Andrew Peterson (1)Rezensionen

This is a great middle-grade series, probably best suited to kids 8-12. It's billed as Christian and it is in the same spirit as Chronicles of Narnia. Point being--I'd think it has relevance and appeal to non-Christian readers as well.

If your kids are at the age/stage where you read together, this series would be great for that. There's no language or sexualized content. Main characters are a sibling group. The series is essentially an adventure quest with clear heroes (who mostly win, but not without costs) and villains.

There's enough tension and peril to keep things interesting (and also so there are stakes to the outcome of the story), but not so much to invoke fear in younger or sensitive readers.

I'm glad there are authors out there still writing books like these and publishers who are backing them.

War has come to the Green Hollows and surrounding lands. King Kalmar knows that fighting the overwhelming forces of Fangs won't be enough, though, and is determined to confront Gnag the Nameless himself. The Wingfeathers hope for a better future and a return to their homeland, but what will it cost to get there?

Again I find myself wishing I could say more, but not wanting to have to post behind a spoiler tag. The conclusion to the saga was at least as amazing, if not more so, as the run to get here. For a series that started a bit slow (not boring, but slow), the ensuing adventure, peril, emotion, and character development was worth every bit of the build up.

The character development throughout the series, and especially this last book, was realistic and even made me examine my own heart more closely. Though I have to admit that I don't think Leeli had much development overall. The ending was incredible, and I never saw it coming. It left me in shock, and with the biggest book hangover I've ever experienced. I am already looking forward to when I re-read this series (which will probably be in September when the second half of the re-released books come out, which my husband already pre-ordered for me).

Keeping in mind that that this series is middle grade fiction, I'm going to share a bit of a story:

I read the first 2 books earlier this year, as ARCs for the re-release that will include all new illustrations and footnotes (the books originally came out 10 years ago). I remember thinking that my then 9-year-old daughter might enjoy them, but she likes reading in theory more than in practice, tending to start books and not finish them.

When Andrew Peterson started reading the first book live online during the quarantine back in March, she started listening with me part way through (she was usually outside playing when he read, and she didn't have enough interest initially to stay inside to listen). By the time he finished reading book 2, she was hooked. She sped on ahead of me and listened to the audio books for 3 & 4. She loved them so much, she was desperate for me to read the rest so she could talk about them with me. She then proceeded to go back and read the first 2 books and re-listen to the last 2 books a few times. All in the space of a few months, by a girl who only halfheartedly read before this.

So to sum up, while the series itself is incredible–inventive, adventurous, emotional, even beautiful–the best thing about these books is that it gave my daughter and me something to enjoy together and discuss. Though we have to do it in whispers, because our enjoyment has gotten my husband’s interest piqued, and we don’t want to spoil anything for him.

Though I've been saying all through the reviews for this that the book is not overtly Christian--and it's not--there was a message in this book that I really appreciated. And I just have to say that I think it's okay to be jealous about someone else being allowed to literally directly encounter God, and you're not invited. I can't recommend this book enough to readers of all ages, and particularly suggest that reading it along with your kids, or even out loud to your kids, might just provide hours, days, weeks of great bonding time.

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

The joyful ending of the previous book only carries so far into the Green Hollows, where the residents are wary, to say the least, about having a Grey Fang in their midst. Even as his family defends him, Janner can't seem to help but be afraid of his brother as well. The Igibys begin to try to make their home in the Green Hollows, but there is more danger nearby than just the little Grey Fang.

Though there were some slower parts for me in this book, as I wasn't as interested in the school system in the Green Hollows, it was not nearly enough to detract from the rest of the book as an exciting, heart-filled addition to this series.

Looking back on it, most of what I'd want to expand on would be a spoiler, so I don't feel like I can say much in this review. However, as the danger ramps up, the heroes learn more and more who they are and who they should be. And though there were some dark and gut-wrenching moments, I have so much anticipation for the finale of this great series. More importantly, my 10-year-old daughter has gotten into this series since I started it, and she LOVES it! In fact, she's kind of obsessed with it. She's not an avid reader, so I'd say that's a huge endorsement.

I highly recommend this book, and the series so far, for folks of all ages who enjoy clean, fun fantasy adventures. And to restate from my previous reviews--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.

On a technical note, I initially listened to this as an audiobook, which isn't normally my thing. It's narrated by the author, though, and he does such great voices and really makes the characters come alive. When I got a copy of the ARC, I flipped through to find all of the illustrations and extras that the re-release will have, and they are great too! Definitely worth having the physical copy when it comes out someday.

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

The danger is real as the Igibys escape the clutches of the Fangs of Dang and head north toward the Ice Prairies. The Lost Jewels of Anniera begin to realize their full potential along the way, but there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Surviving Fangs, the Stranders, and even the wilds of Skree itself, the Igiby family gets separated, and that's when things really get bad for young Janner, the Throne Warden of Anneira. Worse yet is when he loses his little brother, the High King of Anneira, whom he is meant to protect. Surprises await around every corner in this action-packed, heart-filled fantasy!

I don't know if I can adequately express how much I enjoyed this book. The imagination that went into the characters, the creatures, and the plot itself is vast and enviable. I was swept up in the horrors, the betrayal, and the victories right along with the characters. I was annoyed every time I had to put it down and plunged back in with voracity every chance I got.

As in the first book, the main character really is Janner, the oldest of the Igiby children, and in this book it was even more clear why that was the best choice. He grew up so much in this book, even though only a short time passed (I don't know how much for sure...months, maybe?). Leeli really blossomed in this book as well, even though we didn't get to see her as much. She's courageous and has a beautiful spirit, and I love her! Tink, who is know more and more as Kalmar, has a rough time of it in this book, but boy was that ending incredible.

At times, I felt like the action didn't slow down enough for me to catch my own breath, but looking back at it, I don't think it was a bad thing. There were some pretty dark moments, so I wonder about the age range it's meant for, considering that my daughter falls into the middle grade range. I don't think it would scare her, necessarily, but I wonder if she would still be bothered by some of it, though she is on the low end of that range.

I highly recommend this book, and the series so far, 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. I have a feeling I'm going to love the rest of this series and want to re-read many times. There's no way I'm waiting for the new versions of the last 2 books to come out before I read them.

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

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 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.

This was my third time reading the book, but maybe the most special. After 2 years of my daughter and me trying to keep my husband from hearing spoilers about this series, in the hopes that he might listen to the books someday, he finally started. He listens to the audiobook (masterfully done by the author himself, and it's a treat just to hear him voice Podo, Oskar, Peet, etc.) on his way to and from work. When he came home from work one day when we had to turn around and leave to drive half an hour somewhere else and asked if we could keep listening to the book in the car, I knew he was hooked. It means more to me than I can express that my daughter, my husband, and myself all love these books and want to share the experience together. (We also watched the premier of the new animated series together and look forward to more!)

My full, original review of the re-released hardcover can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2992471023

This was my third time reading the book, but maybe the most special. After 2 years of my daughter and me trying to keep my husband from hearing spoilers about this series, in the hopes that he might listen to the books someday, he finally started. He listens to the audiobook (masterfully done by the author himself, and it's a treat just to hear him voice Podo, Oskar, Peet, etc.) on his way to and from work. A recent Saturday, we drove over 3 hours each way to go to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter for their Christmas events. My husband had recently finished the first book in the series and requested that we start this one in the car. We listened the whole way there and back. He's definitely hooked. It means more to me than I can express that my daughter, my husband, and myself all love these books and want to share the experience together. (We also watched the premier of the new animated series together and look forward to more!)

My full, original review of the re-released hardcover can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2992471023

(3.5 / 5)

For me, last year will forever be known as the year of the Wingfeathers. I read the entire Wingfeather Saga for the 1st time...and the 2nd time, in a way, as the author, Andrew Peterson, read his books live, a few chapters a day, throughout the year. This book is a collection of 7 stories set in that same world, written by 6 different authors. First, let me get some basic info out of the way: Yes, you really should read this only if you've read the Wingfeather Saga in its entirety, which I fully recommend that you do either way. No, none of these stories is a continuation of that series in any way. Well, one sort of is, to a very small degree, but more on that in the details below. Let's just say that it will not answer the burningest questions you've most likely been left with after finishing the series. Andrew Peterson has stated on more than one occasion that he would prefer to leave any answers up to the imagination of his readers, which is fair.

My overall book rating is a reflection of the average of individual ratings for each story. I did not love the stories overall as I might have hoped. However, I did go into this uncertain about how I'd enjoy them. I'm not really huge on short stories in general, but I couldn't help but give this book a go, considering how much I loved the original series. What follows is a list of each story with my rating and a brief (as much as possible) review for each.

"The Prince of Yorsha Doon" by Andrew Peterson (5 / 5) - This was my favorite short story in the collection, with a ragged, loner street urchin getting the chance to be something more, to do something more. It's charming and contains a wonderful appearance by one of the bigger characters in the original series.

"The Wooing of Sophelia Stupe" by Jennifer Trafton (3 / 5) - The story of the author of the Creaturepedia books on its own was decent, if open-ended. However, I was slowed down and tripped up by the character's vocabulary. He had a penchant for using very large, at times ridiculous words, both real and made-up (though a lot more made-up than real, I'm pretty sure). I'm sure it's meant to be whimsical, and that plenty of people will find the fun in it, but it's not really my preference.

"Willow Worlds" by N.D. Wilson (4 / 5) - I really liked seeing young Podo, and perhaps the genesis of what made him who he is in the Wingfeather books. The plot to this story, especially coupled with the story before it, paints such a vastly different fabric for this fantasy world than what was in the original books, leaving me a little surprised and confused. The story is particularly short and abrupt, but I liked the general idea of it and wish there was more on this subject.

"ShadowBlade and the Florid Sword" by Andrew Peterson & Jay Myers (4 / 5) - As alluded to in the first paragraph of my review, this is the one tale in the book that is a continuation of the original series. The title tells it all, and it's actually in comic-book format. I did like having the chance to see the two together, and wish it had been longer. Though several of the stories in this collection end abruptly and with more that could be told, I think this is the one I most want to see more of.

"From the Deeps of the Dragon King" by A.S. Peterson (2 / 5) - This story was tragic and disturbing, and while it was clearly meant to be so, my rating is not due to the theme or mood. Considering how Podo's story and character arc went in the original series, especially at the end of North! or Be Eaten, I really think I would have preferred not seeing him at this time of his life. It almost felt like undoing everything related to this that happened in the series. Plenty of others, I'm sure, will be happy to read about Podo's past, but it just made me sad.

"The Ballad of Lanric and Rube" by Jonathan Rogers (4 / 5) - This story was short and silly, maybe a little predictable to me, but overall just fun.

"The Places Beyond the Maps" by Douglas Kaine McKelvey (2 / 5) - This is the kind of story that I wish I could rate higher and feel like a rube rating so low, because I'm sure it's meant to be beautiful and poignant, but it's just not for me. It's the story of a man whose daughter was taken away by the Black Carriage, and all that he goes through as he tries first to get her back, then to get justice, and finally just to find some meaning and purpose after the tragedy. It is long (literally as long as all of the other stories put together, since it started at 50% in the e-book) and moves slowly most of the time. There is a lot of introspection, depression, even self-hatred--all things you might expect in the situation, but I felt like it plodded along most of the time. It didn't help that the author has a tendency toward long, run-on sentences. Entire paragraphs, long in their own right, can be made up of just one or two sentences. It's a style choice, I'm sure, but not one I care for.

This story is also one that actually caused squeamish me to wince as injuries and the attempt at mending such were described in fairly vivid detail at least once. The man contemplates killing himself or at least giving up on life multiple times. It's dark, much darker than even the most serious parts of the original series. There were a few bright points for me, like the inclusion of a wonderful character from the original series and the epilogue that added a little hope after the disturbing (and just plain weird) ending.

Final thoughts: I didn't mention illustrations in the individual reviews, but I enjoyed every one of them. Andrew Peterson has a way of collecting talented people around him (not to mention his own talented children), and I can imagine the honor of having other authors and artists take part in a project like this for his books. I think, though, that some of this collection lost the charm and feel of the original series, and I especially don't think I'd say this is as great for the age group that the first series was so well suited for. What's most telling to me is that my daughter (10 years old), who has read/listened to the Wingfeather Saga in some format probably half a dozen times, only read about a story and a half from this collection and walked away. She'll go back to it eventually, but clearly it didn't draw her in like the original books. I do think that fans of the original series should read this collection, or at least some of it. I know I'll re-read some of these stories again in the future, but I was not quite the right audience for some of them.

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

Singer, songwriter, and author Andrew Peterson shares his insight on creating in this book. He uses personal experience as well as wisdom from other songwriters and authors to discuss the process of writing songs, the ups and downs of the business, and using one's creative abilities to tell a story.

I'll start my review by saying that I was not the main target audience for this book. While Peterson does do his best to expand beyond songwriting into fiction-writing and other kinds of art, the heavy focus is on the musical realm (and poetry to a lesser degree). I'm a fiction writer, but have no experience with or even much of an understanding of writing songs. Plus, he referred to songs and books by various songwriters and authors a lot and talked about them as if the reader should know them as well as he did. I'm not nearly as well read as him, and I am definitely not as immersed in music culture, nor do I listed to as wide a range of music as he. As such, I do think that quite a bit of the book was lost on me.

Another way this book did not resonate with me is that I came to realize by maybe halfway through the book that my personality, and the way I see the world around me, is vastly different from his. He sees beauty in everything, but I've never been all that sentimental. So that was another chunk of the book that fell flat for me.

However, that does not mean that I did not find plenty of gems in the book, things that work for any kind of creating. For example: "If you wait until the conditions are perfect, you'll never write a thing." Or: "The songs won't write themselves, and neither will the books, the recipes, the blueprints, or the gardens." Even with the difference that Peterson describes between songwriting (which can also apply to poetry to a degree) and writing fiction, the clear point is that you have to get through the bad to find the good.

He also addresses the different between "Christian art" and art from a Christian perspective, which I really appreciated. As an author, I've struggled in the past with thinking that I should only be using the gift God gave me to write specifically Christian fiction. However, I no longer think that's true. Instead, I can write stories with a Christian worldview, which will most likely be acceptable to most Christians, and will even be acceptable to many non-Christians who just want something good to read. And in approaching the art that way, perhaps it would allow the artist to actually reach more for Christ.

There were a few things about which I disagreed with the author, but even in those I think it mostly comes down to a difference in mindset or preference. I did agree with the idea that calling some people "creatives" excludes many people who really are more creative than they think. Just because "art" isn't the end result, pretty much everyone creates in their own way--that can come out as critical thinking or problem solving, or so many other things that don't seem as creative. In the end, I'm very glad I read this book, as it gave me some interesting insight into a singer whose music goes back as far as my marriage, and plenty of solid advice on writing, some of which I needed to hear even today. I recommend this book for Christians who are interesting in creating, no matter the form it takes.

Thank you to Netgalley and B&H Publishing Group for providing me a copy of this book to review.

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, and their disabled 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 they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Box a

This book is beautiful! It's like coffee with friends. The writing is comfortable and so so relatable. Peterson shares personal stories to show us how God uses us to reach a dark world through creativity. His main point is that, as Christians, we are creative because we belong to a creative God. This might make my top 5 for 2020. We will see... but it is definitely worth the read.

Doug McKelvey's story alone makes this collection well worth reading, in fact, I think his story is better than any of the other Wingfeather books.

The Prince of Yorsha Doon was my favorite story within this collection of Wingfeather Tales with From the Deeps of the Dragon King being my second favorite. I love Podo and it was a great story of his pirating days.

Overall the collection was a good read, some of the stories took you right back into Aerwiar and others did not.

This book deals with the creative and vocational acts that God calls us to. This is a must read for the writers in the group. But it's a great and inspiring resource for anyone who creates (writes sermons) regularly.

The author is Christian. Highly recommended by other Christians.

I really liked this book! At first I was like...is this ok? What is this book? It's a very fun adventure with funny (though very dangerous) animals!

This is one of those books that you want to rate 6-stars on Goodreads if only because you don't have the words to describe it and at least an extra star would communicate a little bit of how much you loved it.

Like I said in one of my updates as I went along, this has got to be the most emotional book I've ever read. Maybe my emotions are just fragile lately (certainly possible), but God of the Garden really punched me in the gut. Repeatedly. Peterson's prose is beautiful in its own right, and when paired with the experiences and truth that fill these pages it's just... breathtaking.

I could say much more about this book, but I'd go on forever and only be frustrated by the inadequacy of my words, so all I can really say is that you need to read it.

The first time I read this book I knew that it was beautiful, but it was like watching scenery fly by through the window of a moving car. I read it in one sitting, I didn't look into the books or songs or poems mentioned throughout, I simply observed its beauty from the outside.

This read-through was more like taking a walk through a vibrant garden, taking time to appreciate each flower and wonder at the precise combination of elements that led to its flourishing. I paid attention to each chapter. I listened to the songs. I read the poems. I made note of the books. Because this isn't just a book about Peterson and his art (though it is that, and it's lovely); it's a book about Christ in art. And as such, it gives credit to so many other artists who have also been moved by Christ and who reflect Him in their work. Rich Mullins, Tolkien, Lewis, N.D. Wilson, and so many others that I don't know yet.

This book is a reminder that God creates beauty, and that He equips us to reflect that beauty through sub-creation. It's a reminder that we who strive for that aren't alone. It's a reminder that God has a purpose for our work, and He has created others who share that purpose so that we might find community and spur one another on. It's a reminder of how God's beauty and love and guidance weaves through every part of our lives.

There's a sense of wonder and awe in this book, a feeling of reading about a kindred spirit, and a yearning that is sparked for a greater Kingdom, that I just can't fully describe. All I can say is: if you're a Christian artist, you ought to read this book.

4.5
For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2018/10/on-edge-of-dark-sea-of-darknes...

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-warden-and-wolf-king-revie...