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The Wingfeather Saga #2
NEW-North! Or Be Eaten
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone want to kill them. In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizard-like Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Bend, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2009
1375 people are currently reading
9374 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Peterson
20 books4,657 followersHey, folks. If you're just discovering me or any of my work, it can be a little confusing because there are several facets to it. Here’s the rundown:
• I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)
• I write books. I’ve written a four-part fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga, along with Pembrick's Creaturepedia and A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest. The Wingfeather Animated Series is wonderful, and you can watch for free over at Angel.com. I've written two memoirs: Adorning the Dark, and The God of the Garden.
• I'm the founder of the Rabbit Room, a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship.
• I'm married to Jamie, and we have three sweet (grown) children, each of whom has a (grown) spouse (who is also sweet), and one very sweet granddaughter. We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.
The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can. Andrew-peterson.com
• I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)
• I write books. I’ve written a four-part fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga, along with Pembrick's Creaturepedia and A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest. The Wingfeather Animated Series is wonderful, and you can watch for free over at Angel.com. I've written two memoirs: Adorning the Dark, and The God of the Garden.
• I'm the founder of the Rabbit Room, a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship.
• I'm married to Jamie, and we have three sweet (grown) children, each of whom has a (grown) spouse (who is also sweet), and one very sweet granddaughter. We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.
The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can. Andrew-peterson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,115 reviews
March 17, 2016
(Spoiler Free)
When CS Lewis wrote Narnia, he wasn't really writing fantasy - he was playing with "dressed rabbits" - a style of anthropomorphizing pastoral animals and mythic creatures (like centaurs) so as to give the story a magical setting. Basically, however, the creatures all followed rules that were fairly basic to regular humans and this made Narnia quite relatable to most of it's readers.
When Tolkien built Middle Earth, he built an entirely different world than our own. Instead of magic invading the "real" world, Tolkien created another world with different kinds of creatures but still the same basic sense of physics/gravity and created order.
Peterson's Wingfeather books are more like Tolkien than Lewis. I understand why they are classified as fantasy (they do have otherworldly creatures) but they are not magical in the way that Harry Potter defies the laws of reality nor are they fantastic in the way that Percy Jackson super imposes an alternate reality on our own. Instead, they are very much a classic hero story set in a world that is remarkably like ours (minus a few hundred years). It would be more fair to classify Peterson as being like the author of Beowulf, Homer, Tolkien or any of the Robin Hood authors.
In this installment, the plot deepens and darkens. The characters are living under the terrible burden of an inescapable legacy during a dark time when evil is winning. Many of our primary characters are absolutely tested to the breaking point - and all bear awful scars from the choices that they make.
But, like any true heroic epic, there is never a moment without hope. There is always a fight to move towards the light and like the plot, the characters are deepened in so doing.
This book is intense. It is beautifully written and very exciting to read. We find ourselves utterly invested in our characters and so we suffer with them and we hope for them.
The mood and subtext of this book reminds me of Oliver Twist or Barrie's Peter Pan. Unlike Lord of the Flies, the darkness does not win. It scars. It wounds. It exacts a bounty. But darkness never really wins.
I am thrilled to have this series in our family library. This beautiful set of stories does what Chesterton and Lewis insist that good fairy tales do - it introduces my children to real and terrible dragons but shows them that those dragons can be defeated when heroes live sacrificially.
Unlike Narnia, this is not a collection of integrated stories. Like The Lord of the Rings, it presents one epic story broken across several volumes.
My particular children are not terribly sensitive to the struggles in hero epics and so at 5, 6 and 8 they cannot get enough of these books. For most children, however, I think that these are probably a better fit for 10+. There is no gratuitous violence - but there are violent struggles that clearly illustrate the battle between good and evil and there are bloody descriptions as appropriate. There are no outright tragedies in this volume but there is a lot of suffering. This could be an excellent family read aloud for a family who is steeped in saint/martyr stories and hero epic and who are willing to pause to discuss intense parts as needed.
When CS Lewis wrote Narnia, he wasn't really writing fantasy - he was playing with "dressed rabbits" - a style of anthropomorphizing pastoral animals and mythic creatures (like centaurs) so as to give the story a magical setting. Basically, however, the creatures all followed rules that were fairly basic to regular humans and this made Narnia quite relatable to most of it's readers.
When Tolkien built Middle Earth, he built an entirely different world than our own. Instead of magic invading the "real" world, Tolkien created another world with different kinds of creatures but still the same basic sense of physics/gravity and created order.
Peterson's Wingfeather books are more like Tolkien than Lewis. I understand why they are classified as fantasy (they do have otherworldly creatures) but they are not magical in the way that Harry Potter defies the laws of reality nor are they fantastic in the way that Percy Jackson super imposes an alternate reality on our own. Instead, they are very much a classic hero story set in a world that is remarkably like ours (minus a few hundred years). It would be more fair to classify Peterson as being like the author of Beowulf, Homer, Tolkien or any of the Robin Hood authors.
In this installment, the plot deepens and darkens. The characters are living under the terrible burden of an inescapable legacy during a dark time when evil is winning. Many of our primary characters are absolutely tested to the breaking point - and all bear awful scars from the choices that they make.
But, like any true heroic epic, there is never a moment without hope. There is always a fight to move towards the light and like the plot, the characters are deepened in so doing.
This book is intense. It is beautifully written and very exciting to read. We find ourselves utterly invested in our characters and so we suffer with them and we hope for them.
The mood and subtext of this book reminds me of Oliver Twist or Barrie's Peter Pan. Unlike Lord of the Flies, the darkness does not win. It scars. It wounds. It exacts a bounty. But darkness never really wins.
I am thrilled to have this series in our family library. This beautiful set of stories does what Chesterton and Lewis insist that good fairy tales do - it introduces my children to real and terrible dragons but shows them that those dragons can be defeated when heroes live sacrificially.
Unlike Narnia, this is not a collection of integrated stories. Like The Lord of the Rings, it presents one epic story broken across several volumes.
My particular children are not terribly sensitive to the struggles in hero epics and so at 5, 6 and 8 they cannot get enough of these books. For most children, however, I think that these are probably a better fit for 10+. There is no gratuitous violence - but there are violent struggles that clearly illustrate the battle between good and evil and there are bloody descriptions as appropriate. There are no outright tragedies in this volume but there is a lot of suffering. This could be an excellent family read aloud for a family who is steeped in saint/martyr stories and hero epic and who are willing to pause to discuss intense parts as needed.
April 12, 2020
I CAN'T EVEN COPE RIGHT NOW. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME ANDREW PETERSON???!!!! *endless screaming*
My heart is tangled in knots. Again. As if it wasn't enough to absolutely destroy me the first time, you had to do it again. Only this time you scared me so bad I put off reading it for a week. :P
*Side Note* This review is full of spoilers for those who haven't read the first book. 😃
Only amazing storytellers cause such emotion to rise in me, and I doubt I could relay to you my joy at the torture finally being over. 😂 The torture of watching these beloved characters suffer through so much. It's like we just get bad thing after bad thing after bad thing and FINALLY the ending helps heal us...a little bit. *sigh*
Andrew Peterson reminds me of C. S. Lewis and Robin McKinley combined (in some weird way). Both are masters at storytelling and yet can be so deep. I don't think Mr. Peterson gets as deep as either of them, but his style is similar. He adds his own taste of humor as well. :) I've really enjoyed being immersed in his world.
Setting ~ The ice prairies, all manner of lands and experiences. I felt like the setting was always changing (because they were always on the move) and keeping you excited. The surrounding elements definitely added color and suspense to the adventure.
Plot ~ Well...I've noticed a lot of mixed opinions on the pacing, but to me it was really fast paced--especially because the chapters are so short. The action, emotions, decisions, etc that the characters dealt with really effected the story nicely.
Description ~ My heart is invested in Andrew Peterson's details. His way of describing things is unique, and I really liked that. The scenery and hard choices Janner had to make were really detailed well, and forced you to see--feel--like you were really there.
Content ~ Ehhh....it can get violent. And there were somethings that could definitely be triggering for anyone who has controlling fears. I'd rate it PG 13 mostly for the action and violence.
Characters ~ They twisted my heart in knots. They're epic. And honestly Podo's secret surprised me...but I wasn't surprised, if those contradicting statements make sense. 😂😂😂 The development was amazing.
Janner ~ I love how he's grown into his Throne Warden instincts and allowed them to build him. His love for his siblings is so heartwarming. I weirdly like how he fought with Tink, because it shows that he himself is flawed, and I love flawed characters. 😏
Kalmar (AKA Tink) ~ I felt bad for him. He doesn't have a father figure to guide him into his role as King. He's alone in a way that other people can't fix. He now has a weight of responsibility that has nearly strangled his youth from him...and because of this struggle he now suffers for a fatal mistake. 😭😭😭
Leelie ~ Again. I loved her so much. She's so adorable and yet acts all grown up. A mature young Song Maiden that her mother has raised perfectly. If she has any faults I haven't discovered them yet...and I'm kinda disappointed by that. . .TBH. But I overlook that often because of her gift in music. 😂😏
Podo ~ I wanna strangle you rn. Why? I mean why on the face of God's green planet would you go and do a thing like that? *headdesks multiple times*
Overall ~ Nothing cliche or annoying. I really loved this hard-worked tale that left me screaming. Although I hope for some slight reprieve in the beginning of the next book before everything picks up pace again. ^.^
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (you're awesome NetGalley!!). This is my personal review (aka my opinion), so if you were offended by anything that was said don't take it personally. It wasn't meant to offend. Thanks! :)
My heart is tangled in knots. Again. As if it wasn't enough to absolutely destroy me the first time, you had to do it again. Only this time you scared me so bad I put off reading it for a week. :P
*Side Note* This review is full of spoilers for those who haven't read the first book. 😃
Only amazing storytellers cause such emotion to rise in me, and I doubt I could relay to you my joy at the torture finally being over. 😂 The torture of watching these beloved characters suffer through so much. It's like we just get bad thing after bad thing after bad thing and FINALLY the ending helps heal us...a little bit. *sigh*
Andrew Peterson reminds me of C. S. Lewis and Robin McKinley combined (in some weird way). Both are masters at storytelling and yet can be so deep. I don't think Mr. Peterson gets as deep as either of them, but his style is similar. He adds his own taste of humor as well. :) I've really enjoyed being immersed in his world.
Setting ~ The ice prairies, all manner of lands and experiences. I felt like the setting was always changing (because they were always on the move) and keeping you excited. The surrounding elements definitely added color and suspense to the adventure.
Plot ~ Well...I've noticed a lot of mixed opinions on the pacing, but to me it was really fast paced--especially because the chapters are so short. The action, emotions, decisions, etc that the characters dealt with really effected the story nicely.
Description ~ My heart is invested in Andrew Peterson's details. His way of describing things is unique, and I really liked that. The scenery and hard choices Janner had to make were really detailed well, and forced you to see--feel--like you were really there.
Content ~ Ehhh....it can get violent. And there were somethings that could definitely be triggering for anyone who has controlling fears. I'd rate it PG 13 mostly for the action and violence.
Characters ~ They twisted my heart in knots. They're epic. And honestly Podo's secret surprised me...but I wasn't surprised, if those contradicting statements make sense. 😂😂😂 The development was amazing.
Janner ~ I love how he's grown into his Throne Warden instincts and allowed them to build him. His love for his siblings is so heartwarming. I weirdly like how he fought with Tink, because it shows that he himself is flawed, and I love flawed characters. 😏
Kalmar (AKA Tink) ~ I felt bad for him. He doesn't have a father figure to guide him into his role as King. He's alone in a way that other people can't fix. He now has a weight of responsibility that has nearly strangled his youth from him...and because of this struggle he now suffers for a fatal mistake. 😭😭😭
Leelie ~ Again. I loved her so much. She's so adorable and yet acts all grown up. A mature young Song Maiden that her mother has raised perfectly. If she has any faults I haven't discovered them yet...and I'm kinda disappointed by that. . .TBH. But I overlook that often because of her gift in music. 😂😏
Podo ~ I wanna strangle you rn. Why? I mean why on the face of God's green planet would you go and do a thing like that? *headdesks multiple times*
Overall ~ Nothing cliche or annoying. I really loved this hard-worked tale that left me screaming. Although I hope for some slight reprieve in the beginning of the next book before everything picks up pace again. ^.^
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (you're awesome NetGalley!!). This is my personal review (aka my opinion), so if you were offended by anything that was said don't take it personally. It wasn't meant to offend. Thanks! :)
Read
April 14, 2020“Peterson deserves every literary prize for this fine book. It is obvious that his musical talents have been put to good use as his use of words, plot and narrative read like a well scored film script. A very fine book, by a very fine writer and future talent. Amazing - thrilling and well worth reading again and again.”
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles
“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run down my spine at the very thought of meeting a toothy cow face to face. The author spills characters like Podo and Nurgabog onto the page, then weaves a tale of danger that holds the reader captive. Believe me, you will relish being held captive by this master storyteller. But be sure you don’t get caught by the Stranders. Those people just ain’t civilized.”
–Donita K. Paul, author of The Vanishing Sculptor
“In a genre overrun by the gory and the grim, Peterson’s bite-sized chapters taste more like a stew of Gorey (Edward) and Grimm (the Brothers). North! Or Be Eaten is a welcome feast of levity--and clearly a labor of love. Andrew Peterson has awakened my inner eight-year-old, and that is a very good thing.”
–Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia’s Colors and Cyndere’s Midnight
“An immensely clever tale from a wonderful storyteller - filled with great values and even greater adventure!”
–Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales
“Thrills, chills, spine-tingling mystery, and lots of smiles. It’s not easy to combine heart-pounding danger with gut-busting laughs and make it work, but Peterson pulls it off. For readers who want nonstop action infused with powerful, life-changing themes, North! Or Be Eaten is a must-read.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire
“Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller, scene painter and wordsmith who takes you on a rollicking white-water ride of adventure. Readers of all ages are sure to find North! Or Be Eaten worthy of a big mug filled with a favorite beverage and a cozy nook near a crackling fire for hours on end. Here there be tales within yarns within stories. Listen, reader, bend your ear, but keep an eye peeled lest the dreaded Fangs of Dang be near!”
–R. K. Mortenson, author of Landon Snow and The Auctor’s Riddle
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles
“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run down my spine at the very thought of meeting a toothy cow face to face. The author spills characters like Podo and Nurgabog onto the page, then weaves a tale of danger that holds the reader captive. Believe me, you will relish being held captive by this master storyteller. But be sure you don’t get caught by the Stranders. Those people just ain’t civilized.”
–Donita K. Paul, author of The Vanishing Sculptor
“In a genre overrun by the gory and the grim, Peterson’s bite-sized chapters taste more like a stew of Gorey (Edward) and Grimm (the Brothers). North! Or Be Eaten is a welcome feast of levity--and clearly a labor of love. Andrew Peterson has awakened my inner eight-year-old, and that is a very good thing.”
–Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia’s Colors and Cyndere’s Midnight
“An immensely clever tale from a wonderful storyteller - filled with great values and even greater adventure!”
–Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales
“Thrills, chills, spine-tingling mystery, and lots of smiles. It’s not easy to combine heart-pounding danger with gut-busting laughs and make it work, but Peterson pulls it off. For readers who want nonstop action infused with powerful, life-changing themes, North! Or Be Eaten is a must-read.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire
“Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller, scene painter and wordsmith who takes you on a rollicking white-water ride of adventure. Readers of all ages are sure to find North! Or Be Eaten worthy of a big mug filled with a favorite beverage and a cozy nook near a crackling fire for hours on end. Here there be tales within yarns within stories. Listen, reader, bend your ear, but keep an eye peeled lest the dreaded Fangs of Dang be near!”
–R. K. Mortenson, author of Landon Snow and The Auctor’s Riddle
October 26, 2025
5/5⭐
(Hey loves!<3 My 13 year old sister wrote another review! [Here's her first one https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] So again, any of my comments will be in these { } )
** 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂: 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙎 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙎!!! **
୨⎯ 𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔⎯୧
Hi! Mia said my other review got famous and you all liked it so I came back to do another! ;)
୨⎯ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚⎯୧
It felt like half the book was them running away from the Fangs. And more stuff happened!
୨⎯ 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔⎯୧
Janner.ೃ࿐
He was the main character. He was still cool! And also a little stressy-outy. {Em, that's not a word...}
Tink.ೃ࿐
He was kind a dummy in this one. A complainy-dummy.
Podo.ೃ࿐
(Is still not Barbie. That's an inside joke and you're on the outside looking in.😏) HE WAS SECRET-KEEPY!! >:D {Secret-keepy??😂😭}
Peet the sock man.ೃ࿐
(Fishstickkkk😏) He was stuck.
୨⎯ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔⎯୧
Violence| A crazy guy stabs his mom but it doesn't really describe it. More fangs die. There's blood every now and then.😊
Romance| Podo and the lady who's son stabbed her kissed but it doesn't describe it. That's it.
Language| Well they said "not nice words" but it didn't say what. :)
୨⎯ 𝑴𝒚 𝑨𝒈𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏⎯୧
12+
୨⎯ 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔⎯୧
✧˖°"Nugget! Come here! Here!
✧˖°"The longer it sits the worser it gets!"
✧˖° "At castle Throg across the span... you'll reap at how your rose began... The night the carriage found you."
(I just flipped to random pages.😁❤) {I love that!😂😭😭}
୨⎯ 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ⎯୧
THIS BOOK WAS AS GOOD AS THE LAST ONE!! READ IT!!!! >:D
-𝐸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎✧˖°
(Hey loves!<3 My 13 year old sister wrote another review! [Here's her first one https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] So again, any of my comments will be in these { } )
** 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂: 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙎 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙎!!! **
୨⎯ 𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔⎯୧
Hi! Mia said my other review got famous and you all liked it so I came back to do another! ;)
୨⎯ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚⎯୧
It felt like half the book was them running away from the Fangs. And more stuff happened!
୨⎯ 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔⎯୧
Janner.ೃ࿐
He was the main character. He was still cool! And also a little stressy-outy. {Em, that's not a word...}
Tink.ೃ࿐
He was kind a dummy in this one. A complainy-dummy.
Podo.ೃ࿐
(Is still not Barbie. That's an inside joke and you're on the outside looking in.😏) HE WAS SECRET-KEEPY!! >:D {Secret-keepy??😂😭}
Peet the sock man.ೃ࿐
(Fishstickkkk😏) He was stuck.
୨⎯ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔⎯୧
Violence| A crazy guy stabs his mom but it doesn't really describe it. More fangs die. There's blood every now and then.😊
Romance| Podo and the lady who's son stabbed her kissed but it doesn't describe it. That's it.
Language| Well they said "not nice words" but it didn't say what. :)
୨⎯ 𝑴𝒚 𝑨𝒈𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏⎯୧
12+
୨⎯ 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔⎯୧
✧˖°"Nugget! Come here! Here!
✧˖°"The longer it sits the worser it gets!"
✧˖° "At castle Throg across the span... you'll reap at how your rose began... The night the carriage found you."
(I just flipped to random pages.😁❤) {I love that!😂😭😭}
୨⎯ 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ⎯୧
THIS BOOK WAS AS GOOD AS THE LAST ONE!! READ IT!!!! >:D
-𝐸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎✧˖°
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2021
I AM NOT OKAY!
Okay, so I'm almost done with the third book and thought it was about time to come back to this one and review it properly XD
I heard that the first half of this book got off to a slow start and then things would start picking up in the second half, and I found that to be true when I read it, too. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy the first half of the book. The pacing was just a little slower than the second half. Even more than that though, about halfway through something changed (I won't say what to avoid spoilers), and I leaned into the story at that point. I was intrigued and definitely curious to know what Peterson was doing with the story. So, the second half is where I perked up a little and became a little more invested as a reader.
I really liked exploring life outside of Glipwood. It was cool to meet Stranders and go to Dugtown and see other parts of Scree, like the Ice Praries and some of the islands. It was also a lot of fun to see more of the creatures in this world that Peterson has so wonderfully created. The worldbuilding and setting has got to be one of my favorite parts of these books so far. It's so imaginative and fun! We're carried from setting to setting and each has a distinct tone and feel, from Pete's Castle in the forest through the Strander communities and culture and Dugtown's shadow of Glipwood across the river and falls and into the wilderness on the other side of the Barrier and finally in the hidden Ice Praries. Each was easy to distinguish and each filled me with a new sensation and perception of this wild world. It was a natural progression and I really enjoyed exploring the different people, cultures, subcultures, and terrains.
Either tied, or possibly second for my favorite element, are the characters. It's hard to find stories about siblings, especially good ones with good, heartfelt family portrayals. I love that the story follows this whole family. I love seeing their bonds with one another be tested, strengthened, deepened, and even surprised sometimes! Getting to know more about Podo and Nia, watching the tension rise between Tink and Janner, and seeing Leeli's steadfast presence and Artham's faithfulness war with his brokenness--all of it warms my heart. This story is childhood and home and yearning and loss. It's a story of what never was and what could have been and what should be. The relationships are really the heart of this story and I love that. The characters are fun and distinct and they each have nuance with one another that makes them leap off the page. And what Tink and Janner begin to walk through together in this just breaks my heart. It's been building up to this point, but seeing that fracture resonates deeply with me.
The story is a fun adventure with layers and depth and some profound moments of redemption and grace. I love the character moments in this book and can't wait to see where all of this is leading. The plot isn't a page-turner. It isn't a suspenseful race against time. The book moseys through the story, but I can still feel something brewing, something we're growing closer toward. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm here for the ride.
Also, that ending, people! I can count on one hand the number of times a book moved me to tears and this one definitely had me blinking them back! That ending was a rush and it held some powerful moments that touched an emotional depth in a few different ways. That was cool. And it was upsetting. And I immediately started book 3!
The book is middle grade, clean fantasy, no foul language, no romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There's a lot of oppression and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I'd feel fine giving it to a middle school aged kid or pre-teen.
Okay, so I'm almost done with the third book and thought it was about time to come back to this one and review it properly XD
I heard that the first half of this book got off to a slow start and then things would start picking up in the second half, and I found that to be true when I read it, too. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy the first half of the book. The pacing was just a little slower than the second half. Even more than that though, about halfway through something changed (I won't say what to avoid spoilers), and I leaned into the story at that point. I was intrigued and definitely curious to know what Peterson was doing with the story. So, the second half is where I perked up a little and became a little more invested as a reader.
I really liked exploring life outside of Glipwood. It was cool to meet Stranders and go to Dugtown and see other parts of Scree, like the Ice Praries and some of the islands. It was also a lot of fun to see more of the creatures in this world that Peterson has so wonderfully created. The worldbuilding and setting has got to be one of my favorite parts of these books so far. It's so imaginative and fun! We're carried from setting to setting and each has a distinct tone and feel, from Pete's Castle in the forest through the Strander communities and culture and Dugtown's shadow of Glipwood across the river and falls and into the wilderness on the other side of the Barrier and finally in the hidden Ice Praries. Each was easy to distinguish and each filled me with a new sensation and perception of this wild world. It was a natural progression and I really enjoyed exploring the different people, cultures, subcultures, and terrains.
Either tied, or possibly second for my favorite element, are the characters. It's hard to find stories about siblings, especially good ones with good, heartfelt family portrayals. I love that the story follows this whole family. I love seeing their bonds with one another be tested, strengthened, deepened, and even surprised sometimes! Getting to know more about Podo and Nia, watching the tension rise between Tink and Janner, and seeing Leeli's steadfast presence and Artham's faithfulness war with his brokenness--all of it warms my heart. This story is childhood and home and yearning and loss. It's a story of what never was and what could have been and what should be. The relationships are really the heart of this story and I love that. The characters are fun and distinct and they each have nuance with one another that makes them leap off the page. And what Tink and Janner begin to walk through together in this just breaks my heart. It's been building up to this point, but seeing that fracture resonates deeply with me.
The story is a fun adventure with layers and depth and some profound moments of redemption and grace. I love the character moments in this book and can't wait to see where all of this is leading. The plot isn't a page-turner. It isn't a suspenseful race against time. The book moseys through the story, but I can still feel something brewing, something we're growing closer toward. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm here for the ride.
Also, that ending, people! I can count on one hand the number of times a book moved me to tears and this one definitely had me blinking them back! That ending was a rush and it held some powerful moments that touched an emotional depth in a few different ways. That was cool. And it was upsetting. And I immediately started book 3!
The book is middle grade, clean fantasy, no foul language, no romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There's a lot of oppression and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I'd feel fine giving it to a middle school aged kid or pre-teen.
March 22, 2020
If I had to pick one Wingfeather Saga book to tell people to reread, it would be this one. Obviously, you have to read the whole series. Read it multiple times, better still! But this is the one for which I consider a reread most essential.
Read it once, to hear the story, to feel the pain of mistakes made by broken people.
Read it again, once you know how the story ends, so you can realize how far those people go and how the seeds of the growth were planted in their mistakes.
(And then reread Chapter 59 about ten more times because it's amazing and inspiring and beautiful and makes your heart sing.)
This story hurts the first time you read it, as I said already, because, as in the first book, it's full of broken characters trying to deal with their brokenness in ways that are often destructive. It's in this book that we really see the beginning of the struggle that Janner and Kalmar won't resolve until the end of book 4. They're boys who've been thrust into new roles, new identities, and new responsibilities that they never asked for, that weigh them down because they don't yet have the maturity to handle them, that spark resentment even towards the people they love the most. And, let me tell you, I feel that.
On a side note, I really appreciate the fact that this book lets the kids be kids. I have steadily increasing issues with some fantasy books in which the kids are given an unrealistic amount of responsibility and then handle it unrealistically well, or where it's constantly the kids solving the problems because the adults are, for some mysterious reason, unable to do so. (*cough*HarryPotter*cough*Fablehaven*cough*KeepersoftheLostCities*cough*) But in the Wingfeather books, the kids are kids. They generally think like kids and act like kids, and they're treated like kids. When they aren't treated like kids, when they're forced into situations that force them to grow up too fast, that strip away joy and innocence, it's treated as a genuine tragedy. And I appreciate that a lot.
This book is Janner and Kalmar's book, yes. But it's also Artham's book more than any of the others. And, as a firm fan of Artham P. Wingfeather, that may be why it's become one of my favorites. While the start of his story won't be revealed for some time, he has one of his best moments here and it's really hard to talk about without giving spoilers, but yeah.
I also very much appreciated Podo's arc here. Characters with a dark past that catches up to them at the worst possible moment aren't exactly uncommon in fantasy fiction, even Christian fantasy fiction. But I think Podo may be one of my favorite examples of such a character. Podo is an old man with scars that run deep, but he hides them well. He's ashamed of what he's done, but not the brooding type of ashamed that's so popular now. And he's afraid — but not solely for himself, and when the time comes, he still stands despite his fear.
I could also talk about Gammon . . . but I think I'll hold off on my ramble about him until the next two books rerelease, eh? Suffice it to say that I appreciate him as a character for myriad reasons.
Plotwise, this book is a little more straightforward than the last, but still quite full of unexpected twists and turns. It has a few more threads than the last one did as well, which helps keep things moving. And the ending is superb, absolutely superb. Plus, we get to see more of Skree in this book than we did in the last one, which is fun!
Once again, if you haven't read this book yet, do so as soon as possible. And if you have read it before, well, maybe it's time for a reread. Trust me, it's worth it.
Read it once, to hear the story, to feel the pain of mistakes made by broken people.
Read it again, once you know how the story ends, so you can realize how far those people go and how the seeds of the growth were planted in their mistakes.
(And then reread Chapter 59 about ten more times because it's amazing and inspiring and beautiful and makes your heart sing.)
This story hurts the first time you read it, as I said already, because, as in the first book, it's full of broken characters trying to deal with their brokenness in ways that are often destructive. It's in this book that we really see the beginning of the struggle that Janner and Kalmar won't resolve until the end of book 4. They're boys who've been thrust into new roles, new identities, and new responsibilities that they never asked for, that weigh them down because they don't yet have the maturity to handle them, that spark resentment even towards the people they love the most. And, let me tell you, I feel that.
On a side note, I really appreciate the fact that this book lets the kids be kids. I have steadily increasing issues with some fantasy books in which the kids are given an unrealistic amount of responsibility and then handle it unrealistically well, or where it's constantly the kids solving the problems because the adults are, for some mysterious reason, unable to do so. (*cough*HarryPotter*cough*Fablehaven*cough*KeepersoftheLostCities*cough*) But in the Wingfeather books, the kids are kids. They generally think like kids and act like kids, and they're treated like kids. When they aren't treated like kids, when they're forced into situations that force them to grow up too fast, that strip away joy and innocence, it's treated as a genuine tragedy. And I appreciate that a lot.
This book is Janner and Kalmar's book, yes. But it's also Artham's book more than any of the others. And, as a firm fan of Artham P. Wingfeather, that may be why it's become one of my favorites. While the start of his story won't be revealed for some time, he has one of his best moments here and it's really hard to talk about without giving spoilers, but yeah.
I also very much appreciated Podo's arc here. Characters with a dark past that catches up to them at the worst possible moment aren't exactly uncommon in fantasy fiction, even Christian fantasy fiction. But I think Podo may be one of my favorite examples of such a character. Podo is an old man with scars that run deep, but he hides them well. He's ashamed of what he's done, but not the brooding type of ashamed that's so popular now. And he's afraid — but not solely for himself, and when the time comes, he still stands despite his fear.
I could also talk about Gammon . . . but I think I'll hold off on my ramble about him until the next two books rerelease, eh? Suffice it to say that I appreciate him as a character for myriad reasons.
Plotwise, this book is a little more straightforward than the last, but still quite full of unexpected twists and turns. It has a few more threads than the last one did as well, which helps keep things moving. And the ending is superb, absolutely superb. Plus, we get to see more of Skree in this book than we did in the last one, which is fun!
Once again, if you haven't read this book yet, do so as soon as possible. And if you have read it before, well, maybe it's time for a reread. Trust me, it's worth it.
February 18, 2010
I'm having a hard time remembering the last time that I shed tears while reading a book, but as I turned the final page of this strange, epic fantasy, I realized I had tears in my eyes.
I sat back and sighed, contented (and frustrated that I'll have to wait a year or so for the next stage of the journey!), and thought about the beauty of redemption that this book just gave me a picture of.
From a young person's fantasy novel?
It's more than that.
The Wingfeather saga series, and especially this book, really defied what I expected of it.
Oh, I'll say right off that Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters. His prose with words and music, and the way he points his listeners to Truth and the eternal light simply amaze me.
But I didn't really have high hopes for his new venture as an author of books, as I know what his oddball sense of humor is like (a lot like mine, actually), and it appeared that these books would be imbued with said humor--I mean, the first book is titled "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" for cryin' out loud! These would also be Andrew's first foray into long-form book writing, so I figured they'd be cute, funny, and fun to read, but a way for Andrew to experiment and find his footing as an author. I didn't realize I'd find them so deep.
Picking right up from where On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness leaves off, Janner, Tink, Leelee, Podo, Nia, and Nugget the dog are thrown almost immediately back into danger, and proceed at a pretty break-neck pace on a journey that's more about learning about themselves, family, love, sin, and redemption than the actual locations they travel to.
There are wonderful metaphors in many of the scenes in this book. One of my favorites is when one of the characters gets trapped into a dark, confined space for days, and begins to come to terms with who they are, and how much they don't like themselves.
The last two or three chapters are what really did it for me, though, as there are dark, dark secrets that come to light, sins and lives that are forgiven and redeemed, and brothers who find each other. Andrew wrote this like a song, and it is beautiful.
This book will now take it's place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
One note of caution, for those of you with young children: the Wingfeather Saga is almost deceptive at first: you feel like, due to the humor and oddball-ness of some of the characters and elements of the world, that this is going to be a pretty mild ride. But things can get pretty dark, and pretty violent. Even though the main characters are all under teenage age, situations can be violent and gruesome, especially for those of us with vivid imaginations. I feel like it works for this story, and is not too much for most children, but use discretion.
Thanks, Andrew.
I sat back and sighed, contented (and frustrated that I'll have to wait a year or so for the next stage of the journey!), and thought about the beauty of redemption that this book just gave me a picture of.
From a young person's fantasy novel?
It's more than that.
The Wingfeather saga series, and especially this book, really defied what I expected of it.
Oh, I'll say right off that Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters. His prose with words and music, and the way he points his listeners to Truth and the eternal light simply amaze me.
But I didn't really have high hopes for his new venture as an author of books, as I know what his oddball sense of humor is like (a lot like mine, actually), and it appeared that these books would be imbued with said humor--I mean, the first book is titled "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" for cryin' out loud! These would also be Andrew's first foray into long-form book writing, so I figured they'd be cute, funny, and fun to read, but a way for Andrew to experiment and find his footing as an author. I didn't realize I'd find them so deep.
Picking right up from where On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness leaves off, Janner, Tink, Leelee, Podo, Nia, and Nugget the dog are thrown almost immediately back into danger, and proceed at a pretty break-neck pace on a journey that's more about learning about themselves, family, love, sin, and redemption than the actual locations they travel to.
There are wonderful metaphors in many of the scenes in this book. One of my favorites is when one of the characters gets trapped into a dark, confined space for days, and begins to come to terms with who they are, and how much they don't like themselves.
The last two or three chapters are what really did it for me, though, as there are dark, dark secrets that come to light, sins and lives that are forgiven and redeemed, and brothers who find each other. Andrew wrote this like a song, and it is beautiful.
This book will now take it's place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
One note of caution, for those of you with young children: the Wingfeather Saga is almost deceptive at first: you feel like, due to the humor and oddball-ness of some of the characters and elements of the world, that this is going to be a pretty mild ride. But things can get pretty dark, and pretty violent. Even though the main characters are all under teenage age, situations can be violent and gruesome, especially for those of us with vivid imaginations. I feel like it works for this story, and is not too much for most children, but use discretion.
Thanks, Andrew.
March 17, 2025
(Just as good on reread!)
OH MY WORD. That ending. It was perfect <3 And Artham!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!
Review to come!
I was unprepared for this book.
The first book in this series starts out kinda slow. But this book? Oh. My. Word. Guys, it started intense and it never. Let. Up. Okay? I was holding my breath at some points. There were points where I simply could not see how this was going to end well. AND THEN IT DID. THAT ENDING WAS PERFECT. IT MADE ME SO HAPPY.
Oh these characters-!!! These flawed, stubborn, foolish, brave, tough characters. Janner grows literally so much and faces so much. Tink 💔 My heart hurts for him. And why, why did I relate to them so much sometimes? Leeli remains the perfect, gentle, brave and compassionate soul that she is <3 <3 I have to think, however, that her moment is coming soon.
But Artham. ARTHAM. He is my fave. You want to talk about a literal transformation-!!! He's no longer Pete anymore. He's so much more than that 😭 So much more and I love it.
And the sea dragons make a reappearance :)
There's so many great themes, so many quotable pieces-!
So, in summary, the first book was good. This one was even better. And I'm both so excited and so nervous for what the next one might hold <3
OH MY WORD. That ending. It was perfect <3 And Artham!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!
Review to come!
I was unprepared for this book.
The first book in this series starts out kinda slow. But this book? Oh. My. Word. Guys, it started intense and it never. Let. Up. Okay? I was holding my breath at some points. There were points where I simply could not see how this was going to end well. AND THEN IT DID. THAT ENDING WAS PERFECT. IT MADE ME SO HAPPY.
Oh these characters-!!! These flawed, stubborn, foolish, brave, tough characters. Janner grows literally so much and faces so much. Tink 💔 My heart hurts for him. And why, why did I relate to them so much sometimes? Leeli remains the perfect, gentle, brave and compassionate soul that she is <3 <3 I have to think, however, that her moment is coming soon.
But Artham. ARTHAM. He is my fave. You want to talk about a literal transformation-!!! He's no longer Pete anymore. He's so much more than that 😭 So much more and I love it.
And the sea dragons make a reappearance :)
There's so many great themes, so many quotable pieces-!
So, in summary, the first book was good. This one was even better. And I'm both so excited and so nervous for what the next one might hold <3
November 19, 2018
Before, I could hardly imagine how North! Or Be Eaten could be any better than the magnificence that was On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.
Now I understand.
(Also, it remains true that I have never related to a protagonist more than I relate to Janner Igiby.)
Now I understand.
(Also, it remains true that I have never related to a protagonist more than I relate to Janner Igiby.)
July 18, 2025
Review from May 2020:
Well, I cried a few times. Wow. So good.
I love the character development in this book. And I love the plot twists as well. Some you feel coming, some you long for, some wrench your heart out and some would’ve been so hard to guess. Great, great story!!!
Also, 11/10 recommend listening along as Andrew Peterson reads this aloud during the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020. If you have to go through a pandemic, why not listen to some wonderful reading knowing that a whole community of families and friends are reading along with anticipation of the adventure unfolding a little bit more for 30ish minutes each night?
Update in July 2025:
Still one of my favorites singularly because of the specific character development in distress in the Fork Factory - gets me every time. Very powerful. And the end. Man.
Always 5/5 🌟
1st /listened to the author’s narration live during the COVID quarantine: 4/13-5/5/2020 (the best ever reading)
2nd read/listened to the author’s narration on audible: 7/15-18/2025
Well, I cried a few times. Wow. So good.
I love the character development in this book. And I love the plot twists as well. Some you feel coming, some you long for, some wrench your heart out and some would’ve been so hard to guess. Great, great story!!!
Also, 11/10 recommend listening along as Andrew Peterson reads this aloud during the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020. If you have to go through a pandemic, why not listen to some wonderful reading knowing that a whole community of families and friends are reading along with anticipation of the adventure unfolding a little bit more for 30ish minutes each night?
Update in July 2025:
Still one of my favorites singularly because of the specific character development in distress in the Fork Factory - gets me every time. Very powerful. And the end. Man.
Always 5/5 🌟
1st /listened to the author’s narration live during the COVID quarantine: 4/13-5/5/2020 (the best ever reading)
2nd read/listened to the author’s narration on audible: 7/15-18/2025
July 3, 2023
Wow. I'm a bit speechless. Why haven't I heard more about these books? My goodness, one of the best plot developments I have ever read. And the pathos is off-the-charts good. We are making our way straight through the series.
May 16, 2024
I am wrecked! Completely wrecked! That ending made me cry. 😭
I cannot wait to resume the series.
I cannot wait to resume the series.
September 10, 2025
Man, I love these books! A reread is always so satisfying and just....amazing! This is my third reread if the series and I loved it just as much...if not more... this time than I did the first time!
Characters:
Janner is our main character...though the book is third-person POV and tends to pick up whatever POV is needed in the moment. That's never confusing, though, as Peterson always makes sure you know exactly where you are at any given moment.
Janner is so relatable! I think any oldest sibling (or if you're like me and were often left in charge of younger siblings) will relate to his character and arc.
Tink is so much fun! He's that sibling with the wild ideas, and I love him! The one running from the path laid before them...poor guy.
Leeli is a darling! She's so sweet and cute!
Nia, Podo, and Oskar are also fantastic characters, as are all the characters who make an appearance within the pages of this book!
Themes:
Family and bravery are a large part...thinking of others before yourself and the themes only keep growing at the series goes!
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A - except that the bad guys are called the fangs of dang.
Magic:
There is a beautiful discussion about magic in this book and how the world around us in it's own sense is magical and it is only when we try to bend that which God has created to our will that it becomes corrupt...I love the whole discussion they have.
Violence/Gore:
This book gets intense with more action, though all is handled with the intended audience in mind.
Mentions of blood, trolls, squishing. Drowning, being eaten or digested (does not come to pass), hunting sea dragons, being trapped in a coffin, wondering if they've been buried alive, whipping, beating, attacked by creatures...all handled with the utmost care and never once turns my stomach which is saying a lot.
Overall:
I love this book and all that happens! From Rock Roaches to the fork factory! From the stranders to the ice prairies! This story is packed with plenty of adventure and life lessons!
Recommend ages 9+ as a solo read but could be read as a family as well.
Characters:
Janner is our main character...though the book is third-person POV and tends to pick up whatever POV is needed in the moment. That's never confusing, though, as Peterson always makes sure you know exactly where you are at any given moment.
Janner is so relatable! I think any oldest sibling (or if you're like me and were often left in charge of younger siblings) will relate to his character and arc.
Tink is so much fun! He's that sibling with the wild ideas, and I love him! The one running from the path laid before them...poor guy.
Leeli is a darling! She's so sweet and cute!
Nia, Podo, and Oskar are also fantastic characters, as are all the characters who make an appearance within the pages of this book!
Themes:
Family and bravery are a large part...thinking of others before yourself and the themes only keep growing at the series goes!
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A - except that the bad guys are called the fangs of dang.
Magic:
There is a beautiful discussion about magic in this book and how the world around us in it's own sense is magical and it is only when we try to bend that which God has created to our will that it becomes corrupt...I love the whole discussion they have.
Violence/Gore:
This book gets intense with more action, though all is handled with the intended audience in mind.
Mentions of blood, trolls, squishing. Drowning, being eaten or digested (does not come to pass), hunting sea dragons, being trapped in a coffin, wondering if they've been buried alive, whipping, beating, attacked by creatures...all handled with the utmost care and never once turns my stomach which is saying a lot.
Overall:
I love this book and all that happens! From Rock Roaches to the fork factory! From the stranders to the ice prairies! This story is packed with plenty of adventure and life lessons!
Recommend ages 9+ as a solo read but could be read as a family as well.
December 19, 2020
This review has been a long time coming but this book still deserves every star. Unlike the first book, which could be accused of being slightly slow, this one picks up the pace, throws in higher stakes, a whole lot of twists and turns, and the Wingfeathers' first big adventures. Also, it has the in it, so you can't go wrong. Oh, and also . *shudders* Overall, a wonderful journey that will certainly lead you on to the next book!!
February 6, 2025
4 stars
This book was sooo good!! I couldn't get into it at first, which is why I cut a star.
And poor Tink 😥
I love how Janner wanted to stop at a random book shop 🤣
The writing style was great, and I really liked it!!
I am kinda confused about something at the end, though.... Like did
I really enjoyed this, and will be reading more of this series!!
frtc
This book was sooo good!! I couldn't get into it at first, which is why I cut a star.
And poor Tink 😥
I love how Janner wanted to stop at a random book shop 🤣
The writing style was great, and I really liked it!!
I am kinda confused about something at the end, though.... Like did
I really enjoyed this, and will be reading more of this series!!
frtc
September 20, 2009
There is something amazing in turning the page of a book and not recognizing the phantastical creatures that appear not only in the written word, but the occasional well drawn excerpt from Pembrick’s Creaturepedia. Such is the story in Andrew Peterson’s North! Or Be Eaten the second book in the Wingfeather Saga. N!OBE (as it is affectionately known) picks up quite literally where we left the beloved jewels of Anneria at the end of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness living with their Uncle Peet the Sock Man in his treehouse preparing with their mother Nia, and former pirate grandfather Podo, for a trip that will take them north to the Ice Prairies where the Fangs of Dang cannot follow.
While the first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness entertained me with its wit and quick paced movement, I found myself slowing down to capture every moment in this book. I am more invested in the Igiby family and wanted to savour their escape. It was Janner Igiby that I found myself drawn to as I read through the story. It seemed with every page you could see Janner growing into the protector of his family whether he wanted to be or not. It was often times in those moments of not wanting to be protector that he found himself most alone and out of control.
I confess I thought I knew how the book ended, but never was I more surprised when I got to the last ten chapters and knew that my plans would wait while with baited breath, tears of sorrow and joy, I found an end that was most unexpected.
I could tell you about the songs of the Sea Dragons, the stories that Podo, tells about Stranders and toothy cows, I could even tell you how Janner, Tink, and Leeli begin to believe they truly are the Jewels of Anneria; I could tell you all about those things, but Andrew Peterson does it so much better than I. So curl up any where you dare find, carve out a few hours and read: read about adventures and dangers unknown, read about creatures you have never even dreamed about, read about and remember how we (as much as the Wingfeather family) are created for so much more than we dare dream or imagine
While the first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness entertained me with its wit and quick paced movement, I found myself slowing down to capture every moment in this book. I am more invested in the Igiby family and wanted to savour their escape. It was Janner Igiby that I found myself drawn to as I read through the story. It seemed with every page you could see Janner growing into the protector of his family whether he wanted to be or not. It was often times in those moments of not wanting to be protector that he found himself most alone and out of control.
I confess I thought I knew how the book ended, but never was I more surprised when I got to the last ten chapters and knew that my plans would wait while with baited breath, tears of sorrow and joy, I found an end that was most unexpected.
I could tell you about the songs of the Sea Dragons, the stories that Podo, tells about Stranders and toothy cows, I could even tell you how Janner, Tink, and Leeli begin to believe they truly are the Jewels of Anneria; I could tell you all about those things, but Andrew Peterson does it so much better than I. So curl up any where you dare find, carve out a few hours and read: read about adventures and dangers unknown, read about creatures you have never even dreamed about, read about and remember how we (as much as the Wingfeather family) are created for so much more than we dare dream or imagine
December 17, 2015
Very rarely have I had such mixed feelings about a series of books as I have about the Wingfeather Saga thus far. On one hand, there are long sequences that are nailbiting and difficult to put down, in a great way. There are well-timed reveals about certain characters, and the world Peterson is building gets more interesting as the story continues (and I'm a huge sucker for good world-building). On the other, Peterson gets way too bogged down in efforts to be cutesy and funny, and honestly, even after two hefty books, I don't have a strong sense of the characterization of the main 3 protagonists. This is especially troubling because the narrative really hangs on the fate of these 3 kids, and I find it difficult to connect with them (especially the sister, Leeli, who seemingly has almost no human characteristics aside from a gimpy leg). I continue to connect most with Peet, and to a lesser degree Podo the Grandfather, but as these are peripheral characters I simply feel that a huge opportunity is lost with the main children. Similarly, the villains are a bit simplistic and cartoony. In a weird way, the Fangs almost aren't scary at all, though they are supposed to be the fearsome antagonists who push the family to flee their hometown.
Overall....I don't know quite yet about this one. There is enough here for me to keep reading, and I genuinely am curious to see how Peterson will wrap up the story threads, but I am honestly a little baffled to see how much these books are getting praised. There are likable elements here, but I can think of many young-adult-fantasy series that I would recommend over this, at least so far.
Overall....I don't know quite yet about this one. There is enough here for me to keep reading, and I genuinely am curious to see how Peterson will wrap up the story threads, but I am honestly a little baffled to see how much these books are getting praised. There are likable elements here, but I can think of many young-adult-fantasy series that I would recommend over this, at least so far.
September 30, 2022
3.2 (because apparently I make up my own ratings now)
**I may or may not slightly rip apart this book. I would like to say (before you read this review) that many people love this book. Please don’t sustain from reading it because of this review.**
Please don’t hate me. Everyone I’ve meet who has read this series loves it so much.
Me? That’s a whole other story.
Yeah, the plot is amazing. World is great. It has lots of funny parts. It would all be a really good book except for one thing: the characters.
To be honest I only starting reading the series because my sister is completely obsessed with it. **spoiler warning** I only continued reading because of Nugget. Then Nugget died for no reason at all. **END of spoiler** I do like Leeli.
Janner feels unrelatable and I can’t bring myself to care about him.
Tink is just plain annoying.
Nia doesn’t have much depth.
Podo is also annoying. Maybe it’s because my grandparents aren’t like him at all. Maybe it’s because I just can’t connect. Yet he seemed to not care about his family. It’s probably just me who read it that way, but that’s the vibe I got.
Sara. Oh Sara. I already know her and Janner are going to become a thing and I hate that. From what I’ve read to far, they just don’t meld.
Oscar… can I say annoying again…?
Gnag is one of those villains with no reason behind his evil.
So, yeah, I didn’t connect. I will keep reading and we shall see if it will lure me in.
**I may or may not slightly rip apart this book. I would like to say (before you read this review) that many people love this book. Please don’t sustain from reading it because of this review.**
Please don’t hate me. Everyone I’ve meet who has read this series loves it so much.
Me? That’s a whole other story.
Yeah, the plot is amazing. World is great. It has lots of funny parts. It would all be a really good book except for one thing: the characters.
To be honest I only starting reading the series because my sister is completely obsessed with it. **spoiler warning** I only continued reading because of Nugget. Then Nugget died for no reason at all. **END of spoiler** I do like Leeli.
Janner feels unrelatable and I can’t bring myself to care about him.
Tink is just plain annoying.
Nia doesn’t have much depth.
Podo is also annoying. Maybe it’s because my grandparents aren’t like him at all. Maybe it’s because I just can’t connect. Yet he seemed to not care about his family. It’s probably just me who read it that way, but that’s the vibe I got.
Sara. Oh Sara. I already know her and Janner are going to become a thing and I hate that. From what I’ve read to far, they just don’t meld.
Oscar… can I say annoying again…?
Gnag is one of those villains with no reason behind his evil.
So, yeah, I didn’t connect. I will keep reading and we shall see if it will lure me in.
June 1, 2012
Oh, traditional gender roles.... you find a way to be everywhere, don't you? While the grandfather, the portly bookkeeper, and the two grandsons are adventuring and swinging their swords and daggers, mum and granddaughter are always in the background being protected. There is one fairly activist female character, and the family mentions numerous times that she "needs work." Again, I was fairly turned off by the overt Christianity of this book (why don't you just hit me over the head with your messages a little harder?), but I was more disturbed by how easily traditional gender roles were reinforced. This is a book that gets listed as a "safe YA book" (in that it doesn't deal with issues that will make your teen want to worship the devil like Harry Potter ::read the heavy sarcasm here:: or real life issues such as sex, drugs, cheating, or illness). Sure, it's safe. If you want to live by mythical standards. I'm reading the third book because I can't leave a series unfinished, but I don't have high expectations.
November 12, 2021
Peterson does a great job of creating a poignant redemption story for older kids/young teens in North! Very impressed with these books so far! Lots of action and surprises along the way. Peterson's character development really improved in this book, too. (Not that it was lacking from a kid's perspective in the 1st book, but the character development in this one has "matured.") North! is not as humorous as the first book, but it is so, so good! As an adult, even I had a hard time putting it down once half-way through.
November 5, 2024
What!!!???!!! The saga just got better and worse all the same!!!! What’s gonna happen next?!?!?!😱
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July 27, 2022
This book started a little slow, but it was necessary to set the stage for the rest of the book. I haven’t stayed up this late in ages, much less to finish a book. Read Wingfeather everyone!
January 6, 2021
I read the first book and it was okay, but I hoped that the series would gain momentum and interest as it went along - which it sort of did - but in an annoying way. The second book is one long chase scene with a bunch of child torture stuff to break it up. It's too graphic and dark to be a kid's book, and too juvenile in its writing to be an adult book.
June 13, 2024
3 ½ stars 🌟
I found the first half or so of this hard to get into, with the characters on the run and constantly being caught and then escaping over and over again. The last half and especially the last several chapters were very good though. I'm glad to finally be continuing this series after so long and learning more about all the characters.
I found the first half or so of this hard to get into, with the characters on the run and constantly being caught and then escaping over and over again. The last half and especially the last several chapters were very good though. I'm glad to finally be continuing this series after so long and learning more about all the characters.
August 28, 2022
Wow. LOVED the end of this book. Vividly written, with themes of shame, redemption, and identity—it was not only an exciting story that sent you reaching for the next book, but a heartfelt description of the real-to-life struggles we face.
May 20, 2025
Oh my. This was even better than the first book. If you haven’t read this series, do it. Now. Even better, read it out loud to your children and take great delight in their enjoyment of it!
February 18, 2024
Fun and beautiful little story. Absolutely excellent for a family read!
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