Last night I finished Andrew Peterson's book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. If you are not familiar with Andrew Peterson then you should start there. He's a incredible singer/songwriter. Well now he has ventured out into the world of Children's Fantasy. In this first book of the "Wingfeather Saga" which is scheduled to be a trilogy, Peterson blew me away.
I have not enjoyed a book this much since Narnia. To be honest this book exceeds many aspects of Narnia by far. Peterson writes an incredibly suspenseful and action packed story. Not to mention he includes 'footnotes' which help explain the backstory (which are absolutely hilarious)!
Perhaps the best thing about the book is that you are introduced to new and exciting creatures like Thwaps, Toothy Cows, Fangs, Quill Diggles, and Horned Hounds. I kept wishing to dream a dream where I could experience some of these creatures just for the fun of it (it hasn't happened yet, but I'm hopeful).
When you read this book you will most definitely be reminded of Lewis' Chronicles and Tolkien's LOTR trilogy. However, for you old timers out there you'll also pick up on nuances from classics like The Dark Crystal and The Never Ending Story. If you have some background in Christianity you'll also be able to pick up on some of the ways (or even create some) that Peterson alludes to Christianity. However, it is not painfully obvious (like some books tend to be) and detrimental to the main purpose.
Get this book and read it. It's an easy read and is only around 250 pages. The very short chapters make for a great way to walk through it with your kids too. Books like this one make me excited about being a father because I get the chance to read them to my kids and see their expressions of laughter, fear, anger, doubt, suspense, bravery, and love.
I give it 5 out of 5!
Here is Peterson's explanation of the book:
THE WINGFEATHER SAGA, BOOK ONE
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.
BUY IT HERE
7 comments:
Hannah got this book for Christmas and now I'm even more excited about reading it after your post! My brother gave her a copy signed and inscribed to Hannah by Andrew Peterson. He also gave Chloe Peterson's book/cd "The Ballad of Matthew's Begats." It's really good, and your littler ones would like it.
That's Awesome!
And once again I am amazed at the awesomeness that is Chad Ethridge.
Sorry to use the word "awesome" twice just then. Normally I try to reserve that word for special occasions. It seems I have failed awesomely.
Thanks for the tip! It sounds right up Abby's (and my) alley. And, yes, I remember The Never Ending Story and the Dark Crystal. Does that make me an old timer? I keep finding grey hairs and have been colder this week, so maybe I am getting old.
It's okay Mandy, we are getting old! I find myself griping a lot more about things.
O and about the book, I am very excited and can't wait to see Ashlin read these types of books.
Cool- I'll get it a read it to Caleb.
Sounds cool! I will be honest, I have never read the Chronicles if Narnia nor The Lord of The Rings and I haven't even watched Lord of the Rings...
I do love the Dark Crystal and The Neverending story. Great memories of childhood.
I'll have to check this book out.
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