On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Book 1 of this fantasy series has similar themes as the Green Ember series: a kingdom fallen to evil creatures, hidden heirs, outcast protectors of said heirs, betrayals, unending dangers & survival against impossible odds, miracle potion that heals mortal wounds. And humor. Witty dialog and prose. Reluctant characters thrust into the adventure of their lives, longing to return to their previous comfortable and familiar existence, grappling with bitterness and anger at the changes forced upon them. A bitter rejected lover at the root of all the treachery. Self-sacrifice to bring healing and/or safety to others. Unlike Green Ember, this one does have a deity (referred to as "the Maker"). There are Biblical parallels, though not as show more obvious as those in The Chronicles of Narnia. The characters learn some of the evil that lurks in every human heart. Most chapters end on a cliff hanger, making it hard to find a good place to stop. It is darker and more intense than the Green Ember series, perhaps because many of the characters are human rather than rabbits and birds of prey. There are some scary scenes and grotesque monsters. But, the ending is so redemptive! I'd recommend for age 12 and up, but if parents have any question about their child's readiness for it... read it first yourself and decide if you think your child is ready for it. These will definitely be on my "to keep and read again" shelf. show less

As a nighttime read for my young girls (7 and 9), this book was good but slow to gain traction for several reasons. For one, it is clear that Patterson had the whole series in mind when he wrote this first installment, and he therefore doesn’t even attempt to close a story arc in the first book. Therefore, the story moves somewhat slowly and without clear purpose at times. The author is also very imaginative as he creates his universe, with its mythical creatures and historical backstory. However, he pushes this point a bit too much to the point of novelty, not leaving the reader with enough familiarity to gain traction at times. Perhaps this book would be a lot better received by a preteen audience than an adult plus elementary show more audience. These troubles notwithstanding, the story has been colorful and entertaining, and the closing chapters of the book finally bring the point of the story into view. The author ends with a promising preview into an exciting adventure to come, and the allegory finally begins to show itself as these children are revealed to be a remnant of the king, a light to overturn the darkness. I have to give this first book three stars, but I do believe the author has finally positioned himself for better things to come. show less

On the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness live the Igiby family--12-year-old Janner and his younger brother Tink, little sister Leeli, and their mom and grandfather, known mostly as Podo. Their land has been conquered by Gnag the Nameless, who hails from Dang, across the sea, and who has sent his Fangs to keep the people in line. Through a series of connected events that all starts with a mischievous dog, the Igibys find themselves on the wrong side of the Fangs of Dang. When the Fangs come to realize that the Igibys have knowledge of the location to the jewels of the late King Wingfeather and the Shining Isle of Anniera, which are said to be the key to restoring Anniera and defating Gnag, the Igibys realize they will always be in show more danger.

This book was a lot of fun, with characters that are lively and entertaining and a lot of lore and history. The quirky nature of the narrative and even the names of various people and location had me chuckling more than once. Though it's children's fiction, it doesn't pull any punches, and reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as Roald Dahl, to a degree.

Right off the bat, the explanation for the name of the world these characters inhabit gives you a sense of the writing style. The first person to exist woke up on the first morning, looked at a rock, and said, "Well, here we are." Thus, the world's name came to be known as "Aerwiar." Though none of the other names for people or places are really explained, and I did actually struggle a little muddling through so many when they came close together, this is a good example of the tone of this book.

Even with the whimsical nature, there is still some real peril. Fortunately, possibly because it's meant for kids, for the most part, the good guys prevail and the bad guys are defeated, at least in some way. I'm not saying there aren't some losses, but I won't say more because of spoilers.

One of my favorite things about the book were the hints that the author dropped throughout the book, giving little nudges about a big secret revealed near the end. Two big secrets, really but they were tied together. While I suspected pretty early on, and then decided I was definitely right still a ways from the reveal, remember that this book is meant for kids. I could imagine kids near my daughter's age, maybe a bit older, reading this and beginning to catch on, getting excited as they realized the truth.

It was fun and full of adventure, and I cannot wait to continue the series! I recommend this book for folks of all ages who enjoy clean, fun fantasy adventures. Also, you might see it labeled as Christian, and there are some references to a deity that many of the people believe in, but it is not overtly Christian. It may be a bit allegorical, again similar to the Narnia books.

Thank you to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to review. show less

This series has been on my to-read list for a long time. While I first fell in love with the music of Andrew Peterson, this first book also brings out another side of his art life. Though primarily a story for children, Andrew Peterson writes in a way that delights readers of all ages. I love the creativeness in his fantasy elements. Things like real-life treehouses, toothy cows (which are actually quite dreadful), Fangs, clever names for places, socks for hands, and an annual festival that carries more adventure than meets the eye.

Andrew Peterson clearly marks good from bad. This is a key element that seems to be missing from many books today, and I'm grateful for the clarity in even a children's book. The Black Carriage carries a show more nameless fear with it. The Fangs of Dang represent a wicked authority in the land of Glipwood, and the untold family pain also holds sadness of its own. Good comes in the form of a little dog named Nugget, a wise grandfather's counsel, and the humor that perhaps only adults would pick up on.

I love how Peet the Sock Man's story is woven into the Igiby family's history. While reading it, I was reminded of the people who suffer from disabilities/special needs or mental health struggles. Peet and Leeli share a special connection (one which isn't always seen as a good thing by other family members) because of their physical limitations.

I think it's amazing how Peterson's talent for writing songs comes across in his characters, descriptions, and story-telling. He writes truth inside the funny, and lessons come from places least expected. There are so many secrets and the edge of danger is always present in the Igiby's travels, yet they grow together as a family and also as individuals. I really want to keep reading this series!

*I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions are my own. show less

I love, love, LOVE this book! Which, honestly, is kind of surprising because I don't usually go for stuff aimed at the preteen crowd, but, you guys, this was absolutely BRILLIANT!

The world Peterson created is PHE-NOM-I-NAL! And all of his characters --- The Igibys and Podo the (retired) pirate and Peet the Sock Man (PEET!) and Nugget --- are so loveable my heart nearly burst with all the warm fuzzies. Well, except for those blasted Fangs of Dang, because evilness.

I can't remember the last time I smiled so much while reading a book! On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is silly and fun, and is full of adventure and fabulous messages --- I highly recommend it to readers of ALL ages :)

• 280 pages, medium-sized words
• Fantasy/1st book in Wingfeather Saga series

The Igiby family lives on the edge of the sea of darkness under the rule of the evil Fangs of Dang. Janner, the eldest son of 3 children, learns through a series of events that his family holds the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

This is a fun book with a fast pace. Lots of satire for children and adults to enjoy. Inspiring, moral themes abound. A great choice for a read-aloud with family, but easily read by a 4th grader. It’s a little long but worth plowing through to the end.

Andrew Peterson has done it again. Well, for the first time.

I finally got the chance to read AP’s book which came out in 2008, but that I just recently got as a birthday present. I had put it aside for pleasure reading when some other projects got done; but I gave myself the liberty of reading it now that I’m cooped up with dengue.

I have consistently appreciated everything AP’s produced musically since his first album fell into my hands during my sophomore year of college (I pride myself in being a fan before he got popular; that is, if he’s popular). He is sort of like a friend of mine: I have a fairly good idea of what he likes, what he gets enthused about, who his friends are, and what his family’s like (well, all this show more through the lens of his songwriting).

Now he ventures into young adult fantasy fiction, which is really no surprise given that he’s a huge Lewis and Tolkien fan and his kids are preadolescents.

I absolutely adored this book. It’s not a genre I’m particularly inclined towards, but there’s so much to love. AP’s done a fabulous job of painting a wonderful world and characters, but at the same time putting them in absolutely fearsome situations. At times I was frustrated by the story, because it was so dark and scary (although in a very different way than a novel by Toni Morrison is dark and scary). But it’s also quite funny. I laughed out loud several times, usually at AP’s footnotes.

Pick this one up. I’m certainly eager to read books 2 and 3 of the Wingfeather Saga. show less