I first encountered Andrew Peterson when he opened for Caedmon’s Call at a concert in Waverly, IA in 1997. Because of his beautiful folk music and ability to use common but spellbinding lyrical imagery, he quickly became one of my wife’s and my favorite musical artists and we have seen him in concert several times since.
When I heard that he was beginning to write children’s fantasy books, honestly my first reaction was skeptical. Given my background in Christian retail, I can tell you that it seems too often a good-selling musical artist will write a book that wouldn’t hold its own apart from the author’s name.
I am delighted to tell you that this is most definitely not the case with Andrew Peterson and his Wingfeather Saga books. These books are not carelessly written – they are gems your whole family will love!
I had heard that Peterson began these books having been inspired by the C.S. Lewis “Narnia” books and that influence is noticeable but not in a copycat way. Hopefully that statement comes across as the huge compliment it is mean to be.
His first book (in what will be a trilogy) “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness” introduced us to the Igiby children (Janner, Tink & Leeli), their mother Nia and their quirky, ex-pirate grandfather Podo. They live in a land overrun by a lizard/snake race called Fangs and wonderfully bizarre creatures – like the Toothy Cows. After finding a secret map, the book follows their adventures with the haunting question – what was their now-deceased father (Esben) like? Who was he? The answer is so cool.
Their adventures are humorous and spine tingling and Peterson does a fantastic job of ending chapters in a cliff hanging way – such that neither you (or your children) will want to stop reading.
I don’t want to spoil the plot of either book, but I can tell you that what comes to mind when reading are echoes or hints of: Narnia, Lord of the Rings (though not as arduous), the Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and some delicious Douglas Adams moments. Yes – they are that good!
The second book “North! or Be Eaten” picks up wonderfully where the first left off, which is a good thing because upon reaching the end of book one we were dying to know what would happen next. With new and daring adventures, characters and creatures, “North” again shows Peterson’s skill at engaging the reader; drawing you into the story. "North!" was just as riveting (or even moreso) than the first book. We didn't want to put it down. Like any great story, the second act is darker than act I, setting the stage for the final act. And we were truly shocked and surprised at some of the twists and turns. Book 2 ends with and even more dramatic cliffhanger and the agonizing wait now begins for book 3.
Wonderfully and artistically crafted, these are books of family, danger, heartbreak, hope, humor and redemption. These are not just great children’s books – these are great books! Pick them up now!
addition: I desperately hope these will one day be made into quality movie versions as well
addition: I desperately hope these will one day be made into quality movie versions as well
