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The Gryphon Chronicles #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 Dark Future…
When Lord Wyvern’s outrageous rebellion succeeds, the half-demon sorcerer now sets his sights on world domination, accepting nothing less from humans and magic-kind than total obedience. The Order of the Yew Tree—humanity’s best hope of stopping him—has already been brought to its knees. Jake and his friends, meanwhile, have been left shattered and reeling after a devastating loss. But then, a gift from a mysterious friend changes everything—a sword unlike any other. Only, in order for Jake to harness its power, he must first dig deep and win the raging battle between dark and light within himself.
Faced with overwhelming odds, can Jake unleash the power of the brightwield in time to save his beloved friends from Wyvern’s horrific army? Or will his hatred and hunger for revenge consume him and drive the would-be hero into making a terrible mistake? One that could lead him straight into Wyvern’s clutches and fulfill the dire prophecy of the Black Prince…
This intricately woven tale takes readers on an epic journey where goodness, loyalty, and love stand as humanity’s last hope to hold back unthinkable darkness.
A Dark Future…
When Lord Wyvern’s outrageous rebellion succeeds, the half-demon sorcerer now sets his sights on world domination, accepting nothing less from humans and magic-kind than total obedience. The Order of the Yew Tree—humanity’s best hope of stopping him—has already been brought to its knees. Jake and his friends, meanwhile, have been left shattered and reeling after a devastating loss. But then, a gift from a mysterious friend changes everything—a sword unlike any other. Only, in order for Jake to harness its power, he must first dig deep and win the raging battle between dark and light within himself.
Faced with overwhelming odds, can Jake unleash the power of the brightwield in time to save his beloved friends from Wyvern’s horrific army? Or will his hatred and hunger for revenge consume him and drive the would-be hero into making a terrible mistake? One that could lead him straight into Wyvern’s clutches and fulfill the dire prophecy of the Black Prince…
This intricately woven tale takes readers on an epic journey where goodness, loyalty, and love stand as humanity’s last hope to hold back unthinkable darkness.
800 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2022
309 people are currently reading
435 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 4, 2022
Oh. My. God.
Did I stay up until 3:30 in the morning to finish this book because once I started reading from Through a Mirror Darkly, I absolutely couldn't put it down?
Yes.
Do I regret it?
Not for a minute!
I loved it. That should be the first and foremost thing you learn from this review. I struggled just a bit getting into this book when we were thrown into Shem's lair for an entire chapter, but once we zoomed back topside, we picked up right where The Dragon Lord left off. The authors do a really genuine job of walking the children through the grieving process when they are faced with their first close loss of this war. So much so that I genuinely wasn't sure if Shem's "Dark Influence" curse was even affecting most of the children or if it was truly *just* their grief. Everything that they went through felt so organic, so heartbreakingly "normal" that even the addition of Jake's powers and Constanzio's steady but ghostly presence didn't take away from the meaning of the children's journeys. I loved seeing Waldrick re-enter Jake's life and try (in his own way) to make up for what he's done in the past. Probably still doesn't quite have his moral compass pointed in the right direction, but we're a far cry from when we met him.
I find that the true mark of a fictional villain is that you truly enjoy hating him. He's not frustratingly bad or whiny or even mind-numbingly evil, he's actually vindictive. I think it's part of the reason a fandom as large as the Harry Potter world can all agree - Umbridge is the absolute worst villain in the series. And what E.G. Foley have done with Wyvern in the last few books is make him enjoyably evil. He's fun - in his own way - and you truly *want* the Lightriders to beat him. You want to keep turning the page to see how much further he's going to dig himself and you're almost afraid of what he's going to come up with next. The locust men are just one example of this. I can't wait to see what he's going to come up with next.
On the other hand, someone like Badgerton and/or Fionnula just work to complement his vileness. They're almost tame by comparison. Yes, as I was reading, I couldn't wait to see if they would meet their end or not, but they truly are sideshow characters that highlight Wyvern even more as the sum of all evil. I even enjoy hating him more than Shem - and he's a literal demon!
There is just so much that goes on in this story that I've already started rereading it to see what I missed out on the first time. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I shouted on my first read through, but there's just so much to digest within the relationships that make up this story that I know I'll love it all the more on the second read through. I want to know what's going to become of Jake and Dany. I want to know if Maddox is going to follow through on his decision. I want to know what Jake's powers are going to do next. I want to know what the meaning is behind the Beltane Boy and the Samhain Sorcerer because there HAS to be a connection between them. Will they be two sides of the same coin and bring a truce back to the powers of Light and Dark? Will Jake rescue his parents? I really, really, want to trust the authors with Red and what Jake decides at the end of the book. I want, I want, I want. I can't wait for The Devil's Lair to come out!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Did I stay up until 3:30 in the morning to finish this book because once I started reading from Through a Mirror Darkly, I absolutely couldn't put it down?
Yes.
Do I regret it?
Not for a minute!
I loved it. That should be the first and foremost thing you learn from this review. I struggled just a bit getting into this book when we were thrown into Shem's lair for an entire chapter, but once we zoomed back topside, we picked up right where The Dragon Lord left off. The authors do a really genuine job of walking the children through the grieving process when they are faced with their first close loss of this war. So much so that I genuinely wasn't sure if Shem's "Dark Influence" curse was even affecting most of the children or if it was truly *just* their grief. Everything that they went through felt so organic, so heartbreakingly "normal" that even the addition of Jake's powers and Constanzio's steady but ghostly presence didn't take away from the meaning of the children's journeys. I loved seeing Waldrick re-enter Jake's life and try (in his own way) to make up for what he's done in the past. Probably still doesn't quite have his moral compass pointed in the right direction, but we're a far cry from when we met him.
I find that the true mark of a fictional villain is that you truly enjoy hating him. He's not frustratingly bad or whiny or even mind-numbingly evil, he's actually vindictive. I think it's part of the reason a fandom as large as the Harry Potter world can all agree - Umbridge is the absolute worst villain in the series. And what E.G. Foley have done with Wyvern in the last few books is make him enjoyably evil. He's fun - in his own way - and you truly *want* the Lightriders to beat him. You want to keep turning the page to see how much further he's going to dig himself and you're almost afraid of what he's going to come up with next. The locust men are just one example of this. I can't wait to see what he's going to come up with next.
On the other hand, someone like Badgerton and/or Fionnula just work to complement his vileness. They're almost tame by comparison. Yes, as I was reading, I couldn't wait to see if they would meet their end or not, but they truly are sideshow characters that highlight Wyvern even more as the sum of all evil. I even enjoy hating him more than Shem - and he's a literal demon!
There is just so much that goes on in this story that I've already started rereading it to see what I missed out on the first time. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I shouted on my first read through, but there's just so much to digest within the relationships that make up this story that I know I'll love it all the more on the second read through. I want to know what's going to become of Jake and Dany. I want to know if Maddox is going to follow through on his decision. I want to know what Jake's powers are going to do next. I want to know what the meaning is behind the Beltane Boy and the Samhain Sorcerer because there HAS to be a connection between them. Will they be two sides of the same coin and bring a truce back to the powers of Light and Dark? Will Jake rescue his parents? I really, really, want to trust the authors with Red and what Jake decides at the end of the book. I want, I want, I want. I can't wait for The Devil's Lair to come out!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
November 15, 2025
Oh the waffling in this book - back and forth about morals and being selfless was becoming a bit too much for me, but finally some real progress was made. I do think a third of this could have been shaved off of the book and no one would notice. This was the longest novel of the series and sometimes it dragged.
We finally see what the end of the world is supposed to be like, and the kids manage to defeat a lot of odds to stay alive. The battle scenes were done well, and I liked all the povs.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the last book plays out.
We finally see what the end of the world is supposed to be like, and the kids manage to defeat a lot of odds to stay alive. The battle scenes were done well, and I liked all the povs.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the last book plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
The longest book so far in the series and the awesomest! Jake learns a lot about himself as do his tight knit group of friends.
April 24, 2022
In this continuation of the story of Jake Everton, Lord Griffon, he and his allies are still reeling from the death of their leader, Aunt Ramona, as well as other high-ranking members of the Order of the Yew Tree. Training for future Guardians and Lightriders is increased, while those already in service are on heightened alert.
Lord Wyvern and the Dark Druids, of course, are not resting on their victory at Merlin Hall. Plans are underway to crown Wyvern as the leader of the Druids and celebrate the occasion by unleashing a horrendous attack on the whole world. Thanks to some intrepid spying, the Guardians learn when and where the ceremony is to take place and plot their own attack.
As both sides prepare to go to battle, Jake is doing some training of his own with a new power he has acquired--against the advice of all of his friends who warn him it will be too powerful for him. He plans to sneak into the battle against the Dark Druids by disguising himself as a Guardian, but his plot is foiled when he is recognized just before departure.
It turns out that it's just as well he is forced to stay at Merlin Hall, as that is one of the first sites where Wyvern sends his unholy army; if Jake hadn't been there to lead his friends, all might have been lost.
This is an action-packed book which I found hard to put down. It could be read on its own, but a new reader would not understand all of the back story and would not get as much enjoyment out of it so I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series first.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lord Wyvern and the Dark Druids, of course, are not resting on their victory at Merlin Hall. Plans are underway to crown Wyvern as the leader of the Druids and celebrate the occasion by unleashing a horrendous attack on the whole world. Thanks to some intrepid spying, the Guardians learn when and where the ceremony is to take place and plot their own attack.
As both sides prepare to go to battle, Jake is doing some training of his own with a new power he has acquired--against the advice of all of his friends who warn him it will be too powerful for him. He plans to sneak into the battle against the Dark Druids by disguising himself as a Guardian, but his plot is foiled when he is recognized just before departure.
It turns out that it's just as well he is forced to stay at Merlin Hall, as that is one of the first sites where Wyvern sends his unholy army; if Jake hadn't been there to lead his friends, all might have been lost.
This is an action-packed book which I found hard to put down. It could be read on its own, but a new reader would not understand all of the back story and would not get as much enjoyment out of it so I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series first.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 18, 2022
Like the other books in this series, it is an outstanding read for all ages. It is darker and more frightening than the earlier books, but still suitable for the age group for which it is primarily written. This book has everything. It is packed with action, adventure, emotion and suspense. Unlike so many books which concentrate on one character to the exclusion of others, this book allows you to look into the minds of all the main characters and understand their motivation and experience their emotions. They are real people, with good in some of the most evil, and bad in the best of them. Your heart will ache at their losses. You will feel their devastation when their young love affairs are not going well. When Jake leans his head against the warm, feathery side of his gryphon friend, you will feel the love most of us have experienced for a treasured pet. When battle rages around the group, you will emerge exhausted and exuberant. This book grabs your attention on the first page and leaves you panting for more on the last. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age who loves fantasy. In fact, the highest praise I can give this series is to say it is the Lord of the Rings for the younger set.
April 13, 2022
I can never read these books slow.
Well her I am just finishing book 8 and wondering why I read so fast? Because this series is great!! This series makes me stand up and cheer for every underdog in the world. This is a great series for kids and young adults, I'm 64 so that doesn't count. But this series for anyone who likes hero's and bad guys, because this series is full of them.
Well her I am just finishing book 8 and wondering why I read so fast? Because this series is great!! This series makes me stand up and cheer for every underdog in the world. This is a great series for kids and young adults, I'm 64 so that doesn't count. But this series for anyone who likes hero's and bad guys, because this series is full of them.
February 28, 2025
Ugh, what an unlike able "hero". I can't stand this kid. The vampire obsessed teen also induces eye rolling. The super young and naive red head is frustrating. Most of these characters suck. Why do I keep reading? At this point I'm just wondering if anyone is going to die. Authors tend to get attached to this idea about their heroes and most go through a cringe stage. *sigh* I'm too close to the end to give up now. I just know I'm going to be disappointed.
April 14, 2022
Good book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Gryphon Chronicles. The characters all showed some growth individually which was a nice change of pace.
My only dislikes were one or two chapters 'than explained nothing but military formations and tactics which distracted from the story rather than moved it forward.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Gryphon Chronicles. The characters all showed some growth individually which was a nice change of pace.
My only dislikes were one or two chapters 'than explained nothing but military formations and tactics which distracted from the story rather than moved it forward.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
May 5, 2022
(13 year old's review) Five stars, loved this book! I especially liked the chapters from the villain's perspective, specifically the demons. It's an excellent continuation to a really good series. It is pretty long but definitely worth a read.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
May 19, 2022
Cheers for the Gryphon Chronicles
The Sorcerer 's Army was set to be released so I started reading from book one to book eight and enjoyed reading it all over again. The detail in this series is great to follow all the way through. Looking forward to book nine in the series. The Sorcerer's Army was my favorite of a great great series of adventures
The Sorcerer 's Army was set to be released so I started reading from book one to book eight and enjoyed reading it all over again. The detail in this series is great to follow all the way through. Looking forward to book nine in the series. The Sorcerer's Army was my favorite of a great great series of adventures
July 28, 2022
Encore, please.
As I sit here in my kitchen, it is hard to imagine this old retired internist wallowing in self pity, not knowing when the next sequel will be out. I’m having at least as much fun reading these adventures as the kids who are also in the audience. Please keep writing, I feel more drama in the offing.
As I sit here in my kitchen, it is hard to imagine this old retired internist wallowing in self pity, not knowing when the next sequel will be out. I’m having at least as much fun reading these adventures as the kids who are also in the audience. Please keep writing, I feel more drama in the offing.
August 20, 2024
Another interesting installment to the series. I enjoyed Jake's development, though at times his decisions frustrated me. I mostly enjoyed Dani's part, but it seemed like she blamed Jake for decisions she made, which was also frustrating. The book was a bit of a wild ride, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to all of the characters in the next book.
July 5, 2025
This book
This book did get too religious for me, but i suppose it makes sense in that they are fighting demons.
The war between good and evil is in full swing in this book. I like that this book was very much centered around internal conflicts. I also love coming of age stories and this is certainly a story of self discovery and growing up.
This book did get too religious for me, but i suppose it makes sense in that they are fighting demons.
The war between good and evil is in full swing in this book. I like that this book was very much centered around internal conflicts. I also love coming of age stories and this is certainly a story of self discovery and growing up.
April 19, 2022
highly recommend
This series is full of adventure, action, improvement of oneself. I absolutely love the lessons of right and wrong in this book especially. They are truly remarkable books!
This series is full of adventure, action, improvement of oneself. I absolutely love the lessons of right and wrong in this book especially. They are truly remarkable books!
March 2, 2024
No
You may be able to write but not hold anyones interest you should have stoped book 3 This is boring. Cute little shoes only lazts so long. There is no excitement no plot that is of interest the first two were great maybe 3 Not more
You may be able to write but not hold anyones interest you should have stoped book 3 This is boring. Cute little shoes only lazts so long. There is no excitement no plot that is of interest the first two were great maybe 3 Not more
April 4, 2022
great book
The only problems I have with this book is that it is too short and that I have to wait for the next book now.
The only problems I have with this book is that it is too short and that I have to wait for the next book now.
April 27, 2022
This is my 9 year old son’s review…
It is good and I like it.
P. S. He is a man of little words and doesn’t give 5 stars often to the books he reads!
It is good and I like it.
P. S. He is a man of little words and doesn’t give 5 stars often to the books he reads!
June 11, 2022
riveting
Packed to the stars with the slings and arrows of soulful growth and terrifying realities, six children fight to save a world gone mad.
Packed to the stars with the slings and arrows of soulful growth and terrifying realities, six children fight to save a world gone mad.
December 17, 2022
Wonderful
Wow.....what a fun read. So many twists and turns throughout the book. Jake's growth was great and can't wait for the next book. Hope it's not a long wait
Wow.....what a fun read. So many twists and turns throughout the book. Jake's growth was great and can't wait for the next book. Hope it's not a long wait
March 20, 2024
Every chapter seemed to be trying to remind me how stupid Jake is..
Read
December 15, 2024This book makes me think of the middle of a book series with the main characters making choices that drive you crazy.
January 7, 2025
Good story and fast paced. Loads of story development heading towards the end of the story.
February 22, 2025
This is great!!!!
May 22, 2025
Listening to this series on Audio book with my boys. We have really enjoyed. Highly recommend.
August 23, 2025
I love this series, has had me gripped from book one, however I found this book quite slow and heavy compared to the others... I still enjoyed it though, the ending was brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews