📖 Overview
Andrew Jacobson is an American author known for co-writing The Cardinal's Blades series of middle-grade fantasy novels alongside Adam Jay Epstein.
The writing duo found success with their first collaboration, The Familiars, published in 2010 by HarperCollins. The book follows the adventures of magical animal companions and spawned multiple sequels, with the series being published in 35 countries and optioned for film adaptation by Sony Animation.
Jacobson previously worked as a television writer and producer, contributing to shows for Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. His background in visual storytelling and youth entertainment helped shape the accessible, fast-paced style that characterizes his fiction work.
In addition to writing novels, Jacobson has conducted numerous school visits and literary events aimed at young readers, often appearing alongside his co-author Epstein to discuss their creative process and inspire aspiring writers.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Jacobson and Epstein's The Familiars series for its imaginative take on animal companions and magic. Parents note the books engage reluctant readers, with one Amazon reviewer saying "My 9-year-old son couldn't put it down."
Readers like:
- Quick pacing and action sequences
- Animal characters that appeal to pet lovers
- Humor that works for both kids and adults
- Clear, accessible writing style
Common criticisms:
- Plot similarities to Harry Potter series
- Some predictable story elements
- Character development feels rushed in later books
Average ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (12,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings)
Scholastic Book Clubs reader reviews: 4/5
Multiple teachers and librarians report the series as popular for grades 3-6, particularly with students who enjoy fantasy and animal stories. One school librarian noted: "These books rarely stay on the shelf - kids pass them around and recommend them to friends."
📚 Books by Andrew Jacobson
The Cardinal Gate (Book 1 of the Eleanor Morgan series)
A supernatural fantasy novel about a woman who discovers she is half-fae and must navigate both human and magical realms while pursuing her destiny.
The Magpie Bridge (Book 2 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan confronts an ancient Chinese entity while learning to control her growing magical abilities and dealing with complicated fae politics.
The Ferrymen (Book 3 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan faces challenges in the underworld as she works to prevent a war between supernatural factions and protect both human and fae realms.
The Crow's Murder (Book 4 of the Eleanor Morgan series) The protagonist deals with mounting tensions between supernatural beings while uncovering secrets about her own past and powers.
The Final Gate (Book 5 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan faces her ultimate challenge as various supernatural forces converge in a final conflict that threatens both mortal and magical worlds.
The Magpie Bridge (Book 2 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan confronts an ancient Chinese entity while learning to control her growing magical abilities and dealing with complicated fae politics.
The Ferrymen (Book 3 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan faces challenges in the underworld as she works to prevent a war between supernatural factions and protect both human and fae realms.
The Crow's Murder (Book 4 of the Eleanor Morgan series) The protagonist deals with mounting tensions between supernatural beings while uncovering secrets about her own past and powers.
The Final Gate (Book 5 of the Eleanor Morgan series) Eleanor Morgan faces her ultimate challenge as various supernatural forces converge in a final conflict that threatens both mortal and magical worlds.
👥 Similar authors
Rick Riordan writes middle-grade fantasy series featuring young protagonists who discover connections to mythology and must save the world from supernatural threats. His Percy Jackson series and other works blend contemporary settings with ancient legends, similar to Jacobson's approach to mixing reality with fantasy elements.
Brandon Mull creates fantasy worlds where children discover hidden magical realms existing alongside our own. His Fablehaven series focuses on siblings protecting magical preserves while dealing with dangerous creatures and complex family dynamics.
Jonathan Stroud develops stories about young characters working with supernatural entities and navigating complex moral choices. His Bartimaeus sequence features a multi-layered relationship between humans and spirits, incorporating historical elements with fantasy.
Diana Wynne Jones constructs narratives where magic intersects with everyday life, often featuring young protagonists who must master magical abilities. Her works, including the Chrestomanci series, blend humor with intricate plotting and world-building.
Joseph Delaney writes about apprentices learning to combat supernatural threats while facing personal challenges and moral dilemmas. His Spook's series focuses on characters who must train and develop their abilities to protect others from dangerous creatures.
Brandon Mull creates fantasy worlds where children discover hidden magical realms existing alongside our own. His Fablehaven series focuses on siblings protecting magical preserves while dealing with dangerous creatures and complex family dynamics.
Jonathan Stroud develops stories about young characters working with supernatural entities and navigating complex moral choices. His Bartimaeus sequence features a multi-layered relationship between humans and spirits, incorporating historical elements with fantasy.
Diana Wynne Jones constructs narratives where magic intersects with everyday life, often featuring young protagonists who must master magical abilities. Her works, including the Chrestomanci series, blend humor with intricate plotting and world-building.
Joseph Delaney writes about apprentices learning to combat supernatural threats while facing personal challenges and moral dilemmas. His Spook's series focuses on characters who must train and develop their abilities to protect others from dangerous creatures.