Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3)
E. G. Foley
Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by E. G. Foley
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Jake Everton wasn’t just any orphan—he’s the secret heir to a magical family with powers that could change the world. With his loyal pet Gryphon by his side, Jake dives into a shadowy mystery in the misty mountains where danger lurks beneath the surface. What dark force is threatening both humans and magical creatures, and will Jake’s courage be enough to stop it?
Quick Assessment
Dark Portal, the third book in The Gryphon Chronicles series, follows Jake Everton, a young boy who discovers he is the heir to a magical aristocratic family. Set in a Victorian-inspired fantasy world, Jake and his friends confront a sinister threat in the Welsh mountains, blending adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements suitable for readers aged 9-12. The story contains mild fantasy violence and explores themes of bravery, friendship, and good versus evil.
Why we rated Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) 11LE
Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 280 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Dark Portal (the Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3) explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, mystery, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781946923820
- Pages
- 280
- Publisher
- Foley, Gaelen
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction