Wild escapes. A desperate journey. And the ghastly Fangs of Dang. (The Wingfeather Saga Book 2)

Love this story! Such a whimsical fun story, sure to entertain the child in all of us! I am continually astounded by the creativity and humor Mr. Peterson weaves into his stories. There were definitely moments where I laughed aloud.

I would highly recommend this book to grades 4-6. All of the books in the series are AR. I enjoy the story, the witty footnotes and the wonderful illustrations. Each story chronicles the Wingfeathers on their journey to escape the Fangs of Dang. Great series so far and I can't wait to begin book three!

(Spoiler Free) When CS Lewis wrote Narnia, he wasn't really writing fantasy - he was playing with "dressed rabbits" - a style of anthropomorphizing pastoral animals and mythic creatures (like centaurs) so as to give the story a magical setting. Basically, however, the creatures all followed rules that were fairly basic to regular humans and this made Narnia quite relatable to most of it's readers.

When Tolkien built Middle Earth, he built an entirely different world than our own. Instead of magic invading the "real" world, Tolkien created another world with different kinds of creatures but still the same basic sense of physics/gravity and created order.

Peterson's Wingfeather books are more like Tolkien than Lewis. I understand why they are classified as fantasy (they do have otherworldly creatures) but they are not magical in the way that Harry Potter defies the laws of reality nor are they fantastic in the way that Percy Jackson super imposes an alternate reality on our own. Instead, they are very much a classic hero story set in a world that is remarkably like ours (minus a few hundred years). It would be more fair to classify Peterson as being like the author of Beowulf, Homer, Tolkien or any of the Robin Hood authors.

In this installment, the plot deepens and darkens. The characters are living under the terrible burden of an inescapable legacy during a dark time when evil is winning. Many of our primary characters are absolutely tested to the breaking point - and all bear awful scars from the choices that they make.

But, like any true heroic epic, there is never a moment without hope. There is always a fight to move towards the light and like the plot, the characters are deepened in so doing.

This book is intense. It is beautifully written and very exciting to read. We find ourselves utterly invested in our characters and so we suffer with them and we hope for them.

The mood and subtext of this book reminds me of Oliver Twist or Barrie's Peter Pan. Unlike Lord of the Flies, the darkness does not win. It scars. It wounds. It exacts a bounty. But darkness never really wins.

I am thrilled to have this series in our family library. This beautiful set of stories does what Chesterton and Lewis insist that good fairy tales do - it introduces my children to real and terrible dragons but shows them that those dragons can be defeated when heroes live sacrificially.

Unlike Narnia, this is not a collection of integrated stories. Like The Lord of the Rings, it presents one epic story broken across several volumes.

My particular children are not terribly sensitive to the struggles in hero epics and so at 5, 6 and 8 they cannot get enough of these books. For most children, however, I think that these are probably a better fit for 10+. There is no gratuitous violence - but there are violent struggles that clearly illustrate the battle between good and evil and there are bloody descriptions as appropriate. There are no outright tragedies in this volume but there is a lot of suffering. This could be an excellent family read aloud for a family who is steeped in saint/martyr stories and hero epic and who are willing to pause to discuss intense parts as needed.

This book didn't just exceed my expectations- it swooped them up, rattled them silly, dropped them, caught them, and tickled them till they cried.

Which is to say, it was marvelous.

At the beginning, I missed Glipwood and the funny lighthearted tone that made the first book so enjoyable. But, of course, our heroes missed the peace they'd left behind too, and Peterson did a wonderful job of bringing that home to the reader, even as he kept the page-turning action going. The characters developed so naturally and extraordinarily well, that even when the story plunged into surprising turns, I gladly followed, more than confident that this story would only get better. And it did.
If you read the first book, you will certainly find this a worthy sequel. And if you haven't read the first book, I would rectify that problem as soon as possible.*

*You could probably start with the second book without too much trouble (there are a few footnotes where he explains a reference to the first book). But really, why wouldn't you want to get to enjoy more time with these delightful characters and their extraordinary story?

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. ;)

This book didn't just exceed my expectations- it swooped them up, rattled them silly, dropped them, caught them, and tickled them till they cried.

Which is to say, it was marvelous.

At the beginning, I missed Glipwood and the funny lighthearted tone that made the first book so enjoyable. But, of course, our heroes missed the peace they'd left behind too, and Peterson did a wonderful job of bringing that home to the reader, even as he kept the page-turning action going. The characters developed so naturally and extraordinarily well, that even when the story plunged into surprising turns, I gladly followed, more than confident that this story would only get better. And it did.
If you read the first book, you will certainly find this a worthy sequel. And if you haven't read the first book, I would rectify that problem as soon as possible.*

*You could probably start with the second book without too much trouble (there are a few footnotes where he explains a reference to the first book). But really, why wouldn't you want to get to enjoy more time with these delightful characters and their extraordinary story?

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. ;)

Very rarely does a sequel carry on so wonderfully as the first book but this one only added to the first book and got even better! We just got done listening to the entire audio series and are now buying the books. This has become one of our new favorite books series. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings meets Narnia meets Princess Bride meets any other really amazing adventure book you can think of. We will be reading this again and again! A wonderful series. I have two daughters ages 10 & 13 and they both loved it as much as I did!

Full Disclosure Fact # 1 - this is the first time in a long time that I have read a book in the Fantasy Fiction genre. Full Disclosure Fact # 2 - this is my first encounter with the talent of Andrew Peterson ([...]), the author of the latest novel I've read, `North! Or Be Eaten.' In addition to his writing credits, Andrew is also a singer/songwriter and recording artist in the Contemporary Christian genre who has ten albums (I will be checking into his music next!).

This is Book Two in Mr. Peterson's The Wingfeather Saga ([...]). Book One is entitled `On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.' The Wingfeather Saga follows the adventures of the Igiby family; the children are Leeli, Janner and Tink. The other characters in this interesting tale are the children's mother, Nia, their grandfather, Podo (a pirate in his younger years), and Peet the Sock Man (aka Artham P. Wingfeather), among many others.

The story is full of amazing - and scary! - creatures such as the Toothy Cow, the Horned Hound (the horn is on his forehead), the Fangs of Dang, the Snickbuzzard (complete with a belly button!), the Chorkney (a large flightless bird), the Bomnubble, the Bumpy Digtoad and the Quill Diggle. Many of these creatures are featured in illustrations in the novel - by the multi-talented Mr. Peterson!

There are many allegorical themes which can correlate to the author's Christian faith. The main characters regularly pray to the Maker. The adventures of the Igiby family are a constant battle between good and evil. The family's ultimate destination is Kimera, which can be likened to Heaven. It is ultimately a story of redemption.

This novel is geared to the Young Adult Category, which is listed as ages 14 to 21. Although I am well past that age, I still think it is valuable to read books which spark our imaginations. And this novel does that very well.

Despite the fact that fantasy fiction is not my favorite genre, I still found this novel to be both entertaining and compelling. Admittedly, it did take me quite a few pages in for it to grab my attention. I think it would have been helpful to have read Book One, `On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness,' in order to more easily catch on. Once I did catch on, I can favorably compare it to C.S. Lewis's `Chronicles of Narnia' series and J.R.R. Tolkien's `The Hobbit' and the `Lord of the Rings' Trilogy, both of which I read many years ago. Mr. Peterson has the ability to create a fantasy world with characters that we ultimately root for, no matter our age.

In addition to the two titles in The Wingfeather Saga, Mr. Peterson is also the author of `The Ballad of Matthew's Begats,' a book explaining the lineage of Jesus to children ages 4 to 8.

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher, WaterBrook Press.

Reviewed by Andrea Schultz - Ponderings by Andrea - [...].

It's been revealed that the Igiby children are actually the precious and extremely sought-after Jewels of Anneira: King, Throne Warden, and Song Maiden. This revelation has dictated the need for Janner, Tink (now Kalmar), and Leeli, along with Podo, Nia, and of course Peet The Sock Man, to head north to the Ice Prairies in Andrew Peterson's second installment of the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten.

Adventures galore follow, as one obstacle after another puts the children to the test, revealing moments of cowardly shame, only to be redeemed by brave feats of courage. Readers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, as Peterson doesn't shy away from dark themes and settings here (the scenes with Janner in the black box are particularly difficult), but he never fails to bring that "pinprick of light" through the darkness as themes of redemption abound.

Whereas the first book in the series was a little slow for the first half as Peterson had to lay a lot of groundwork to develop the characters and vast world he'd created, book two hits the ground running and never stops. The action is non-stop, plot twists are interesting, the characters are hilarious and fascinating, and the ending is perfect. The story engages your imagination and gives you permission to experience it as a child.

While trying to conjure up adjectives to describe the wonderful story Peterson has created here, the only word I kept coming back to was "magic." This isn't Harry Potter; there are no spells or wizards or anything like that, but the themes themselves are magical. I feel like a 10-year-old even writing those things, but I think that's the point.

At one point, Oskar Reteep, the overweight book-lover, makes this statement:

"Here I sit in the presence of queens and heroes and magic. Yes, magic. It is only when we have grown too old that we fail to see that the Maker's world is swollen with magic - it hides in plain sight in music and water and even bumblebees" (p. 279)."

Reteep was stating my own feelings when he said that. In a cold, cynical, dark world, we long for something magical, something that reveals the Maker's power and the awe of redemption. That's what this book was able to do for me (that and make me long for the third installment in the series). It might be classified as Young Adult Fiction, but I think its engaging brand of storytelling will connect with the young person inside many adults as well, giving you an excuse and reason to believe, even if just as an escape, in the magic of stories and the power of redemption.

In 'North! Or Be Eaten' the Igiby/Wingfeather family faces a more perilous and treacherous journey then any of them ever imagined. There is of course the danger of the Fangs and the creatures of the forest, but now they have to deal with Stranders, Trolls, Dragons, a bunch of other terrifying monsters, and people who are more than willing to turn on them for money.

Janner and Tink have to deal with jealousies towards each other. They both also have many other issues that they have to deal with. Tink's fear of the responsiblity that comes with being the High King of Anniera. Janner, Throne Warden of Anniera, is tired of always looking out for Tink. Because of this, some things are said that hurt someone's feelings, and some terrible things happen. Here is what happened...I not going to say, as it will spoil the story for you, but trust me it is huge!

I greatly enjoyed reading 'North! Or Be Eaten' and have already started on the next book 'The Monster in the Hollows'. These books may not be for everyone, but for those who love to read action/adventure/fantasy novels these books will be right up your alley. I think that these also would be great books to read to the whole family, as I believe that young children would love this story!

My affection for Andrew Peterson runs deep. It is nearly impossible for me not to love anything the man sets forth to do. Still, I mainly know him in the context of his music. I have read many of his insightful journal entries, but wasn't sure how this would translate into full-fledged fiction novels. For all I knew, this would be like watching Michael Jordan attempt to play baseball.

I'm happy to report that his books are just as good. They are just as good because Peterson is a master storyteller. Whether it be songs or books, he is one of the most gifted people I know at putting things into words.

Peterson weaves a delightful tale of mystery, surprise, adventure, suspense, secrets and intrigue. The book starts off a bit slow, but picks up steam with each chapter. The character development was (literally) other-worldly. The imaginative genius behind it all is hard to fathom. The story can't help but make the reader want to be more courageous. The ending is so beautiful, it can make you cry. I'm still shaking my head as to how he came up with all this.

Initially, I was afraid of getting lost in the fantasy world which Peterson creates. Like an N64 controller, I feared that the names of the characters, creatures and places would get too complicated. I wasn't sure I would be able to keep things straight.

These fears quickly diminished as I got lost in a good way. Peterson paints this fantasy world of Aerwiar so clearly, it seems as if it isn't a fantasy world at all. It felt as real as this keypad upon my fingers. The characters' inner worlds are described in such detail, it's hard to remember that they are fictional. I got to know the Igiby family so well, I felt like a hidden member. Not only that, but I developed a sincere fondness for all of them. I dare say that I even started to love them.

I often found myself trying to guess what would happen next. Thankfully, I was hardly ever right. Each chapter ended with a wonderful cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to find out for myself the answers to the very questions the main character Janner was asking himself.

Apart from trying to figure out what on Aerwiar was going on, Janner was asking himself questions about his very nature. Who am I? What am I made of? Do I have what it takes to fulfill my unique calling? Can I satisfy what life is demanding of me?

I went through so much with this family, I couldn't help but feel as though I grew with them. I don't know what Peterson's goals were in writing these books, but I can't think of a better measure of success.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah.

It was delightful! When I picked up the first book in the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, I literally laughed out loud just reading the introduction. Then I found myself immersed in the saga of the Wingfeather children. This second book in the series continues the compelling tale of the Jewels of Anniera.

The method of storytelling bordered on ridiculous at times, in the way that only a fanciful tale can do, and for me personally that creativity is what made the book so delightful. I could imagine my own grandfather narrating such a story. I was truly swept along in a whimsical world full of joy and terror. I connected deeper with the truths of rejoicing in simple blessings, persevering through suffering and longing for a world without cruel injustice than I expected from a fantasy series billed for youth.

Peterson's storytelling and creativity truly shine creating a delightful tale for youth and adults alike. Even more, the deeper truths of discovering who you are and becoming who you were born to be, will challenge and inspire readers of all ages.

I highly recommend both On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and its sequel North! or Be Eaten. I haven't enjoyed a tale so much in years.

WARNING SPOILERS SKIP TO AFTER!This book was wonderful, The Igibys children, who once thought they were normal children, Finds they are royal, they have to run to the Ice Prairies, the fangs then have Gray Fangs who love cold, so the family must flee, while Tink was taken and transformed into a grey fang, Peet rescued him then when sea dragons came podo risked death, then they made it to the sea, Janner told Tink stories of when Tink was human, One day, Tink remembered a part, the next day he said his name, And finnaly had blue eyes. (he once had yellow eyes)

----SPOILLESS I loved the book so much! thank you Andrew, I could not choose my favourite part! Thank you.

This story starts out where the first book left off: in Peet the Sock Man's tree house. Janner, Tink, Leeli, Podo, and Nia are about to set off for the Ice Prairies, but they don't get going soon enough and end up on the run from the Fangs of Dang. It's a long, long journey to the Ice Prairies, and the Igby children are waylaid by some pretty horrifying setbacks. Will all in their party survive the trip? Will they get caught before they make it?

Oh, I likes me this book a way bunch! It makes me wanna talk like Podo, which I probably don't do as well as the old coot, but still I give it me best shot.

I liked this one better than the first, which is such a great thing. The characters were even better this time. I love the parallels with Janner and Peet. Two Throne Wardens struggling to do what they must even when it is nearly impossible. Andrew Peterson's style is funny and clever while telling a dangerous tale of woe. That's what makes his writing so unique. He's a wonderful writer and storyteller. I highly recommend this series. I cannot wait for book three. And I love the illustrations in the book. The Snickbuzzard with the belly button, especially.

Some of you may know Andrew Peterson for his fantastic music but he also has a superb talent writing

A few weeks ago I read through Peterson's first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness in just a few short hours. It was a funny, intriguing and captivating tale of a trio of kids, their mother and grandfather.

With Janner, Tink and Leeli you'll explore the aptly named world of Aerwiar. The second book, North! or Be Eaten is full of much more danger and conspiracy than the first. My fingers were tingling with anticipation: will Janner escape the factory? would Tink escape the Black Carriage? would anyone make it to the Ice Prairies?

You'll definitely enjoy yourself as Andrew weaves his tale. And, if you have kids, it's perfect for bedtime stories. The chapters are short and the characters are instantly likable.

So, beware the bomnubbles, the Gargan rockroach, the Fangs of Dang and the stranders. Aerwiar is a dangerous place right now, but the Jewels of Anniera promise hope. Redemption looms on the horizon.

You should definitely go pick up a copy of these books. If you still need convincing, just visit the Wingfeather Saga online and check out some of the characters in the Creaturpedia.

Here's to Andrew and his fantastic tales!

-joe

Excellent. For all adults who like children's books this one is a winner. The first book seemed a bit too childish at the beginning but Peterson hit his stride about halfway through that book. This one is exciting all the way through. He manages to give an memorable finish to this installment without ending the story, which isn't always true in series. Books two or three of a series have a tendency to be more "hyphen" than memorable stories in themselves. This one is an exception.

He hits the high point of the book at the last and finishes this part of the adventure with an exclamation point and a warm glow.

Andrew Peterson kindles imagination with the Wingfeather Saga. My children and I have read all four of his books. They are favorites. My children even pretend to be the Wingfeathers, taking a reading experience into play. I appreciate that Peterson is careful with his words, writing to elevate language but not in a difficult or unenjoyable way. I am so thankful for these books! They have already been reread and will continue to be for many years.

I just finished Andrew Peterson's next installment of the Wingfeather Saga Series, "North! Or Be Eaten". I must say at the outset that I am not a big fiction reader, in fact I can count on one hand how many fiction titles I have read in the past 10 years.

I couldn't dig into this book until I had to re-read his first book "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness", of which I am glad I did to refresh my mind of the characters and the setting. Where the first book was mostly set up and back story, this book is all action. North! Or Be Eaten keeps up a proper pace for an adventure-fantasy. This book is filled with hidden dangers, jealously, anger, remorse, and deadly secrets (for clarification, they are not the same as hidden dangers). Despite all the troubles that the characters faced, North! Or Be Eaten definitely ends on a hopeful note. I still have lots of questions and I am very curious about what the future holds for the Igiby's. I have a strong feeling that there will be another book or two in this series.

I am also quite sure kids will be riveted by the story and on the edge of their seats. I also encourage parents to read this along with their kids or to them so that you can bring out some of the questions the story poses.

There is also a very cool website devoted to the Wingfeather Saga which brings more clarification to the story and characters and also a note to the parents section. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments.

The reptilian Fangs of Dang crossed the Dark Sea of Darkness, conquered the Skree and instituted brutal martial law based on their bite that slowly and painfully kills (see ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS: ADVENTURE, PERIL, LOST JEWELS, AND THE FEARSOME TOOTHY COWS OF SKREE).

In the town of Glipwood had lived the Igiby family of Mother Nia with her father and her three children (sons Janner and Tink, and handicapped daughter Leeli). An incident at the Sea Dragon Festival caused by Leeli's beloved dog Nugget led to the three siblings learning the truth as to who they are; the Lost Jewels of the legendary Kingdom of Anniera. Fang General Khrek knows the prophecy of the Jewels of Anniera and wants to prevent it from occurring by killing the three heirs. Others want them dead also. Their only hope for safety is the frozen tundra of the Ice Prairies that the fangs cannot acclimate to. Besides avoiding Fangs who have a massive alert out for them; they must cross Glipwood Forest filled with monsters who enjoy dining on children; elude the East Bend Stranders who would steal the clothes off their moms while their moms would steal their clothes; and if they are still breathing the horrific Fork Factory, who they fear will use them as part of the manufacturing process.

Fans of the Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy the second super young adult fantasy while older readers will appreciate this too as this saga runs on several levels. The three Igiby children have plenty of adventures as they head to tundra that the fangs cannot enter, but once again it is the amazing allegedly handicapped Leeli who wins the hearts of the audience with her courage and optimistic outlook. Fans will ponder what escapades Andrew Peterson will come up with next for the three Igiby children to confront.

Harriet Klausner

The Wingfeather Saga continues with the whimsical,intense second entry in the series, (after the first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness).

Whimsical, because that's the tone that Peterson has used for this series. You can tell he has a lot of fun writing these books.

North! is actually a lot more intense than the first book. It is a little dark at times. In Dark Sea, he probably had fun setting up the fictional world of Aerwiar, while the second book takes on the tone of an Empire Strikes Back. The Igibys are forever being chased, hiding, or escaping some impossible situation. The short, punchy chapters keep the action going, and the almost non-stop cliffhangers always leave my boys howling for more (as we have been reading it at night the last couple of months).

Peterson has a wonderful imagination, and it shows in his characters. They are deep characters for a young adult novel. Most of the viewpoint is from 12 year old Janner, who feels a burdening responsibility for his family, in the midst of all the peril. He is a noble young man who has faults, loses his temper, and makes mistakes.

Also, Peterson is a noted songwriter/singer, so there is a lyrical nature to his prose. You can tell he takes care with the words he uses. The result is a finely crafted book that is entertaining and offers some deep insight into the human nature, sin, forgiveness, and rising up to your potential.

As I said, I'm reading it to my boys, ages 9 and 8. My eight year-old thinks it's the best book he's ever read, and he's a good reader. I think it is a great book for reading out loud, because it's fun enough to really get dramatic with it. It is well-written enough for adults to really enjoy it as well.

One more comment: Andrew Peterson is just a great all-around guy. My boys wrote letters to him about the book, and he took the time to write hand-written notes answering their questions. How cool is that?

If you're wondering if there is quality Christian fiction out there for your children, then this would be the first place I would recommend.

Originally reviewed on my blog, Spoiled for the Ordinary.

Welcome to the land where huge sea serpent arise from the depths to sing, horrible wolf-like creatures murder and terrorize the hopeless citizens, toothy cows roam the forests and where the Igiby family is right smack-dab in the middle of it, desperately trying to make their way north, without being eaten.

Forget the last book's quirkiness; this one's gritty, dark and emotional. Peterson's vivid writing portrays both violent betrayal and heart-warming reunions at equally graphic levels.

So basically, if you're looking for something a whole lot like the first Wingfeather book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, this isn't it. It's more like a slower paced version of Ted Dekker's Lost Books. And that's a good thing. Very good.

This was a great book! North or Be Eaten!, picks up where Book 1 left off. Brothers and sister, Janner, Tink, and Leeli, have discovered that they are the Jewels of Anniera... of royal descent... heirs to the throne of the Shining Isle. However, the evil Fangs of Dang are pursuing them, as their leader has his own plans for the royal trio. So the Igiby siblings (plus their protective mom, ex-pirate grandpa, and bookworm friend) are in hiding in their uncle's tree house. They receive word that a rebellion is forming in the North among the Ice Prairies. Their only hope is to flee North for refuge.

It is not an easy journey... there are the creepy creatures they encounter (including toothy cows, horned hounds, snickbuzzards and quill diggles), the sneaky Strander people, the terrible terrain, the foul Fangs, and the wicked Overseer... members of the Igiby family feel they have come to a dead end on many occasions. However, in the words of grandpa Podo, "There is always a way out."

I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that there are good lessons to take from this story, such as not judging from appearance... learning to love and forgive even when it hurts... and, of course, not giving up.

Looking forward to book 3!

You know, I am a southern-drawl talking, sweet tea sipping girl raised in the South. And what Southerner doesn't love a good story? Andrew Peterson's latest book delivers the continuation of a fantastic story as he follows the Igiby children and their entourage on their escape north to the Ice Prairies. I would run too, to get away from the horrible Fangs of Dang.

As you can imagine...or maybe not because Peterson is pretty inventive - the road north is filled with adventure and despair. Remember this is the middle book in the series, so it has to get darker before dawn. Let me tell you, the sky gets pretty black. But in the midst of the darkness, we learn more about each of the Igiby children, Peet the Sock Man, and others as they learn some valuable lessons about sibling rivalry, survival, sacrifice, and love. And at the end, we do glimpse that flicker of light - hope.

At times the humor is broad, it is laugh out loud funny. Then, there is also the subtle stuff. Very witty, if you catch it. But there has to be something more to keep me reading past the first book in a series. Humor can't stand alone. There has to be heart. Andrew Peterson excels at this. And that is what keeps me interested in the lives of Janner, Tink & Leeli Igiby.

The chapters are short and very entertaining, so it makes for a wonderful book to read to your children. Or if you are like me (because I don't lead a calm, uneventful life), it is also a great escape from the real world for just a little while.

Peterson's latest novel is more than just an exciting fantasy story to encourage your child to read. It faces some of adolescence's toughest questions, and some of life's greatest truths. Fantastical places (like the dreaded Fork! Factory!) and creatures (like the baleful Toothy Cow) set the stage for an adventure that is really one of discovery and life. The siblings face betrayal, selfishness, and the deception of their own hearts. They also face slavery, death, and the realization that their own grandfather was once a most wicked man. And through it all there is faith, hope, and love. More than just an advenutre, Peterson's latest is a lesson in life for young minds and older ones too. Highly recommended.

FINALLY! More Toothy Cows, Igiby children, Peet the Sock Man, nasty Fangs and so much more. The sequel to "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is finally here and it has been worth waiting for. I will say that like in the first book, it takes a few chapters to get into the amazingly unique world Andrew Peterson has created. To understand the characters, the land, the animals and the culture of the world and also to get into the wonderfully quirky writing style Andrew has - it is sheer genius, but very original. Once in the groove of the book, you can not put it down. I love this series.

I really enjoyed this story.

It picked up where the last book ended, and the characters and overall story were developed a lot more.
While the first book setup the history and setting, this book allowed the reader to just enjoy the story.
It has a lot of depth for a young adult book, and some very magical and humorous moments.

There's a little bit of a slow spot 1/3 of the way through the book, but do not put this book down!
The rest of the story was very gripping as the characters brave danger after danger.

Really looking forward to reading more of this series!

I'd love to see these stories made into movies someday.

Well done, Andrew Peterson.

I undertook this latest book after having recently completed a re-reading of the C. S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia series and the J. R. R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings series. I would definitely include the Wingfeather Saga alongside the works of these great authors, and I am already anticipating the day that Peterson writes and releases the next book in the series. This book is addressed to a more advanced audience than C. S. Lewis's Narnia, but without the deluge of history and details that sprinkle Tolkien's novels. Peterson gives just enough detail to let the reader know that the places and towns the Wingfeather's find themselves in have a rich history without taking away from the nonstop action and exciting adventures that befall the Wingfeather family. In fact, my one complaint about the book is that there never is a good time to set it down!