A good story for tweens and maybe teens although totally acceptable for all ages. Reminiscent of Tolkien and Lewis, author Andrew Peterson puts us in a world of strange people and strange creatures in strange places. His colorful descriptions will hold your child’s attention, even though this book seems to start a bit slow. It picks up pace about half way through, so keep going.

Peterson shows great imagination as his characters go through trials, tribulations, and adventures. Included in the book are maps and footnotes that add to the story. 

If you enjoy fantasy then I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This is a creative, unique, funny book. Andrew Peterson has created a world populated with toothy cows, sea dragons, and secrets, with a new surprise on every page. 

Janner Isiby, a 12-year-old boy, and his two younger siblings, Tink and Leeli, are excited about the Dragon Day Festival, an annual holiday that will bring interesting people from around the country to their little town, bringing some excitement. But when Leeli’s little dog attacks a Fang, everything starts to go wrong – and things only get worse. 

Despite the fear and misery that haunt the land of Skree, the love and joy that can still take place in the Isiby family is comforting to see, and also inspiring. The relationships are far from perfect, but that only makes it all the more real. Once the story got moving it was hard to put down, and Janner was easy to relate to. The story is really targeted at kids, not one of the “children’s books” that are really meant for adults that seem all too common these days. The jokes are very kid-oriented; I can imagine my nine-year-old brother start giggling at most of the jokes.

Some of it, however, went a little too far. There were a lot of footnotes, giving interesting but mostly not useful information, and the first few pages where the world and the Isiby house are introduced are tedious. These things would be very annoying if you were reading the book aloud, and I would probably leave them out. 

A fun, light read, with plenty of plot twists. I’m looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, along with the other 3 books of The Wingfeather Saga, should be on every family's bookshelf! While stated as being written for children and young teens, this book and the series as a whole, have much value for readers of all ages.  As the first book in the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness begins by introducing readers to not only a whole new world of adventure, creatures and lands, it brings the reader into the lives of the Igiby family, its daily doings, the perils of living in Scree, and the unfolding of the 3 children's treck to finding out who they are meant to be.  I have read this book twice and listened to the audio versions twice.  It is one of those delightful books that one wants to read each year, visiting again with characters who have become friends, thrilling and fretting over each triumph and trial. In the vein of Narnia, Middle Earth or the neighboring country of Gilder, time spent in the land of Aerwiar is exciting, silly, perilous and profound.  On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and the whole Wingfeather Saga should not be missed.

It was interesting to see this book develop as I read it. It starts out building a very quirky, almost cartoony world (i.e. introducing "Gnag the Nameless" as a villain) then slowly adds in a weightier story.

It started out a bit slow for my taste, but I realize that may be partly intentional. I found myself identifying with the kids in the story as I was frustrated at how slowly important details were introduced. Looking back though, it was a good way to draw me deeper into the story.

Overall, I found it to be an interesting story set in an entertaining and quirky fantasy world. I'm looking forward to reading it to my kids when they get to be a bit older.

My favourite thing about middle-grade fantasy books is the whimsical worlds and On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness ticks the box. 

Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby live in a little cottage on the outskirts of Glipwood with their mum, Nia, and grandfather. It all appears idyllic, if not for the cruel, lizard people called Fangs who now rule over Skree. They came from the across the Dark Sea of Darkness 9 years earlier. The Fangs rule with iron fist except for one day when people all across Skree come to Glipwood for the Dragon Day Festival. On this day, the Igiby children are allowed to go to the festival early without supervision. Janner has been tasked with looking after this bother and sister. It’s going well until the Fangs take Leeli. With this Janner learns what it means to do whatever it takes to keep his siblings safe. 

I’m in awe with just how big and developed this world is — from its history, games, legends and strange creatures. We are eased into the world with two introductory chapters, which gives us enough history to understand how the Fangs got to Skree and why they are in charge. I adore the use of footnotes. It was a great way to include all the little everyday details without detracting from the narrative. 

The story is told with a third omniscient perspective. While the story mostly unfolds from Janner Igbiy perspective but it does jump from different characters including some of the Fangs. For me, I would’ve preferred to stay with Janner and the rest of the Igiby’s for the whole narrative. 

I feel there was a pacing issue and it was quite slow to start. While I was interested in the world, I did find myself losing interest at some point due to the lack of action. The action doesn’t pick up until halfway through. From then I was hooked into the story but I wish the action started earlier.  

Overall, this was a fun fantasy read with a whimsical world. Since the last half of the book captured my attention and left of a cliffhanger I’m interested to pick up the sequel, North! Or Be Eaten to see what happens to the Igiby family.

“Aw, but this ain’t life, lass!” Podo said. “Not as it’s meant to be. Do you see the way the people’s heads bow? Do you see the fear that leaks out of ’em and sits on this town like a fog on the sea? Bah! They’ve forgotten what it is to live anymore. But yer Podo hasn’t.”

The town of Glipwood is the setting for the first book in Andrew Peterson’s series.  It might have been like any other town except for the presence of Fangs - cruel and scaly creatures that ruled the people and kept everyone’s hearts in fear.  Of the three Igilby children, Janner, was often frustrated that he had to keep an eye on his siblings.  Tink didn’t have his older brother’s natural courage but time and time again found himself having to face his fears.  Leeli, the youngest, was altogether a mystery.  One night, as she peered over the edge of a cliff, she saw sea dragons bursting from the water and found herself singing a song that had them all spellbound.  This is the story of how three children escaped from the pursuit of the Fangs and grew in courage and hope.  They found themselves on an adventure that would take them from Glipwood Forest into Anklejelly Manor, onto the Catacombs and finally to a castle in the trees.  It was a little tricky to keep up with the twists and turns in their adventures but this book sets the scene for the rest of the Wingfeather Saga.  Kids as young as 5 will enjoy having this book read to them whilst older children will be glued to this page-turner.  Adults who need to learn how to chill out during quarantine and who are in want of a chuckle are highly recommended to join the Igilby children on their escape from toothy cows and horned hounds.  If you want a taste of the series then enjoy this short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iaIAii9gdE

#bookreview #bookstagram #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustrations #penguinrandomhouse #waterbrookmultnomah #adventureadventure #peetthesockman #thewingfeathersaga #andrewpeterson

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3.5 stars

I thought this was a good introduction into fantasy worlds.

I'd aim the age of readers to 8-12 years old.

It was an interesting spin on line of ascension to the throne.

Overall, nice story

When brothers Janner and Tink Igby find a hidden map, their boring town of Glipwood is turned upside-down and the Igby family finds themselves on the run from the terrible Fangs of Dang. The story is engaging, featuring fantastic characters and just enough humor scattered throughout to keep the tone light-hearted.  
I've been in love with the Wingfeather Saga for a while now, and I was thrilled to discover the new editions! These books have beautiful new artwork sprinkled throughout the pages and an updated cover.

My ten-year-old is a voracious reader, and I'm always looking for good books that keep his interest but that are age-appropriate. We read On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness together, and it is a hit! It's the story of Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, their mother Nia, and their grandfather Podo. They live in Skree, a country that has been under the oppressive rule of Gnag the Nameless for as long as the children can remember. Gnag is searching for the jewels of Anniera. But what could three children have to do with jewels?

This is a story of adventure, love for family, doing the right thing even when it's hard, and faith. Podo is gruff and blustery at times, but his deep devotion for his grandchildren shines through even when he's giving them a good chewing out. Janner may chafe at the repeated admonishments to look out for his younger siblings, but he loves them and worries about them.

Andrew Peterson has a quirky, engaging writing style, and the humor in this book has made us laugh out loud at times. (I mean, the fact that the nameless evil's name is Gnag the Nameless? That's hilarious!) It's also a story of mysteries, of secrets not yet revealed. What do Nia and Podo know that they aren't telling the children? Janner in particular is old enough to catch the glances that pass between the adults and to wonder what overheard snippets of conversation really mean.

This book is great for middle grade readers. It has some pretty intense descriptions of battles and physical characteristics of monstrous beings, so do keep that in mind if your child is sensitive to those things. (Mine is not. He listens to the story and the draws what he sees in his mind.) I've really enjoyed it as an adult, too. I can't wait to read the rest of the Wingfeather Saga!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions here are my own, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

I thoroughly enjoyed this MG story. A fascinating world, wonderful characters and a well-paced plot kept me engaged throughout. I so appreciate child characters who act their age, disagree, learn, grow and love each other through it all!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first of four books in the Wingfeather Saga. If you have older elementary age children, these are fantastic books for them read. If your children are younger, these make great read-aloud books! If you enjoy a good story, these are wonderful books for adults too! This series of books is truly for the whole family! They are filled with adventure, hardship, mystery, and bravery. Everyone will enjoy them, and they will be inspired to live a life of courage.

My family loved reading this series aloud several years ago when my kids were ages 10 to 16, so we were so excited to read them again with the new editions. The artwork is fantastic and the hardcopy is perfect. This book will be on our family bookshelf for years to come! 

This time around we read this book aloud to my bigger kids now 14-21 and they still loved it. Andrew Peterson is a master wordsmith. He shifts effortlessly in between humor, suspense, and poetry. There are only a few fantasy novels that present a truer world than realistic fiction. Peterson's characters and atmosphere are imaginative yet real. You can tell that as an author he really cares about the story. It's almost like he's welcoming you into his family and sharing his heart with you. 

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first of four books in the Wingfeather Saga, but it could be read as a stand alone story. While you know the story continues—and you want it to—Peterson leaves the first novel at a resting point. Your heart may need a minute to breathe and process the story before devouring the next book!

As one who has read through the whole series before, coming back to this first book has had new depth and enjoyment as I know where the story is going. This to me is the mark of a great series. Peterson reveals just enough to get you invested in his characters, but leaves you wanting more. Believe me—the next books deliver! I can't wait to experience these again with my family. 

I received this book from Netgalley for my review, but then I purchased the hard copy for myself and a friend. They're so good. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Have you ever showed up late for a party? I know that sometimes it can be awkward like you missed the cake and people are already starting to wander their way to the door. But sometimes, you get welcomed in and it's like the party has been waiting for you to just get itself going. I was late to the Wingfeather Saga from Andrew Peterson, but it feels like the party has been waiting for me and for you to show up! And they've put on new party clothes to mark the occasion.

The Wingfeather Saga is the story of three young children that are heirs to the throne of the country Anniera that has been ransacked by an evil ruler who is determined to capture them as well. We meet Janner, Tink and Leeli in the first book of the series On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, where they are just a small family living in the countryside of Skree and the land of Anniera is a fairy tale at best. Gnag the Nameless has taken over this land and is using Fangs to search for the children. The children are discovered and unexpectedly find themselves fleeing for their lives. They are not alone, their mother, grandfather, crazy uncle, and the faithful family dog are there to help them navigate the way. The first book is in someways an introduction to the action of book two North! Or Be Eaten.

North! Or Be Eaten seamlessly picks up the story of book one without a lot of retelling to weigh the story down. It's just enough in all the right places to remind of the things you may have forgotten since you read book one and to allow a new reader to pick up the story independently without too much confusion. The story of North! is the family's journey to the Ice Prairies, where they will hopefully escape the Fangs and Gnag the Nameless.

The family encounters several adventures along the way. Janner and Tink get separated from the family. Janner's journey is the focus of the story, showing us the life of children in Skree and the culture of those that live in the countryside.

These two books are the first of the re-release as hardcovers with illustrations. Even in the kindle version, the illustrations make the story richer and vibrant. The fantasy is well told, with enough that's different from the every day but also not so far fetched that the reader can't connect with the ideas. The stories aren't too scary for younger chapter book readers but adventurous enough that a parent reading along will keep their interest. I personally finished the second and sought out the third and fourth books so I could find out how the story ends.

If you're late to the party, come join us! This is a story that you and your children and children's children will enjoy for years to come.


Copies of books one and two were given to me by Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of review. I'm not required to write positive reviews but I'm always thankful when I can!

Just as lovely the second time around! It's been a good many years since I last read The Wingfeather Saga so I thought with the new editions releasing, it would be a great opportunity for a reread! Immediately, you're drawn into this beautiful new world that's been plagued by the dark cloud of Gnag the Nameless and his Fangs of Dang. Before you know it, these hidden secrets and mysteries of a forsaken land start to unfurl and trouble sets in for the Igiby clan. So begins our adventures in the town of Glipwood, where all may not be as it seems. Rounding out the cast of colorful characters are the lovable ex-pirate grandfather, an ever-quoting bookseller, and a kooky sock-sleeved man. There's no other tale like that of The Wingfeather Saga. Take the plunge and you'll find out!

What a refreshing and delightful story this was! It's not often that I come across something in this style of writing that is wholly unique and interesting while maintaining a high level of entertainment value. 

The plot, characters, pieces of mysteries, and childlike wonder made this book stand out. Wonderful world building was enhanced with footnotes by the author regarding terms and historical events make this seem so much more original. 

I could honestly recommend this to anyone. It has it all and I will be reading this series with my own children for years to come.

I absolutely LOVED "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness". It's funny, adventurous, magical, and so heartfelt. I loved that it's about family and friendship above all else. It's such a beautiful little tale packed with the tug o' war of conflict, beasties galore, and an unforgettable world!

"The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" by Andrew Peterson is a delightful tale for children and adults to enjoy together. I am a fan of Peterson's music as well as his book "Adorning the Dark," but I was not sure how I would receive his Wingfeather Saga books - I am approaching 50 years old and my children are grown. But I was pleasantly surprised by this well-plotted, fun and even suspenseful journey (but totally acceptable for children).

In addition to the great writing and an enchanting story, Peterson's creativity with creating great characters (with fantastic names and qualities) also shines. I found myself lost in the characters and the story. 

You won't regret making the Wingfeather Saga books a part of your library.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Even if hope is just a low ember at night, in the morning you can still start a fire.”

I received the ebook on NetGalley as part of the launch team. I also had the great privilege of hearing Andrew Peterson read this one himself for the quarantine times. 

This is a wonderful series and my third time reading this book. I admit it may take awhile to get into the series. I enjoyed this book much more the second time reading through. Don’t get turned off by the fun names and crazy things that come up. Peterson writes this with a humor and depth that walk well together. The books grow as you move through the series. If I had to categorize this series it makes me think of a funny children’s version of Lord of the Rings - still dealing with hard and painful things but with a side dish of goofy things like totatoes and off the wall footnotes that will make you laugh or cringe at their silliness and slight disgusting- ness, whatever the case may be

My family and I absolutely adore this book. It is full of humor and truth. It begins with the Igiby family living their normal lives in a town crawling with Fangs of Dang and thus begins a journey to discover who they really are. The book is fun of flabbets and totatoes, a one-legged pirate grandfather and slimy nasty Fangs. This is my second time through the book and my children's first time through. It's more delightful the second time. The kids are so excited to keep on going with the story. Thank you for the ARC.

I was initally really excited for these books. They sound fantastic and a bit quirky which I love, but for some reason I had a really really difficult time getting into this in the beginning. I'm not sure if it was getting used to the writing style or the pointless cliffnotes that kept feeling like a waste of time to read but then I finally figured out just ignore the cliffnotes until the end of the chapter instead of going back and forth and that helped me to get into the book MUCH better. 

Once I was in the story, it really took off. I loved the characters and their amazing family filled with such unique people like grandpa Podo the old peg leg pirate. And their mother with all of her secrets and strength that held the family together. And I loved how no matter what happened they always were there for each other fighting there way out of whatever tried to come between them. 

For me the book really took a turn for the better when they quit playing by the rules and decide to take matters into their own hands and defeat the evil Fangs of Dang that were trying to force them into the black carriage. From here there is action and adventure at every turn of the page and it keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how they can possibly get away. 

I also loved Peet and knew that he had a bigger role to play than what we were initially led to believe. He ended up being one of my FAVORITE characters by the end. And I really hope he has a larger role in the next book in this series. I also hope that there are less cliff notes in the next book as well because as much as I think the author wanted them to be funny and interesting... they were really just distracting and somewhat annoying.

All in all this was a really fun read and I can't wait to get into the next book to find out what happens to the Igibys!