The League and the Lantern

Jake and the League #1

by Brian Wells

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary, Action, Audiobook

282 pages, Hardcover

Published May 16, 2016

Reviews

[Kate Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun ride! I always enjoy alternate history, complex clues, and a good chase scene or two. The National Treasure vibe was especially fun. Unfortunately, there were several things that took away from my enjoyment, so this is kinda a mixed review.

Just so this ends on a positive note, I’ll save what I liked for last. ;)

Things I Disliked
1. The general attitude of the beginning. All the angst of the first day of school was meant to be funny but after a while it just seemed stretched. I also didn’t appreciate that all older teenagers and adults were out to get them, and at one point they even doubted the integrity of one kid’s adoptive father. I know that was key to the story, but it wasn't my favorite.
2. The extreme danger the twelve-year-olds were in. I’m not against middle grade heroes, but this got to be quite a LOT of danger. Hot-wiring a Jeep and *trying* to drive it (through a field of detonating fireworks, no less), hiding from bad guys in a dark museum, encountering a dead body, and evading superhuman clones? Later it is revealed to be central to the bad guy’s plot that one of the kids be captured alive and used for an experiment that will result in death. Not central to this book, but a big reveal at the end that will probably be brought out more in the rest of the series.

Things I Liked
1. The Chinese kid was real! :D
2. The different types of embarrassment. Jake had them all on a scale. ;)
3. TJ is a nerd after my own heart. (Educate Lucy on The Princess Bride? Please do.)
4. The story behind Lucy’s name. <3
5. The doughnut shop. (No spoilers.)
6. All the gear! It was all pretty high tech and full of delightful cool factor. Nano masks and doughnut trucks?!
7. Lucy's karate. :D
8. Uncle Gabe.
9. All the spy stuff and secret societies and honest-to-goodness swordfighting.
10. Artie’s own brand of frightening candor.
11. Jake recalling the Gettysburg Address to memory and how it affected him. I enjoyed all the history, but that was a really special moment. ;)

Altogether, I did enjoy this book, but I’m not sure I’ll read on in the series. ;)

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished this a few days ago but life and work have been crazy!

Characters:
Jake was okay...didn't contect a whole lot.
Lucy was cool and I enjoyed her character for the most part, her advice was great.
T. J. was my favorite and he was hilarious!

Language:
Nothing that stood out as language to me, but ther might some minor name calling or maybe a heck...can't remember the past two weeks are a blur.

Romance:
N/A

Overall:
This was a cool concept. Some fun characters, and I was liking it pretty good. The scene with the Rail-Splitters was way too long! Boring!
But then other parts were awesome...and then the ending was...eeehhh...

*spoilers* I'm not a fan of genetic mutation or making DNA copies. Life belongs to God and the ability to make life is His. So that always rubs me the wrong way. And it's just so out there and didn't seem to fit.
And then Jake's heritage...ehhh...I didn't like that part. But that might just be me. *end spoiler*

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 and 12 year old loved this book so much that I decided to read it as well. I have to say that this book is a favorite for me as both a reader and parent. Knowing this is an action adventure with a historical twist I was expecting the suspense and intrigue – a hybrid of National Treasure and Mission Impossible for 9-14 year olds. My kids had warned me but I found I couldn’t put the book down as each chapter ends in a cliffhanger. As a parent, how can I complain that my kids found a book they couldn’t stop reading. What they didn’t know, because they were enjoying themselves too much, was how “good” this book was for them from an intellectual and character development perspective. Brian Wells had the insight to incorporate over 100 of the most common Middle School vocabulary words in the book – perfect to keep the kids from that infamous “Summer Slide”. But what I loved most of all were the themes of loyalty, honesty, courage, mercy and friendship just to name a few that were so prevalent in the story. The three main characters – all 7th graders – are funny, quirky and together learn so much about what it means to be people of honor and character. Sometimes our kids need that reinforced from someone other than their parents – thank you Brian. And, did I mention the historical references to Abraham Lincoln? This book is the perfect storm of a thrilling adventure, captivating and oh so funny characters, challenging but accessible reading and themes we parents so desperately want instilled in our kids at this critical age. Can’t wait for my kids – and for myself – to read the sequel!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for middle-school aged readers, especially boys! It is the first book in a new adventure series, and starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL.

As the story progresses, Jake and his two new friends unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War era, and discover an incredible secret about Jake’s family. They eventually leave Chicago and spend a lot of time in Springfield, IL, where they have adventures at the IL State Fairgrounds, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln's Tomb. These are all real locations my family has been to, so it was fun to read about these places in a book and be familiar with them.

I read the book aloud with my kids, and it was hard for us to put it down. The funny scenes and the adventure kept our interest. Plus, I love how it incorporates things that interest kids of middle school age, such as Captain America, the Avengers, Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Super Mario, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Besides that, the history based around the events of the Civil War is an added educational bonus.

Definitely a family friendly book the entire family would enjoy.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was entertaining. Jake is going to an orientation type thing for 7th grade. It's his chance for a do over (6th grade was a bit of a disaster). Jake, TJ, and Lucy get put together in a scavenger hunt team, only the scavenger hunt takes a terrible turn, and the three find themselves on the run from people trying to kill them! Over the course of the next few days, they find themselves in one pickle after another.
This was fast-paced, fun, and funny. Plus the narrator, Ramon de Ocampo is great!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to Matt. Very exciting story with lots of history. We have visited the Lincoln Library and tomb which are part of the story. That made it really come alive. Loved the references to modern day super heroes and TV, too.

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This book is fantastic! Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are going to love this one! Trust me, this just could be the next big thing. It’s awesome. It’s geared for middle schoolers (ages 9-12) but even adults will love it. Be sure to stay tuned until the very end because I’m giving away a copy!

It begins with a 12-year-old boy named Jake Herndon. He’s the kind of kid who is trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs. He’s a genius when he wants to be. It’s summer and Jake is anxiously awaiting his seventh grade year at a new school for his new do-over. This all began with his seventh grade sleepover with the new school at a museum. Except it goes completely wrong. An organization invades and takes the night into a shocking swirl of events.

He becomes fast friends with TJ McDonald and Lucy Garcia. Before I continue on, let me explain a little bit about this two. I loved these characters so much! Their character development is awesome and add a fun touch to the story. These three friends are also all different races.

TJ is slightly awkward. He loves his pop culture so you can’t go a moment without him referencing a superhero, Star Wars, or The Princess Bride. He’s a genius with semi-hyper memory and does fencing for a sport.

Lucy has just moved to the states from Nepal. She’s traveled all over the world so she knows how to bargain for a cheaper price on something. She’s quite smart too, but she doesn’t trust as easily since she’s traveled so much. She also is fluent in several languages which comes in handy as they’re trying to survive the next 48 hours on the streets of Chicago.

As they are on the run, they discover a mystery that leads them to a secret from the Civil War. This is where it really cool and I don’t want to spoil anything.

Parents and teachers will love this part because kids won’t realize that they’re learning anything as they read this epic story. There are tons of fun facts about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln included. We even get to visit some of those historic sites! Plus Brian Wells incorporated 140 vocabulary words that kids should know. In fact, be sure to check out the sweet bonus features at https://leagueandlantern.com/pages/bo....

There are also lots of moral lessons throughout the story. These include family, friendship, mercy and compassion.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Torn and Disappointed. :/ When I read the book description and the goal for this book (getting a Christian read into this particular market) I was excited and hoping for a fantastic tale. I personally found the goal fantastic, but the execution lacking. When I started the humor and the characters really carried me through the plot, and I also enjoyed the action scenes! Though even from there I was hoping and longing for more Christian content. In fact throughout the book I feel there are only a tiny few remarks that bring it back to the base of Christianity and I REALLY wish there was A LOT more. Then as I moved towards the latter middle and end of the book, additions of cloning and other odd technology quickly started to disappoint. From there I started skimming so I could give my honest opinion, but gloss over these personally upsetting additions. Overall I found that I REALLY had hoped Brian was going to go a completely different way with this, and will not be continuing with the series.

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Fly By Promotions for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The League and the Lantern. ~ASC

[Isabelle]

“The League and the Lantern” by Brian Wells is the forest book in the “Jake and the League'' adventure fiction series. Jake is just your ordinary, weird seventh-grader, or so you think? The book starts off in California with Jake getting ready to go to a, “get to know everyone before school” school event when he runs into a few problems. Jake starts off in a bit of a predicament that almost makes him late for the school event. Then when he actually gets to the event his problems only get worse. Jake and his new two friends he met at the school event are faced with a lot of problems, resulting in them having to be on the run for 48 hours. To make all of this even worse Jake and his friends can't trust anyone, but one person and that person is not that close. He is in Springfield. Jake and his friends must try to get to Springfield to talk with someone they can trust. While at the same time not getting themselves into any more problems resulting in them having to be on the run for any longer than they already have to be. Despite their efforts to get to Springfield without running into more trouble, they ran into some setbacks. It was not as easy as they originally thought it was going to be. If you want to find out if Jake and his friends are able to make it to the one person they can trust, and don't run into any more bad situations, I suggest you read this book. It's packed with thrilling events, lots of action, and suspense around every corner.

I rated this book a 10 out of 10 because of the interesting storyline and the lovable and relatable characters. I recommended this book to anyone who has read the Masterminds
Series by Gordon Korman. This is because they both kind of have the same suspenseful, thrilling, and adventurous feel to them. I also recommend this book to people who like books when the characters have to be on the run.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake never could have predicted how his school's overnight social at the Museum of Science and Industry would turn out. While on a scavenger hunt with new students TJ and Lucy, the museum's power is cut and all hell breaks loose in the Lincoln exhibit. The three kids manage to escape the museum alive, but something weirder than just a theft is going on. All leads point to Springfield, Illinois, where Jake's uncle is supposedly attending a meeting, and which, coincidentally, happens to be a hub of Lincoln attractions. It soon becomes clear that no one is who they seem, trusting anyone is risky business, and these three kids are in danger.

I LOVED most of the book. The kids are so full of personality. The back and forth banter is hilarious. All's great for about 3/4 of the book. The kids are clueless, trying to evade the bad guys, trying to figure out their next move, trying to get some decent junk food (TJ), trying to make sense of the fact that people are trying to kill them. Then they find uncle Gabe and everything comes to a halt. Even though the bad guys are still pursuing, it's no longer fun once we know what's going on. I guess the biggest problem is that the explanation is just farfetched and convoluted. Did Wells really have to bring in cloning? Talk about a letdown. Once all the dust from this plot fiasco settles, the kids clean it up in the final chapter. Ends on a good note, but I couldn't get past those 60 pages I wish I could have skipped. Dang it! Wells really had me going.

[Camilla Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle grade adventure with so many unexpected twists and turns.

I had been wanting to read this book for quite some time. I am so excited I finally did!

First, look at that awesome, mysterious, detailed cover. That hooked me even from the thumbnail image, and even before I read what it was about! Really great!

Then, the storyline was just what I was looking for in a book for my kids. A clean, magic-free, historical adventure that I wouldn't have to worry about my kids soaking up.

While there are moral dilemmas like stealing lying, and fighting, they are handled as flaws of the characters, or to progress the story to something else. And there is no gore, no bad language, and it all works together to draw the characters closer, to teach them to cooperate, to find truth.

In many ways, this story reminds me of the Nicolas Cage National Treasure movies. But it isn't exact in its delivery, the characters, or such, but in how it weaves in history and makes it exciting and come alive.

The focus is on details relating to the Civil War, by the way.

For more information, check out other reviews.

[Reading4Fun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new year and a new school! That means a fresh start! … Or it is supposed to.

Jake, TJ, and Lucy are entering the 7th grade. Their summer orientation – a sleep over at the local museum – doesn’t go as planned. While participating in a scavenger hunt, Jake, TJ, and Lucy stumble upon something bigger and are quickly caught up in a clandestine fight between two secret organizations – the League and the Lantern. These two organizations have been fighting since the time of Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, with one seeking to preserve freedom, and the other seeking to rule.

While reading The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells, I couldn’t help but think of the movie National Treasure. For those who enjoy action, mystery, and history (there is even a little bit of science thrown in), you will definitely want to check out this book. The book is clean – no language or sex – and comical. I really enjoyed the character’s references to The Princess Bride.

This well written story is one I recommend without any reservation to parents of 9-14 year olds (or adults who are young at heart.)

Visit my blog to see what other books I've enjoyed: https://reading4fun.blog/

[TheReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. The narrative voice was easy enough in that it was able to carry me through up to the end even though I was tempted many times to DnF this.

It was just too goofy. Way too many nerd culture references (which they had to explain all the time) which felt like it was trying too hard to be clever and funny.

Highly implausible that 12 year olds take on and take out full grown men and be dragged into and be allowed to remain actively involved in a top secret organisation.

This book felt like watching a Saturday morning cartoon. (Which might work for the target audience of juveniles).

The part where the main protagonists had a lull in the action and were trying to get to know each other felt like the author just wanted to paste his character bible notes on to the story.

Omg that character TJ was incredibly annoying. The audiobook narrator did too good a job of portraying this kid- someone you just wanted to punch in his whiny sardonic face.

[Kaitlyn Uffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. It has a lot of exciting parts. I would totally recommend the book The League and the Lantern Sometimes at the end of a chapter it leaves you at a cliff hanger so at night it leaves you thinking what is going to happen in the next chapter. The League and the Lantern is a really big mystery. It is about this boy that goes to a back to school party at a museum in Philadelphia and the museum gets attacked because Abe Lincoln's hat and gloves are in that museum. I was really confused about the title The League and the Lantern. The League is a security system that protect all the museums from the lantern. The Lantern is a crime group that goes after all of the Lincoln artifacts and want revenge on Abe Lincoln because he was so intelligent and they are trying to clone Abe Lincoln.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely amazing book! There was so much suspense, and so many little plot twists that were totally unexpected, but they were nice little plot twists. I could feel the terror and the excitement they were feeling throughout the whole book, as if I were one of the characters. I loved the thrills and chills this book gave me, and I definitely recommend it as a must-read. This is a book I have read over and over, and it never fails to excite me, never fails to quench my thirst for an action-packed adventure. I will definitely keep this book until it starts falling apart, and when it does, I'll scour bookstores and libraries for it, even if I'm old and falling apart myself. :)

[Quinlan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate the book 3 stars because I like the imagery and the action a little too much to the story line it was good at the beginning but got to a whole different level. Like one flower a day for a year sounds great until the years over and you have tons of flowers and you cant process want the heck is happening. Without spoilers I would say if you like realistic fiction thats not so realistic you will love this book. It’s a mix of a Indiana Jones book and Harry Potter you have your death defying stunts and your geeky sci fi thrills all in one book

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The League and the Lantern" is a fun, historical mystery! There were a few places where it got a little bit slow, but in those places there was enough humor that I laughed out loud. This also has science fiction elements that puts a little twist on the plot.

There was one part when the protagonists were looking at Jake's internet history and it said "how to grow muscle in all the right places." I didn't take it to be sexual in nature, but Jake is really embarrassed by it so I wanted to just put it in the review.

Found in L4M OT Volume 93.

[Diana Maiorca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging book with interesting characters that is very appropriate for middle school readers or those who like a good mystery and a little Civil War history. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot, though it the book does lag in a couple of places. My kids (11 and 14) loved it. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Evan Osweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The League and the Lantern by Brian wells is about three kids who end up being part of a secret organization known as the league. A fantastic book in all and a great story line. Not only that but in the book the Lantern (enemy of the league) has managed to clone and makes, in a way, super soldiers.


I really like the three misfits; Jake, a wrestler with not many friends, Lucy the martial artist, and comic book/movie nerd, TJ. It was a great book but some parts were really weird like the parade with the railsplittees.

[Heather Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Wells came to Hannah's school and shared this book with them! It is his first book and it was a page turner! I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down! Lots of action, adventure and suspense! I think both kids will love this read!!

[Gwyneth Bare · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, it just seems like a random book with not much point. It is very entertaining though. Sometimes it feels like Brian Wells is copying Rick Riordan on the main characters. Even the way that they look. But, other than those things, it's pretty good :)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Coming Soon....

[Adelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but I just couldn’t. Every aspect was just so unreal. I read it to the kids, and wanted to stop, but one kid just loved it, so we continued to the end.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

B. fiction, YA, suspense, Lincoln, Springfield IL, series, #1

[Alyssa Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like National Treasure meets Hydra. It was fun. Simple.

[Christian Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

This book was awesome. I love Abraham Lincoln and the civil war so this was a very nice spin to read

[Carol Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[joc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nov 2018

[Kels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. The dynamic of these three reminds me of Percy Annabeth and Grover.

[Lily Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

i thought this book was okay, a little confusing to me though