The Monster in the Hollows

The Wingfeather Saga #3

by Andrew Peterson, Joe Sutphin (illustrator)

Book Three of The Wingfeather Saga

Janner Wingfeather's father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind.

Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows--a land of warriors feared even by Fangs of Dang. But there's a big problem. Janner's little brother-heir to the throne of Anniera-has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster.

But Janner knows better. His brother isn't as scary as he looks. He's perfectly harmless.

Or is he?

Join the Wingfeathers on an adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There's a monster on the loose and the truth lurks in the shadows.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Christian, Young Adult, Christian Fiction, Adventure

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Hey, 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

Reviews

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spend one day a week with my grandkids; I read aloud to them during meals, while they draw, etc. We usually read 2-3 chapters a week with gaps (of time, living, and lambing) between readings. I knew this series was special when they could perfectly describe the circumstances of the chapter we last read the week (or two) before...and when they consistently begged me to keep reading! It kept a 4, 7, 9, and 13 year old mesmerized.

This book fostered conversation and discussion. The boys had theories about the plot direction, hidden identities, possible saviors, etc. Our reading was often punctuated by these speculations.

And that's why I loved this book. This book was the field upon which we connected. We joined our imaginations, teased out meanings; we howled at treachery, yelped at surprising twists and groaned at cliffhanger chapter endings. We laughed when the bad guy 'got his' or when the text was hilarious.

Today we manipulated our schedule so we could finish the last ten chapters. The kids were indignant that I didn't think to bring Book 4 with me. My nine year old sighed and lamented, "When we finish reading Book 4 how are we ever going to find another series this good?"

[Katrina Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was not expecting this, let alone prepared for it.

All the stars for The Monster in the Hollows. ALL THE STARS. Words cannot express how amazing this book is.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good heavens this book tore me apart.
Not in a bad way by any means.
But my heart, especially for the ending, won’t be the same for a while. I haven’t cried over a book in a long time…

Excuse me while I try to recover and must get my hands on the last book(which I can already tell I will be sorry to close once I get to the last page)

We look through Janners eyes mostly in the other books but this one definitely more so and I really felt kinship to him. Dealing with what he wants versus what he knows he needs to do. And it’s hard.. my goodness it’s hard, and sometimes his attitude and words are wrong but he still chooses right. Many adults I know, and myself included, lose that fight. How he backs his brother even when he struggles with how he feels towards him, being a little over-bearing big brother style, was so powerful to me.

Oh Tink 😭 I don’t even know what all I feel about him.

This had all the feels for sure!

About the ending..
I don’t want to give anything away, but I was happy for Nia(aww the scene where she is so free-spirited and the kids relish the moment with the snowball fight) and then… Gollee it was bittersweet but broke my heart for the whole family like nothing I’ve read in a long long time! And Arthum so far away! 😭 but the closure and what it gave them(especially Tink) was hopeful too.

[Ryan Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY HEART

rtc

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I loved you even as you sang the song that broke you.”

[Noel Hume · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when you find yourself crying when a character you've known for less than five minutes dies. Oh my heart 😭😭😭💔💔💔

[Sarah Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the Wingfeather Saga almost a year ago, and went into it a little hesitantly. If this was going to be a singer/songwriter's dreamy attempt at literature, and nothing more, I wasn't sure I wanted to subject myself to the disappointment. After all, I enjoy Andrew Peterson's music.....

But Andrew Peterson is not merely a singer/songwriter. He is a master storyteller, no matter the medium. And in the Wingfeather Saga, I was pleasantly surprise--blown away--to find a truly precious story in the tradition of the Chronicles of Narnia. And I don't ever, EVER reference Narnia lightly.

The series began with On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, in which the land of Skree suffers under the great evil of Gnag the Nameless and his wicked minions, the Fangs of Dang. Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby are just three ordinary children growing up under Gnag's oppression, until they discover the secret of the Jewels of Anniera, and realize their heritage is more than it appears. In the second book, North! Or Be Eaten, the siblings find themselves running for their lives, fighting and fleeing and fighting again, and they discover that the house of Wingfeather has enemies around every corner--and friends in unexpected places.

Book 3, The Monster In The Hollows, picks up with siblings Janner, Tink (now Kalmar) and Leeli seeking refuge in the land of their ancestors. The Wingfeather children, it seems, have at long last reached a place of rest and safety, protected at least temporarily from Gnag the Nameless and his terrible Fangs of Dang. Like the first books, this one has its share of fascinating characters, vivid places, blood-chilling scarytale beasts, warm humor and epic adventure as the children discover that pursuant Fangs are not the only enemies they must beware of. Janner struggles with his role as eldest brother and makes difficult strides towards manhood as the Throne Warden of Anniera; Kalmar wrestles with guilt and regret even as he strives to hold onto his own identity; and Leeli explores her mysterious gifts more deeply than ever before. All three of the children have faced external dangers uncounted in the first books; this one finds them each growing as they learn who they are, both as the Igibys and as the royal Wingfeathers, and understanding how to fight internal monsters of their own.

But--are they truly safe? Can it be that the Green Hollows is the refuge they've sought for so long?

Of course not. There's a monster in the Hollows. And it's not what you think.

I caught myself, towards the end of this book, feeling like I really had the whole thing figured out. I called it. Well, I thought, jumping to conclusions while only three quarters of the way through, this book did seem more predictable than the others. It's okay. I still enjoyed the story. And then, Andrew Peterson did it again. Just when I thought I knew exactly what was going on, he turned the whole thing upside down in a climactic battle where the truth--all of it--the baffling, the impossible, the tragic, the horrifying and the glorious--is ultimately exposed. He kept me guessing until the end. I choked up. And I loved, loved, loved this book.

The characters of Janner, Kalmar and Leeli--all of whom I've grown to love through the series--see some real growth in this story. Up until now they've faced Fangs and bomnubbles and sea dragons and toothy cows and the Fork Factory and the wilderness; now they face school, identity struggles, mistrust, betrayal, and fitting into a foreign land. All this is told in Andrew Peterson's distinct style, which somehow manages to blend the comical and absurd with the profoundly moving. For me, the one enhances the other. I highly recommend this series. Here's looking forward to the fourth and final installment, The Warden and the Wolf King, which will be available.....er....whenever Andrew Peterson decides he's held us in anticipation long enough and carves out time to write it. I'll be waiting.

[ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia] · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

8+

romance: 1/10 (their mom courts someone and it’s rlly cute omword, and janner has a little crush on one sara cobbler 👀)

cursing: 0/10 (NOTHING!)

violence: 2/10 (i mean, for a kids book it’s kinda bloody… but i have young siblings and they were not fazed by it at all. esp with my dramatic out loud reading 😂🤭)

other: nothinggg this series is literally so clean

——-OVERVIEW——-

the writing in this series is absolutely exquisite. i wasn’t expecting much from a children’s book but peterson surprised me time and again with his vivid descriptions that immerse you right into the world of aerwiar. my whole family has perfect pictures of the creatures describe in this book. as well as the characters, the places, even the history!

i’ve been reading this series to them since the winter of 2021, and we’ve been having so much fun with it. all of us are devastated to see it come to a close very soon.

from the shining isle of anniera to the dark sea of darkness, everything about this book is depicted clearly and precisely.

——-PLOT——-

scrumptious. it doesn’t leave you hungry for more (unless, of course, you mean the next book. then it’s like a carrot leading a horse. just tantalizing enough to keep you going)

the children are in the hollows now, trying to adapt to life with the hollish folk. meanwhile, gnag the nameless (bahaha) is building his fang army.
while staying in ban rona, the children and the townsfolk begin to notice the disappearances of livestock from around the village. who could be stealing the animals, and why?

…i should not be allowed to write book summaries. i would do a TERRIBLE job 🤪

——-CHARACTERS——-

JANNER WINGFEATHER the throne warden of anniera, and a book crush of 12 year old ari. (i was weird okayyy?)
i adore his resilience. his fierce love for his family. and his willingness to do anything to protect kalmar. one thing i did notice was that in this book he acted more like a real boy than in the other books (or maybe i’m just mature now? ha, we all know that’s not true).

there were times when he let his temper get the best of him, or when he thought his own needs (something of a book bindery 👀) were more important than being there to fend off the nasty hollish children.

overall, his character is very realistic, and he has so much growth throughout this book and the whole series. he’s not the same boy he was at the beginning of on the edge of the dark sea of darkness

LEELI WINGFEATHER the lovely songmaiden of anniera, and one of my all time favorite characters.

she’s bubbly and sweet, the kind of sugar sweet that would melt in the rain.

but don’t let that fool you, she’s a fire of her own record. she doesn’t let anyone mess with her or her brothers, and she’s lightning quick with her crutch. let’s not mention the talking to dogs thing? like, that’s so cool.

she has never let her disability get the best of her, and is able to keep up with the pack despite it. for that i adore her.

KALMAR WINGFEATHER ah yes, we can’t forget the high king himself! if i’m being quite honest, kal is my least favorite character. he still has much growing to do, as he can be quite selfish at times. he’s only 11 so i won’t hold anything against him (we don’t talk abt me at 11)

one day, i’m sure he’ll make an excellent king of the shining isle, but he has a ways to go to get there.

NIA WINGFEATHER now, the queen of anniera. this mom is top tier. she’s an absolute boss/mama bear. she won’t let anything happen to her children (unless, of course, it’s for a learning lesson 👀)

she’s selfless and kind, and reminds me a whole of a lot of someone (👀 maylee)

PODO HELMER he’s hilarious. his stories made me laugh out loud. i would love him as a grandfather. he’s fiercely protective, and is always there for his daughter and her children.

i especially loved the story of how he met and fell in love with nia’s mother. not only was it an endearing story, it also had excellent morals.

OSKAR N. RETEEP the pillow-bellied bookstore owner of the first book, has now become the man with the smarts to translate the first book.

i have also always loved his fake quotes.

in the words of n. l. esquire, “go on.”

ESBEN WINGFEATHER the former high king, and father of the jewels of anniera. this man is everything i hope to one day find. literally in tears 🥹

he loves his child so much he’d do ANYTHING to get to them. and nia 😭😭😭

i’m crying now.

SARA COBBLER this girl is a queen. she’s strong and resilient. she won’t take no for an answer. an excellent role model.

——-CONCLUSION——-

this series is worth all the hype it gets, and it exceeds the expectations of everyone who i’ve recommended it to.

i honestly can’t believe it took over a decade for this series to take off in the way it has always deserved.

andrew peterson, thank you so dang much for writing this masterpiece of a book series. i will cherish it for the rest of my life, and will hold it fast forever (👀👀👀)

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deepening and intensifying continuation of The Wingfeather Saga.

✏️ Review ✏️ [reread: November 2025]

Full of emotion, depth, and beauty, The Monster in the Hollows spins a multi-faceted tale that has readers feeling contentment, sadness, joy, heartbreak, betrayal, delight, and wonder all at the same time and in so many unexpected ways. The reason? Simply this: Andrew Peterson knows how to craft and deliver a story with heartfelt value, universal emotion, timeless themes, ageless appeal, and authentic experience.

This story's well-drawn, dynamic characterization is beautiful. Across the entire story, Peterson has constructed a tangible emotional connection between both the reader and the MCs, which ultimately enforces and ensures that this story is such a satisfying and memorable experience. It is a very rare thing indeed that in my reading adventures I ever encounter characters so deep, so dynamic, and so relatable. And I have to mention that the characters touched my heart in so many ways (especially the sibling dynamic between Janner and Kalmar)! 🫶🏼

The ending of The Monster in the Hollows is such a rollercoaster of twist and turns, heartbreak and joy (and, yes, on both my first and second read the ending made me very emotional).

The Monster in the Hollows is a poignant, moving, deep, and beautiful story that highlights the resilient bonds of family, the hope that can be found amidst despair, the enduring bond between siblings, and the way love is refined and strengthened through life's vicissitudes and trials.

"We will... grow by grieving, live by dying, love by losing."

✏️ Review ✏️ [September 2023]

Just when I thought the Wingfeather Saga couldn't get any better, 'The Monster in the Hollows' delivers a moving, deep, and emotional story. The relationships among the Igiby family are given deeper meaning in this book allowing the reader to become even more attached to these characters. Again (must I say it?), Peterson writes with the style of one of the best writers ever! His writing is descriptive, clear, and crisp — adding an even greater dimension to this already amazing novel. Surprise, suspense, heartbreak, and betrayal are all employed to construct an ending that will pull on your heartstrings and your tears! Don't miss this fabulous fantasy!

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📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — it's a fine balance between slow moments, intense sequences, and unexpected twists.
• The MCs (Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli) — their roles gain importance and take on deeper meaning in this story (and talk about the further development; sooo good!)
• The sibling dynamic between Janner and Kalmar — it's such a crucial and effectively utilized element of the story.
• The minor characters — they're memorably portrayed.
• The continued world building (yes, the world building gets even more important and complex in this book) — lends further intrigue to the story.
• The themes (selfless love, the importance of family, the power of love, the squelching and destructive nature of fear, etc.) — adds such a deep dimension to the plot.
• The ending — an intense ride of twists, turns, and emotions (also, the dual-POV at the end is nicely balanced and smoothly tied together).
• The writing style — it's clear, crisp, descriptive, rhythmic, and engaging.
• The illustrations (applies to the 2020 illustrated edition) — they're very realistic featuring depth, movement, and dimension; also, the overall black and white pencil sketch style gives the interior a cozy feel (the illustrations are so well done; if you haven't read the 2020 editions, then now's the time to do that).
• The included map — very helpful with keeping all the districts straight.
• The appendices — the info in these is quite intriguing and holds importance to the rest of the series.

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• (Can't think of anything atm.)

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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓

— Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!!!*

— To whom? To those who have read Book One (On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness) and Book Two (North! or Be Eaten) of The Wingfeather Saga.

*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)

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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 5/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 5/5
— 👥 Characters: 5/5

~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 2/5

• A few prolonged sequences of mild war violence, including a few brief descriptions of injuries (mentions blood).

• One potentially disturbing scene involving character death.

• A few very brief mentions of off-page instances of child abuse.

— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5

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📣 Random Comments 📣

• Magic content: Please see my review of North! or Be Eaten (Book Two) for a full breakdown of this series' magic. Find my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

• For this third book in The Wingfeather Saga, do not read the Appendices until you have finished reading the entire story because one of them contains a major spoiler.

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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

• "When hate rages long enough, it doesn't need a reason. It burns for the sake of its own heat and devours whatever, or whomever, is set before it." (p. 8)

• "Who you are runs deeper than your skin." (p. 74)

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book has absolutely wrecked me. Reading the ending had me in tears and I was choking on words (I’ve been reading it aloud to my siblings) 😭😭😭😭. I really don’t have words for a proper review right now. I’ll just say this: The characters were all so splendid. With hopes and dreams mingled with despair and grief. But love overcomes and covers all in the end. The Wingfeather Saga now has a very special spot in my favourite books category. I both dread and am eager to begin the the next book.

[R.M. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

MARCH 2019 REVIEW:
This book did two things it's nearly impossible for a book to do:
1) Surprised me with a plot twist
2) Almost made me cry. (Tears were brimming, my throat was tight, but I'm a heartless reader I was at work so I didn't actually cry.)
The emotions in this book are fantastic and I'm both ecstatic and terrified to find out what happens next.

[Darryl Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A weeping, sobbing, blubbering mess. That’s the state in which I finished this book. The creativity, beauty, power, and profundity of Andrew Peterson’s storytelling has touched my heart in ways I haven’t experienced in a while. It’s a ludicrous-sounding claim and comparison, but what C. S. Lewis did for Christian apologetics through Narnia, and what Tolkien did for the spiritual journey that every Christian must take through LOTR, is what Peterson does through Wingfeather for the transformative, redemptive, and relational realities of our identity and life in Jesus. It’s. That. Good. I can’t begin the fourth book soon enough…

[rue mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“who you are runs deeper than your skin. A man may be handsome in aspect but black as death in his heart.”

there’s something about these books that leaves me feeling contemplative and joyful and destroyed, all at once. andrew peterson is a wonderful author, and i…….. i’m so thankful that i’ve had the opportunity to read these books.

i know i’m gonna cry when i finish book 4 <3

trigger warnings: quite a bit of violence, some minor gore

[Rachel Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a whimsical adventure tale, funny, scary, inhabited by Fangs of Dang, crazy sock men, and genuine recipes for maggotloaf. North! Or Be Eaten, Book 2 of The Wingfeather Saga, is the classic journey story: a book of creatures, encounters, fascinating locales, and of course, coming of age.

But it’s in The Monster in the Hollows that this series steps up and takes its place as a true fantasy epic — still quirky, still definitely located in the world of Aerwiar and not in Middle Earth, but firmly rooted in epic soil. The Monster in the Hollows is a bigger, sadder, older, and more beautiful part of The Wingfeather Saga than we’ve seen before.

(Warning: series spoilers ahead.)

The story begins, as all good sagas do, where the previous book left off: with the Wingfeather family sailing across the Dark Sea of Darkness in search of refuge in the Green Hollows, homeland of Nia Igiby Wingfeather and the last place in all of Aerwiar that is still free. But what begins as a warm welcome for Nia and her children quickly turns sour when the transformation of Kalmar is revealed: the Hollows are still free because its people have vigilantly driven every Fang from their land, and they are not keen to welcome one into their bosom now.

A startling sacrifice from Nia convinces the Hollowsfolk to accept all of her children — but no sacrifice can buy their trust. Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli settle into their new home and school, caught between the delight of being children again, with a home far from Fangs and from fear, and the knowledge that they are outsiders here. Janner struggles to love and protect his brother even as he resents him for estranging them.

But something strange is happening in the Green Hollows. A monster lurks in the shadows, a voice calls to Janner out of eerie visions, and Kalmar, it seems, has a secret . . .

In The Monster in the Hollows, Andrew Peterson once again weaves a tale that rings as true when it’s exploring the firesides of home as it does when it’s delving into the exotic places and peoples of a beautifully rendered fantasy world. As ancient secrets are revealed, revolutions are fostered, and the forces of evil gather for attack, we find ourselves caring just as much — or perhaps more — about the love between brothers, the faith of a mother, and the success of children in school. The forces of good, after all, are not concentrated in some distant castle or far-off king, but in frail human vessels in need of family, forgiveness, and the power of hope.

As before, the story is primarily told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Janner, the oldest of the Igiby children and the Throne Warden of Anniera whether he likes it or not. Much of the saga’s attention hovers, with Janner, at the outer edge of childhood. But the more adult story which readers have been able to glimpse all along through Podo, Nia, and Artham comes into the foreground in a greater way in The Monster in the Hollows, as Nia especially takes on a more central role.

New characters are introduced — including the memorable Head Guildmadam of the Ban Rona school, Olumphia Groundwich — and subplots from previous books carried to their conclusions. (I found the further fate of Sara Cobbler to be particularly interesting, and particularly affecting.) The setting, Ban Rona of the Green Hollows, is likewise more adult: the fearsome toothy cows, bomnubbles, and snickbuzzards of Skree — terrifying as they could be — have faded into the background, replaced by the rotting, misshapen cloven of the Blackwood. Where Glipwood Township was as amusing as it was oppressed, Ban Rona is the stuff of legends. And this book, for the first time in the saga, is entirely devoid of footnotes.

All in all, The Monster in the Hollows is a wonderful read, both entertaining and deep, and an effective launching pad into the fourth and final book in the series. For that, we’ll have all just have to wait, content in the knowledge that it’s likely to be worth waiting for.

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is going to wreck me in the best way possible. In a way a book hasn’t done for awhile. Oh my word.

This whole series is one of those series that you're not sure how to write a review for. But, I shall try.
First of all, the whole plot twist at the end with Tink set up this book to be a whole different creature. Kinda literally, actually.

I think I appreciate this series more reading it now than I would've if I read it when I was a kid. Does that make sense? Because here's the thing: I wonder if I would've condemned Tink more easily for the choices he made in book 2 and in this book. I think I would.
But now... I'm older. I've made my own dumb, stupid decisions. I know what shame is. I know the consequences of bad choices and how you wish you could go back and change things but you can't, and you have to live with it.

There's that famous quote about how stories should show children that dragons can be defeated. I think that's true. But this story, this series, not only shows that but also something else: the beast that is in you can be defeated too. Even your weakness can be used for something better, something more.

I love how Janner grows throughout this book so much <3 how he comes to fulfill his role as a Throne Warden <3 When he tackled Grigory Bunge, when he stood in the rain and yelled out all that he had been through, all that he had faced, and that he was not going to be intimidated by a mere guildling because the Maker had brought them this far- I was like "YES JANNER!
YES!!! 😭

As per usual, I never saw the plot twists coming. I did have a sneaking suspicion as to who the betrayer was, but I wasn't entirely sure until it actually happened. But I so did not anticipate that twisty, heart wrenching ending. It was tragic, it was beautiful, it ached with something pure and lovely. That's the best way to describe it, okay? "In death, my love, I loved you best."
ESBEN OH MY WORD😭😭

In fact, there were a lot of beautiful moments and lines in this book. It was satisfying to finally understand Artham and Esben's past. Artham remains my favorite character always <3 What can I say? I have a heart for the tortured warrior characters who struggle to accept grace for themselves. And Artham, oh Artham... 💔💔

In short, this was so, so good. I get all the hype for this series. I love the themes. But I have one complaint with this book: no footnotes. Not a single one. What? Come on!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know a children’s book could make me cry and fill me with hope at the same time.

[Emma Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to understand the nature of God’s redeeming love, read this book. If you want to learn how to forgive, read this book. If you want to love your neighbor, read this book.

[C T · Rating 2 out of 5]

After thoroughly enjoying the first two books, this book I did not enjoy. The first part is okay but then it goes downhill. The deftness with weaving the moral and philosophical points was missing. The points came off as contrived and at the expense of the plot
( especially at the end with the oh so brief return of Esben). The concept of protecting siblings was noble in the first two books and Janner does give a rousing speech at one point. But Janner’s entire life revolves around Kalmar and keeping him out of trouble. Even to the point of choosing his potential future vocation for himself. It becomes disturbingly codependent to the point where Janner is constantly monitoring Kalmar’s emotions. This is unhealthy enmeshment. Kalmar doesn’t really have to bear the full consequences of his actions all of the time. Janner is always there to pick up the pieces. What is worse is when Janner rightly feels this and resents it, it is portrayed as bad or ignoble. This is not emotionally or spiritually healthy behavior. I was disappointed because the first two books were so good. But as a recovering co-dependent this dynamic made me cringe and want to refer Janner to some serious counseling along with his mother for teaching him that this is what he is supposed to do.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first two-thirds were a little slow but the final third was fantastic!

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, this is a little overdue, but here it is!

I think book 3 may be my favorite in the quartet. There were so many pieces of this one I really enjoyed.

Of course, I'm hook-line-and-sinker for the characters. We started the series following a loving family and through each part of the story, we get to see a piece of each sibling grow up a little, which is really cool! It's a bittersweet thing, to watch someone grow a little harder, a little taller, and a little stronger. Something always happens to steal that carefree innocence, but when they grow right and true, you can't help but cheer them on. I've loved seeing Leeli especially come into her own here in this book.

But even the boys continued to grow deeper and stronger in this story. Watching the guilds and the training they went through was fascinating. (I'll just note, I was upset Janner didn't get his first choice! As a reader, I would have been allll for those scenes!) I loved watching the boys grow closer together and deal with the tension between them as they struggled to do that. But it was also really rewarding to watch how the siblings all interacted in the face of the school kids, both inside of and outside of their guilds. I definitely related to the whole outcast situation. Been there done that.

Oh man! All the bits with Sara Cobbler! I got so mad when we would leave the rest of the story on a cliffhanger and then so mad when we wouldn't get to see more of Sara XD She was one of my favorite characters and I definitely couldn't wait to see how her story ended in the last book!

Just as in the previous book, we get to dig into such a fun world. The culture of the Hollows was simple, but distinct. It kind of drove me nuts for the first part of the book. The Wingfeather family was just...going to go to school? Try to live like normal?? I was so confused as to why they were ignoring the world they knew faced issues, but...they were just kids. And I can understand why their mother would want a normal life for them for as long as they could have it. But I think it went even deeper than that: the whole culture of the Hollowsfolk was very "ignore everyone else and just do what's best for us." So, it was interesting to watch the dynamics of the people who clung to that mentality and those who began to split off and see the need to grow beyond their beloved home.

And I can't properly leave a review without noting how incredibly in awe I am of Peterson's ability to tap into the emotional side of storytelling. I mean, I just love the yearning and homesickness he stirs in all of his work. But dude! The end of this story was worse than the end of the last one! Nia had me tearing up again and the brothers love for one another and then the spoilery thing that I can't say because SPOILERS! But I tell you what, I was UP-SETTED. Again! Partially because I had a suspicion early in the book and shoved it aside. Then partially because I was right even though I connected the dots moments before the reveal. And then because it all ended in a huge mess again! I was not a happy camper at the end of this book. Peterson forms these strong ties between these characters and I just wish I had that myself. I love how fiercely loyal each of the Wingfeathers are to each other. It's such an incredibly beautiful thing to behold.

Just all of the things, guys. All of the things. This tale is such a sweet, heart-wrenching one. I highly recommend it.

MG, clean fantasy, no foul language, some mild romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There’s some prejudice and captivity, and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light, right and wrong. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I’d feel fine giving it to a middle school kid or pre-teen.

[Nate Philbrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep saying to myself, "Anytime now, this series is going to find its footing and take off running."

It keeps coming so close, but it just...doesn't.

In my subjective opinion (and I know many will disagree), these characters and their story would have been truly memorable in the hands of a different author.

The fourth book, which I'm currently reading, may change my mind. I hope it does.
So far, it isn't.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Have they done to you what they did to me? …”

“…I wasn’t strong enough…”

“None of us are, lad. Me least of all…
But, it’s weakness that the Maker turns to strength...
You alone in all the world knew my need
and ministered to my wounds...
…I loved you even as you sang the song that broke you.”


1st read finished 7/22-8/2/20-
This book. Teared up a few times, for sure. Bawled at least once. Character development is beautiful and heart-wrenching. The story gets better and better.

Read this again along Andrew Peterson’s read-aloud 10/19-11/6/20.
Y’ALL. It’s so good. Do yourself a favor and read these.


Added to review 7/19/2025:
Ugh this one totally wrecks me each time. It’s so so so good. Probably the best one, though I will always love the coffin scene because of the incredible character development that wrecks me in North! Or Be Eaten!

I think what I love most about this book is how we are reminded that none of us are good enough and we all desire to be loved despite our sin, failure, and its consequences… and we do not deserve it, but we need it in part because godly love is part of what drowns out our shame for who we have become in our sin. And it is this kind of love that transforms us. It reminds me of the gospel 💛
3rd read/listened to the author’s narration on audible: 7/18-19/2025

5/5 🌟

[Dan Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say 3.5+ This book has continued the trend of gradual improvement from the first book. The author seems to be settling in to his own voice. Also, the footnotes are completely gone, a decision that both I (as reader) and my children (as read-to) both applaud. The pacing is good and there are some plot twists that make it difficult to put down at the end of some chapters. Family is really the theme of this series so it makes for a pretty good family read-aloud.

[Jennifer Trzeciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only give this 5 stars according to goodreads, but in reality the children & I give it ALL the stars ⭐️😊. We have had some great gospel conversations while reading this book, and that is the highest praise I can give it. Amazing book!

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. I just finished listening to the readalong (still on Youtube or Facebook, but Andrew Peterson also said he's going to be recording audiobooks soon, so there's that to look forward to!) and all I can say is wow. I can't say much about the story itself because doing so would involve massive spoilers for those who haven't read the books, or haven't read this one yet, but I'm completely blown away. This story was so beautiful, and sad, and happy, and touching. I felt all the emotions, and cried, and just loved it so much. Peterson does such an amazing job touching on deep spiritual truths, specifically, in this case, discovering hope where there seems to be none, courage in the face of extreme danger, and what it looks like to love beyond surface appearance, and love so deeply one is willing to sacrifice oneself for others.

An extra special thing about listening to the readalong was that Peterson pulled out his guitar and actually sang a very touching song featured near the end of the story. Pretty sure everyone listening cried, including him, and it was wonderful. I'd listened to him and his daughter sing the song together on Youtube before, but now knowing the context in which is was sung... *sniffles* Now it has a whole new depth of meaning. <3

I truly can't wait to find out what happens in the fourth and final book. Having finally gotten physical copies of the books, I know the last one is much thicker than the others, and I'm tempted to go on and read it myself, but hearing the author's own interpretation of the words (and getting to hear his fun accents) is so fun, I'll be patient and wait until he does the final readalong.


Content Advisory:

These books are intended for Middle Grade children, however, I will note that they can get emotionally intense at times, and battle and killing happens. Every child is different and some may be able to handle it while others may be scared or upset by it. While they are not too much for me as an adult (who can still be sensitive to graphic violence) I'll be honest that I probably would have been too sensitive to read these books when I was at the intended age.

The details:

No sexual content or swearing.

Spiritual: The Maker (this world's name for God) is referenced multiple times, just like in the previous books. It is made clear the he is an all knowing, ever wise, and loving Maker who will work everything together for good those who serve him.

Up till this point in the books, who or what exactly Nag the Nameless is has been left up in the air, but it is finally revealed that he is human. Not goblin, not fang, and not any kind of spiritual entity. However, he has figured out how to use some special stones in a corrupted way in order to create mutant creature for his armies.

Violence:

There is a fair amount of violence and threats of violence, and some non-fang blood in this one, specifically toward the end.

In swearing an oath of sorts, Nia cuts her hand and puts her bloody handprint on a tree among many other, older handprints.

Children sometimes push, shove, and fight with fists. Only a little described.

The Igibys are under constant suspicion and threat of harm by the people of the Hollows who are afraid Cal in his current form is a threat to them.

Blood mentioned in relation to chickens that have been killed and eaten. Barely described.

The cloven's (sp?) cave is filled with bones and nasty smells.

Two prominent characters are almost hanged based upon an unproven accusation of murder. (No murder was actually committed.) This could be intense for some children as they get all the way to the gallows and have the ropes placed around their necks before the almost-execution gets interrupted at the last minute.

The bear-like cloven has a description that could be scary to some children.

Fangs get shot with arrows and also pulled off a boat and drowned. Minor description.

A creature gets shot by many arrows. There are a few mentions of the arrows sticking out of its hide, and also multiple mentions of the fact that the creature is bleeding and apparently dying. Mention of blood on the ground underneath it. The same creature later gets stabbed in the gut with a sword up to the hilt. Again, there are a few mentions of blood in relation to its injuries.

I feel that I must reveal this one spoiler because it increases the emotional intensity of what is going on, but PLEASE NOTE that this is a HUGE SPOILER. DO NOT CLICK THE FOLLOWING SPOILER TAG UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE SPOILED FOR THE BIG TWIST OF THIS BOOK!!! The bear-like cloven, aka the creature that I said gets shot and stabbed and is dying gets revealed to be the Igiby children's long lost father, transformed into a mutant creature just like Cal/Tink was. His final moments are very emotional and sad, but touching. He ultimately sacrifices himself to save his children, wife, and the people of the Hollow by continuing to fight despite his mortal wounds and finally swimming after the boat that took the children, defeating the bad buys on it, and then disappearing under the water.

[Annelise Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️!!! Didn’t expect all the plot twists this book had, so good!! Also love listening the audiobook!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... WOW. I started this series not really liking the first book but committed to reading the rest of the books with the family. This book is where you see why everyone loves this series. It made me cry and I did NOT expect the plot twists. Fantastic for the whole family!

[Gillian Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A land free of Fangs! Well, almost... After a harrowing journey across the Dark Sea of Darkness, the Wingfeathers arrive at last in the Green Hollows, safe and sound. But there is one slight problem. The Hollowsfolk make it very clear that Kalmar, now possessive of whiskers and a tail, is not welcome.

As the Throne Warden, Janner is pledged to protect his younger brother. In school, at home, on the playing field. Each day presents new challenges as he and his siblings adjust to life in the Hollows. What is a Throne Warden to do when he doesn’t want to be the Throne Warden? And how does he protect a King who doesn’t want to be the King? Bullying classmates are the least of Janner’s troubles, however, for whispers of a monster in the Hollows threaten to bring the fear of the Fangs back into their new life.

Since reading the first two books in the Wingfeather series, I eagerly awaited the release of book number three: The Monster in the Hollows. It was with a great sense of excitement and trepidation that I first cracked open the cover and peered at the tale penned upon the pages within.

True to form, Andrew Peterson once again weaves a tale of incredible beauty and depth, wrought with themes of love, loyalty, family, and self-sacrifice.

Peterson’s characters talk and act true to life, so much so that at times it seemed like they were living breathing human beings who might at any moment step off the pages of the book and into my backyard.

The Monster in the Hollows presents a plot that is unique and original and resorts in many paper cuts from speedy page turning. While the action is not quite as intense and dark as in the previous tale, the story draws you in like a fish on a line until you are hooked and cannot get away.

I highly recommend The Monster in the Hollows and all of the Wingfeather Saga to any lover of fantasy.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

O my gosh!!! So good!! Why did I EVER even THINK about stopping this series?! I have seriously no idea because if I had stopped I would have been missing out on one of the most hear felt, warm, raw, captivating, loving, learn from this amazing moment books ever! I mean seriously I, while reading this book, had to deal with almost soaking the book because I was going to cry, having my heart ripped( several times), and having to cover up the paragraphs ahead because I was reading ahead wanting to know what happens! Seriously...read this book! It will change your life!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of this series was good, but not great. However, the author has more than made up for it in the second and third books. I will purchase the entire series as they are well worth rereading. Wonderful tale of adventure and growth, kindness and hatred, love and loss.