The Enchanted Files: Hatched

The Enchanted Files #2

by Bruce Coville

If you liked the movies Elf and Shrek, you’ll love THE ENCHANTED FILES—a magical, hilarious comedy series about fantastical creatures in the modern world by the bestselling author of My Teacher Is an Bruce Coville!
 
Meet Gerald. Gerald is a griffin—a creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. According to the Code of the Griffins, that means he should
 
1. Brave and fierce in all situations!
2. A guardian of a great treasure!
3. Completely and totally hidden from the humans!
 
But what if a griffin ISN’T brave or fierce? What if he’s NEVER found a great treasure (or ANY treasure, for that matter)? What if he feels like such an embarrassment that the only thing left for him to do is run away? And what if the only place no one will look for him is . . . the human world?
 
“Bruce Coville is a wizard at telling stories.” — Christopher Paolini, New York Times bestselling author of Eragon
 
“Hilarious. Middle-grade readers will be carried along by the buoyancy of the writing, the skillful design, and the humor on almost every page. Egg-ceptionally funny!” — Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Friendship

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2016

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ondanks dat dit boek misschien iets meer voor kinderen was, heb ik echt genoten van dit boek. Ik vond het een heel interessant verhaal. Het boek greep mij beet en liet mij niet meer los.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

This is the second book in Bruce Coville’s "Enchanted Files" series, but it’s not necessary to have read the first one. Our hero is Gerald, a nine-year-old griffin who must find a treasure for his 10th birthday. He’s having no luck, though, and jumps at the chance of escaping his troubles by going to the human world. There Gerald meets another nine-year-old, this time a human boy, with his own problems. Both boys must face their fears while solving an ancient mystery and avoiding new problems. Gerald talks to himself a lot and I felt that really gave insight into his character. I enjoyed this book because it was easy to relate to someone who isn’t sure they’re good enough and doesn’t want to burden their parents. It’s a great book about finding your own way in the world. -Lynn H.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an original book. It is told (mostly) from the point of view of a griffin child named Gerald. He is tricked/encouraged to run away from the Enchanted Realm to the human world by his tutor, a gnome. Once there they have to rescue an entire city of gnomes and then be back for Gerald’s 10th birthday. They also need to get 10 treasures before Gerald turns 10. Where this book falls down is in characterization. Gerald goes overnight from being timid and uncertain to just the opposite. The gnome keeps his personality (unpleasant) which isn’t surprising since he is quite old. Neither of them have consequences for the various things they did against the rules. Well, the gnome was not allowed back to his former profession which was fine with him so that wasn’t much of a consequence. Gerald’s two siblings suddenly stop looking down on him and revere him for being so successful, also overnight. Really? Certainly siblings squabble but still love each other; however, to go from one extreme to the other in temperament isn’t realistic. There were lots of loose ends left with Brad, a human boy. He goes from being mad at the world to being pretty content with his life. The history of Brad’s Dad is thrown in out of left field. While clearly another book is left in the series, this book just doesn’t stand well by itself. Finally, Gerald got his 10 treasures almost by accident. The ending wrapped up things just too thoroughly and conveniently for Gerald. I liked this enough I’ll read the final book but this book seemed unnecessarily convoluted to me.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it was because book 1, Diary of a Mad Brownie, was so funny, my expectations were high on this one. But, I was a bit disappointed. My kids, 7&10 liked it better than me, which is the target audience, but they too didn't like it as much as book 1.

[Sarah Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book plot was a good one, but the dialogue wasn't all that great.

[Chuck Ledger · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 2.5 stars rating. The first book in the series was excellent. This one, not so much. Among the many nits to pick....what happened to Gerald's poetry in the last half of the book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun late elementary read. Some basic bathroom humor, but a fun little story

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Bruce Coville's HATCHED, a very comforting adventure, building on trust and cooperation. I wish we could appoint Bruce to re-write this pesky real world. <3
I love the shifting point-of-view human/griffin/gnome and the positive outlook, “The fact that bunnies exist in both the Enchanted Realm and the human world is proof that the Great Griffin loves us.” Pages from “official” documents added another perspective.
Bradley’s simplified style for his assigned journal, in contrast with his personal journal, gave me pause (all those years of teaching), but his reasoning made sense in a way.
“I know all too well the secret ways of bullies. They hide themselves brilliantly.” Are his teachers in for a surprise when he shows his real abilities!
It was a bit easier to keep all the viewpoints straight in the written version, but the CD was so well done, that I enjoyed both. Now I want a griffin friend, maybe a ride?

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timid griffling Gerald Overflight (a triplet) from the Enchanted Realm, on his quest for a treasure for his important Tenth Hatchday Ceremony, is spurred on by his gnome tutor, Abelard Chronicus, who has ulterior motives for traveling to the human world. Bradley Ashango is spending the summer at his grandmother’s farm in the Catskill Mountains where he and Gerald meet by accident in the barn. They unite to save nearby New Batavia, home to a colony of gnomes living underground, from being developed into wetlands by capturing two dozen large pink bunnies from the Enchanted Realm and transplanting them as an endangered species. Gerald not only earns his tenth treasure, a gold medal, but also recognition for his bravery in confronting a dragon and saving the gnomes. The humor of this adventure story of bravery and friendship between human and magical worlds (told from multiple points of view with “authentic” documentation) will surely entertain fantasy-loving middle-grade readers.

[DragonLord · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a nine year old griffin named Gerald who feels he is not good enough to be a griffin and does not want to shame his parents so he escapes to the human realm to try to find his tenth hatch day treasure, and will not return until he has found it. This story goes through the lost underground city of gnomes called new batavia, which must be saved from flooding by Gerald and a friend of his that he found in the human realm, this story goes through Gerald's adventures in New Batavia to the Enchanted realm and back. I thought this book was really difficult to put down once picked up, and was just all around a good book, however, I wish that the author put an epilogue in the book that maybe goes into a little more detail of what happened after Gerald finished his adventures in the human realm. This book would be good for people who like books about drama, adventure, and just all-around silliness.

[Zoha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerald Overflight is a griffling who desperately wants to preserve the Overflight clan's reputation as he has no idea how to to claim his tenth treasure. In the process of trying to think of a way to retrieve a treasure for his tenth hatch day, he comes across an idea to run away, because of all the pressure put onto him. He also heard his father talking shameful of him to his mother, thus he made plans to fly away to the human world. Fortunately, his teacher supports his decision for his own personal purpose, but there is a fork in the griffling's solution, he will have to betray his oath/or code which is a rejection to all the civilians of the enchanted realm. In the human world lives a boy that has extraordinary intelligence, but no cooperation whatsoever in his school life. This boy's name is Bradly, and he still has not recovered from his father's heroic death. When he decides to stay with his grandma for the summer, he faces a roller coaster of twists in his life, maybe even be able to talk to a real griffin.

Hatched is a good book overall. The author had put lots of thought into creating the book, and the plot climax is unique with one not heard before. Gerald has a character opposing his species noble personality, with a weak side in being courageous, or being feared. His siblings add a comedian aspect to the whole book, which adds a good perspective to the book overall. A feedback for future books would be to make the journal clear to know whose is whose, which one is Bradly's and which one is Gerald's. Also to sharpen the conflict to project the plot as the author had made the plot a bit plain. The journal or diary entries give a new genre, enhancing most peoples' eagerness. This book is similar to the Diary of the Wimpy Kid, because both use the concept of journal entries.

This book is recommended for grades four to seven, but definitely not older. Whoever wants thrill, this book is not for you, but those who want a good laugh, this novel is perfect.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Enchanted Files: Hatched
By Bruce Coville
Narrated by Matthew Frow, Jeremy Gumbs, and a Full Cast
Listening Library, 2016


A full cast, including the author and audio luminaries such as Jayne Entwistle, Kirby Heyborne, Scott Brick, Paul Boehmer, and Arthur Morey, joins narrators Matthew Frow and Jeremy Gumbs, enlarging the humor in this story of a poetry-writing griffin named Gerald, whose anxiety often gets the better of him. Told mostly in diary, or journal, format by Gerald and his human friend, Brad, the variety of voices works well to keep straight the large number of characters. Exploring themes of bullying and finding one’s place in the world is a common thread in Coville’s writing and the broad cast of narrators does a good job of keeping these weighty issues light and entertaining, while driving home the need for kindness and compassion.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, but fun and interesting. I appreciated that the stakes weren't too high, nor was there much trauma or even drama. I don't think we ever did learn the mother's perspective.

(--- Ok, now that I've read all three, I must say that I do recommend these first two. Because the third is just wonderful.)

Speaking of world-building, there were a lot of names that were probably allusions. I zeroed in on the town in the Catskills called Vande Velde Landing. Seems likely, to me, that it's in honor of Vivian Vande Velde. And of course it's lovely that Coville reminds us of the magical history of the Catskills, as written up by Washington Irving!

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hatched was a good book, The griffin in the book was the first laid but last hatched so he feels that he can't be the strongest of his siblings. He ventures to the human realm and makes a friend there but then the teacher that came with him went missing. The teacher then sends him a leader saying that he found the lost city of gnomes and that he is hurt. When the griffin meets up with his teacher he finds out that the city is in danger and that he has to help. I like the book but I feel like there could have been more put into the book. Also, there would have been more worry that he was missing. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 because I like fantasy. The theme of this book is to always believe in yourself and don’t give up.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of the best works by Bruce Coville. I have read many of his books. While I have not found one I didn't like, there are a few that don't quite live up to what I am use to reading by him. First off was the style. It was not just a story written but a series of journal entries, diary entries, newspaper clippings, and various other pages from resources. The other thing that was difficult for me was the character building. It just didn't seem to be as well handled. As I said I still liked it but it just wasn't great. I suppose I am spoiled to this author and hold him to a higher standard. Still I recommend this one as a fun, quick read.

[Amanda Ramos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of a series, I chose it because of its cover, honestly most of my books are chosen based on the cover. This book turned out to be a super cute, funny, quick chapter book. It contained many file type of pages throughout the story like letters and reports. The main character was portrayed to be someone who he wasn't in his world however he was the complete opposite aside form him looking different he was more of a shy, keep to himself. I think this book makes a great read for kids because a lesson that can be taken away is; it is okay to be different and not be what people expect you to be.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerald may be physically a Griffin, but he is introverted and shy. He is approaching his 10th year and must step up to the demand of supplying his treasure for the ceremony or risk not becoming a griffling, a disaster not only to himself but to his family. Manipulated into running away by his tutor, he finds himself in our world, abandoned by his tutor and petrafied that he might reveal himself to a human, a clear violation of the griffin code.
A story of finding your own self and strength with adventure and friendship added.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hatched is the latest from prolific children's author Bruce "My Teacher is an Alien" Coville. It is the second in his newest series The Enchanted Files which flows a bit more on the fantasy side. Using a collection of journal entries from multiple characters, documents and letters; he tells the tale of a young griffin and the young boy who discovers him and how they manage in each others' worlds. Their unusual friendship manages to be mutually beneficial. This chapter book is a good example of an acceptable and accessible texts for intermediate readers.

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this got off to a slow start, it picks ups speed once a boy and gryphon end up on the same homestead, the tension building as the listener knows both are there while the characters do not. The audio makes it easy to distinguish between characters and adds the charm of accents from different regions. All in all, a satisfying listen for anyone interested in griffins, gnomes and enchanted realms.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys and I listened to this in the car. It is nothing I would normally listen to or read but I actually really enjoyed it - a lot! The narration is amazing and I really liked the story. I will say it took me awhile to get into it and I was a bit annoyed at some of the narrations they had that didn't seem to be a big part of the story but they were short. My oldest (11) said he would give it 4 stars and my youngest (8) would give it 3. I give it 4 for sure.

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio book - Hatched starts off with the adult being apprehensive. The diary format makes for a very choppy audio book. And the story is written in a silly format but at about the half way point it starts to turn serious and at 75% the whole family was fully sucked in. There is no real surprises in the story line.
Childish humor. My 6 year old followed along just fine.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Coville again presents a world we would all like to be part of in spite of all that they need to do to make things right. A young griffin and a pre-teen human meet and work together to do what is best for their worlds and the beings in them. Just a delightful visit to another world and a wonderful story.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a hatchling griffin, a boy, a gnome and some towns people saved a gnome village from being flooded. The griffin and the boy become very good friends and they learn a lot from each other especially about courage. It was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes adventure and fantasy books.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Let me introduce you to Gerald, a nine year old griffin. Everyone knows griffins are brave, or are they all? They all have treasure, or do they? What happens when you are not like them all? I love how the story is told from Gerald’s perspective and shares so much of what he is feeling.

[Leia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how The Enchanted Files tie together, but can also be read as stand alone books. This, and Diary of Mad Brownie, were our favorites. After I read this to my daughter she's since picked it up twice more to read again.

[Shelby Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series. Entertaining for adults and kids. Great Audiobook.

[Yusuf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good.

[Kristine Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 7yo said this is an enjoyable adventure read, and a good book.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy, griffins, outcasts, gnomes, magic, moving between worlds, adventure, diary format

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened with family (daughters 12 and 9) on a road trip. Everyone enjoyed it. Funny and lesson about believing in yourself.