Monday, April 27, 2009
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: Book 1 in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson (Spotlight Reviewed by Cindy Hannikman)
Order On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness Here
Visit Andrew Peterson's Website
Sometimes there's just that book that isn't high fantasy, or have a whole bunch of complex magic but yet it makes it a great read and leaves you with a good feeling in the end. Andrew Peterson's "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is just that book that is a relaxing read and a great story rolled into one.
The story revolves around three children, Tink, Janner and Leeli Igiby who live in a cottage on the outskirts of the city of Skree with their mother and grandpa. A long time ago there was a Great War that took place and the Venomous Fang have moved into the city. These evil lizard like officers patrol the area, keeping the citizens of Skree in constant fear. However, the Fang are really looking for a set of jewels that hold the key to the great King of Anniera and the possibility to rule over the whole world, spreading fear and destruction wherever they go.
Even though the citizens live in fear, every year there is the great Dragon Festivel and people gather to celebrate and at sunset watch the Dragons dance in the Dark Sea. This is where the whole story starts picking up. The Igiby children have an encounter with the Fangs and are in grave danger.
After escaping the danger, the children go on a quest to find out what these jewels might be. Along the way they find out a lot more about their past, and what is to come in the future for the family. The story is laced with silly characters, adventures, and great story telling.
This book is pure magic from the beginning. Andrew Peterson is a song writer, and while most song writers turned authors fall short on the story and plot line, Peterson does an excellent job. There are several appeal characteristics to this book.
First, this book can be loved an enjoyed by anyone no matter what age you are. Adults will find the whitty conversations, and quick flowing plot-lines a nice easy read that is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a fantasy read. On the other hand, it's a great story for children and teens. There isn't anything offensive, and there is plenty of action that will keep the kids interested. I can even picture this book being read out loud to children.
The second major strength of this book is the characters. While there are silly conversations, all the characters seem real. No one is really one sided. Instead Peterson does a great job in creating these three children and their family. You really want to get to know and keep reading on about them and learn more about them and their adventures.
The culture of Skree and the people, serve as the third strength of this book. Peterson has
created this whole world, where there are books that are referenced, and traditions that are followed. For older readers, he explains everything so that you feel as though you have grown up in Skree your whole life.
There are only a few slight drawbacks on the book. As this is the first book of a series, it does take a tiny amount of time to get flowing and get to know the characters and land around them. After the reader knows the culture and characters it's an easy read. The second drawback is that the book ends just when it's getting good. So you are left with a cliff-hanger, but one that makes you want to keep reading the series.
In the end, Peterson does an excellent job of creating a silly, witty world of Skree and making the readers feel as though they grew up in Skree. It's a great read for anyone of all ages, and there is a lot of promise for this series of books. I look forward to reading the rest of the books, because this series can only get better.
The story revolves around three children, Tink, Janner and Leeli Igiby who live in a cottage on the outskirts of the city of Skree with their mother and grandpa. A long time ago there was a Great War that took place and the Venomous Fang have moved into the city. These evil lizard like officers patrol the area, keeping the citizens of Skree in constant fear. However, the Fang are really looking for a set of jewels that hold the key to the great King of Anniera and the possibility to rule over the whole world, spreading fear and destruction wherever they go.
Even though the citizens live in fear, every year there is the great Dragon Festivel and people gather to celebrate and at sunset watch the Dragons dance in the Dark Sea. This is where the whole story starts picking up. The Igiby children have an encounter with the Fangs and are in grave danger.
After escaping the danger, the children go on a quest to find out what these jewels might be. Along the way they find out a lot more about their past, and what is to come in the future for the family. The story is laced with silly characters, adventures, and great story telling.
This book is pure magic from the beginning. Andrew Peterson is a song writer, and while most song writers turned authors fall short on the story and plot line, Peterson does an excellent job. There are several appeal characteristics to this book.
First, this book can be loved an enjoyed by anyone no matter what age you are. Adults will find the whitty conversations, and quick flowing plot-lines a nice easy read that is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a fantasy read. On the other hand, it's a great story for children and teens. There isn't anything offensive, and there is plenty of action that will keep the kids interested. I can even picture this book being read out loud to children.
The second major strength of this book is the characters. While there are silly conversations, all the characters seem real. No one is really one sided. Instead Peterson does a great job in creating these three children and their family. You really want to get to know and keep reading on about them and learn more about them and their adventures.
The culture of Skree and the people, serve as the third strength of this book. Peterson has
created this whole world, where there are books that are referenced, and traditions that are followed. For older readers, he explains everything so that you feel as though you have grown up in Skree your whole life.
There are only a few slight drawbacks on the book. As this is the first book of a series, it does take a tiny amount of time to get flowing and get to know the characters and land around them. After the reader knows the culture and characters it's an easy read. The second drawback is that the book ends just when it's getting good. So you are left with a cliff-hanger, but one that makes you want to keep reading the series.
In the end, Peterson does an excellent job of creating a silly, witty world of Skree and making the readers feel as though they grew up in Skree. It's a great read for anyone of all ages, and there is a lot of promise for this series of books. I look forward to reading the rest of the books, because this series can only get better.
12:01 AM | 
Posted by
Cindy |
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3 comments:
Thank you for the kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book.
The next in the series, NORTH! OR BE EATEN releases August 18. I just turned in my final edits and my final illustration (of a horned hound) a few days ago.
Thanks again,
AP
hey Im one of the students from CCS that you visited.. Im reading your book and so far i LOVE it! oh and also i looked for you song about cheese and its not on itunes.... i was wondering.. when i grow up i want to be an author and artist... could you send me some sketches that your friend drew?? but only the sketches.My email is disneylj@gmail.com
Thanks!
Lydia
I also go to CCS and we are reading your book as a class. It is a great read and is entertaining.