Sheila's Reads

Jake and the gang are off to the Gathering where Jake will have his Assessment. He is not happy about it. It is at the Gathering where they will make new friends, vanquish new foes, and learn of bad news.

I love this series! Read it in order (even JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARS) as there are people and events referred to from previous books. Some story lines that seemed over are not. Some story lines continue in this story and will go into the next book.

Jake seemed to be growing up last book but he has slid back to being a child. His pity party with Red is priceless! He sounds like a kid. Jake has to face his jealousy of a rival for Derek Stone's attention. He also has to look at his actions and learn to be humble when dealing with others. Jake learns that he needs to rely on others as much as they need to rely on him.

I love Archie, Dani, and Isabelle. Archie and Isabelle deal with their first crushes. It's adorable! Isabelle also deals with a suitor she does not want and cannot decide if he is serious or harassing her. Dani's temper causes her some trouble but her solution brought a smile to my face. But they are firmly behind Jake no matter what happens.

The adults seem oblivious to what the gang is up to until after things happen that become a problem. They never question what Jake and his friends (old and new) are doing even as they watch them preparing their weapons (but you cannot believe what they use for weapons.)

I look forward to book 5. RISE OF ALLIES sets it up nicely. There will be plenty of adventures and bad guys for Jake, Archie, Dani, and Isabelle.