For the first time ever, enjoy the beloved, bestselling Wingfeather Saga in its entirety with this convenient ebook bundle!
NOW AN ANIMATED SERIES • Based on Andrew Peterson’s epic fantasy novels—starring Jody Benson, Henry Ian Cusick, and Kevin McNally. Executive Producer J. Chris Wall with Shining Isle Productions, and distributed by Angel Studios.
This collection of Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga includes all four On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, The Monster in the Hollows, and The Warden and the Wolf King.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Andrew Peterson’s sweeping saga is full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage. It is a tale that children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Each book features interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art.
Hey, folks. If you're just discovering me or any of my work, it can be a little confusing because there are several facets to it. Here’s the rundown:
• I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)
• I write books. I’ve written a four-part fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga, along with Pembrick's Creaturepedia and A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest. The Wingfeather Animated Series is wonderful, and you can watch for free over at Angel.com. I've written two memoirs: Adorning the Dark, and The God of the Garden.
• I'm the founder of the Rabbit Room, a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship.
• I'm married to Jamie, and we have three sweet (grown) children, each of whom has a (grown) spouse (who is also sweet), and one very sweet granddaughter. We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.
The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can. Andrew-peterson.com
This series is one of my all time favorite kids’ book series. This sits at the same level or even above Narnia and The Hobbit! It starts off a bit slow and quirky in the first novel and steadily grows in scope and depth. By the end it has become a sweeping epic of grand proportions, and the beautiful finish is one of the most fitting I’ve ever read of any book or series. This is sure to become an ageless classic.
The whole family loved it and couldn’t wait for our moments driving together to listen to the excellent audio done by the author himself. 5 stars all around.
I enjoyed the 'Wingfeather Saga'! I didn't love the series, but I do understand those who do.
(There might be a few spoilers in this, though I'll do my best to keep away from them. I'm writing this review to answer complaints I've heard about the series.)
1. I've heard people complain that, though the Maker is mentioned all throughout the series, He feels distant throughout much of it.
I sort of... liked that? Sometimes God can feel really far away. It can feel like He’s silent. It can feel like He’s doing nothing. (Even though He is there, He does see, and He will take all the bad and make good come from it in the end.) A certain character’s frustration with God seeming silent/withdrawn is a struggle a lot of people have. He’s still there, just not… exactly tangible.
But the Maker DOES become tangible at different points. Certain characters are washed by His presence- which... is life giving. Even if He doesn't snap and fix all their problems. <3
2. Why don't the characters have more trauma after all they went through?
I think they did, each in their own way. (And there might be more in the years following after the books end.)
One character's guilt over their past, and fear of revenge others might take... almost rules them.
One character struggles to not fall into darkness, and keep chasing after the light. They have horrible guilt over what they've done. They struggle to accept forgiveness, or hope, when it is offered. Their relapses into the darkness and guilt seemed very real and well done.
Another character struggles with forgiveness. How can they truly love a character who hurt them, and could re-hurt them at any moment?
I appreciated there weren't 'quick fixes' to any of these problems.
3. Descriptions went too far/Got gory
Yea… That bothered me a lot. As an adult with an active imagination, it made me feel icky when he described certain things.
4. Leeli. Particularly her goodness. "She’s the golden child and everyone loves her and she’s literally perfect."
I ache for the golden children. 💔 They’re not perfect, even if they seem like it. They have deep thoughts, hurts, and longings… that they don’t say. They have just as many struggles as everyone else, they’re just better at hiding it. I think Mr. Peterson showed this well in the books.
I liked Leeli. I liked how sweet she was. How brave. How determined.
She DID fail. She let hate, pride, and fear cloud her, especially in the last book. Even though it felt warranted, I ached for her to release all three… because they would keep her from being what the Maker wanted her to be. She did have flaws. They just weren't as clear-cut as everyone else's. ❤️
She was also a breath of fresh air amidst a cast of characters struggling with pain in darker ways.
7.
13. Graphic Cloven
Yea… That bothered me a lot. As an adult, with a very active imagination, it made me feel sick whenever he described them. As well as other unsettling gory descriptions, throughout the series. (That might be one of my biggest qualms.)
18. Un-necessary subplot of Sara and the Fork Factory
I loved those sections. 😄 Borley… precious Borely… ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I did miss the other story, but I enjoyed what he shared instead. Perhaps even more than the actual plot.
19. How they did school in the Hollows.
I loved how they did school in the Hollows. 😄
20. The mother wouldn't let her oldest son do something he longed to, because she wanted him to protect his brother
*nods* I ached for Janner, over that… I’ve felt the same way, before. Wanting to do something, but ‘having’ to help my sister instead. 😄 However, I felt it was good for him. To sacrifice, learning to be a warrior would better teach him how to be a Throne Warden and defend his brother. Just like I feel like it’s been good for me to leave things undone to serve my little sister, to be selfless instead of selfish.
‘Why not rather be wronged?’ the Bible says. ‘Bear each others burdens.’ ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather in humility, serve others above yourself.’
21. The bullying. Why include it?
Yea. But… bullying’s real. (To paraphrase Joseph Brink, stories should show kids there is darkness in this world and that bad things will happen to you… Whether you deserve it or not. But there is hope to get through it.)
22. Olumphia
I thought she was funny. 😄 I also gave her a really funny voice when reading aloud to my mom and sister.
23. The Durgan Guild’s 13th birthday tradition.
I thought making him eat that many honeybuns was a bit much… But I thought the tradition of drugging and dumping the new man somewhere was interesting! It’s a bit similar to ‘coming of age’ ceremonies in real cultures around the world.
~`~
These are all real complaints people have brought to me about this series, and I thought I'd pay my two cents. 😄 I’d love to hear your thoughts!
these books strike such a deep chord within me. they make me laugh. they make me cry. they warm my heart and they tear it to shreds. there are not enough words to describe how they stir the soul. 🥹
these are books i have and will continue to read over and over again.
"it's going to make a great story... are you coming?"
I found the writing style a little uneven at places and there were scenes that felt icky, gruesome, and a little grotesque to me.
Still the books are witty and action-packed with powerful themes. While this Christian fantasy series includes the predictable themes of self-sacrifice and loyalty, it also deals with themes of trauma, guilt, and disability, exploring the brokenness of our human experiences in ways that could create a foundation for children to develop empathy and understanding for others.
I listened to the series read by the author. His interpretations of his characters, especially of the pirate grandfather and scholarly Oscar, add so much color and humor. This series is entering our school library and I am expecting it will be a hit.
I am such a big fan of everything Andrew Peterson has written. I've read this series twice through and plan on reading it a third time. really well written.
A solid 8/10. I cant wait to read this to my children. If it were a three-book series that was more tightly paced and written with the tone that Peterson finds about halfway through the second volume, it would be a 10/10.
(Parents: There is a significant intensity cliff in these books. The first two volumes are largely whimsical tales, while the last two deal with darker themes that you’ll want to be aware of before exposing your children. Peterson is never gratuitous, but he writes with intensity.)
Andrew Peterson understands a few things that make his writing and the Wingfeather world so engaging:
-Peterson understands Children: The way that the kids act in this story is consistently appropriate to their respective ages. Little things like the oblivious humor of a ten-year-old boy or the embarassed infatuation of a nine-year old girl make the characters relatable and real. The same could be said of the way these children fit into their respective families.
-Peterson understands Sacrifice: No good thing come without a cost in these books. Most of the characters who grow and/or achieve something of significance are those who are willing to lose everything to do the right things (and vice versa).
-Peterson understands Consequences: Each actions leads to a reaction. Every decision our characters make impacts the world around them, along with those who inhabit it. It’s a joy to watch the world change respond to the choices our heroes and villains make in these books (especially when they make mistakes). Perhaps another way to say this is that Peterson knows that we all bear the responsibility of influencing each others.
-Peterson understands Identity: In a world (and a church?) obsessed with “identity,” Peterson demonstrates a sense of clarity about this oft-misunderstood subject. His characters are not unilateralliy defined by their traits or their decisions. Rather, we meet people who take on roles and duties, fulfilling them in distinct ways as their abilities and personalities allow. Fathers and truly fathers and teachers are truly teachers, but never in a manner that’s formulaic or stale. Conversely, villains are those who are hopelessly confused about who they are and whom they must be.
All-in-all, I understand what they hype is about! These were great fun, and had I read them in my elementary years, I’m sure I’d be giving this a 10/10.
(PS: The audio book experience for these books is incredible. Peterson narrates like he knows the characters inside and out. Go figure. Once we get past the footnotes, it’s one of the best listening experiences I’ve enjoyed.)
The best series I’ve read in a long time and one that I will be recommending to every reader I encounter—yet not with out its faults.
I have started this series several times and have to say that the first 50pages can be hard to get through, they feel like Tolkien fan-fiction. While fun and playful, not always well placed. Once past this books 1 and 2 are virtually perfect. Book 2 could have been twice as long since so much happens and it’s all really engaging. Book 3 could have been 2/3 the length, though it was still very enjoyable, book 2 is just so good that it has hard competition.
But book 4, WOW! What a fantastic climax! Yet, my husband and I stayed up late and talked about what the ending should have been—we feel so strongly about this change that I really hope Peterson considers doing a 2nd edition.
Peterson’s use of the First Well in the epilogue opens up his world (masterfully built) for major problems. First, the Well has never been used the ways he implies and if it did he opens up problems for previous uses. Artham cannot be healed by the Well, the Well seems to make things more of what they already are. And it cannot bring people back from the dead (the battle with the dragons? None that were dead were brought back) This also seems to over ride the acceptance and providence of the Creator that Klamar points out.
I propose that the last few chapters are changed just slightly: first Artham has such a disappointing resolve considering what are powerful character he is. He should be present when the rest of the melded are healed. I think this would only make the scene more powerful, between his and Kalmar’s discomfort with Janner’s sacrifice it would only amplify the glory. And would give true healing to a character that currently only ‘gets the girl,’ a real let down for such a damaged character. He also mirrors Janner and demands to be truly healed. I also think that for Janner to look at Artham in that moment and to say simply, “Protect.” Would give such weight and glory to the strength that Artham has given Janner throughout the books. This also would bring some real resolve and healing to Artham’s character.
Second, there are two possible epilogues that would keep the world consistent, resolve character tensions, and Peterson could even keep his ‘possible resurrection’. (Which, while I think is debatable, is still fully his choice as the author.) Option: Artham, still distraught by his past and being healed, goes to the entrance of The Fane and The Fire, he has a ‘Job’ moment—similar to Janner’s interaction with the Maker. (He obviously can’t open it.) Either the Maker can tell him to swallow his pride and accept forgiveness and the grace that has come to him through Janner or the Maker can confront him and bring back Janner. But, the resurrection of Janner has to be the choice of the Maker—to have it taken from his hand after Kalmar’s statement is to counter the will of God and break the World that Peterson has built.
If Janner remains dead, it would actually work perfectly for Sarah to be married to Kalmar, since the children already think of her as queen and she mirrors Nia very well! But Peterson should have closed her out more. In the current ending Peterson doesn’t fully resolve Artham and Sarah, which it a tragedy after all the work building them he’s done.
Peterson—please steal all the ideas and fix your book! It’s too great to have the last 30 pages that it currently has. Fix it so that it can become a classic and be read for the next 2000 years; because it really is (almost) that good. Fellow Moscow friends, Caleb and I will be fashioning a petition and collecting signatures for the second edition/alternate ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I read all of these out loud to my (now) 9 and 7 year old. Fantastic story, Peterson is a special writer. I got choked up a couple of times when I was reading these out loud to the kids. Not just kids books, as the saying goes. Peterson creates a longing for the redemption of all things.
This series has been a rollercoaster of emotions that I otherwise would not have had the wonderful chance to experience if not for Andrew Peterson and his amazing story.
The story of the wingfeather saga is one that changed me. I have read very few book series that I have fully enjoyed to the extent that I have enjoyed this one. and I wish that this isn’t over, but unfortunately with every great series comes an end; however, this is not the end of my feelings and realizations because of this series. I could not walk away from this series saying I had learned nothing, or that I experienced no deep emotions as a reaction, because that would be far from the truth. Although, I will admit that this is the perfect children’s story, I also believe any teenager or adult can read this and enjoy it. And if you have children, this is perfect to read along with them. Anyways, this is the first time in my whole life to have written an entire page long review about just how GOOD a book series is, and therefore because it is so good, I must convince you to read it as well (for both our benefits).
The first reason to read this book series is because of the brilliant storytelling.
Andrew Peterson is a master at spinning fun tales and adventure stories with humor, heart, and heroism. Nothing I have ever read compares to this kind of writing, because it feels so unique and entertaining and the author has such a specific way with writing that it is easily recognizable. While being excellently and brilliantly unique, Peterson manages to tell the story in a way that makes you feel what the characters are feeling, and it feels like you are the one going on the journey with the character, as if you were reading a journal entry from the character’s experiences. But in the best way possible. As I was reading this, I managed to get hints of the other character's deeper emotions using a brilliant technique: show not tell. Peterson progressively reveals hints and foreshadowing along the way leading to these amazing and spectacular moments that I was pleasantly surprised to have discovered. If this genius writing style isn’t enough to make you want to read this series, then maybe the characters will.
The characters of this story really make this book series what it was meant to be.
That might seem obvious, because aren't the characters the ones who make the story possible? Certainly, but in a lot of stories, the characters are either dull or you could honestly care less for them because they are so plain and 2-Dimensional. But no, no, no, no, the characters in the Wingfeather saga are so wisely crafted and stunning that there wasn’t a single main or even side character that felt boring or even annoying. Except for maybe the antagonists, but they are pretty evil. Which proves another point, even the antagonists are well written because they aren't just surface-level villains with no motive, and trust me on this because it seems that way at first, but you will understand as you keep reading. To get more specific, the main characters themselves are amazing. From a chubby book lover to a one-legged pirate to a man with literal socks on his arms… it doesn’t get much better than that. Except it does, I can’t spoil anything, but I have to mention that the characters who show up later are SOOO good. There is no division between female and male, not that I have to say that, but there’s a lot of diversity in characters. It doesn’t seem that way at first because the three main Igiby children are all white, but just wait. You have a girl with a crutch who is far from weak, a few characters who struggled with mental illness who broke all our hearts at some point, and the strong willed and diverse Sara Cobbler. What makes them so 3-Dimensional is the fact that they all have goals as well as things that hold them back. It all seems so realistic because of this.
Lastly, read this series for the moral lesson and heartachingly good story!
The Wingfeather saga made me laugh, it made me angry, sad, and happy. It doesn’t matter what religion you have or what you believe, read this book because it will teach you things that are necessary to live a positive and healthy life. The book deals with loss, grief, depression, mental instability, as well as positive outlooks on life, standing up for what’s right, and the love that brings family together no matter what, whether found family or by birth. Even though the book deals with sadness quite a bit, it is still a lovely book to read to children, just beware of some scenes that maybe are scary for really little ones. However, it is easy to overlook those bits because of how masterful this series is as a whole, and even if you don’t like it, I hope you can still appreciate Andrew Peterson’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Side note: Do I even need to mention the various kinds of animals that Andrew and his artistic brother invented and brought to life? Yes, I do. These fictional creatures are amazing and I recommend getting the “Pembrick’s Creaturepedia” if you’ve already read this series, because it offers a lot of cool information about all the kinds of animals/creatures in the Wingfeather saga. From Gunkees to flabbits to Toe Nibblers, it’s all very unique and creative.
Such an exciting series! I read it a few years ago, I believe, and spent a whole month just sitting outside under a tree in the warm sunshine, dappled sunlight sliding between the leaves down on the yellowish pages of my book...
I was laughing at some parts, crying at others, jerking forward in shock, then sitting back with a relieved---or despairing---sigh. I related to Janner so much, being twelve too at the time, and wished so many times I could have been in his shoes, or been in the presence of his family on their journeys.
A thought-provoking story with such powerful messages. Wonderful writing, too! I'll have to reread the series again sometime! Would definitely recommend for anyone who likes MG Historical Fantasy.
The Wingfeather series was such a fun read. Even though it's a young adult series, I was highly invested in it. I would recommend this series for ages 11 and up, as there are some scary parts for younger children. It's all about family, courage, responsibility, and love.
The last book, in particular, was a wild ride. One thing is for sure, you cannot guess what’s going to happen next! The way they ended the book and the series was fantastic. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun, cozy adventure to embark on.
This was a fun read aloud with our children that had them engaged and inspired by the valor and good character of the children the storyline follows the lives of. I would recommend this series to anyone but as an adult I picked up quite a bit of a drop in certain scenes of the story that seemed very childish and written to suit a much younger reader and then it would make quite the jump to very intense and harder to follow. Overall, its message was a powerful one and this book will likely be a repeat read for our family.
If you like magic and adventure and you are at least middle school age, then you will love this series. Follows three children (2 boys and 1 girl) ages 9-12, and the adults who love them, and they fight the evil in their world that aspires to conquer all. Adults: Definitely for you if liked Narnia, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings.
Okay, so I actually STOPPED reading it, but I didn't know how to cancel it. But I've read it before, and it's great!!! I mean, of course I was expecting what happened in the end, but I was still like, AHHH, OH MY GOSH THEY'RE THE JEWLS when I found out!! 😂😂😂
P.S. SPOILER ALERT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a well woven tale. It is so well written and thought out, the humor is so well fitting, and the characters are written so well that you cheer when they succeed and are downhearted when they don’t. I loved these books and would highly recommend them to anyone!
Incredible series that excites, captivates, and stretches the imagination. We read this to our older boys ~2 years ago. Stories of trial and adventure, family, and love. Looking forward to revisiting them with the two littles.
Wow. Maybe my favorite (previously unread) books of the decade. Very evil and never perfectly good characters crawl out of these pages into your heart. So, so fantastical and silly and spine tingling and redemptive.
This was darker and heavier than I expected, but it was so well done! The author created so many lovable characters and such an interesting immersive world with this one. Read the whole series aloud to the kids and we are sad it’s over. This is definitely going to be one we return to over and over again!
These were okay kids books but there are many unnecessary parts and some major inconsistencies that were hard for me to overlook. Many people love and enjoy these books and that's fine. However I was not a big fan.
I read the first two out loud to my 12 and 10 year olds, then they read the last two alone. I wasn't planning to finish the series, but I kept thinking about it and wondering what happened and I'm so glad I finished it!
I really like these books. Yes, they’re quite violent, and I know there are people who stopped reading them because of that. Which I think is really sad, because they miss out on the redemption themes in the last book. Redemption and self sacrifice are two themes I have worked hard to put in my writing, and these books are good examples of that.