school (lower end) and I think even they would cringe. It would definitely lose the male readers, I found myself skimming past with gritted teeth, literally.
Otherwise, this book, as is the series, a really good fantasy series both for the younger readers and for adults, being those reading to the kids or those, like myself, just reading for my own enjoyment, and it is still enjoyable. It's a Harry Potter-like "the early years" series without the really dark and scary stuff and really cool gryphons.
Recommended for young fantasy readers or the young at heart
Otherwise, this book, as is the series, a really good fantasy series both for the younger readers and for adults, being those reading to the kids or those, like myself, just reading for my own enjoyment, and it is still enjoyable. It's a Harry Potter-like "the early years" series without the really dark and scary stuff and really cool gryphons.
Recommended for young fantasy readers or the young at heart
June 30, 2016
The adventures of Jake Everton and his intrepid band of magical and mundane friends just keep getting better and better. This adventure takes them under the sea to deal with another threat posed by the interference of the Dark Druids. At the same time, they struggle with looming adolescence and all the confusing emotions that come with the territory. Add the further drama of the conflicts in the adult magical world and you have a story that is well-written, fast paced and extremely satisfying. Wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone 12 years old and up who loves wholesome fantasy and heart stopping action.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2020
4.8 stars in my insane rating system. This book takes everything in this series further, and consequently better. But there is still the normal religion, lack of representation, and a few other things. Also, it’s not as enjoyable as a few. Still very enjoyable.
Ranking of this series as of now:
6. Jake and the Gingerbread Wars #3.5
5. Jake and the Giant #2
4. The Lost Heir #1
3. Secrets of the Deep #5
2. Rise of Allies #4
1. The Dark Portal #3
Ranking of this series as of now:
6. Jake and the Gingerbread Wars #3.5
5. Jake and the Giant #2
4. The Lost Heir #1
3. Secrets of the Deep #5
2. Rise of Allies #4
1. The Dark Portal #3
February 11, 2025
Good, but less so then the earlier ones
I struggled through this one a little - I found it dragged a little more, I wasn't a huge fan of the mermaid characters and I found it used some things straight from mythology or other stories without any added creativity or twist - like the sandworms from dune or the mermaids.
I struggled through this one a little - I found it dragged a little more, I wasn't a huge fan of the mermaid characters and I found it used some things straight from mythology or other stories without any added creativity or twist - like the sandworms from dune or the mermaids.
June 29, 2016
Awesome book. Could not set it down. What a fun read and never a dull moment with Jack and his Friends. This is a must read book.Great for all ages. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
Fun read.
Read this with my grandson. We loved the series, interesting enough to keep you wanting to read more. When is next book coming out?
Read this with my grandson. We loved the series, interesting enough to keep you wanting to read more. When is next book coming out?
May 2, 2024
This story felt a little more disjointed from the others in the series.
January 26, 2025
Good
Liked the differences in the DJ portrayal but the character lacked fear factor. Loved the character development for Janos. Overall pretty good
Liked the differences in the DJ portrayal but the character lacked fear factor. Loved the character development for Janos. Overall pretty good
August 24, 2018
Enjoyable for Adults
I discovered these books when I downloaded the free Christmas book. I became so enamored of the characters and their stories, I started with book one and have never been disappointed! Even though the books are for a younger reader, the quality and style of writing is above many adult novels. I find the books engrossing and hard to put down, yet sorry for them to end! Sometimes sad and gut wrenching, yet they are not depressing, but uplifting. I have enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters and how their experiences have made them into complex people. No matter your age, it's never a bad thing to have a little magic in your life!
I discovered these books when I downloaded the free Christmas book. I became so enamored of the characters and their stories, I started with book one and have never been disappointed! Even though the books are for a younger reader, the quality and style of writing is above many adult novels. I find the books engrossing and hard to put down, yet sorry for them to end! Sometimes sad and gut wrenching, yet they are not depressing, but uplifting. I have enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters and how their experiences have made them into complex people. No matter your age, it's never a bad thing to have a little magic in your life!
March 20, 2022
This audiobook is filled with lots of love, action adventure and comedy and a twist ending! I can't wait until I listen to The Black Fortress (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book # 6!) I'll have to make this audiobook last because, this will be the last The Gryphon Chronicles book that I will listen to until The Dragon Lord (The Gryphon Chronicles, book # 7) audiobook is released, hopefully very soon. 🤞🏾🙏🏾
Even though, The Sorcerers Army (The Gryphon Chronicles, book # 8) will be released on Thursday, March 31st, 2022.
Even though, The Sorcerers Army (The Gryphon Chronicles, book # 8) will be released on Thursday, March 31st, 2022.
September 23, 2024
Not my favorite in the series. I was really looking forward to this one too. This suffers from 5th book syndrome. The entire book was not necessary to move the plot along. The mermaids were my least favorite part, the kids got awkward and angsty. The main plot twist I anticipated was revealed in the last 5 pages (saw it coming). The whole scheme of this book felt disjointed and the demi villain was dispatched so anticlimatically. I hope this is just typical bridge book and the series picks up again. Btw, Jake is one of my least favorite characters.
October 11, 2019
I just turned the last page of this book and LOVED it and so did my kids. The only downside was that it ended. We want more! This installment in the Gryphon Chronicles has everything: deeper character development of beloved regulars with the introduction of some intriguing new ones; an immersive world; fast-paced adventure; fascinating settings; secrets divulged and more secrets discovered; gentle, believable romance(s); and a compelling plot line. No one element dominates the story. All the pieces work in harmony to deliver a delightful and gripping read. If you have not yet read the previous books in the series immediately get hold of those first so you can fully appreciate the wonder of this one. The world building is impressive ! I'm already looking forward to reading the next one when it is published
... the sixth book is coming out so soon ...
... the sixth book is coming out so soon ...
May 29, 2025
I’ll give this a 3.5 star to be exact. This seems to be my least favorite book in the series so far. To me this book didn’t feel like it connected with the other books. I enjoyed the story but found most of it unnecessary, and only found Ramona’s side of the story and the last 2 chapters important. I was excited at first since it had pirates, mermaids and Atlantis all in one book but didn’t come out how I thought it would.
August 26, 2017
WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK COMING OUT????!!!!!!!!!!! 😆😆😆
I love this series SO MUCH and was hooked on the first page of Book 1. This book was no different. I definitely recommend this series to ages 9, maybe 8, and up. I'd say 9 or 10 for this book (depends) and the one before. I'm also SO READY for the next one!!😝😝. 👀 ❤️these 📚
I love this series SO MUCH and was hooked on the first page of Book 1. This book was no different. I definitely recommend this series to ages 9, maybe 8, and up. I'd say 9 or 10 for this book (depends) and the one before. I'm also SO READY for the next one!!😝😝. 👀 ❤️these 📚
January 21, 2021
Extraordinarily magical!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to readers of all ages. Epic battles with mundane and supernatural characters and the magical creatures that help them. Enduring love in all its aspects between these lovely characters and these amazing creatures, (good and evil).
Thrilling adventure awaits, enjoy!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to readers of all ages. Epic battles with mundane and supernatural characters and the magical creatures that help them. Enduring love in all its aspects between these lovely characters and these amazing creatures, (good and evil).
Thrilling adventure awaits, enjoy!
August 3, 2019
I am loving these stories and am now on pins and needles waiting for the last installment. This under-sea adventure will keep you on your toes and ends with a huge cliffhanger. Cannot recommend these books enough.
December 31, 2022
Again-
I know this is gonna sound really petty, but ACTULLY the art is throwing me off. Like they look so stupid and it changes every book. Im sorry if I offened anybody but this "Art" is just ruinning how I think of the charecters in the book, especially since they dont even look similar
I know this is gonna sound really petty, but ACTULLY the art is throwing me off. Like they look so stupid and it changes every book. Im sorry if I offened anybody but this "Art" is just ruinning how I think of the charecters in the book, especially since they dont even look similar
April 29, 2023
This one has a lot happening but thats what the story needed as life is complex and the fight of bad and good is growing, it was only a matter of time the main characters would be affected. Though scary to think that some characters may not survive this fight soon.
January 18, 2025
Outstanding
This series gets better and better. The characters maturing, the story ever more gripping. Some real heart in mouth moments and some heart wrenching scenes. Fantastical and deeply touching. I can’t wait to read what comes next.
This series gets better and better. The characters maturing, the story ever more gripping. Some real heart in mouth moments and some heart wrenching scenes. Fantastical and deeply touching. I can’t wait to read what comes next.
November 20, 2025
Great adventure as always. the first half seemed to go slow and wasn't as relative, but the second half was full of action and ended with something that leads into what the next book is probably about. The narrator is great too which makes me prefer listening to this one versus just reading it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews