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The Wingfeather Saga #4
The Warden and the Wolf King
All winter long, people in the Green Hollows have prepared for a final battle with Gnag the Nameless and the Fangs of Dang. Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli—Throne Warden, Wolf King, and Song Maiden of Anniera—are ready and willing to fight alongside the Hollowsfolk, but when the Fangs make the first move and invade Ban Rona, the children are separated. Janner is alone and lost in the hills; Leeli is fighting the Fangs from the rooftops of the city; and Kalmar, who carries a terrible secret, is on a course for the Deeps of Throg. Meanwhile in Skree, Sara Cobbler and Maraly Weaver care for the broken Artham Wingfeather as Fangs muster for battle across the MightyRiver Blapp.
Sea dragons lurk in the waters. Wicked Stranders crawl through the burrows. Ridgerunners and trolls prowl the land. Cloven haunt the forest. Monsters and Fangs and villains lie between the children and their only hope of victory—in the epic conclusion of The Wingfeather Saga.
Sea dragons lurk in the waters. Wicked Stranders crawl through the burrows. Ridgerunners and trolls prowl the land. Cloven haunt the forest. Monsters and Fangs and villains lie between the children and their only hope of victory—in the epic conclusion of The Wingfeather Saga.
607 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2014
729 people are currently reading
6845 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Peterson
20 books4,593 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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July 21, 2014
In the words of Thorn O'Sally- "It's good. Real good."
July 3, 2014
Many of my reviews boil down to something like, “This book was real good.” And that isn’t as helpful as it probably could be. So, even though I do think that the last installment of the Wingfeather Saga was excellent, I’d like to go a step further and give you seven reasons why you should read it. Here goes!
7 Reasons to Read The Warden and the Wolf King
Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller.
There are writers who are known for creating strong characters. Others have signature plot twists or descriptive language. Andrew Peterson is the full package. In addition to creating some great characters to root for, Peterson keeps the story interesting with unexpected turns. All the while, he shows off his knack as a skilled wordsmith by using the words and the cadence of their reading to put the reader in the desired mood.
The book is told from multiple viewpoints.
Rather than being trapped inside one character’s head, we get to see the tale unfold from all three of the Wingfeather children’s eyes. This helps keep the plot fresh by being in multiple places at the same time. This tactic is a staple of fantasy and Peterson uses it with finesse.
Siblings can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.
I have two girls, and once they have the attention spans to accommodate longer books, I’m looking forward to reading them the Wingfeather Saga. Peterson doesn’t whitewash the fact that “brother” is just one letter off from “bother,” but neither does he glamorize sibling rivalry. If anything, kids could learn a lot about embracing the fact that siblings are often differently gifted and learning to tolerate some of their more annoying aspects as well. The Wingfeathers may not always get along, but they always show what love looks like when it counts.
Parents can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.
As a parent, I would love to raise my kids as well as Nia Wingfeather raises hers. And while young readers are imagining the story through the struggles of the children, I’m seeing it from Nia’s eyes. How would I feel if some dark evil was after my kids? How much freedom should I allow my kids when they have a history of making bad choices? What can I do to equip them for the battles they will face rather than trying to fight all of their battles for them? Parents would do well to see how the matriarch of the Wingfeather family handles herself and her kids. She isn’t a perfect mom, but she loves her kids and wants to do the best she can for them. I want the same.
This book came into existence because it was demanded by fans.
In a move that I’ll never understand, after the first two books in this series were published by Waterbrook Press (and they won a bunch of awards and such), the publisher dropped the series right in the middle. Peterson published the third book on his own dime and made it available through his personal channels, but for the fourth book, he appealed to his fans. Andrew Peterson launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final installment. With the way Kickstarter works, if no one cares enough about a project to fund it within a certain time-frame, then it doesn’t happen. Peterson’s goal was $14,000 (the minimum amount he needed to write, edit, print, and ship the book to the people who funded it) and by the end of the campaign he raised $118,188 (which is quite a bit more). His fans really believed in this book, and with good reason (it is excellent).
Fantastic creatures abound.
If there’s something you expect to see in a fantasy series, it is some fantastic beasts. The Wingfeather Saga doesn’t disappoint, having enough beasts and awesome creatures to warrant a separate book to document the lot (Pembrick’s Creaturepedia).
The end of the book closes the series well.
I’ve read too many book series where the final installment is rushed to print and leaves much to be desired (I’m looking at you, Hunger Games, and from what I’ve heard, Divergent). Either authors don’t know how to wrap the story up or they don’t want to part with their characters, but as a reader, it is so much nicer when the author can pull all the threads of the tale together in a way that is believable and intentional. I’m not saying that I don’t want to read more about the Wingfeathers, but I feel like that the story arc that began in book one has reached a good conclusion in book four.
I firmly believe that the Wingfeather Saga is the next Chronicles of Narnia. I hope Peterson continues to write (when he isn’t too busy as a touring musician). I’ll gladly be part of any crowd-funding effort that ends with another of his books in my hands.
Seriously, go buy a copy today!
7 Reasons to Read The Warden and the Wolf King
Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller.
There are writers who are known for creating strong characters. Others have signature plot twists or descriptive language. Andrew Peterson is the full package. In addition to creating some great characters to root for, Peterson keeps the story interesting with unexpected turns. All the while, he shows off his knack as a skilled wordsmith by using the words and the cadence of their reading to put the reader in the desired mood.
The book is told from multiple viewpoints.
Rather than being trapped inside one character’s head, we get to see the tale unfold from all three of the Wingfeather children’s eyes. This helps keep the plot fresh by being in multiple places at the same time. This tactic is a staple of fantasy and Peterson uses it with finesse.
Siblings can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.
I have two girls, and once they have the attention spans to accommodate longer books, I’m looking forward to reading them the Wingfeather Saga. Peterson doesn’t whitewash the fact that “brother” is just one letter off from “bother,” but neither does he glamorize sibling rivalry. If anything, kids could learn a lot about embracing the fact that siblings are often differently gifted and learning to tolerate some of their more annoying aspects as well. The Wingfeathers may not always get along, but they always show what love looks like when it counts.
Parents can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.
As a parent, I would love to raise my kids as well as Nia Wingfeather raises hers. And while young readers are imagining the story through the struggles of the children, I’m seeing it from Nia’s eyes. How would I feel if some dark evil was after my kids? How much freedom should I allow my kids when they have a history of making bad choices? What can I do to equip them for the battles they will face rather than trying to fight all of their battles for them? Parents would do well to see how the matriarch of the Wingfeather family handles herself and her kids. She isn’t a perfect mom, but she loves her kids and wants to do the best she can for them. I want the same.
This book came into existence because it was demanded by fans.
In a move that I’ll never understand, after the first two books in this series were published by Waterbrook Press (and they won a bunch of awards and such), the publisher dropped the series right in the middle. Peterson published the third book on his own dime and made it available through his personal channels, but for the fourth book, he appealed to his fans. Andrew Peterson launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final installment. With the way Kickstarter works, if no one cares enough about a project to fund it within a certain time-frame, then it doesn’t happen. Peterson’s goal was $14,000 (the minimum amount he needed to write, edit, print, and ship the book to the people who funded it) and by the end of the campaign he raised $118,188 (which is quite a bit more). His fans really believed in this book, and with good reason (it is excellent).
Fantastic creatures abound.
If there’s something you expect to see in a fantasy series, it is some fantastic beasts. The Wingfeather Saga doesn’t disappoint, having enough beasts and awesome creatures to warrant a separate book to document the lot (Pembrick’s Creaturepedia).
The end of the book closes the series well.
I’ve read too many book series where the final installment is rushed to print and leaves much to be desired (I’m looking at you, Hunger Games, and from what I’ve heard, Divergent). Either authors don’t know how to wrap the story up or they don’t want to part with their characters, but as a reader, it is so much nicer when the author can pull all the threads of the tale together in a way that is believable and intentional. I’m not saying that I don’t want to read more about the Wingfeathers, but I feel like that the story arc that began in book one has reached a good conclusion in book four.
I firmly believe that the Wingfeather Saga is the next Chronicles of Narnia. I hope Peterson continues to write (when he isn’t too busy as a touring musician). I’ll gladly be part of any crowd-funding effort that ends with another of his books in my hands.
Seriously, go buy a copy today!
June 15, 2014
An epic ending to an epic story. So very worth the read. Stories like this are the reason that GK Chesterton is quoted as saying that "fairy tales are more than true, not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be conquered."
This is one of the truest books I have ever read, even though it's fantasy. I have never read a more honest portrayal of human emotion, strengths, weaknesses, failures, and thought processes. What a beautiful story of redemption. It's an incredible look at what it means to be a leader and a hero, when at heart we are all broken and imperfect.
Besides all that, it's just a lot of FUN. :)
This is one of the truest books I have ever read, even though it's fantasy. I have never read a more honest portrayal of human emotion, strengths, weaknesses, failures, and thought processes. What a beautiful story of redemption. It's an incredible look at what it means to be a leader and a hero, when at heart we are all broken and imperfect.
Besides all that, it's just a lot of FUN. :)
July 28, 2019
I may come back and leave a review once I have recovered emotionally. 😉
September 7, 2022
Every time.
Every single time I read this book I sob.
HOW is it possible for the ending to feel so PERFECT???
Anyways...
Read this book.
Every single time I read this book I sob.
HOW is it possible for the ending to feel so PERFECT???
Anyways...
Read this book.
March 31, 2015
*sniff, SNIFF!!!!!* Mememmemmemme....this was soooooo sweet at the end. And...and...I WANT BOOK 5!!!!!!!!!! This CAN'T be the end of the series! There needs to be at least one more book. Or at least a short story. Please, Andrew Peterson, PLEASE!
I distinctly remember hearing about this series some years ago. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness? North! Or Be Eaten? What outlandish titles! I had no interest whastsoever.
Until I read Gillian Bronte Adam's glowing review.
Until I read the first page.
Aewiar, the world in which these tales take place, is a wonky world that introduces its perils and bizarre monsters with cheek. But as the series continues, especially at the end of of the second book and on, even some of the seemingly ridiculous jokes and creatures are revealed to have a deeper, often darker nature. The truth behind the Fangs of Dang and The Nameless One (named Gnag) is twisted and tear-jerking. Indeed, some of the places and people here are downright horrifying.
But it wasn't always that way. That's not how the Maker created it to be.
As evil closes in, it seems all beauty and joy is choked out of existence. Except there are lost Jewels. Jewels that evil seeks to destroy. Jewels that could restore hope again.
Our heroes are truly delightful. Our three main characters are children, and though they are young (the oldest is twelve), their maturity is far beyond their years, especially as the books progress. We also have quite a fantastic host of adult characters, including their queenly mother and piratey grandfather. But I have a name for you, dear readers. A name that has been written on my list of favorite literary characters.
Artham P. Wingfeather.
He is a gem. He is a literary gem. While reading about him, I was astonished and impressed how the author made me fall absolutely in love with him despite his...peculiarity in the beginning and his strangeness later on. Really, I could read a series all about him. Sadly, this series isn't it. Though Artham is an important character, he stays out a lot of the pages in Books 2, 3, and 4. And his absolutely BEST moment is in Book 2. I understand why the author couldn't have him in the main climax of the final book, but I would have loved it if he had his own separate personal climax. And perhaps more of a back-story with his lady?
Now as for some things I didn't care so much for (besides prolonged absence of Artham). The monsters sometimes bordered on too bizarre. I mean some of the cloven were really creepy! I could take it in a book, but it would have been too weird for me on screen. But really it had a point. It was actually pretty heart-wrenching and important. So it's not something to complain about, just shudder-worthy. And other of the creatures were hard to take seriously. Toothy cows. Wow.
There were also some continuity inconsistencies I noticed, but nothing too awful.
Still, none of this really damaged my appreciation of these stories. Andrew Peterson is a remarkable and special author, bringing forth unique and profound tales that charm, chill, and captivate. He is truly a master storyteller. The closest style I could compare him to is Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events--except this is beautiful, less morbid, and severely more encouraging.
Readers may want to know that this series is sometimes to be considered to be a children's series, what with its young main characters and cheeky humor. But I disagree. Though mature kids from 10 (?) on up might enjoy it, the bad guys are quite evil, and the kids often find themselves in painful situations. Plus, these books deal with some pretty dark issues, such as a character mad from torture and guilt. If kids can read these books and glean the profound messages endowed here, good for them!
This is perhaps the most original way since The Chronicles of Narnia to portray the Great Truth.The bittersweet final book illuminates its beauty. I can't say too much for fear of giving anything away. But it is lovely. And the name of the last chapter? Lovely. And the epilogue?
GAH! HOW CAN THE AUTHOR SAY THIS IS THE FINAL BOOK WITH SUCH AN EPILOGUE???? Despite the satisfactory conclusion,the epilogue leaves our characters about to start on an adventure that has such potential and hope and...when you read it, you will join me in a chant for another book.
The young and old alike can enjoy these incredible tales of loss, restoration, failure, redemption, bitterness, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice.
So go read them. ;)
I distinctly remember hearing about this series some years ago. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness? North! Or Be Eaten? What outlandish titles! I had no interest whastsoever.
Until I read Gillian Bronte Adam's glowing review.
Until I read the first page.
Aewiar, the world in which these tales take place, is a wonky world that introduces its perils and bizarre monsters with cheek. But as the series continues, especially at the end of of the second book and on, even some of the seemingly ridiculous jokes and creatures are revealed to have a deeper, often darker nature. The truth behind the Fangs of Dang and The Nameless One (named Gnag) is twisted and tear-jerking. Indeed, some of the places and people here are downright horrifying.
But it wasn't always that way. That's not how the Maker created it to be.
As evil closes in, it seems all beauty and joy is choked out of existence. Except there are lost Jewels. Jewels that evil seeks to destroy. Jewels that could restore hope again.
Our heroes are truly delightful. Our three main characters are children, and though they are young (the oldest is twelve), their maturity is far beyond their years, especially as the books progress. We also have quite a fantastic host of adult characters, including their queenly mother and piratey grandfather. But I have a name for you, dear readers. A name that has been written on my list of favorite literary characters.
Artham P. Wingfeather.
He is a gem. He is a literary gem. While reading about him, I was astonished and impressed how the author made me fall absolutely in love with him despite his...peculiarity in the beginning and his strangeness later on. Really, I could read a series all about him. Sadly, this series isn't it. Though Artham is an important character, he stays out a lot of the pages in Books 2, 3, and 4. And his absolutely BEST moment is in Book 2. I understand why the author couldn't have him in the main climax of the final book, but I would have loved it if he had his own separate personal climax. And perhaps more of a back-story with his lady?
Now as for some things I didn't care so much for (besides prolonged absence of Artham). The monsters sometimes bordered on too bizarre. I mean some of the cloven were really creepy! I could take it in a book, but it would have been too weird for me on screen. But really it had a point. It was actually pretty heart-wrenching and important. So it's not something to complain about, just shudder-worthy. And other of the creatures were hard to take seriously. Toothy cows. Wow.
There were also some continuity inconsistencies I noticed, but nothing too awful.
Still, none of this really damaged my appreciation of these stories. Andrew Peterson is a remarkable and special author, bringing forth unique and profound tales that charm, chill, and captivate. He is truly a master storyteller. The closest style I could compare him to is Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events--except this is beautiful, less morbid, and severely more encouraging.
Readers may want to know that this series is sometimes to be considered to be a children's series, what with its young main characters and cheeky humor. But I disagree. Though mature kids from 10 (?) on up might enjoy it, the bad guys are quite evil, and the kids often find themselves in painful situations. Plus, these books deal with some pretty dark issues, such as a character mad from torture and guilt. If kids can read these books and glean the profound messages endowed here, good for them!
This is perhaps the most original way since The Chronicles of Narnia to portray the Great Truth.The bittersweet final book illuminates its beauty. I can't say too much for fear of giving anything away. But it is lovely. And the name of the last chapter? Lovely. And the epilogue?
GAH! HOW CAN THE AUTHOR SAY THIS IS THE FINAL BOOK WITH SUCH AN EPILOGUE???? Despite the satisfactory conclusion,the epilogue leaves our characters about to start on an adventure that has such potential and hope and...when you read it, you will join me in a chant for another book.
The young and old alike can enjoy these incredible tales of loss, restoration, failure, redemption, bitterness, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice.
So go read them. ;)
January 12, 2022
I’ve been struggling to figure out how to convey my feelings about this book and this series. I still don’t really know how.
I’ve never been so affected by a book. No spoilers here, but the ending of this book was incredible. My heart was absolutely broken but also fully healed and filled with hope and literally all the feelings at once. I sobbed for a solid 15 minutes.
There are so many layers of meaning in these books. The story is wonderful, and if you’re a fan of middle grade or fantasy or books like The Chronicles of Narnia you will probably enjoy this series. But if you are also a Christian the books will come alive for you in a totally different way. Without ever mentioning Jesus (they speak about the Maker at times but the books are not overtly religious), the Gospel shines out of these books. While reading them there would occasionally be a line or a scene that would speak right to my soul. And the reason the ending affected me so much is because of the Gospel.
Aside from that, the books are so fun. They’re funny and filled with adventure and monstrous creatures (Sea Dragons and Toothy Cows and Cloven and the Fangs of Dang). The characters are brave but imperfect, and they’re written in such a way that you can easily see yourself in them.
Read the books, have your kids read the books (my 8 and 10 year old loved them!). Get these gorgeous books out into the world because they need to be read. These are the sort of stories I wish there were more of.
I’ve never been so affected by a book. No spoilers here, but the ending of this book was incredible. My heart was absolutely broken but also fully healed and filled with hope and literally all the feelings at once. I sobbed for a solid 15 minutes.
There are so many layers of meaning in these books. The story is wonderful, and if you’re a fan of middle grade or fantasy or books like The Chronicles of Narnia you will probably enjoy this series. But if you are also a Christian the books will come alive for you in a totally different way. Without ever mentioning Jesus (they speak about the Maker at times but the books are not overtly religious), the Gospel shines out of these books. While reading them there would occasionally be a line or a scene that would speak right to my soul. And the reason the ending affected me so much is because of the Gospel.
Aside from that, the books are so fun. They’re funny and filled with adventure and monstrous creatures (Sea Dragons and Toothy Cows and Cloven and the Fangs of Dang). The characters are brave but imperfect, and they’re written in such a way that you can easily see yourself in them.
Read the books, have your kids read the books (my 8 and 10 year old loved them!). Get these gorgeous books out into the world because they need to be read. These are the sort of stories I wish there were more of.
June 4, 2014
Tolkien and Lewis can welcome a new member to the ranks of Christian fantasy writers. The eternal echoes of truth that Andrew Peterson is able to bring about through three young children, a retired pirate, a rather tubby librarian, and countless other unlikely heroes will follow in the wake of the Maker's grace. I laugh for joy at the end.
August 9, 2019
My kids (boys, ages 10 and 9) really liked these books until this fourth installment.
So many plot holes and questions.
Why did Nia let Janner be kidnapped by Clout and dropped alone in the middle of nowhere, when thousands of Fangs are trying to find him and kidnap him? Kalmar was blacking out and acting like a canine, then that suddenly stops until once more in cave? Why did Kalmar send the ridgerunners on a wild goose chase for fruit? He just said that he felt sorry for them. Why did Janner and Kalmar go to Throg, when they knew Gnag was in their thoughts, and therefore knew they were coming?
Why did Gammon agree to meet the Stranders at a place of their choosing? They deceive people for a living.
Why didn't Janner immediately kill the Stone Keeper when he had the chance? Why was Kalmar the only Fang who went up on the dais? Why were the gondolas so gross? How did Bonifer Squoon retain his memories even after he was melded, when other people couldn't unless they worked on it for weeks, or they didn't sing the song all the way? Why didn't Janner and Kalmar immediately kill Bonifer Squoon when they saw he was going to meld? Why didn't Janner and Kalmar have a plan for when they landed at the bottom of the mountain? They didn't have their weapons out. They didn't have the stone out, which the Fangs were afraid of. They didn't jump out before it got to the town. They didn't sing one of the old songs.
Why don't all the Wingfeathers have multiple weapons hidden on them, like Maraly did? Why did Leeli go to the window when Gnag asked her to? Why did Leeli just hand over her whistleharp to the Stone Keeper? Why did the children open the chamber without any protest at all? Gnag said he would harm their mother, but there was no proof he had captured her.
Why did Gnag keeps his memories after he was melded? Why didn't Yurgen keep his? Why would Yurgen allow Gnag to battle and kill the dragons, when that was the exact reason Yurgen hated Podo Helmer? What happened to Yurgen? He was sort of there after the melding, then just disappeared?
Why didn't the Wingfeathers stay to help the Hollowsfolk bury all the dead? So callous. They'd come eat the food, then just go do whatever they wanted.
What happens to the cloven at Throg and Fangs at Skree or anywhere else who weren't there for the healing melding? Will someone else have to die to switch them back to humans or are they just stuck? The Maker said that Kalmar would know what to do when the time came. Why so cryptic? Can't the Maker just fix all those Fangs? Why wouldn't the Maker tell an 11-YEAR-OLD what to do? How can you expect his brother, a 13-YEAR-OLD, to figure it out and do the right thing at the last minute, one who hadn't even talked to the Maker? Janner is a CHILD. Asking him to sacrifice himself, and instantly know that's what he is supposed to do, is insane. And was he even supposed to do it? Was Kalmar the one who was supposed to die? He's ELEVEN. Kalmar at least had a day to think about it and prepare himself. Why wouldn't Janner be given that same opportunity?
NO ONE EVEN CARED THAT JANNER DIED. His mother is laughing on moments later. No one thought of the first well until the next day? They didn't solemnly lift his body and have everyone pay their respects? They didn't lay aside his weapons? They didn't honor him at all. They laughed about Artham's girlfriend, then went to bed.
WHERE WAS ARTHAM? Just hanging out in this treehouse for days and days -- knowing what his family was going through? He gets to be the throne warden again now that Janner is dead? Why? Because he's so good at it? Artham also has a weird dependence on Sara Cobbler.
What happened to the other first book, the smaller one that the Stone Keeper had? Why would the Stone Keepers try to meld with FISH? Why didn't it work, when they had done it successfully thousands of times before?
What happens if a monarch only has two children? Is there not a song maiden? Can the secret chamber not be opened until there are three? That makes no sense if the monarch is supposed to walk with the Maker. Does it have to mentioned every time Leeli so much as breathes, that she limps? Wouldn't Madia have wanted to hold her baby, even if it had died? Wouldn't she want to visit the grave? Wouldn't she want people to know his name and that he existed? They weren't suspicious that the mid-wife disappeared when the baby did? Why did Armulyn the bard just leave the orphanage -- all those abused, forlorn children, with only an older child to take care of them? Sara just left all those orphans at the end? Who is taking care of them? Have they gotten copies of the Fang ledgers so they can connect parents and children?
The Wingfeathers are rather cruel to anyone who isn't like them. They describe others as hideous, disgusting to look at, etc. Janner can't even look at his own brother sometimes. No wonder Gnag would think they rejected him.
And what was with all the love interests? The children are 13, 11, and 9, and they were paired up. Leeli is NINE and she's supposed to get married to Thorn when they grow up, and she has marital-type 'feelings' for him. CREEPY.
There were similar problems with the first three books also, but my kids enjoyed them so much, and I hoped the series would wrap-up better. We were all disappointed with this last book. The end made no sense. Janner died and we weren't given an opportunity to grieve, or a real reason for why that happened. And then maybe it can be reversed, according to the epilogue.
So many plot holes and questions.
Why did Nia let Janner be kidnapped by Clout and dropped alone in the middle of nowhere, when thousands of Fangs are trying to find him and kidnap him? Kalmar was blacking out and acting like a canine, then that suddenly stops until once more in cave? Why did Kalmar send the ridgerunners on a wild goose chase for fruit? He just said that he felt sorry for them. Why did Janner and Kalmar go to Throg, when they knew Gnag was in their thoughts, and therefore knew they were coming?
Why did Gammon agree to meet the Stranders at a place of their choosing? They deceive people for a living.
Why didn't Janner immediately kill the Stone Keeper when he had the chance? Why was Kalmar the only Fang who went up on the dais? Why were the gondolas so gross? How did Bonifer Squoon retain his memories even after he was melded, when other people couldn't unless they worked on it for weeks, or they didn't sing the song all the way? Why didn't Janner and Kalmar immediately kill Bonifer Squoon when they saw he was going to meld? Why didn't Janner and Kalmar have a plan for when they landed at the bottom of the mountain? They didn't have their weapons out. They didn't have the stone out, which the Fangs were afraid of. They didn't jump out before it got to the town. They didn't sing one of the old songs.
Why don't all the Wingfeathers have multiple weapons hidden on them, like Maraly did? Why did Leeli go to the window when Gnag asked her to? Why did Leeli just hand over her whistleharp to the Stone Keeper? Why did the children open the chamber without any protest at all? Gnag said he would harm their mother, but there was no proof he had captured her.
Why did Gnag keeps his memories after he was melded? Why didn't Yurgen keep his? Why would Yurgen allow Gnag to battle and kill the dragons, when that was the exact reason Yurgen hated Podo Helmer? What happened to Yurgen? He was sort of there after the melding, then just disappeared?
Why didn't the Wingfeathers stay to help the Hollowsfolk bury all the dead? So callous. They'd come eat the food, then just go do whatever they wanted.
What happens to the cloven at Throg and Fangs at Skree or anywhere else who weren't there for the healing melding? Will someone else have to die to switch them back to humans or are they just stuck? The Maker said that Kalmar would know what to do when the time came. Why so cryptic? Can't the Maker just fix all those Fangs? Why wouldn't the Maker tell an 11-YEAR-OLD what to do? How can you expect his brother, a 13-YEAR-OLD, to figure it out and do the right thing at the last minute, one who hadn't even talked to the Maker? Janner is a CHILD. Asking him to sacrifice himself, and instantly know that's what he is supposed to do, is insane. And was he even supposed to do it? Was Kalmar the one who was supposed to die? He's ELEVEN. Kalmar at least had a day to think about it and prepare himself. Why wouldn't Janner be given that same opportunity?
NO ONE EVEN CARED THAT JANNER DIED. His mother is laughing on moments later. No one thought of the first well until the next day? They didn't solemnly lift his body and have everyone pay their respects? They didn't lay aside his weapons? They didn't honor him at all. They laughed about Artham's girlfriend, then went to bed.
WHERE WAS ARTHAM? Just hanging out in this treehouse for days and days -- knowing what his family was going through? He gets to be the throne warden again now that Janner is dead? Why? Because he's so good at it? Artham also has a weird dependence on Sara Cobbler.
What happened to the other first book, the smaller one that the Stone Keeper had? Why would the Stone Keepers try to meld with FISH? Why didn't it work, when they had done it successfully thousands of times before?
What happens if a monarch only has two children? Is there not a song maiden? Can the secret chamber not be opened until there are three? That makes no sense if the monarch is supposed to walk with the Maker. Does it have to mentioned every time Leeli so much as breathes, that she limps? Wouldn't Madia have wanted to hold her baby, even if it had died? Wouldn't she want to visit the grave? Wouldn't she want people to know his name and that he existed? They weren't suspicious that the mid-wife disappeared when the baby did? Why did Armulyn the bard just leave the orphanage -- all those abused, forlorn children, with only an older child to take care of them? Sara just left all those orphans at the end? Who is taking care of them? Have they gotten copies of the Fang ledgers so they can connect parents and children?
The Wingfeathers are rather cruel to anyone who isn't like them. They describe others as hideous, disgusting to look at, etc. Janner can't even look at his own brother sometimes. No wonder Gnag would think they rejected him.
And what was with all the love interests? The children are 13, 11, and 9, and they were paired up. Leeli is NINE and she's supposed to get married to Thorn when they grow up, and she has marital-type 'feelings' for him. CREEPY.
There were similar problems with the first three books also, but my kids enjoyed them so much, and I hoped the series would wrap-up better. We were all disappointed with this last book. The end made no sense. Janner died and we weren't given an opportunity to grieve, or a real reason for why that happened. And then maybe it can be reversed, according to the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2021
The conclusion to the saga! And a much belated review.
So, first, I have to admit I was so mad at the title of this book (and the cover) XD I ordered it ahead of time when still reading book 2 so that I wouldn't have to wait to keep reading. And I put the pieces together before Kal became the Wolf King. So, book 2 spoilers. I was upsetted.
That said, it's a very pretty cover. All of the new covers are. And the title is fitting.
In many ways, this felt like a book of climaxes. Different story threads here and there all finally crashed together. But we still started out with this beautiful, homey family time. (The blindplopping was epic and I loved this part of the culture and worldbuilding.) Then the story just unravels from there and we push into the long-awaited war.
I really enjoyed following Sara and Gammon and Artham and company. Those were my favorite bits and the plot I was definitely most intrigued by. I wished there had been even more of Arthan and for him. His part seemed smaller somehow and that was a little disappointing. He was absolutely one of my favorite characters. But the whole organization and efforts in Scree drew me in. I wanted to see them fight and rebuild, so those glimpses were satisfying. And the storyline with Maraly was so fun and sweet, too!
The sea dragons also felt like the had a smaller role--a good one, albeit, but I think it could have been even cooler to dig deeper into their history and culture. And the climactic twist I can honestly say I didn't see coming until it was right upon me. I yelled at the book XD It was a neat way to bring all Naag's lines together. Also, I'd wondered about the whole "Nameless" thing from the beginning and it was neat to see how that actually tied in, which was not quite how I anticipated, but still really fun.
Oh man, all the Cloven stuff was so cool! I loved the city they found and how that led to another pocket of the world Peterson had built with yet another culture. They were fascinating and I definitely wanted to dig into them more.
And just because I must comment on the ending (without spoilers), I have mixed feelings. I can honestly say I didn't put the pieces together. I tried to puzzle it out, but it didn't hit me until it happened and so I was a little stunned. Perhaps I should have seen that coming, but for some reason it just didn't occur to me. I think it was clever and emotional and fitting. But part of me is glad the ending is just a little open-ended, too. (Though, I also think the end of book 3 hit harder for me, personally.)
And, of course, I still very much enjoyed the world and the characters in this one. The plot did pick up in this last book so that all the pieces finally merged together for the final climaxes of the story. But it still kept that familial, yearning, home-focused feeling that I loved from the first three.
I'm excited to read the Wingfeather tales next! This was a fun saga and I'm really glad I did finally read them.
There's no foul language and very little MG romance. There's some mild fantasy violence and thematically the story deals with a lot of brokenness--abandonment, love vs. hate, bitterness, forgiveness, freedom, power, etc. I'd recommend the book for 10/12+.
So, first, I have to admit I was so mad at the title of this book (and the cover) XD I ordered it ahead of time when still reading book 2 so that I wouldn't have to wait to keep reading. And I put the pieces together before Kal became the Wolf King. So, book 2 spoilers. I was upsetted.
That said, it's a very pretty cover. All of the new covers are. And the title is fitting.
In many ways, this felt like a book of climaxes. Different story threads here and there all finally crashed together. But we still started out with this beautiful, homey family time. (The blindplopping was epic and I loved this part of the culture and worldbuilding.) Then the story just unravels from there and we push into the long-awaited war.
I really enjoyed following Sara and Gammon and Artham and company. Those were my favorite bits and the plot I was definitely most intrigued by. I wished there had been even more of Arthan and for him. His part seemed smaller somehow and that was a little disappointing. He was absolutely one of my favorite characters. But the whole organization and efforts in Scree drew me in. I wanted to see them fight and rebuild, so those glimpses were satisfying. And the storyline with Maraly was so fun and sweet, too!
The sea dragons also felt like the had a smaller role--a good one, albeit, but I think it could have been even cooler to dig deeper into their history and culture. And the climactic twist I can honestly say I didn't see coming until it was right upon me. I yelled at the book XD It was a neat way to bring all Naag's lines together. Also, I'd wondered about the whole "Nameless" thing from the beginning and it was neat to see how that actually tied in, which was not quite how I anticipated, but still really fun.
Oh man, all the Cloven stuff was so cool! I loved the city they found and how that led to another pocket of the world Peterson had built with yet another culture. They were fascinating and I definitely wanted to dig into them more.
And just because I must comment on the ending (without spoilers), I have mixed feelings. I can honestly say I didn't put the pieces together. I tried to puzzle it out, but it didn't hit me until it happened and so I was a little stunned. Perhaps I should have seen that coming, but for some reason it just didn't occur to me. I think it was clever and emotional and fitting. But part of me is glad the ending is just a little open-ended, too. (Though, I also think the end of book 3 hit harder for me, personally.)
And, of course, I still very much enjoyed the world and the characters in this one. The plot did pick up in this last book so that all the pieces finally merged together for the final climaxes of the story. But it still kept that familial, yearning, home-focused feeling that I loved from the first three.
I'm excited to read the Wingfeather tales next! This was a fun saga and I'm really glad I did finally read them.
There's no foul language and very little MG romance. There's some mild fantasy violence and thematically the story deals with a lot of brokenness--abandonment, love vs. hate, bitterness, forgiveness, freedom, power, etc. I'd recommend the book for 10/12+.
March 26, 2016
Spoiler Free.
I could not review the third book in the series, Monster in the Hollows, simply because I wasted few minutes between reading it and reading this one. While I have the big picture items clear between the two, the story just flows so much together that I have a hard time separating them for purposes of writing a review.
"Janner's heart somersaulted with shame, embarrassment, envy, frustration at himself, contrition, gratitude, and then more frustration. As soon as he settled on one feeling, the next one crowded it out... He felt as if her were two people: one boy who saw the situation objectively, who knew the right answers - which were to be content with his lot, grateful to the Maker, humble to his calling - and another boy whom he hated, who felt things hotly and demanded attention like a child throwing a fit... be glad the Maker is real; be glad you get to be a part of this. He would settle for a moment, even breathe a sigh of relief. Then, like a rat in the kitchen, a dark thought would skitter across the floor of his thoughts." (The Warden and the Wolf King, chapter 89)
This apt description of how we feel about our true selves is poignant and almost holy. It is, however, sort of standard in a hero epic like this. It is important because we want our heroes to be holy. To be noble. To be authentically human and complex. But so often, authors stop there. They keep the control in the hands of their heroes.
What distinguished Peterson's writing from so many lesser hero stories out there is this next bit. The part that describes the invasion of grace. The honest and touching explanation of what happens after we submit to the Maker and He takes control of our hearts.
"Gradually Janner began to understand, deeper in his heart than any of these other thoughts or feelings, that what was happening inside of him was the Maker's doing. Just being this close... stirred the muck in Janner's soul so that every broken part of him floated to the surface and was drawn in sharp relief, just like those dust motes... The light (omitted to eliminate spoilers) illumined his heart...
Be still.
"What?" Janner said aloud, looking around for the owner of this voice. Someone had spoken but whom? When he tried to remember what the voice sounded like, its quality vanished from memory. Then he realized that, of course, the one who had spoken has also made the world. Janner trembled.
Be still.
"Yes sir," Janner whispered. He knew the voice and had always known it... He knew himself as he was known. He saw, and was still... A great love enveloped him... The voice repeated the words again and again, like a beating heart, until Janner was at last able to obey and to rest, rest, rest. Janner encountered - absorbed - an abiding peace that he would never forget all the days of his life.
He was still. And he was loved."
The third and fourth books in this gorgeous series offer us much to contemplate and they arouse in the reader a sense of connection to heroic ideas that are still relevant today and belong to all of us.
Book #3: Monster in the Hollows has many themes and loads of interesting landscape. A fascinating look into school (guilds), an incredible subplot with Nia and a new pastoral scene which is precariously held like holding one's breath. The lost are found. The blamed are found blameless. The monsters are real but they are not monsters at all. What starts as a hopeful, restful, pastoral story line is marred by tremendous loss and suffering but always pushes forward, reaching for the light.
Book #4: The Warden and The Wolf King is almost double the size of the first book (On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness) because it has a tapestry to finish weaving. So many threads from the first three books to bring together and a few more still to discover in this tome. This book is, without question, the best and the hardest. It is a constant series of triumphs and defeats and so much sacrifice. Like the final Harry Potter, LOTR and Narnia books, so many good characters will lay down the lives honorably and with hope in a good and loving Maker.
Without having a progressive social agenda, these books illustrate with absolute beauty the diversity in family relationships and the critical need of a father figure in the lives of central characters.
In one situation, we have a missing, presumed dead, father whose role must be filled by a grandfather and uncle. In a different situation, we have the possibility of a stepfather trying to find the right way to love children that are not his by birth (but are by love) without diminishing the memory of their father.
In another situation we have a gorgeous adoption story between unlikely characters who realize how much love they are capable of if only they will let their armored hearts be pricked. Peterson uses such beautiful descriptions to contrast the abusive father with the protective and loving adoptive father.
Finally, one of my favorite characters is also adopted and it is clear that her adoption is a blessing not only to her but a precious gift to her new family who can love their losses through her.
Without trying to be, I think, this book is very socially conscious. But it is so because all of these relationships are metaphors for spiritual relationships that all of us can identify with. The spiritual gifts of adoption that confer royalty on any who are willing to accept it are seen here in their many forms.
The death toll in this final book is, as expected, intense. The violence is real. But what really propels the book forward is "why" behind it all. Who is our villain? What made him a villain? What does he want? How much will he destroy to get it? How did these creatures become creatured? Why do the heroes do what they do? Why did the Maker allow all of these things to happen?
The book ends with a jarring and gutting sacrifice. I happened to have ended during Holy Week and I cannot escape the realization that the book ends, clearly, on a Good Friday note. There is, however, an epilogue. The epilogue is another example of how this is different than other modern hero stories. The final chapter of the book ends like The Iliad. A lot like The Iliad, as a matter of fact. But the epilogue gives us the Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It is not clear. It is a mystery. It requires us to look backwards over the first three books and study the signs and miracles and then take a leap of faith - but it is there if we want it.
A powerful and important series. Clearly inspired by a love of the classics and the One True Classic. These are the kinds of stories that our children need to read. To paraphrase Chesterton they need to know that the dragon can be beaten by the grace filled hero in each of us.
Thank you, Mr. Peterson.
I could not review the third book in the series, Monster in the Hollows, simply because I wasted few minutes between reading it and reading this one. While I have the big picture items clear between the two, the story just flows so much together that I have a hard time separating them for purposes of writing a review.
"Janner's heart somersaulted with shame, embarrassment, envy, frustration at himself, contrition, gratitude, and then more frustration. As soon as he settled on one feeling, the next one crowded it out... He felt as if her were two people: one boy who saw the situation objectively, who knew the right answers - which were to be content with his lot, grateful to the Maker, humble to his calling - and another boy whom he hated, who felt things hotly and demanded attention like a child throwing a fit... be glad the Maker is real; be glad you get to be a part of this. He would settle for a moment, even breathe a sigh of relief. Then, like a rat in the kitchen, a dark thought would skitter across the floor of his thoughts." (The Warden and the Wolf King, chapter 89)
This apt description of how we feel about our true selves is poignant and almost holy. It is, however, sort of standard in a hero epic like this. It is important because we want our heroes to be holy. To be noble. To be authentically human and complex. But so often, authors stop there. They keep the control in the hands of their heroes.
What distinguished Peterson's writing from so many lesser hero stories out there is this next bit. The part that describes the invasion of grace. The honest and touching explanation of what happens after we submit to the Maker and He takes control of our hearts.
"Gradually Janner began to understand, deeper in his heart than any of these other thoughts or feelings, that what was happening inside of him was the Maker's doing. Just being this close... stirred the muck in Janner's soul so that every broken part of him floated to the surface and was drawn in sharp relief, just like those dust motes... The light (omitted to eliminate spoilers) illumined his heart...
Be still.
"What?" Janner said aloud, looking around for the owner of this voice. Someone had spoken but whom? When he tried to remember what the voice sounded like, its quality vanished from memory. Then he realized that, of course, the one who had spoken has also made the world. Janner trembled.
Be still.
"Yes sir," Janner whispered. He knew the voice and had always known it... He knew himself as he was known. He saw, and was still... A great love enveloped him... The voice repeated the words again and again, like a beating heart, until Janner was at last able to obey and to rest, rest, rest. Janner encountered - absorbed - an abiding peace that he would never forget all the days of his life.
He was still. And he was loved."
The third and fourth books in this gorgeous series offer us much to contemplate and they arouse in the reader a sense of connection to heroic ideas that are still relevant today and belong to all of us.
Book #3: Monster in the Hollows has many themes and loads of interesting landscape. A fascinating look into school (guilds), an incredible subplot with Nia and a new pastoral scene which is precariously held like holding one's breath. The lost are found. The blamed are found blameless. The monsters are real but they are not monsters at all. What starts as a hopeful, restful, pastoral story line is marred by tremendous loss and suffering but always pushes forward, reaching for the light.
Book #4: The Warden and The Wolf King is almost double the size of the first book (On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness) because it has a tapestry to finish weaving. So many threads from the first three books to bring together and a few more still to discover in this tome. This book is, without question, the best and the hardest. It is a constant series of triumphs and defeats and so much sacrifice. Like the final Harry Potter, LOTR and Narnia books, so many good characters will lay down the lives honorably and with hope in a good and loving Maker.
Without having a progressive social agenda, these books illustrate with absolute beauty the diversity in family relationships and the critical need of a father figure in the lives of central characters.
In one situation, we have a missing, presumed dead, father whose role must be filled by a grandfather and uncle. In a different situation, we have the possibility of a stepfather trying to find the right way to love children that are not his by birth (but are by love) without diminishing the memory of their father.
In another situation we have a gorgeous adoption story between unlikely characters who realize how much love they are capable of if only they will let their armored hearts be pricked. Peterson uses such beautiful descriptions to contrast the abusive father with the protective and loving adoptive father.
Finally, one of my favorite characters is also adopted and it is clear that her adoption is a blessing not only to her but a precious gift to her new family who can love their losses through her.
Without trying to be, I think, this book is very socially conscious. But it is so because all of these relationships are metaphors for spiritual relationships that all of us can identify with. The spiritual gifts of adoption that confer royalty on any who are willing to accept it are seen here in their many forms.
The death toll in this final book is, as expected, intense. The violence is real. But what really propels the book forward is "why" behind it all. Who is our villain? What made him a villain? What does he want? How much will he destroy to get it? How did these creatures become creatured? Why do the heroes do what they do? Why did the Maker allow all of these things to happen?
The book ends with a jarring and gutting sacrifice. I happened to have ended during Holy Week and I cannot escape the realization that the book ends, clearly, on a Good Friday note. There is, however, an epilogue. The epilogue is another example of how this is different than other modern hero stories. The final chapter of the book ends like The Iliad. A lot like The Iliad, as a matter of fact. But the epilogue gives us the Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It is not clear. It is a mystery. It requires us to look backwards over the first three books and study the signs and miracles and then take a leap of faith - but it is there if we want it.
A powerful and important series. Clearly inspired by a love of the classics and the One True Classic. These are the kinds of stories that our children need to read. To paraphrase Chesterton they need to know that the dragon can be beaten by the grace filled hero in each of us.
Thank you, Mr. Peterson.
December 10, 2024
I can’t write a review for this. I just…
I’m not okay right now.
It’s OVER!?!?
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
I’m not okay right now.
It’s OVER!?!?
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
December 16, 2025
An emotions-filled, epic finale to the best fantasy series I have ever read!
✏️ Review ✏️ [reread: December 2025]
My heart feels so full, so content, and so deeply satisfied after reading this powerful and phenomenal tale for the second time (I needed to take a few days to process the ending again before attempting to write a brief reread review). The Wingfeather Saga's final book is a fabulously constructed story that shines with dynamic and deep characterization, shimmers with seamlessly woven themes and biblical allegory, and pulses with artistic beauty and realistic storytelling. This is a powerful, adventurous, action-packed, and epic fantasy saga, but it's also much more than that — it's a compelling and moving coming-of-age story; it's a poignant yet subtly interwoven biblical allegory; it's a chronicle of learning that true love cannot be separated from serving others selflessly; it's a journey of discovering and embracing the truth in a world where lies and deceit corrupt and destroy.
In this series conclusion, Peterson has continued to thoughtfully and realistically craft multilayered, dynamic, relatable, and well-rounded MCs. While all three Igiby siblings feature distinctive development in this finale, Janner and Kalmar's development is the richest. How both of their character arcs progress, intertwine, and then come to a powerful conclusion is immensely satisfying and beautiful — absolutely beautiful. These characters can break and uplift my heart from one page to the next!
I've given a number of books five stars over the years. But the five stars I give to The Warden and the Wolf King is special. These five stars go above and beyond all others, shining more brightly than every other five star rating I've given. The emotional depth, thematic richness, and interwoven truths in The Wingfeather Saga's final book make it a rare jewel to behold in today's fantasy collection. This series so poignantly portrays the pathos of human emotion, depicting the fragility, the limitations, and the pain of the human experience; but not without illuminating the hope that can be found amidst suffering and despair, the selfless love that that ultimately reigns victorious over evil, and the light that overcomes darkness.
And now over two years and almost 200 books later, I still affirm that The Wingfeather Saga is the best fantasy series I've ever read. It's a transcendent journey for all ages — an adventure of a lifetime....
✏️ Review ✏️ [November 2023]
'The Warden and the Wolf King' — Wow... how shall I describe this epic tome!? To begin with, the story and plot are artfully constructed and portrayed. Vived details, intense scenes, well developed, dynamic characterization, and several plot twists make this books pulse with the life of a story that will steal your heart from beginning to end. Instilling another dimension to the story, the interior illustrations are so realistic (some are happy, others are scary, other dramatic, and still others will touch your heart). Since the plurality of characters in this series is so well rounded and realistically described and portrayed (both in word and illustration), the reader will feel a relatable connection to most if not all of the protagonists as if he or she has been a lifelong friend. Dynamic changes in the main characters brings readers heartwarming and, yes, heart wretching scenes. Peterson's vivid, crisp, descriptive, and smooth writing style is so amazing! Biblical allegory is masterfully woven into the fabric of the series, just one of the aspects that makes the 'The Warden and the Wolf King' and the Wingfeather Saga as a whole a rare and shining jewel in the genre of fantasy, especially in this age. The theme of brotherly love is clearly defined and powerfully portrayed; this theme will prompt the siblings in this series to make sacrifices for each other that will provide for even further dynamic character development. Packing a powerful punch of emotions the ending of will leave you shaken with a heart and eyes brimming with tears! 'The Warden and the Wolf King' takes the number one place as the book with the most shaking, emotional, yet satisfying ending in my 10+ years of devouring good books. Blending sacrifice, courage, wonder, and redemption, the Wingfeather Saga is a must read (believe me!). So, nuff said. Get reading. And prepare yourself for an epic adventure you will never forget.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — it's a great balance between the slower moments, the intense sequences, and the unexpected twists.
• The MCs (Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli) — their roles come to full fruition in this finale and their development is so deep and tangible (especially Janner and Kalmar's)
• The multi-POV — I liked how this final book delved into each character's thoughts and internal development; made for a more immersive experience.
• The sibling dynamic among the three Igiby siblings (especially between Janner and Kalmar) — it's such a crucial and effectively utilized element of the story.
• The minor characters — their memorable and feature distinctive personalities.
• The seamlessly woven themes (selfless love, courage, responsibility, the importance of family unity, etc.) — they impart such a deeper dimension to the storyline.
• The writing style — it's engaging, descriptive, and rhythmic.
• The ending (man, it hit me like a ton of bricks!) — it's sooo unexpectedly powerful and poignantly illustrates so many of the story's themes.
• The illustrations (applies to the 2020 illustrated edition) — they're so artistically done (if you haven't read the 2020 editions yet, please do that; the illustrations and spectacular cover art are totally worth it).
• The map — yes, I love maps.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• (Can't think of a thing!)
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!!!*
— To whom? To those who have read Books One, Two, and Three in 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: 5/5
— 📝 Writing: 5/5
— 👥 Characters: 5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 3/5
• Two potentially disturbing, somewhat vivid scenes involving on-page character death; one of the scenes includes some mild descriptions of wounds (mentions blood).
• Many mildly intense sequences of war and action-adventure violence including sequences of peril.
• One scene recounting the events leading up to a situation involving off-page character death; includes some minor details about circumstances of death.
• One brief scene of mildly descriptive actions of child abuse.
• There are two or three illustrations of horrifying creatures and situations which could be disturbing/unsettling to younger readers (applies to the 2020 illustrated editions only).
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• Just one very brief mention of a male and a female character kissing.
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: See my review for North! or Be Eaten (Book 2) for a discussion of this series' magic content (link is below).
• My reviews for the other books in The Wingfeather Saga:
— Book 1 (On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
— Book 2 (North! or Be Eaten): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
— Book 3 (The Monster in the Hollows): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• So what was his heart telling him to do? Not his fear, not his brain, but his heart.
No, that wasn't right either. It wasn't his heart he needed to listen to — it was the love in which his heart rested. (p. 70)
• "What do you think runs thicker than the blood in your veins?"
She blinked through her tears and took a trembling breath, then looked him in the eye as fiercely as she could manage. "Love."...
[She] sniffed and said, "Love runs stronger than blood. Deeper than any name you could give me." (p. 168)
• "There's a powerful magic in songs, you know. They can aim the heart, point it at what matters." (p. 224)
• [A] single, beautiful act done for the sake of another could shine out across the dark of the ages like a breaking dawn. (p. 307)
• "When you run out of hope, everything is backward. Your heart wants the opposite of what it needs." (p. 477)
✏️ Review ✏️ [reread: December 2025]
My heart feels so full, so content, and so deeply satisfied after reading this powerful and phenomenal tale for the second time (I needed to take a few days to process the ending again before attempting to write a brief reread review). The Wingfeather Saga's final book is a fabulously constructed story that shines with dynamic and deep characterization, shimmers with seamlessly woven themes and biblical allegory, and pulses with artistic beauty and realistic storytelling. This is a powerful, adventurous, action-packed, and epic fantasy saga, but it's also much more than that — it's a compelling and moving coming-of-age story; it's a poignant yet subtly interwoven biblical allegory; it's a chronicle of learning that true love cannot be separated from serving others selflessly; it's a journey of discovering and embracing the truth in a world where lies and deceit corrupt and destroy.
In this series conclusion, Peterson has continued to thoughtfully and realistically craft multilayered, dynamic, relatable, and well-rounded MCs. While all three Igiby siblings feature distinctive development in this finale, Janner and Kalmar's development is the richest. How both of their character arcs progress, intertwine, and then come to a powerful conclusion is immensely satisfying and beautiful — absolutely beautiful. These characters can break and uplift my heart from one page to the next!
I've given a number of books five stars over the years. But the five stars I give to The Warden and the Wolf King is special. These five stars go above and beyond all others, shining more brightly than every other five star rating I've given. The emotional depth, thematic richness, and interwoven truths in The Wingfeather Saga's final book make it a rare jewel to behold in today's fantasy collection. This series so poignantly portrays the pathos of human emotion, depicting the fragility, the limitations, and the pain of the human experience; but not without illuminating the hope that can be found amidst suffering and despair, the selfless love that that ultimately reigns victorious over evil, and the light that overcomes darkness.
"[S]he thought of this one battle, in which there would be countless acts of heroism, sacrifice, and honor, which were seen and would be remembered long after the heroes died and became points of light in a dark sky, connected by memories like constellations, each of which painted a picture that all the darkness of the universe could never quench."
And now over two years and almost 200 books later, I still affirm that The Wingfeather Saga is the best fantasy series I've ever read. It's a transcendent journey for all ages — an adventure of a lifetime....
✏️ Review ✏️ [November 2023]
'The Warden and the Wolf King' — Wow... how shall I describe this epic tome!? To begin with, the story and plot are artfully constructed and portrayed. Vived details, intense scenes, well developed, dynamic characterization, and several plot twists make this books pulse with the life of a story that will steal your heart from beginning to end. Instilling another dimension to the story, the interior illustrations are so realistic (some are happy, others are scary, other dramatic, and still others will touch your heart). Since the plurality of characters in this series is so well rounded and realistically described and portrayed (both in word and illustration), the reader will feel a relatable connection to most if not all of the protagonists as if he or she has been a lifelong friend. Dynamic changes in the main characters brings readers heartwarming and, yes, heart wretching scenes. Peterson's vivid, crisp, descriptive, and smooth writing style is so amazing! Biblical allegory is masterfully woven into the fabric of the series, just one of the aspects that makes the 'The Warden and the Wolf King' and the Wingfeather Saga as a whole a rare and shining jewel in the genre of fantasy, especially in this age. The theme of brotherly love is clearly defined and powerfully portrayed; this theme will prompt the siblings in this series to make sacrifices for each other that will provide for even further dynamic character development. Packing a powerful punch of emotions the ending of will leave you shaken with a heart and eyes brimming with tears! 'The Warden and the Wolf King' takes the number one place as the book with the most shaking, emotional, yet satisfying ending in my 10+ years of devouring good books. Blending sacrifice, courage, wonder, and redemption, the Wingfeather Saga is a must read (believe me!). So, nuff said. Get reading. And prepare yourself for an epic adventure you will never forget.
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — it's a great balance between the slower moments, the intense sequences, and the unexpected twists.
• The MCs (Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli) — their roles come to full fruition in this finale and their development is so deep and tangible (especially Janner and Kalmar's)
• The multi-POV — I liked how this final book delved into each character's thoughts and internal development; made for a more immersive experience.
• The sibling dynamic among the three Igiby siblings (especially between Janner and Kalmar) — it's such a crucial and effectively utilized element of the story.
• The minor characters — their memorable and feature distinctive personalities.
• The seamlessly woven themes (selfless love, courage, responsibility, the importance of family unity, etc.) — they impart such a deeper dimension to the storyline.
• The writing style — it's engaging, descriptive, and rhythmic.
• The ending (man, it hit me like a ton of bricks!) — it's sooo unexpectedly powerful and poignantly illustrates so many of the story's themes.
• The illustrations (applies to the 2020 illustrated edition) — they're so artistically done (if you haven't read the 2020 editions yet, please do that; the illustrations and spectacular cover art are totally worth it).
• The map — yes, I love maps.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• (Can't think of a thing!)
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!!!*
— To whom? To those who have read Books One, Two, and Three in 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: 5/5
— 📝 Writing: 5/5
— 👥 Characters: 5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 3/5
• Two potentially disturbing, somewhat vivid scenes involving on-page character death; one of the scenes includes some mild descriptions of wounds (mentions blood).
• Many mildly intense sequences of war and action-adventure violence including sequences of peril.
• One scene recounting the events leading up to a situation involving off-page character death; includes some minor details about circumstances of death.
• One brief scene of mildly descriptive actions of child abuse.
• There are two or three illustrations of horrifying creatures and situations which could be disturbing/unsettling to younger readers (applies to the 2020 illustrated editions only).
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• Just one very brief mention of a male and a female character kissing.
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: See my review for North! or Be Eaten (Book 2) for a discussion of this series' magic content (link is below).
• My reviews for the other books in The Wingfeather Saga:
— Book 1 (On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
— Book 2 (North! or Be Eaten): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
— Book 3 (The Monster in the Hollows): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• So what was his heart telling him to do? Not his fear, not his brain, but his heart.
No, that wasn't right either. It wasn't his heart he needed to listen to — it was the love in which his heart rested. (p. 70)
• "What do you think runs thicker than the blood in your veins?"
She blinked through her tears and took a trembling breath, then looked him in the eye as fiercely as she could manage. "Love."...
[She] sniffed and said, "Love runs stronger than blood. Deeper than any name you could give me." (p. 168)
• "There's a powerful magic in songs, you know. They can aim the heart, point it at what matters." (p. 224)
• [A] single, beautiful act done for the sake of another could shine out across the dark of the ages like a breaking dawn. (p. 307)
• "When you run out of hope, everything is backward. Your heart wants the opposite of what it needs." (p. 477)
January 16, 2022
Each book in this series is better than the last, so it’s no surprise that this was my favorite of them all. It was beautiful and redemptive and also heartachingly, bitterly sad in parts. I loved it.
September 27, 2016
A brilliant ending to a brilliant series. Lots of page-turning. Lots of feels. Lots of laughing. And I'll admit, I almost cried once.
I have so much love for the characters. Leeli's humble music power; Kalmar, struggling within himself; Janner, loyal to the very end of it all. I related to them all because there is truth in every character, a sliver of some struggle that everyone can understand and relate to. It's so good.
And ARTHAMMMM. (no, his name isn't actually spelt with that many 'M's. I got excited) Basically, he. is. just. ahmazing. And great. And brilliant in every way. The Florid Sword is pretty cool too. Oh, and I can't not mention Oood. He was totally great.
This book was probably the darkest book of the series, but there was still a fair amount of humour like the others. There's more blood, and fighting and epic battles and sieges and troll poetry (which is almost as scary as the battles the first time you hear it xD), and I loved it all.
The ending and epilogue. Just AGHHH.
Also...Podo. He rocked this book. He was a perfect old grandpa.
The plot had several twists in it, I guessed some, others I was too engrossed in the story to notice until they were on top of me. Although it probably didn't help that I read the other three books at the beginning of the year, so I've probably forgotten half the details. It was page-turning and sucked me into the story from the start.
I highly recommend this series. An easy, fun and page-turning read, with quirky, realistic characters. Five stars that are well deserving for the entire series.
I have so much love for the characters. Leeli's humble music power; Kalmar, struggling within himself; Janner, loyal to the very end of it all. I related to them all because there is truth in every character, a sliver of some struggle that everyone can understand and relate to. It's so good.
And ARTHAMMMM. (no, his name isn't actually spelt with that many 'M's. I got excited) Basically, he. is. just. ahmazing. And great. And brilliant in every way. The Florid Sword is pretty cool too. Oh, and I can't not mention Oood. He was totally great.
This book was probably the darkest book of the series, but there was still a fair amount of humour like the others. There's more blood, and fighting and epic battles and sieges and troll poetry (which is almost as scary as the battles the first time you hear it xD), and I loved it all.
The ending and epilogue. Just AGHHH.
Also...Podo. He rocked this book. He was a perfect old grandpa.
The plot had several twists in it, I guessed some, others I was too engrossed in the story to notice until they were on top of me. Although it probably didn't help that I read the other three books at the beginning of the year, so I've probably forgotten half the details. It was page-turning and sucked me into the story from the start.
I highly recommend this series. An easy, fun and page-turning read, with quirky, realistic characters. Five stars that are well deserving for the entire series.
December 20, 2018
I began reading the first book of the Wingfeather Saga to my local grandkids in January 2017. Yesterday we finished the fourth and final book after a marathon (~5 hours) read aloud session. When I finished a chapter, I'd make eye contact and ask, "Stop or keep going?" and the answer was always a resounding "Keep reading, Nana!"
This series engaged their imaginations in an astonishing fashion. Peterson drops crumbs from many other stories and the kids were quick to pick them up. "Oh! That's like Frodo!" I appreciated reading about the fraternal relationship between Janner and Tink/Kalmar with three boys in the midst of brotherly irritations and affections. At the dramatic finish my boys were leaning on each other.
Magic happens when we share books aloud. The alchemy is simply splendid. This two-year odyssey is one of the pillars of my friendship with these grands. When I'm gone, I know these kids will remember the silence when I struggled to read through the sobs. They will remember a boy who was bent and broken and his brother whose mission was to protect him.
Andrew Peterson, thank you, sir.
This series engaged their imaginations in an astonishing fashion. Peterson drops crumbs from many other stories and the kids were quick to pick them up. "Oh! That's like Frodo!" I appreciated reading about the fraternal relationship between Janner and Tink/Kalmar with three boys in the midst of brotherly irritations and affections. At the dramatic finish my boys were leaning on each other.
Magic happens when we share books aloud. The alchemy is simply splendid. This two-year odyssey is one of the pillars of my friendship with these grands. When I'm gone, I know these kids will remember the silence when I struggled to read through the sobs. They will remember a boy who was bent and broken and his brother whose mission was to protect him.
Andrew Peterson, thank you, sir.
November 6, 2022
"it is not such a bad thing to be broken."
oh....... i knew i would cry, but i didn't expect to be so destroyed over just a book. and how wrong i was. the warden and the wolf king was a beautiful read; one of the most beautiful things i've read in a long time. the themes were..... so deep. i was surprised by how much i related to .
as someone who has spent so much time knowing that i'm broken, this book meant so much to me. it was special in a way that no other book has been to me.
even if you're not a fantasy fan, please read this series. it starts out slow, but it ended beautifully, and left me feeling closer to God.
read it.
oh....... i knew i would cry, but i didn't expect to be so destroyed over just a book. and how wrong i was. the warden and the wolf king was a beautiful read; one of the most beautiful things i've read in a long time. the themes were..... so deep. i was surprised by how much i related to .
as someone who has spent so much time knowing that i'm broken, this book meant so much to me. it was special in a way that no other book has been to me.
even if you're not a fantasy fan, please read this series. it starts out slow, but it ended beautifully, and left me feeling closer to God.
read it.
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December 16, 2024
when i tell you have i no words. I HAVE NO WORDS.
this book was phenomenal. i don’t even have the energy to write a full review, so someone harass me at some point.
the ending 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
this book was phenomenal. i don’t even have the energy to write a full review, so someone harass me at some point.
the ending 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
November 6, 2020
I feel really bad about giving this a 3 star rating. I loved this series as a whole, and would heartily recommend it... but, as a final novel, this was a little disappointing.
3/4 of the book felt very slow and a little draggy. I felt like things could have been cut to make the pace match that of the other books in the saga.
And then I last 1/4 of the book went bam, bam, bam, bam, and I didn't have time to emotionally respond to anything. There were things that happened that should have had weight, should have had more depth. But other things were happening and then, boom, I didn't have the chance to care as much as I wanted. There were also people that died that... why did they have to die? I'm confused. And sad. And then they were never mentioned again. What.
Also, Sara and the orphans had a lovely intermingling with the story until suddenly they were forgotten and we didn't hear about them until the last page basically.
And, everything was strange. There was a beautiful good vs evil contrast and then all the sudden there was a confusing blending of the lines and - idk. I don't have the words.
But also, I loved it? And I'd give it to my kids, and I'd recommend it to strangers. But it wasn't my new favorite.
3/4 of the book felt very slow and a little draggy. I felt like things could have been cut to make the pace match that of the other books in the saga.
And then I last 1/4 of the book went bam, bam, bam, bam, and I didn't have time to emotionally respond to anything. There were things that happened that should have had weight, should have had more depth. But other things were happening and then, boom, I didn't have the chance to care as much as I wanted. There were also people that died that... why did they have to die? I'm confused. And sad. And then they were never mentioned again. What.
Also, Sara and the orphans had a lovely intermingling with the story until suddenly they were forgotten and we didn't hear about them until the last page basically.
And, everything was strange. There was a beautiful good vs evil contrast and then all the sudden there was a confusing blending of the lines and - idk. I don't have the words.
But also, I loved it? And I'd give it to my kids, and I'd recommend it to strangers. But it wasn't my new favorite.
July 9, 2022
This series is incredible. Richly drawn characters with deeply rooted emotions that you irresistibly relate to... a vividly real world that you wish was real... the pages bursting through with humor, musicality, exquisite poignancy, and with that sturdy, timeless yet new feel that exists in those "new stories with an old soul." Yes, it's an epic fantasy series, but it's so real too. Undoubtedly that story which will make you both weep and laugh. I adore it. (It's my second favorite fictional series in the world.) <3
October 12, 2020
Reread 2020: Still very good. I did kind of have to skim through one of the last chapters because I couldn't deal, and the more I think about it, the more that particular scene gives me weird vibes, but still — very good. And the new editions are gorgeous.
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I'm probably the last one of my Wingfeather-fan friends to read this book, and now that I finally have read it, I can't help but wonder: why the black-burnt pumpernickel did I wait so long?
The answer comes immediately: because I didn't want the story to end, didn't want to say goodbye to my favorite characters, didn't want to face the emotions that come with the end of any truly amazing series. And, honestly, those are really silly reasons, because yes, this is the end, yes, I had to say goodbye, yes, my emotions took a serious (possibly critical) hit during this book, particularly the last several chapters, but The Warden and the Wolf King is amazing and wonderful and, yes, the best book in the series.
The Awesome (Condensed version, because I can't just paste the entire text of the book in the review):
-More POVs. In the past books, we've had mostly Janner's POV with a little bit of other characters as the story requires. This story was still primarily Janner, but we also got to see the POVs of the other two Wingfeather siblings (for the first time), plus some others.
-Leeli.. I mean, Leeli's been consistently awesome through all the books, but I almost feel like up to this point she's been more Janner and Kalmar's admittedly awesome little sister and less her own definitely awesome character. She's sweet and brave and never. gives. up.
-Gammon and Maraly. These two need a spin-off series because their story is both sweet and epic and they're both cool on their own but when they're together? Critical levels of awesome.
-Artham Wingfeather. Who is one of my favorite characters in the entire story. Anytime he comes into the scene, I (mentally) cheer. He is, in my opinion, one of the best pictures of a broken life becoming more beautiful because of, and not in spite of, its brokenness, of mistakes making a person stronger even as they exact a toll on that person's heart.
-The cloven. I'd like to say: I totally called part of the cloven plot twist. The rest of it, however, I didn't expect but very much liked.
-Family. As in the previous Wingfeather books, family and the importance thereof is a very big thing here. The Wingfeathers don't get along perfectly, but in the end, they love one another, stick with each other, and sacrifice for one another.
-The poem/song at the end of the book. Which is beautiful and lovely and I need to know the tune for it so I can try to sing it. Or maybe I just need a video/mp3 of someone else singing it.
The Bad (such as it is):
Nothing major. There were one or two continuity errors (one in particular that annoyed me: ). Some of the Fangs and cloven (namely the spidery ones) creeped me out a bit.
The I-CAN'T-EVEN (for various reasons).
Warning: Spoilery.
-Gnag's backstory and fate. I mean, I had suspicions about who he might really be, particularly after the first part of the book. But still . . . I did not see that one coming.
-Podo Helmer.
-The ENDING (not the epilogue). This is mostly "I CAN'T EVEN" in a good way because it was awesome and beautiful and . However, it's also "I CAN'T EVEN" in a "WHY WAS I GIVEN EMOTIONS" way because
-The epilogue. I don't even know what to think. On one hand, I love it because it gives me a little extra hope and the promise of new adventures. On the other hand, I want to know what happened!
Overall, The Warden and the Wolf King is amazing and wonderful. It's a perfect ending to the series and I highly recommend you read it- as long as you read the others first.
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I'm probably the last one of my Wingfeather-fan friends to read this book, and now that I finally have read it, I can't help but wonder: why the black-burnt pumpernickel did I wait so long?
The answer comes immediately: because I didn't want the story to end, didn't want to say goodbye to my favorite characters, didn't want to face the emotions that come with the end of any truly amazing series. And, honestly, those are really silly reasons, because yes, this is the end, yes, I had to say goodbye, yes, my emotions took a serious (possibly critical) hit during this book, particularly the last several chapters, but The Warden and the Wolf King is amazing and wonderful and, yes, the best book in the series.
The Awesome (Condensed version, because I can't just paste the entire text of the book in the review):
-More POVs. In the past books, we've had mostly Janner's POV with a little bit of other characters as the story requires. This story was still primarily Janner, but we also got to see the POVs of the other two Wingfeather siblings (for the first time), plus some others.
-Leeli.. I mean, Leeli's been consistently awesome through all the books, but I almost feel like up to this point she's been more Janner and Kalmar's admittedly awesome little sister and less her own definitely awesome character. She's sweet and brave and never. gives. up.
-Gammon and Maraly. These two need a spin-off series because their story is both sweet and epic and they're both cool on their own but when they're together? Critical levels of awesome.
-Artham Wingfeather. Who is one of my favorite characters in the entire story. Anytime he comes into the scene, I (mentally) cheer. He is, in my opinion, one of the best pictures of a broken life becoming more beautiful because of, and not in spite of, its brokenness, of mistakes making a person stronger even as they exact a toll on that person's heart.
-The cloven. I'd like to say: I totally called part of the cloven plot twist. The rest of it, however, I didn't expect but very much liked.
-Family. As in the previous Wingfeather books, family and the importance thereof is a very big thing here. The Wingfeathers don't get along perfectly, but in the end, they love one another, stick with each other, and sacrifice for one another.
-The poem/song at the end of the book. Which is beautiful and lovely and I need to know the tune for it so I can try to sing it. Or maybe I just need a video/mp3 of someone else singing it.
The Bad (such as it is):
Nothing major. There were one or two continuity errors (one in particular that annoyed me: ). Some of the Fangs and cloven (namely the spidery ones) creeped me out a bit.
The I-CAN'T-EVEN (for various reasons).
Warning: Spoilery.
-Gnag's backstory and fate. I mean, I had suspicions about who he might really be, particularly after the first part of the book. But still . . . I did not see that one coming.
-Podo Helmer.
-The ENDING (not the epilogue). This is mostly "I CAN'T EVEN" in a good way because it was awesome and beautiful and . However, it's also "I CAN'T EVEN" in a "WHY WAS I GIVEN EMOTIONS" way because
-The epilogue. I don't even know what to think. On one hand, I love it because it gives me a little extra hope and the promise of new adventures. On the other hand, I want to know what happened!
Overall, The Warden and the Wolf King is amazing and wonderful. It's a perfect ending to the series and I highly recommend you read it- as long as you read the others first.
July 19, 2022
WAIT. WAIT I NEED ANOTHER BOOK. GAH.
normal review:
this series was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Andrew himself read it on audiobook. I intend to read it as a hardcopy at some point because I always experience books differently that way. and I don't think the story will lose anything a second time through.
favorite characters having read the whole series: Artham (I love you) and Janner (my son)
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a spoilery bit:
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yes I did cry at the end but I cried more at certain earlier scenes in the series, namely when we (and Artham) finally find out what happened to Esben. and the scene when Artham goes back to get Sara at the mill-turned-orphanage and breaks down in the little upper room. also still thinking about the last time Janner sees Artham and DOESN'T KNOW. so yeah mostly Artham.
the epilogue is KILLING me though.
the ending was sad but given the biblical influence Andrew is bringing and how this kind of fantasy usually plays out (HP, narnia, LOTR, etc) it was inevitable that someone would die a sacrifice. I was heartbroken but almost content to accept the ending as it was. but then the EPILOGUE .... I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS....
I do think this book perfectly captures both the aching beauty and complicated sense of injustice surrounding self-sacrifice.
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Edit/update: okay at first I was (obviously) really frustrated by the epilogue but the more I think about it... it's a genius ending! If the reader believes the stories are true--believes in any kind of resurrection--then the epilogue is complete. It's already written. It has been for a long time. And if the reader doesn't, then that gaping question at the end will not stop haunting them for a long while; in the best way.
normal review:
this series was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Andrew himself read it on audiobook. I intend to read it as a hardcopy at some point because I always experience books differently that way. and I don't think the story will lose anything a second time through.
favorite characters having read the whole series: Artham (I love you) and Janner (my son)
.
.
.
.
.
.
a spoilery bit:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
yes I did cry at the end but I cried more at certain earlier scenes in the series, namely when we (and Artham) finally find out what happened to Esben. and the scene when Artham goes back to get Sara at the mill-turned-orphanage and breaks down in the little upper room. also still thinking about the last time Janner sees Artham and DOESN'T KNOW. so yeah mostly Artham.
the epilogue is KILLING me though.
the ending was sad but given the biblical influence Andrew is bringing and how this kind of fantasy usually plays out (HP, narnia, LOTR, etc) it was inevitable that someone would die a sacrifice. I was heartbroken but almost content to accept the ending as it was. but then the EPILOGUE .... I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS....
I do think this book perfectly captures both the aching beauty and complicated sense of injustice surrounding self-sacrifice.
.
.
Edit/update: okay at first I was (obviously) really frustrated by the epilogue but the more I think about it... it's a genius ending! If the reader believes the stories are true--believes in any kind of resurrection--then the epilogue is complete. It's already written. It has been for a long time. And if the reader doesn't, then that gaping question at the end will not stop haunting them for a long while; in the best way.
April 17, 2024
“When you run out of hope, everything is backward. Your heart wants the opposite of what it needs.”
That sums up the heart of this overwhelmingly poignant and moving conclusion to the Wingfeather quartet. This book is about our identity in Christ and the hope He offers us. It’s about desiring peace over power. It’s about the possibility of rebirth and transformation instead of the despair and hopelessness of corruption and evil.
And it confronted me boldly about what it is my heart truly wants, and how faithfully I can truly live that desire out when I become hardened to the Maker’s voice and turn to my own understanding, jealousy, or pride.
Andrew Peterson has written this generation’s “Narnia”—this is that good! Following the adventures of the Igiby children through Aerwiar was every bit as fun, as wonderful, as revelatory, and as inspiring, as journeying through Narnia with the Pevensies. I absolutely loved every moment in this world, and can’t wait to return!
That sums up the heart of this overwhelmingly poignant and moving conclusion to the Wingfeather quartet. This book is about our identity in Christ and the hope He offers us. It’s about desiring peace over power. It’s about the possibility of rebirth and transformation instead of the despair and hopelessness of corruption and evil.
And it confronted me boldly about what it is my heart truly wants, and how faithfully I can truly live that desire out when I become hardened to the Maker’s voice and turn to my own understanding, jealousy, or pride.
Andrew Peterson has written this generation’s “Narnia”—this is that good! Following the adventures of the Igiby children through Aerwiar was every bit as fun, as wonderful, as revelatory, and as inspiring, as journeying through Narnia with the Pevensies. I absolutely loved every moment in this world, and can’t wait to return!
January 18, 2024
August 2019 review:
On this momentous day in history, a book legitimately made me sob. AND THEN LEFT ME WONDERING WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED AFTERWARD. THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE WAY TO END THINGS. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE JUST HAVE TO WONDER FOREVER????
*takes a deep breath* But seriously, this book just got more and more and more and MORE intense and took me through a complete roller coaster of emotions in a way that no other book has ever done. I could relate to it. I genuinely feared for the characters. I sobbed (first time ever sobbing at a book). This entire series was so moving and so spectacularly written and I can't believe it's over.
On this momentous day in history, a book legitimately made me sob. AND THEN LEFT ME WONDERING WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED AFTERWARD. THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE WAY TO END THINGS. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE JUST HAVE TO WONDER FOREVER????
*takes a deep breath* But seriously, this book just got more and more and more and MORE intense and took me through a complete roller coaster of emotions in a way that no other book has ever done. I could relate to it. I genuinely feared for the characters. I sobbed (first time ever sobbing at a book). This entire series was so moving and so spectacularly written and I can't believe it's over.
December 13, 2020
I finally finished! This is the best book/series I have ever read. I wish I could give this particular book a ten star rating, I loved it so so so much! I highly recommend this book and this series!
December 19, 2025
Wonderful book🤩 5 stars doesn't even begin to cover it!
July 1, 2021
3* for this book and for the series as a whole.
Andrew Peterson is extremely creative. That goes without saying. There's a tangible sense of fun all throughout the saga, and I spotted a handful of moments where the author's passion for storytelling and the arts in general really shined through. I can see why so many people love this series.
Unfortunately, it wasn't really my cup of tea--at least not as much as I had originally hoped. There was so much potential for this to be a truly memorable series for me, but (in my opinion) an underwhelming writing style, some frustrating story decisions, and a lot of missed opportunities held it back.
That said, I certainly don't regret reading it, and the covers are still gorgeous. Hooray!
Andrew Peterson is extremely creative. That goes without saying. There's a tangible sense of fun all throughout the saga, and I spotted a handful of moments where the author's passion for storytelling and the arts in general really shined through. I can see why so many people love this series.
Unfortunately, it wasn't really my cup of tea--at least not as much as I had originally hoped. There was so much potential for this to be a truly memorable series for me, but (in my opinion) an underwhelming writing style, some frustrating story decisions, and a lot of missed opportunities held it back.
That said, I certainly don't regret reading it, and the covers are still gorgeous. Hooray!
August 12, 2022
You’re not expecting that ending. It is the most beautiful.
April 9, 2024
I have never cried so much in a book!!!!😭5⭐️
July 14, 2021
At last. ♥️
RTC here or on my blog in the near future!
RTC here or on my blog in the near future!
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