I don't know why, but I just couldn't get " into" this book. 

The book is really reminiscent of Naria but for some reason, I really struggled to immerse myself in this book. I had to force myself through the first half.

I really like the new cover and I am sure that with this redesign a whole lot of new people will pick up this book. The new cover basically screams "adventure" which is exactly what a middle -grader is looking for.

One of my main issues is that the characters really don't undergo a lot of development and all the characters come across as childish which truly worked on my nerves.

Even though this definitely wasn't one of my favorite books, I have to take a minute to acknowledge how amazing the author's word choice is. I often found myself quite amused and impressed with some of the play on words in this book. It will definitely keep parents entertained even if they don't enjoy the story.

It took my children a little while to get into this “scary” saga. But once they got to know Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby–and their dog Nugget–they were swept into the adventures of the three children as they run from the Fangs of Dang. Between escapes from the Toothy Cows of Skree, fearsome Sea Dragons, and the dreaded Black Carriage, it’s a saga of constant peril and adventure. Will their fear win out or will they stay faithful to their family and friends? Who will find the lost jewels of Anniera?

Andrew Peterson is such an excellent author and I really enjoyed this one. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

I made it about 10% in on this one. It was a cute idea, but it felt like a lot of the older middle grade books. I’m also not sure about how the character with a disability was presented.

I find The Wingfeather Saga reminiscent of the Narnia series, but not derivative, insofar as there are young children facing real danger, overcoming obstacles, and learning what it is to be brave.  

We meet the Igiby family in On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, and the early chapters gradually introduce you to the events that will consume much of the book and hint at the further action in the series. Each sibling has a specific gift that will serve them well when they work with each other.

This book was previously published in 2008, but the purpose of this new release is to roll out illustrated hardcovers (books 1 and 2 were released this March 2020, while books 3 and 4 are slated for release in the fall of 2020). There are about ten black-and-white pictures in this volume. 

I confess that the former covers didn't draw me in and felt dated to me (this helps to explain why I never read the series before now). This new cover is captivating, and the illustrations draw you in. I highly recommend being introduced to the Wingfeather Saga through the illustrated volume. 

I am not a huge reader of fantasy as an adult, so while I was open to the story, more of my thought process was, "My oldest will really devour this series!' I believe my nearly ten-year-old is more than ready for this fantasy series, whereas, even as a read-aloud, some of the action might be too much for my tender kindergartner.  I am interested to see how the story transforms in later titles.

(I received a digital ARC copy from WalterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)

This wasn't my first time reading this first book of The Wingfeather Saga and I can tell you that with the re-released versions, these stories hold up on subsequent readings. I was swept up in the stories again. I don't know if this series has answers for the times we're living through, but reading these books rekindled something inside me. Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller who has gifted us the kind of art we need right now.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness has a superbly creative storyline lined with mystery to unravel. I appreciated the style of the writing, the character development, and piecing together the puzzles. I also enjoyed the different character perspectives and the wittiness of the author.

Oh my goodness did we love this book! My son and I read many fantasy adventure books and it seems that many of them have the same premises. But, this book is unique and intriguing that kept us turning the pages and wanting to know more! I highly recommend!

When Janner Igiby and his two younger siblings went out to join the festivities on Dragon Day, they got more than they bargained for. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, they crossed one of the dreaded Fangs of Dang – the resident oppressors of Glipwood township. And once you cross a Fang, into the Black Carriage you go – all the way to Castle Throg across the sea. This places not only the children in danger but their mother and grandfather as well.
What follows is an adventurous expedition in which the siblings work together to escape the Fangs and solve the mystery behind the Jewels of Anniera. If the Jewels can be found, then maybe the Fangs will get what they want and leave the land of Skree forever. 
Andrew Peterson knows how to write for middle graders. I found this to be disarmingly funny at times and emotionally vibrant at others. Janner Igiby’s vulnerability over the loss of his father, which happened way before the book began, demonstrates what grief can look like in relationship. 
There are few books that have inspired me to be a better person and a better father. This is one. I found Podo’s (grandfather) treatment of Janner surprisingly gracious for an ex-pirate. The love and pride he shares for this boy – as well as the other two siblings – almost drips off of the pages. Because of that guidance and love, the children come out stronger and are able to achieve far more than they would have dreamed. 
Peterson’s world-building is impeccable. I found the society of Anniera very compelling. Without going into specifics (no spoilers here!), the power structure of this ancient kingdom is ingenious. I cannot recommend the tale from this master storyteller enough. “As the great explorer, Jinto Qweb said, ‘Hurry! Reading is fun!’” ~Oskar Reteep

This beautiful novel is captivating and full of adventure. Andrew’s writing take after writers like C.S Lewis and Tolkien. Highly recommend for middle grade readers and fans of fantasy and adventure!

I was really happy when Netgalley granted me a copy of this book. It looked awesome and I saw that it's a book that is published for the second time this year. The original book is from 2008. I also noticed right away that it was pretty popular on Goodreads with 8000+ ratings. I had a great time reading this book and I'd recommend anyone who likes Fantasy/Adventure books to pick this up.

Pros
Illustrations: The book started with a map and I was so excited to see that. It's been way too long since I've read a book with a map. I always love to see how an author sees it, and it doesn't always come across by just describing it with words. When I kept reading I saw that the book also has some illustrations. They are small and are a nice addiction to the great story. In the back of the book are some hilarious forms as well, loved it!
Use of language: The first two chapters totally captured my attention. The use of language was so great and I felt like being immersed in a fairy tale right away. I loved the little layer of humor. That makes it interesting for adults to read as well.
Footnotes: The book uses footnotes and I find that a great addition to the already lovely story. It feels much more like a universe on its own, when you get more information about stuff in the footnotes. I had so much fun learning more and I also feel like it's a great way to teach Middle Graders about footnotes, books and literature.

Cons
Figured out: I love being surprised and that was sadly not the case when the big ending was revealed. I had it figured out pretty quickly. I think the author made it a bit too clear throughout the book and that's also the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.

Overall
A great Fantasy/Adventure story for Middle Graders, but at times hilarious for adults to read as well. I loved exploring this new world and getting to know the characters. I'd definitely be up to read the other books in this series as well!

Name: On The Edge of The Dark Sea of Darkness
Author: Andrew Peterson
Genre: Children Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Age: +6
Review:
Beautiful and enchanting cover. 
This is the story of three siblings; Janner Igiby, Tink and their crippled sister Leeli. These three are gifted children and are loved by their noble mother and grandfather, who was once a pirate.
Fangs of Dang has crossed the Dark Sea to rule the land with his evil and malicious intent. He pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera. 
Now, the three children has to use their gifts to survive against the venomous Fangs of Dangs, who will stop at nothing to fulfill his evil pursuit. 
A quirky, thrilling and enchanting story which will keep you engaged throughout the book. Peterson is a master storyteller with his quirky writing style and a good sense of humour. 
He presents a tale for children of all ages, along with the beautiful illustrations throughout the pages which will keep the reader's undivided attention.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a fantasy that takes a few chapters to pull you in, but once you are fully engaged in the Igiby children's adventures in the land of Skree, you don't want to leave. This is a story that everyone will enjoy and would make a great read-aloud.

In this first book of the Wingfeather Saga, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness introduces us to the world of Aerwiar and the Land of Skree where the Igiby family lives.  The opening of this book is a little dark as the oldest Igiby, Janner, lays awake listening for the black carriage that carries children away in the night. No one know when it will come. This little beginning glimpse for the reader gives a window into this world that everything is not all right. Bit by bit you come to realize that their world was meant to be more, but is suppressed by an evil that is ruling.  At first, it was a little hard to get my head around all the opening paragraphs of background information especially with all of the names of the different lands I was unsure of how to pronounce.  But as I read more of the book, I was drawn in to the story and the lives of the characters. The added illustrations in this new hardcover book were delightful, and I'm sure the kids reading these books will enjoy them.  Overall, it was a fun story filled with quirky names and silly animals. 
If your tween is looking for a series that will take them on a fun adventure, then pick up these new hardback books of Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga! I will also say that these books are enjoyable for adults too, so don't be afraid to pick them up for yourself!

I thought this book was a tons of fun. Tink and the gang are quite the group to read about. Not quite sure if it would be for all adults, but tweens and early teens will like it.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness was an interesting read but a bit underwhelming.
The story felt as if it lacked a linear plot and rising action. Instead it's a series of interesting or dangerous situations where the characters find themselves in or get themselves in danger. The situation is however quickly resolved each time and then the characters try to return to their regular life. The characters and the world seemed to change very little, if at all until the end. The climax then, feels less like a climax and like a more intense chapter in an episodic series. I was always waiting for the story to start, for true the inciting incident to happen, which didn't until near the end. 
As the first book in a series it did a good job in introducing fleshed out characters and a detailed, inventive world with history and conflict but as an individual book it wasn't remarkable.

There was also a mentally ill supporting character suffering some form of PTSD or trauma who was mistreated several times during the course of the book both verbally and physically. It wasn't extreme or explicit but it wasn't pleasant to read about. 

E-arc was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This book was awesome and I did not want to put it down. I love the Igiby family, the Sea Dragon festival, all of the creatures the author has created. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series! 

#OnTheEdgeOfTheDarkSeaOfDarkness #NetGalley

A fantastic new fantasy series emerges with On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. The book opens on the town of Glipwood where the inhabitants live under the thumb of the Fangs of Dang, smelly, scaly creatures who answer to the evil Gnag the Nameless. We find the lovely Igiby family trying their best to lead a normal life in their home just outside of town. Of course, that doesn't happen and we follow along with Janner, Tink, Leeli and their graceful mother Nia and their pirate grandfather Podo, on a sweeping adventure to find and then protect the Jewels of Anniera. 

While the beginning of the book is a bit slower due to introducing all of the colorful characters, once the adventure starts it doesn't slow done. You grow to love the Igiby family and desperately root for them. There is intrigue throughout because some characters seem trustworthy, but are they? This book contains adventure, suspense, mystery, humor, as well as characters to admire as they struggle to overcome fear and self-doubt to do their duty to each other and their destiny.

What a heart-warming, adventurous story! I love the sweet childlike tone to the prose, and how it's mixed in with thrilling tones of foreshadowing and intensity.

The characters are so unique and realistic. I rooted for them the whole way. Their relationships are so relatable and quirky, it drew me in from the very beginning.

The plot is complex for a middle grade novel, but written so clearly it's so engaging and easy to read. A definite read-to-my-kids book, for me! It's so boldly adventurous and absolutely hilarious.

Underlying the whole story, the themes of family and hope are so strong and I absolutely love that about it. It's such a beautiful story at the heart, and it warms me to my core. Absolutely recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This edition puts illustrations to a great treasure of a series. My daughter could not put these down. She really liked Leely because when the Fangs were going to bite her puppy, she went right up and kicked their shin.