What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wingfeather Saga #2
North! or Be Eaten
Now in hardcover for the first time, featuring all-new illustrations! First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten . . .
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2009
About the author
Andrew Peterson
19 books4,097 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,819 reviews
March 17, 2016
(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.
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.
April 12, 2020
I CAN'T EVEN COPE RIGHT NOW. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME ANDREW PETERSON???!!!! *endless screaming*
My heart is tangled in knots. Again. As if it wasn't enough to absolutely destroy me the first time, you had to do it again. Only this time you scared me so bad I put off reading it for a week. :P
*Side Note* This review is full of spoilers for those who haven't read the first book. 😃
Only amazing storytellers cause such emotion to rise in me, and I doubt I could relay to you my joy at the torture finally being over. 😂 The torture of watching these beloved characters suffer through so much. It's like we just get bad thing after bad thing after bad thing and FINALLY the ending helps heal us...a little bit. *sigh*
Andrew Peterson reminds me of C. S. Lewis and Robin McKinley combined (in some weird way). Both are masters at storytelling and yet can be so deep. I don't think Mr. Peterson gets as deep as either of them, but his style is similar. He adds his own taste of humor as well. :) I've really enjoyed being immersed in his world.
Setting ~ The ice prairies, all manner of lands and experiences. I felt like the setting was always changing (because they were always on the move) and keeping you excited. The surrounding elements definitely added color and suspense to the adventure.
Plot ~ Well...I've noticed a lot of mixed opinions on the pacing, but to me it was really fast paced--especially because the chapters are so short. The action, emotions, decisions, etc that the characters dealt with really effected the story nicely.
Description ~ My heart is invested in Andrew Peterson's details. His way of describing things is unique, and I really liked that. The scenery and hard choices Janner had to make were really detailed well, and forced you to see--feel--like you were really there.
Content ~ Ehhh....it can get violent. And there were somethings that could definitely be triggering for anyone who has controlling fears. I'd rate it PG 13 mostly for the action and violence.
Characters ~ They twisted my heart in knots. They're epic. And honestly Podo's secret surprised me...but I wasn't surprised, if those contradicting statements make sense. 😂😂😂 The development was amazing.
Janner ~ I love how he's grown into his Throne Warden instincts and allowed them to build him. His love for his siblings is so heartwarming. I weirdly like how he fought with Tink, because it shows that he himself is flawed, and I love flawed characters. 😏
Kalmar (AKA Tink) ~ I felt bad for him. He doesn't have a father figure to guide him into his role as King. He's alone in a way that other people can't fix. He now has a weight of responsibility that has nearly strangled his youth from him...and because of this struggle he now suffers for a fatal mistake. 😭😭😭
Leelie ~ Again. I loved her so much. She's so adorable and yet acts all grown up. A mature young Song Maiden that her mother has raised perfectly. If she has any faults I haven't discovered them yet...and I'm kinda disappointed by that. . .TBH. But I overlook that often because of her gift in music. 😂😏
Podo ~ I wanna strangle you rn. Why? I mean why on the face of God's green planet would you go and do a thing like that? *headdesks multiple times*
Overall ~ Nothing cliche or annoying. I really loved this hard-worked tale that left me screaming. Although I hope for some slight reprieve in the beginning of the next book before everything picks up pace again. ^.^
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (you're awesome NetGalley!!). This is my personal review (aka my opinion), so if you were offended by anything that was said don't take it personally. It wasn't meant to offend. Thanks! :)
My heart is tangled in knots. Again. As if it wasn't enough to absolutely destroy me the first time, you had to do it again. Only this time you scared me so bad I put off reading it for a week. :P
*Side Note* This review is full of spoilers for those who haven't read the first book. 😃
Only amazing storytellers cause such emotion to rise in me, and I doubt I could relay to you my joy at the torture finally being over. 😂 The torture of watching these beloved characters suffer through so much. It's like we just get bad thing after bad thing after bad thing and FINALLY the ending helps heal us...a little bit. *sigh*
Andrew Peterson reminds me of C. S. Lewis and Robin McKinley combined (in some weird way). Both are masters at storytelling and yet can be so deep. I don't think Mr. Peterson gets as deep as either of them, but his style is similar. He adds his own taste of humor as well. :) I've really enjoyed being immersed in his world.
Setting ~ The ice prairies, all manner of lands and experiences. I felt like the setting was always changing (because they were always on the move) and keeping you excited. The surrounding elements definitely added color and suspense to the adventure.
Plot ~ Well...I've noticed a lot of mixed opinions on the pacing, but to me it was really fast paced--especially because the chapters are so short. The action, emotions, decisions, etc that the characters dealt with really effected the story nicely.
Description ~ My heart is invested in Andrew Peterson's details. His way of describing things is unique, and I really liked that. The scenery and hard choices Janner had to make were really detailed well, and forced you to see--feel--like you were really there.
Content ~ Ehhh....it can get violent. And there were somethings that could definitely be triggering for anyone who has controlling fears. I'd rate it PG 13 mostly for the action and violence.
Characters ~ They twisted my heart in knots. They're epic. And honestly Podo's secret surprised me...but I wasn't surprised, if those contradicting statements make sense. 😂😂😂 The development was amazing.
Janner ~ I love how he's grown into his Throne Warden instincts and allowed them to build him. His love for his siblings is so heartwarming. I weirdly like how he fought with Tink, because it shows that he himself is flawed, and I love flawed characters. 😏
Kalmar (AKA Tink) ~ I felt bad for him. He doesn't have a father figure to guide him into his role as King. He's alone in a way that other people can't fix. He now has a weight of responsibility that has nearly strangled his youth from him...and because of this struggle he now suffers for a fatal mistake. 😭😭😭
Leelie ~ Again. I loved her so much. She's so adorable and yet acts all grown up. A mature young Song Maiden that her mother has raised perfectly. If she has any faults I haven't discovered them yet...and I'm kinda disappointed by that. . .TBH. But I overlook that often because of her gift in music. 😂😏
Podo ~ I wanna strangle you rn. Why? I mean why on the face of God's green planet would you go and do a thing like that? *headdesks multiple times*
Overall ~ Nothing cliche or annoying. I really loved this hard-worked tale that left me screaming. Although I hope for some slight reprieve in the beginning of the next book before everything picks up pace again. ^.^
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (you're awesome NetGalley!!). This is my personal review (aka my opinion), so if you were offended by anything that was said don't take it personally. It wasn't meant to offend. Thanks! :)
Read
April 14, 2020“Peterson deserves every literary prize for this fine book. It is obvious that his musical talents have been put to good use as his use of words, plot and narrative read like a well scored film script. A very fine book, by a very fine writer and future talent. Amazing - thrilling and well worth reading again and again.”
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles
“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run down my spine at the very thought of meeting a toothy cow face to face. The author spills characters like Podo and Nurgabog onto the page, then weaves a tale of danger that holds the reader captive. Believe me, you will relish being held captive by this master storyteller. But be sure you don’t get caught by the Stranders. Those people just ain’t civilized.”
–Donita K. Paul, author of The Vanishing Sculptor
“In a genre overrun by the gory and the grim, Peterson’s bite-sized chapters taste more like a stew of Gorey (Edward) and Grimm (the Brothers). North! Or Be Eaten is a welcome feast of levity--and clearly a labor of love. Andrew Peterson has awakened my inner eight-year-old, and that is a very good thing.”
–Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia’s Colors and Cyndere’s Midnight
“An immensely clever tale from a wonderful storyteller - filled with great values and even greater adventure!”
–Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales
“Thrills, chills, spine-tingling mystery, and lots of smiles. It’s not easy to combine heart-pounding danger with gut-busting laughs and make it work, but Peterson pulls it off. For readers who want nonstop action infused with powerful, life-changing themes, North! Or Be Eaten is a must-read.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire
“Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller, scene painter and wordsmith who takes you on a rollicking white-water ride of adventure. Readers of all ages are sure to find North! Or Be Eaten worthy of a big mug filled with a favorite beverage and a cozy nook near a crackling fire for hours on end. Here there be tales within yarns within stories. Listen, reader, bend your ear, but keep an eye peeled lest the dreaded Fangs of Dang be near!”
–R. K. Mortenson, author of Landon Snow and The Auctor’s Riddle
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles
“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run down my spine at the very thought of meeting a toothy cow face to face. The author spills characters like Podo and Nurgabog onto the page, then weaves a tale of danger that holds the reader captive. Believe me, you will relish being held captive by this master storyteller. But be sure you don’t get caught by the Stranders. Those people just ain’t civilized.”
–Donita K. Paul, author of The Vanishing Sculptor
“In a genre overrun by the gory and the grim, Peterson’s bite-sized chapters taste more like a stew of Gorey (Edward) and Grimm (the Brothers). North! Or Be Eaten is a welcome feast of levity--and clearly a labor of love. Andrew Peterson has awakened my inner eight-year-old, and that is a very good thing.”
–Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia’s Colors and Cyndere’s Midnight
“An immensely clever tale from a wonderful storyteller - filled with great values and even greater adventure!”
–Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales
“Thrills, chills, spine-tingling mystery, and lots of smiles. It’s not easy to combine heart-pounding danger with gut-busting laughs and make it work, but Peterson pulls it off. For readers who want nonstop action infused with powerful, life-changing themes, North! Or Be Eaten is a must-read.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire
“Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller, scene painter and wordsmith who takes you on a rollicking white-water ride of adventure. Readers of all ages are sure to find North! Or Be Eaten worthy of a big mug filled with a favorite beverage and a cozy nook near a crackling fire for hours on end. Here there be tales within yarns within stories. Listen, reader, bend your ear, but keep an eye peeled lest the dreaded Fangs of Dang be near!”
–R. K. Mortenson, author of Landon Snow and The Auctor’s Riddle
September 30, 2021
I AM NOT OKAY!
Okay, so I'm almost done with the third book and thought it was about time to come back to this one and review it properly XD
I heard that the first half of this book got off to a slow start and then things would start picking up in the second half, and I found that to be true when I read it, too. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy the first half of the book. The pacing was just a little slower than the second half. Even more than that though, about halfway through something changed (I won't say what to avoid spoilers), and I leaned into the story at that point. I was intrigued and definitely curious to know what Peterson was doing with the story. So, the second half is where I perked up a little and became a little more invested as a reader.
I really liked exploring life outside of Glipwood. It was cool to meet Stranders and go to Dugtown and see other parts of Scree, like the Ice Praries and some of the islands. It was also a lot of fun to see more of the creatures in this world that Peterson has so wonderfully created. The worldbuilding and setting has got to be one of my favorite parts of these books so far. It's so imaginative and fun! We're carried from setting to setting and each has a distinct tone and feel, from Pete's Castle in the forest through the Strander communities and culture and Dugtown's shadow of Glipwood across the river and falls and into the wilderness on the other side of the Barrier and finally in the hidden Ice Praries. Each was easy to distinguish and each filled me with a new sensation and perception of this wild world. It was a natural progression and I really enjoyed exploring the different people, cultures, subcultures, and terrains.
Either tied, or possibly second for my favorite element, are the characters. It's hard to find stories about siblings, especially good ones with good, heartfelt family portrayals. I love that the story follows this whole family. I love seeing their bonds with one another be tested, strengthened, deepened, and even surprised sometimes! Getting to know more about Podo and Nia, watching the tension rise between Tink and Janner, and seeing Leeli's steadfast presence and Artham's faithfulness war with his brokenness--all of it warms my heart. This story is childhood and home and yearning and loss. It's a story of what never was and what could have been and what should be. The relationships are really the heart of this story and I love that. The characters are fun and distinct and they each have nuance with one another that makes them leap off the page. And what Tink and Janner begin to walk through together in this just breaks my heart. It's been building up to this point, but seeing that fracture resonates deeply with me.
The story is a fun adventure with layers and depth and some profound moments of redemption and grace. I love the character moments in this book and can't wait to see where all of this is leading. The plot isn't a page-turner. It isn't a suspenseful race against time. The book moseys through the story, but I can still feel something brewing, something we're growing closer toward. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm here for the ride.
Also, that ending, people! I can count on one hand the number of times a book moved me to tears and this one definitely had me blinking them back! That ending was a rush and it held some powerful moments that touched an emotional depth in a few different ways. That was cool. And it was upsetting. And I immediately started book 3!
The book is middle grade, clean fantasy, no foul language, no romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There's a lot of oppression and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I'd feel fine giving it to a middle school aged kid or pre-teen.
Okay, so I'm almost done with the third book and thought it was about time to come back to this one and review it properly XD
I heard that the first half of this book got off to a slow start and then things would start picking up in the second half, and I found that to be true when I read it, too. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy the first half of the book. The pacing was just a little slower than the second half. Even more than that though, about halfway through something changed (I won't say what to avoid spoilers), and I leaned into the story at that point. I was intrigued and definitely curious to know what Peterson was doing with the story. So, the second half is where I perked up a little and became a little more invested as a reader.
I really liked exploring life outside of Glipwood. It was cool to meet Stranders and go to Dugtown and see other parts of Scree, like the Ice Praries and some of the islands. It was also a lot of fun to see more of the creatures in this world that Peterson has so wonderfully created. The worldbuilding and setting has got to be one of my favorite parts of these books so far. It's so imaginative and fun! We're carried from setting to setting and each has a distinct tone and feel, from Pete's Castle in the forest through the Strander communities and culture and Dugtown's shadow of Glipwood across the river and falls and into the wilderness on the other side of the Barrier and finally in the hidden Ice Praries. Each was easy to distinguish and each filled me with a new sensation and perception of this wild world. It was a natural progression and I really enjoyed exploring the different people, cultures, subcultures, and terrains.
Either tied, or possibly second for my favorite element, are the characters. It's hard to find stories about siblings, especially good ones with good, heartfelt family portrayals. I love that the story follows this whole family. I love seeing their bonds with one another be tested, strengthened, deepened, and even surprised sometimes! Getting to know more about Podo and Nia, watching the tension rise between Tink and Janner, and seeing Leeli's steadfast presence and Artham's faithfulness war with his brokenness--all of it warms my heart. This story is childhood and home and yearning and loss. It's a story of what never was and what could have been and what should be. The relationships are really the heart of this story and I love that. The characters are fun and distinct and they each have nuance with one another that makes them leap off the page. And what Tink and Janner begin to walk through together in this just breaks my heart. It's been building up to this point, but seeing that fracture resonates deeply with me.
The story is a fun adventure with layers and depth and some profound moments of redemption and grace. I love the character moments in this book and can't wait to see where all of this is leading. The plot isn't a page-turner. It isn't a suspenseful race against time. The book moseys through the story, but I can still feel something brewing, something we're growing closer toward. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm here for the ride.
Also, that ending, people! I can count on one hand the number of times a book moved me to tears and this one definitely had me blinking them back! That ending was a rush and it held some powerful moments that touched an emotional depth in a few different ways. That was cool. And it was upsetting. And I immediately started book 3!
The book is middle grade, clean fantasy, no foul language, no romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There's a lot of oppression and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I'd feel fine giving it to a middle school aged kid or pre-teen.
March 22, 2020
If I had to pick one Wingfeather Saga book to tell people to reread, it would be this one. Obviously, you have to read the whole series. Read it multiple times, better still! But this is the one for which I consider a reread most essential.
Read it once, to hear the story, to feel the pain of mistakes made by broken people.
Read it again, once you know how the story ends, so you can realize how far those people go and how the seeds of the growth were planted in their mistakes.
(And then reread Chapter 59 about ten more times because it's amazing and inspiring and beautiful and makes your heart sing.)
This story hurts the first time you read it, as I said already, because, as in the first book, it's full of broken characters trying to deal with their brokenness in ways that are often destructive. It's in this book that we really see the beginning of the struggle that Janner and Kalmar won't resolve until the end of book 4. They're boys who've been thrust into new roles, new identities, and new responsibilities that they never asked for, that weigh them down because they don't yet have the maturity to handle them, that spark resentment even towards the people they love the most. And, let me tell you, I feel that.
On a side note, I really appreciate the fact that this book lets the kids be kids. I have steadily increasing issues with some fantasy books in which the kids are given an unrealistic amount of responsibility and then handle it unrealistically well, or where it's constantly the kids solving the problems because the adults are, for some mysterious reason, unable to do so. (*cough*HarryPotter*cough*Fablehaven*cough*KeepersoftheLostCities*cough*) But in the Wingfeather books, the kids are kids. They generally think like kids and act like kids, and they're treated like kids. When they aren't treated like kids, when they're forced into situations that force them to grow up too fast, that strip away joy and innocence, it's treated as a genuine tragedy. And I appreciate that a lot.
This book is Janner and Kalmar's book, yes. But it's also Artham's book more than any of the others. And, as a firm fan of Artham P. Wingfeather, that may be why it's become one of my favorites. While the start of his story won't be revealed for some time, he has one of his best moments here and it's really hard to talk about without giving spoilers, but yeah.
I also very much appreciated Podo's arc here. Characters with a dark past that catches up to them at the worst possible moment aren't exactly uncommon in fantasy fiction, even Christian fantasy fiction. But I think Podo may be one of my favorite examples of such a character. Podo is an old man with scars that run deep, but he hides them well. He's ashamed of what he's done, but not the brooding type of ashamed that's so popular now. And he's afraid — but not solely for himself, and when the time comes, he still stands despite his fear.
I could also talk about Gammon . . . but I think I'll hold off on my ramble about him until the next two books rerelease, eh? Suffice it to say that I appreciate him as a character for myriad reasons.
Plotwise, this book is a little more straightforward than the last, but still quite full of unexpected twists and turns. It has a few more threads than the last one did as well, which helps keep things moving. And the ending is superb, absolutely superb. Plus, we get to see more of Skree in this book than we did in the last one, which is fun!
Once again, if you haven't read this book yet, do so as soon as possible. And if you have read it before, well, maybe it's time for a reread. Trust me, it's worth it.
Read it once, to hear the story, to feel the pain of mistakes made by broken people.
Read it again, once you know how the story ends, so you can realize how far those people go and how the seeds of the growth were planted in their mistakes.
(And then reread Chapter 59 about ten more times because it's amazing and inspiring and beautiful and makes your heart sing.)
This story hurts the first time you read it, as I said already, because, as in the first book, it's full of broken characters trying to deal with their brokenness in ways that are often destructive. It's in this book that we really see the beginning of the struggle that Janner and Kalmar won't resolve until the end of book 4. They're boys who've been thrust into new roles, new identities, and new responsibilities that they never asked for, that weigh them down because they don't yet have the maturity to handle them, that spark resentment even towards the people they love the most. And, let me tell you, I feel that.
On a side note, I really appreciate the fact that this book lets the kids be kids. I have steadily increasing issues with some fantasy books in which the kids are given an unrealistic amount of responsibility and then handle it unrealistically well, or where it's constantly the kids solving the problems because the adults are, for some mysterious reason, unable to do so. (*cough*HarryPotter*cough*Fablehaven*cough*KeepersoftheLostCities*cough*) But in the Wingfeather books, the kids are kids. They generally think like kids and act like kids, and they're treated like kids. When they aren't treated like kids, when they're forced into situations that force them to grow up too fast, that strip away joy and innocence, it's treated as a genuine tragedy. And I appreciate that a lot.
This book is Janner and Kalmar's book, yes. But it's also Artham's book more than any of the others. And, as a firm fan of Artham P. Wingfeather, that may be why it's become one of my favorites. While the start of his story won't be revealed for some time, he has one of his best moments here and it's really hard to talk about without giving spoilers, but yeah.
I also very much appreciated Podo's arc here. Characters with a dark past that catches up to them at the worst possible moment aren't exactly uncommon in fantasy fiction, even Christian fantasy fiction. But I think Podo may be one of my favorite examples of such a character. Podo is an old man with scars that run deep, but he hides them well. He's ashamed of what he's done, but not the brooding type of ashamed that's so popular now. And he's afraid — but not solely for himself, and when the time comes, he still stands despite his fear.
I could also talk about Gammon . . . but I think I'll hold off on my ramble about him until the next two books rerelease, eh? Suffice it to say that I appreciate him as a character for myriad reasons.
Plotwise, this book is a little more straightforward than the last, but still quite full of unexpected twists and turns. It has a few more threads than the last one did as well, which helps keep things moving. And the ending is superb, absolutely superb. Plus, we get to see more of Skree in this book than we did in the last one, which is fun!
Once again, if you haven't read this book yet, do so as soon as possible. And if you have read it before, well, maybe it's time for a reread. Trust me, it's worth it.
February 18, 2010
I'm having a hard time remembering the last time that I shed tears while reading a book, but as I turned the final page of this strange, epic fantasy, I realized I had tears in my eyes.
I sat back and sighed, contented (and frustrated that I'll have to wait a year or so for the next stage of the journey!), and thought about the beauty of redemption that this book just gave me a picture of.
From a young person's fantasy novel?
It's more than that.
The Wingfeather saga series, and especially this book, really defied what I expected of it.
Oh, I'll say right off that Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters. His prose with words and music, and the way he points his listeners to Truth and the eternal light simply amaze me.
But I didn't really have high hopes for his new venture as an author of books, as I know what his oddball sense of humor is like (a lot like mine, actually), and it appeared that these books would be imbued with said humor--I mean, the first book is titled "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" for cryin' out loud! These would also be Andrew's first foray into long-form book writing, so I figured they'd be cute, funny, and fun to read, but a way for Andrew to experiment and find his footing as an author. I didn't realize I'd find them so deep.
Picking right up from where On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness leaves off, Janner, Tink, Leelee, Podo, Nia, and Nugget the dog are thrown almost immediately back into danger, and proceed at a pretty break-neck pace on a journey that's more about learning about themselves, family, love, sin, and redemption than the actual locations they travel to.
There are wonderful metaphors in many of the scenes in this book. One of my favorites is when one of the characters gets trapped into a dark, confined space for days, and begins to come to terms with who they are, and how much they don't like themselves.
The last two or three chapters are what really did it for me, though, as there are dark, dark secrets that come to light, sins and lives that are forgiven and redeemed, and brothers who find each other. Andrew wrote this like a song, and it is beautiful.
This book will now take it's place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
One note of caution, for those of you with young children: the Wingfeather Saga is almost deceptive at first: you feel like, due to the humor and oddball-ness of some of the characters and elements of the world, that this is going to be a pretty mild ride. But things can get pretty dark, and pretty violent. Even though the main characters are all under teenage age, situations can be violent and gruesome, especially for those of us with vivid imaginations. I feel like it works for this story, and is not too much for most children, but use discretion.
Thanks, Andrew.
I sat back and sighed, contented (and frustrated that I'll have to wait a year or so for the next stage of the journey!), and thought about the beauty of redemption that this book just gave me a picture of.
From a young person's fantasy novel?
It's more than that.
The Wingfeather saga series, and especially this book, really defied what I expected of it.
Oh, I'll say right off that Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters. His prose with words and music, and the way he points his listeners to Truth and the eternal light simply amaze me.
But I didn't really have high hopes for his new venture as an author of books, as I know what his oddball sense of humor is like (a lot like mine, actually), and it appeared that these books would be imbued with said humor--I mean, the first book is titled "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" for cryin' out loud! These would also be Andrew's first foray into long-form book writing, so I figured they'd be cute, funny, and fun to read, but a way for Andrew to experiment and find his footing as an author. I didn't realize I'd find them so deep.
Picking right up from where On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness leaves off, Janner, Tink, Leelee, Podo, Nia, and Nugget the dog are thrown almost immediately back into danger, and proceed at a pretty break-neck pace on a journey that's more about learning about themselves, family, love, sin, and redemption than the actual locations they travel to.
There are wonderful metaphors in many of the scenes in this book. One of my favorites is when one of the characters gets trapped into a dark, confined space for days, and begins to come to terms with who they are, and how much they don't like themselves.
The last two or three chapters are what really did it for me, though, as there are dark, dark secrets that come to light, sins and lives that are forgiven and redeemed, and brothers who find each other. Andrew wrote this like a song, and it is beautiful.
This book will now take it's place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
One note of caution, for those of you with young children: the Wingfeather Saga is almost deceptive at first: you feel like, due to the humor and oddball-ness of some of the characters and elements of the world, that this is going to be a pretty mild ride. But things can get pretty dark, and pretty violent. Even though the main characters are all under teenage age, situations can be violent and gruesome, especially for those of us with vivid imaginations. I feel like it works for this story, and is not too much for most children, but use discretion.
Thanks, Andrew.
November 19, 2018
Before, I could hardly imagine how North! Or Be Eaten could be any better than the magnificence that was On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.
Now I understand.
(Also, it remains true that I have never related to a protagonist more than I relate to Janner Igiby.)
Now I understand.
(Also, it remains true that I have never related to a protagonist more than I relate to Janner Igiby.)
July 3, 2023
Wow. I'm a bit speechless. Why haven't I heard more about these books? My goodness, one of the best plot developments I have ever read. And the pathos is off-the-charts good. We are making our way straight through the series.
May 16, 2024
I am wrecked! Completely wrecked! That ending made me cry. 😭
I cannot wait to resume the series.
I cannot wait to resume the series.
November 5, 2024
What!!!???!!! The saga just got better and worse all the same!!!! What’s gonna happen next?!?!?!😱
January 21, 2021
Well, I cried a few times. Wow. So good.
I love the character development in this book. And I love the plot twists as well. Some you feel coming, some you long for, some wrench your heart out and some would’ve been so hard to guess. Great, great story!!!
Also, 11/10 recommend listening along as Andrew Peterson reads this aloud during the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020. If you have to go through a pandemic, why not listen to some wonderful reading knowing that a whole community of families and friends are reading along with anticipation of the adventure unfolding a little bit more for 30ish minutes each night?
(4/13-5/5/2020)
I love the character development in this book. And I love the plot twists as well. Some you feel coming, some you long for, some wrench your heart out and some would’ve been so hard to guess. Great, great story!!!
Also, 11/10 recommend listening along as Andrew Peterson reads this aloud during the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020. If you have to go through a pandemic, why not listen to some wonderful reading knowing that a whole community of families and friends are reading along with anticipation of the adventure unfolding a little bit more for 30ish minutes each night?
(4/13-5/5/2020)
June 13, 2024
3 ½ stars 🌟
I found the first half or so of this hard to get into, with the characters on the run and constantly being caught and then escaping over and over again. The last half and especially the last several chapters were very good though. I'm glad to finally be continuing this series after so long and learning more about all the characters.
I found the first half or so of this hard to get into, with the characters on the run and constantly being caught and then escaping over and over again. The last half and especially the last several chapters were very good though. I'm glad to finally be continuing this series after so long and learning more about all the characters.
September 20, 2009
There is something amazing in turning the page of a book and not recognizing the phantastical creatures that appear not only in the written word, but the occasional well drawn excerpt from Pembrick’s Creaturepedia. Such is the story in Andrew Peterson’s North! Or Be Eaten the second book in the Wingfeather Saga. N!OBE (as it is affectionately known) picks up quite literally where we left the beloved jewels of Anneria at the end of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness living with their Uncle Peet the Sock Man in his treehouse preparing with their mother Nia, and former pirate grandfather Podo, for a trip that will take them north to the Ice Prairies where the Fangs of Dang cannot follow.
While the first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness entertained me with its wit and quick paced movement, I found myself slowing down to capture every moment in this book. I am more invested in the Igiby family and wanted to savour their escape. It was Janner Igiby that I found myself drawn to as I read through the story. It seemed with every page you could see Janner growing into the protector of his family whether he wanted to be or not. It was often times in those moments of not wanting to be protector that he found himself most alone and out of control.
I confess I thought I knew how the book ended, but never was I more surprised when I got to the last ten chapters and knew that my plans would wait while with baited breath, tears of sorrow and joy, I found an end that was most unexpected.
I could tell you about the songs of the Sea Dragons, the stories that Podo, tells about Stranders and toothy cows, I could even tell you how Janner, Tink, and Leeli begin to believe they truly are the Jewels of Anneria; I could tell you all about those things, but Andrew Peterson does it so much better than I. So curl up any where you dare find, carve out a few hours and read: read about adventures and dangers unknown, read about creatures you have never even dreamed about, read about and remember how we (as much as the Wingfeather family) are created for so much more than we dare dream or imagine
While the first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness entertained me with its wit and quick paced movement, I found myself slowing down to capture every moment in this book. I am more invested in the Igiby family and wanted to savour their escape. It was Janner Igiby that I found myself drawn to as I read through the story. It seemed with every page you could see Janner growing into the protector of his family whether he wanted to be or not. It was often times in those moments of not wanting to be protector that he found himself most alone and out of control.
I confess I thought I knew how the book ended, but never was I more surprised when I got to the last ten chapters and knew that my plans would wait while with baited breath, tears of sorrow and joy, I found an end that was most unexpected.
I could tell you about the songs of the Sea Dragons, the stories that Podo, tells about Stranders and toothy cows, I could even tell you how Janner, Tink, and Leeli begin to believe they truly are the Jewels of Anneria; I could tell you all about those things, but Andrew Peterson does it so much better than I. So curl up any where you dare find, carve out a few hours and read: read about adventures and dangers unknown, read about creatures you have never even dreamed about, read about and remember how we (as much as the Wingfeather family) are created for so much more than we dare dream or imagine
December 19, 2020
This review has been a long time coming but this book still deserves every star. Unlike the first book, which could be accused of being slightly slow, this one picks up the pace, throws in higher stakes, a whole lot of twists and turns, and the Wingfeathers' first big adventures. Also, it has the in it, so you can't go wrong. Oh, and also . *shudders* Overall, a wonderful journey that will certainly lead you on to the next book!!
November 12, 2021
Peterson does a great job of creating a poignant redemption story for older kids/young teens in North! Very impressed with these books so far! Lots of action and surprises along the way. Peterson's character development really improved in this book, too. (Not that it was lacking from a kid's perspective in the 1st book, but the character development in this one has "matured.") North! is not as humorous as the first book, but it is so, so good! As an adult, even I had a hard time putting it down once half-way through.
July 27, 2022
This book started a little slow, but it was necessary to set the stage for the rest of the book. I haven’t stayed up this late in ages, much less to finish a book. Read Wingfeather everyone!
September 30, 2022
3.2 (because apparently I make up my own ratings now)
**I may or may not slightly rip apart this book. I would like to say (before you read this review) that many people love this book. Please don’t sustain from reading it because of this review.**
Please don’t hate me. Everyone I’ve meet who has read this series loves it so much.
Me? That’s a whole other story.
Yeah, the plot is amazing. World is great. It has lots of funny parts. It would all be a really good book except for one thing: the characters.
To be honest I only starting reading the series because my sister is completely obsessed with it. **spoiler warning** I only continued reading because of Nugget. Then Nugget died for no reason at all. **END of spoiler** I do like Leeli.
Janner feels unrelatable and I can’t bring myself to care about him.
Tink is just plain annoying.
Nia doesn’t have much depth.
Podo is also annoying. Maybe it’s because my grandparents aren’t like him at all. Maybe it’s because I just can’t connect. Yet he seemed to not care about his family. It’s probably just me who read it that way, but that’s the vibe I got.
Sara. Oh Sara. I already know her and Janner are going to become a thing and I hate that. From what I’ve read to far, they just don’t meld.
Oscar… can I say annoying again…?
Gnag is one of those villains with no reason behind his evil.
So, yeah, I didn’t connect. I will keep reading and we shall see if it will lure me in.
**I may or may not slightly rip apart this book. I would like to say (before you read this review) that many people love this book. Please don’t sustain from reading it because of this review.**
Please don’t hate me. Everyone I’ve meet who has read this series loves it so much.
Me? That’s a whole other story.
Yeah, the plot is amazing. World is great. It has lots of funny parts. It would all be a really good book except for one thing: the characters.
To be honest I only starting reading the series because my sister is completely obsessed with it. **spoiler warning** I only continued reading because of Nugget. Then Nugget died for no reason at all. **END of spoiler** I do like Leeli.
Janner feels unrelatable and I can’t bring myself to care about him.
Tink is just plain annoying.
Nia doesn’t have much depth.
Podo is also annoying. Maybe it’s because my grandparents aren’t like him at all. Maybe it’s because I just can’t connect. Yet he seemed to not care about his family. It’s probably just me who read it that way, but that’s the vibe I got.
Sara. Oh Sara. I already know her and Janner are going to become a thing and I hate that. From what I’ve read to far, they just don’t meld.
Oscar… can I say annoying again…?
Gnag is one of those villains with no reason behind his evil.
So, yeah, I didn’t connect. I will keep reading and we shall see if it will lure me in.
August 28, 2022
Wow. LOVED the end of this book. Vividly written, with themes of shame, redemption, and identity—it was not only an exciting story that sent you reaching for the next book, but a heartfelt description of the real-to-life struggles we face.
December 17, 2015
Very rarely have I had such mixed feelings about a series of books as I have about the Wingfeather Saga thus far. On one hand, there are long sequences that are nailbiting and difficult to put down, in a great way. There are well-timed reveals about certain characters, and the world Peterson is building gets more interesting as the story continues (and I'm a huge sucker for good world-building). On the other, Peterson gets way too bogged down in efforts to be cutesy and funny, and honestly, even after two hefty books, I don't have a strong sense of the characterization of the main 3 protagonists. This is especially troubling because the narrative really hangs on the fate of these 3 kids, and I find it difficult to connect with them (especially the sister, Leeli, who seemingly has almost no human characteristics aside from a gimpy leg). I continue to connect most with Peet, and to a lesser degree Podo the Grandfather, but as these are peripheral characters I simply feel that a huge opportunity is lost with the main children. Similarly, the villains are a bit simplistic and cartoony. In a weird way, the Fangs almost aren't scary at all, though they are supposed to be the fearsome antagonists who push the family to flee their hometown.
Overall....I don't know quite yet about this one. There is enough here for me to keep reading, and I genuinely am curious to see how Peterson will wrap up the story threads, but I am honestly a little baffled to see how much these books are getting praised. There are likable elements here, but I can think of many young-adult-fantasy series that I would recommend over this, at least so far.
Overall....I don't know quite yet about this one. There is enough here for me to keep reading, and I genuinely am curious to see how Peterson will wrap up the story threads, but I am honestly a little baffled to see how much these books are getting praised. There are likable elements here, but I can think of many young-adult-fantasy series that I would recommend over this, at least so far.
February 18, 2024
Fun and beautiful little story. Absolutely excellent for a family read!
Top Fantasy Series by Algorithm List
Top Fantasy Series by Algorithm List
April 25, 2020
I am going to make this review really short. The book 'North! Or Be Eaten' is the second book of the Wingfeather Saga. This book is a good sequel but I personally felt that the first book was a bit better. The are loads of bad things happening in this book. By the time I finished this book, I was filled with mixed emotions- anger, happiness, sympathy, sadness etc. The illustrations and the world-building was wonderful. The character-development was also great as most of the characters mature as the story goes on. But this book, unlike the first one, was filled with adventures right from the start. Another thing that I personally liked in this book is the ending which is filled with hope.
Overall, this is a great saga, which would be loved by both adults and children, filled with adventure, fantasy, family drama etc. I am eagerly waiting to read the next book!
I thank NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah for giving me this amazing opportunity to read and review this amazing saga.
Overall, this is a great saga, which would be loved by both adults and children, filled with adventure, fantasy, family drama etc. I am eagerly waiting to read the next book!
I thank NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah for giving me this amazing opportunity to read and review this amazing saga.
September 22, 2023
9/10
Andrew Peterson has done it again. This may have taken me a lot longer to read but I enjoyed it even more then the first book in the series.
These poor characterssss *cries and hugs them all* WHY DID THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH SO MUCH TORTURE?! THEY NEED A BREAK!!!
Plot - riveting. The second half is very fast paced but the first half felt a little slow?
Setting - Since the family is on the move it's always changing and I love all the little worldbuilding bits. It's not too deep but still adds a depth to the book.
Characters - And it's official. Artham and Janner are my favorite characters by far. Janner really grew into his Throne Warden role and that was so heartwarming to see. Poor Tink. I mean, I love him and understand why he doesn't want to be king but to run away to the Stranders?! I wanted to strangle him
Grey Fangs -
Ending - oh. my. word. I had tears in my eyes at the last bit. I'm so glad it ended on a happy note and I almost don't want to start the third one cause I'm scared about more bad things happening to these characters.
Andrew Peterson has done it again. This may have taken me a lot longer to read but I enjoyed it even more then the first book in the series.
These poor characterssss *cries and hugs them all* WHY DID THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH SO MUCH TORTURE?! THEY NEED A BREAK!!!
Plot - riveting. The second half is very fast paced but the first half felt a little slow?
Setting - Since the family is on the move it's always changing and I love all the little worldbuilding bits. It's not too deep but still adds a depth to the book.
Characters - And it's official. Artham and Janner are my favorite characters by far. Janner really grew into his Throne Warden role and that was so heartwarming to see. Poor Tink. I mean, I love him and understand why he doesn't want to be king but to run away to the Stranders?! I wanted to strangle him
Grey Fangs -
Ending - oh. my. word. I had tears in my eyes at the last bit. I'm so glad it ended on a happy note and I almost don't want to start the third one cause I'm scared about more bad things happening to these characters.
February 4, 2023
It might sound like an odd thing to say about a funny middle grade adventure story, but I think the first time I picked it up, I just wasn't emotionally able to handle the darker parts of the story. I switched to audio for this read through, which helped to get me past the part where I got stuck before, and it turns out this is an amazing, beautiful story. Looking forward the rest of the series!
This story needs some major warnings for animal death and injury, children in lots of danger (while I'd say it's all appropriate to the age group, this does include children being kidnapped, forced into essentially slave labor, and also being injured along with very low level torture of sorts), and lots of emotional trauma worked through within the story. I want to reiterate that it's all handled beautifully, just go in with the right expectations so you're not blindsided.
Original DNF review:
I really hate to call this a DNF, even temporarily, but I haven't even picked it up to read in a couple of weeks. As much as I love the idea of this series, it's hard to stay focused on it when there's a scene or paragraph that I love here and there, scattered amongst the filler of necessary plot that isn't holding my interest.
This story needs some major warnings for animal death and injury, children in lots of danger (while I'd say it's all appropriate to the age group, this does include children being kidnapped, forced into essentially slave labor, and also being injured along with very low level torture of sorts), and lots of emotional trauma worked through within the story. I want to reiterate that it's all handled beautifully, just go in with the right expectations so you're not blindsided.
Original DNF review:
I really hate to call this a DNF, even temporarily, but I haven't even picked it up to read in a couple of weeks. As much as I love the idea of this series, it's hard to stay focused on it when there's a scene or paragraph that I love here and there, scattered amongst the filler of necessary plot that isn't holding my interest.
June 1, 2012
Oh, traditional gender roles.... you find a way to be everywhere, don't you? While the grandfather, the portly bookkeeper, and the two grandsons are adventuring and swinging their swords and daggers, mum and granddaughter are always in the background being protected. There is one fairly activist female character, and the family mentions numerous times that she "needs work." Again, I was fairly turned off by the overt Christianity of this book (why don't you just hit me over the head with your messages a little harder?), but I was more disturbed by how easily traditional gender roles were reinforced. This is a book that gets listed as a "safe YA book" (in that it doesn't deal with issues that will make your teen want to worship the devil like Harry Potter ::read the heavy sarcasm here:: or real life issues such as sex, drugs, cheating, or illness). Sure, it's safe. If you want to live by mythical standards. I'm reading the third book because I can't leave a series unfinished, but I don't have high expectations.
January 6, 2021
I read the first book and it was okay, but I hoped that the series would gain momentum and interest as it went along - which it sort of did - but in an annoying way. The second book is one long chase scene with a bunch of child torture stuff to break it up. It's too graphic and dark to be a kid's book, and too juvenile in its writing to be an adult book.
February 7, 2015
Another nasty piece of work by Andrew Peterson. Sure, it started out OK -- the first hundred percent was thoroughly engaging and lovely...funny, tense, and moving in all the right places -- but after that, ugh! it stank like a flatulent Fang.
December 5, 2022
This is one of those series where it continues to become even more epic as it goes. I don't remember a lot of the subplots from the first time I read this book, so this was kind of like reading it all for the first time.
March 3, 2024
2024 I first read (or actually, listened to) this series in 2020 when Andrew Peterson read the whole series out loud on nightly livestreams. It was delightful and I enjoyed the stories and the experience so much. Since then, Peterson and others have worked to create an animated TV series adaptation of the books, so I've been rereading each book before each new season comes out. Season 1 released last year (2023) and Season 2 is going to release sometime in the next month or two this year! (March 2024), so I wanted to reread book 2 in order to refresh my memory of the story.
I really enjoyed this reread! There was so much of this story that I remembered, but actually a few details that had become hazy in my memory, or that I'd forgotten entirely in four years. It was great to actually read a physical copy this time, too, because I got to see all the wonderful illustrations better! One thing in particular that I'd misremembered was that I honestly had convinced myself that a certain character died at the end of this book. Imagine how happy I was when I was wrong! XD LOL. (I do remember that this character doesn't survive the series, but I'm glad I remembered wrong about how many books they're in at least.)
Anyway, the thing that truly gives me joy about this series is the depth of the themes beneath all the fantasy trappings and adventure. It would have been a little intense for me as a kid (this is an upper middle grade/lower YA story and I was a sensitive kid who wouldn't have liked the monsters), but as an adult, I enjoy it so much. For the kids in the target age range who can deal with the scarier bits, the lessons here about hope, faith, and loyalty are excellent ones that will serve them well for the rest of their lives if they take them to heart.
I truly can't wait to see this book come to the screen this year! If you would also like to check out the TV show I'm linking it here (it's free to watch!) because I HIGHLY recommend it! https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeath... Whether you're interested in the show or not, I recommend these books to fantasy fans young and old alike.
2020 review: AAAAWWWWW!!! <33333 That was a positively lovely ending (for this book in particular, anyway. The saga still continues.) and I just... *cries* I don't even quite know how to review this one. Truly, so much happened and it was sad and happy and dramatic and touching, and occasionally still some funny/cute bits, but less funny than the first book. SO MANY FEELS. I also don't want to spoil anyone who hasn't read it yet, so I guess the most I can really say is that the themes of endurance through great hardship, unconditional love, and forgiveness are so strong. *cries again* And the characters and the story and the world. They're all so rich and deep and I NEED BOOKS 3 AND 4 NOW!!! I NEED to see their purty new covers and learn the stories inside them. Why do we have to wait until September??? *weeps*
Definitely 5 stars all the way.
Content Advisory:
As stated above, this story is intended for upper middlegrade and lower YA readers. It is 100% clean, but the action and violence may be too intense for elementary age children in particular.
Romance/Sexual: The closest anything came to this was when an old woman Podo (sp?) used to know and was always in love with him, asked him to kiss her. He does, but Janner doesn't look, so there's no description, and the author plays it for laughs and squirms.
Janner thinks a girl is pretty, but that's it.
Spiritual: Continued references to The Maker, His will, and His protection throughout. Characters pray and prayers are answered.
The fangs are revealed to be human/animal hybrids made (in a fantastical manner) with humans who have given up hope. However, it's also shown that these people can be redeemed. One human who was only half-turned seems to be redeemed by the Maker when he chooses to listen to the Maker's truth instead of the lies he's kept in his head for years.
Violence: This is where I would say the book, in my mind at least, leans more into the lower Young Adult category than Middle Grade, though, again, I will note that I was pretty sensitive to scary fantasy things back when I was 12 and younger. Probably more so than the average fantasy-reading kid that age. Obviously, I grew out of it and nothing in this book bothered me as an adult. It was clear during the readalong that parents and kids much younger than 12, or even 9 were listening along and enjoying it, so just know your child and use your best judgement.
There is more violence in this book than the first one. Sometimes, humans get seriously wounded and blood is mentioned, but not lingered upon. Non-humans also get hurt and bleed. Fangs turn to dust when they die. All the characters are in peril pretty much constantly. There is a sad death of a lovable animal character.
Some of the characters are in so much peril, there is concern about if they'll survive. Janner and Tink in particular goes through some dark times and scary places and it's difficult to watch him struggle. There is always a point to the hard times, though, and hope, growth, and redemption on the other side.
Speaking of the scary things, the "Fangs" from the first book continue to be present. Then we discover that they've built a machine of some sort where they send a human and a wolf inside and a hybrid being comes out. (Not explained.) These wolf/human hybrids are called "Grey Fangs" and are apparently more dangerous and stronger than the original snake-like Fangs. Whether the process can be reversed has not yet been revealed, but apparently the human inside the hybrid can be reminded of their true identity and overcome their new animalistic tendencies.
Janner and family encounter an insect-like creature with a creepy description that has a lair full of the remains of Fangs and toothy cows.
Janner himself ends up in a scary location where some children are captured and taken to do hard labor as slaves. They aren't fed well and they blister their hands. If they do things wrong or try to escape they can be beaten with a whip (barely described), beaten up by other kids (moderately described, or put in "the coffin" in complete isolation for days. These things happen to Janner more than once and some of the pain of his injuries is described.
One fight occurs between fangs and humans where Janner thinks he hears someone's bones crack.
I really enjoyed this reread! There was so much of this story that I remembered, but actually a few details that had become hazy in my memory, or that I'd forgotten entirely in four years. It was great to actually read a physical copy this time, too, because I got to see all the wonderful illustrations better! One thing in particular that I'd misremembered was that I honestly had convinced myself that a certain character died at the end of this book. Imagine how happy I was when I was wrong! XD LOL. (I do remember that this character doesn't survive the series, but I'm glad I remembered wrong about how many books they're in at least.)
Anyway, the thing that truly gives me joy about this series is the depth of the themes beneath all the fantasy trappings and adventure. It would have been a little intense for me as a kid (this is an upper middle grade/lower YA story and I was a sensitive kid who wouldn't have liked the monsters), but as an adult, I enjoy it so much. For the kids in the target age range who can deal with the scarier bits, the lessons here about hope, faith, and loyalty are excellent ones that will serve them well for the rest of their lives if they take them to heart.
I truly can't wait to see this book come to the screen this year! If you would also like to check out the TV show I'm linking it here (it's free to watch!) because I HIGHLY recommend it! https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeath... Whether you're interested in the show or not, I recommend these books to fantasy fans young and old alike.
2020 review: AAAAWWWWW!!! <33333 That was a positively lovely ending (for this book in particular, anyway. The saga still continues.) and I just... *cries* I don't even quite know how to review this one. Truly, so much happened and it was sad and happy and dramatic and touching, and occasionally still some funny/cute bits, but less funny than the first book. SO MANY FEELS. I also don't want to spoil anyone who hasn't read it yet, so I guess the most I can really say is that the themes of endurance through great hardship, unconditional love, and forgiveness are so strong. *cries again* And the characters and the story and the world. They're all so rich and deep and I NEED BOOKS 3 AND 4 NOW!!! I NEED to see their purty new covers and learn the stories inside them. Why do we have to wait until September??? *weeps*
Definitely 5 stars all the way.
Content Advisory:
As stated above, this story is intended for upper middlegrade and lower YA readers. It is 100% clean, but the action and violence may be too intense for elementary age children in particular.
Romance/Sexual: The closest anything came to this was when an old woman Podo (sp?) used to know and was always in love with him, asked him to kiss her. He does, but Janner doesn't look, so there's no description, and the author plays it for laughs and squirms.
Janner thinks a girl is pretty, but that's it.
Spiritual: Continued references to The Maker, His will, and His protection throughout. Characters pray and prayers are answered.
The fangs are revealed to be human/animal hybrids made (in a fantastical manner) with humans who have given up hope. However, it's also shown that these people can be redeemed. One human who was only half-turned seems to be redeemed by the Maker when he chooses to listen to the Maker's truth instead of the lies he's kept in his head for years.
Violence: This is where I would say the book, in my mind at least, leans more into the lower Young Adult category than Middle Grade, though, again, I will note that I was pretty sensitive to scary fantasy things back when I was 12 and younger. Probably more so than the average fantasy-reading kid that age. Obviously, I grew out of it and nothing in this book bothered me as an adult. It was clear during the readalong that parents and kids much younger than 12, or even 9 were listening along and enjoying it, so just know your child and use your best judgement.
There is more violence in this book than the first one. Sometimes, humans get seriously wounded and blood is mentioned, but not lingered upon. Non-humans also get hurt and bleed. Fangs turn to dust when they die. All the characters are in peril pretty much constantly. There is a sad death of a lovable animal character.
Some of the characters are in so much peril, there is concern about if they'll survive. Janner and Tink in particular goes through some dark times and scary places and it's difficult to watch him struggle. There is always a point to the hard times, though, and hope, growth, and redemption on the other side.
Speaking of the scary things, the "Fangs" from the first book continue to be present. Then we discover that they've built a machine of some sort where they send a human and a wolf inside and a hybrid being comes out. (Not explained.) These wolf/human hybrids are called "Grey Fangs" and are apparently more dangerous and stronger than the original snake-like Fangs. Whether the process can be reversed has not yet been revealed, but apparently the human inside the hybrid can be reminded of their true identity and overcome their new animalistic tendencies.
Janner and family encounter an insect-like creature with a creepy description that has a lair full of the remains of Fangs and toothy cows.
Janner himself ends up in a scary location where some children are captured and taken to do hard labor as slaves. They aren't fed well and they blister their hands. If they do things wrong or try to escape they can be beaten with a whip (barely described), beaten up by other kids (moderately described, or put in "the coffin" in complete isolation for days. These things happen to Janner more than once and some of the pain of his injuries is described.
One fight occurs between fangs and humans where Janner thinks he hears someone's bones crack.
June 22, 2024
Much more action than the first with a couple of plot twists and suspenseful moments that keep you guessing. I loved that the themes of family and responsibility are clearly woven into the story.
September 9, 2022
I just finished reading and have tears streaming down my face. This book is so so good! I never could have expected how good this series would be when I started reading it. I would give this book more than five stars if I could.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,819 reviews