These are such wonderful middle grade/young adult books! I cannot praise enough that if you have a younger reader getting into fantasy and worry about them stumbling upon something too heavy or dark to pick these up! They land lord of the rings feels, but with such a great story.

I am going to make this review really short. The book 'North! Or Be Eaten' is the second book of the Wingfeather Saga. This book is a good sequel but I personally felt that the first book was a bit better. The are loads of bad things happening in this book. By the time I finished this book, I was filled with mixed emotions- anger, happiness, sympathy, sadness etc. The illustrations and the world-building was wonderful. The character-development was also great as most of the characters mature as the story goes on. But this book, unlike the first one, was filled with adventures right from the start. Another thing that I personally liked in this book is the ending which is filled with hope.
Overall, this is a great saga, which would be loved by both adults and children, filled with adventure, fantasy, family drama etc. I am eagerly waiting to read the next book!
I thank NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for giving me this amazing opportunity to read and review this amazing saga.

This was a good sequel to the first book. Overall it didn't capture my attention very much though I'm sure others would disagree. I can see why people really love it but it just wasn't for me.

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.
I rarely find a series of children's books that can make me cry. These books touch on themes much bigger than simple heroic quests, showing real darkness overcome by light and goodness in the end. The Wingfeather Saga starts off a bit slow in On The Edge Of The Dark Sea Of Darkness, picks up the pace in North! Or Be Eaten, and then comes to a crashing climax in The Monster In The Hollow and The Warden and The Wolf King.
I would highly recommend the Wingfeather Saga.

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!

The illustrations for this new edition are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly compliment the characters and story world. It was like I was jumping straight into the scenes with the characters and could see and feel what they were experiencing. The characters were deep and layered, the plot was intense, and the world drew me in. The appendices and historical notes added some amusing anecdotes and were much less distracting than they were in book one. This series is perfect for the middle-grade reader with an interest in fantasy and adventure.

I am happy to say that I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this series. It still took me a ridiculously long time to read a 300 page middle grade book, but I'm going to say that's because life has been generally very distracting lately and not blame it on any part of this book. The cliff notes were thankfully fewer this time around which led to the chapters flowing with much more ease. It still was annoying to have to flip back and forth for the few that were still included but it wasn't quite as distracting as the first book..

The characters were still their same quirky selves which made it easy to jump right back into this world and continue on this journey from where the first book left off. I found that I liked the travel and adventure more knowing that they were on the move and so much more of the land and the creatures and the people were introduced which made this book feel a bit more lively.

It was also a little darker and more gruesome with some pretty tough circumstances befalling Janner and Tink. They had to make some tough decisions and go through hell to keep their family together and fighting to bring Anniera back to fend off the Fangs and the new and even more evil Grey Fangs.

If I had time to sit down and read through the rest of this series I might keep going but as of right now there are a lot of other books calling to me and these were unfortunately not the quickest of reads. But I think maybe in the future I will continue just to find out what happens.

This second book in the Wingfeather Saga continues the adventures of the Igiby children that began in _On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness_. While they encounter many heartbreaking trials, terrible enemies, and are forced to make hard decisions where it seems that neither option is good, there are also moments of shining hope and beauty.

Peterson does a masterful job of delving into dark, relatable human emotions, such as Janner's struggle between loving Tink and wanting to protect him on the one hand, and anger with his impetuousness and disgust as his unworthiness on the other. While these books make for great read-alouds with children, they have a depth of insight into suffering and joy, despair and hope, that adults will also find their own hearts revealed, broken, and reset to heal as they get caught up in the Igibys' journey.

A very good read!

I dived to this second volume with very good memories of the first volume, read a few months ago.
Unlike the first, this volume starts in action, with a leak from the first pages ... and it isn't the only one in this book. We learn more about the character of Peet, who intrigued me a lot since the first volume, but also about all the characters.
Again, the writing is very pleasant, and some passages can be appreciated more by reading them aloud ...

In short, a very nice second book! ^^

Read! and Be Delighted

It was delightful! When I picked up the first book in the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, I literally laughed out loud just reading the introduction. Then I found myself immersed in the saga of the Wingfeather children. This second book in the series continues the compelling tale of the Jewels of Anniera.

The method of storytelling bordered on ridiculous at times, in the way that only a fanciful tale can do, and for me personally that creativity is what made the book so delightful. I could imagine my own grandfather narrating such a story. I was truly swept along in a whimsical world full of joy and terror. I connected deeper with the truths of rejoicing in simple blessings, persevering through suffering and longing for a world without cruel injustice than I expected from a fantasy series billed for youth.

Peterson's storytelling and creativity truly shine creating a delightful tale for youth and adults alike. Even more, the deeper truths of discovering who you are and becoming who you were born to be, will challenge and inspire readers of all ages.

I highly recommend both On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and its sequel North! or Be Eaten. I haven't enjoyed a tale so much in years.

If you have a tween boy, get these books for him. Tween boys are often hard to get interested in reading. These new editions have a few pictures, to entice them to read more, but the adventure and journey will pull any boy (AND his parents AND siblings) into the book. The book also has moments that left my kids breathless with laughter.

This book and the 4-book Saga as a whole, are in my personal top 5 books/series of all time. In fact, both my husband and I stole the book from the “read aloud” area so we could devour it faster. The 4-book journey is a beautiful, amazing, captivating, and heart-rending story of love, courage, redemption, family, and hope.

The Wingfeather Saga is a series. The second book picks right up where the first left off. While you might be able to start the series with this book, I recommend reading all four books in order.

I received this book via netgalley in exchange for a review. I was so happy to get this as I’d read the first book in this series and was looking forward to this next book.
It did not disappoint. Again we are immersed in the world of the Igiby’s. No spoilers but it picks up where the last one left off. This world is amazing with its characters and creatures and towns. I can’t wait to read book 3.
I just finished this and I’m still wiping tears (of joy? Of sadness? Not telling you). So good.

I tried so hard to get through this book, but in the end it just wasn't for me. I absolutely loved the story and the characters, however.

Book two of the Wingfeather Saga picks up right where book one left off, with the Igiby family hiding away in Peet the Sock Man's treehouse. Of course, they can't stay there for long, and soon they are off on other adventures, dodging Fangs, toothy cows, and traitors in their midst.
I got a little weary of the constant scenes of escape, but toward the middle of the book, things slowed down and I was able to see more character development than what the first book offered. By the end of the book, I was more invested than ever in what happened to Janner, Tink, Leeli, and the others. I was moved by scenes of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness. But most of all, it was refreshing to my soul to get lost in a story, especially one that ended on a hopeful note.
It is worth noting that fantasy is not my typical genre of choice, but this was a delight. Highly recommend, especially for fans of Narnia.

This is going to be an adventure I will never forget. And now I have mixed emotions. Oh.. I need the next book please !!

In this second book in the series, the adventure continues without pause. And like in the first book, the misfortune never ceases making the plot a thrilling roller coaster ride. Oh how I miss these kind of adventures!

Though so much bad things happened in the story, the ending is one of hope and I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel. Will there be more hope on the horizon or will there be greater trials?

I also really love the character development. I can see each character growing into stronger men and women. And now I’ve grown to love all the characters even more dearly.

Finally, I utterly enjoy the illustrations of the various creatures and their introductions. They are all so funny!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book follows Janner into the depths of despair. It's hard to see his doubt and hopelessness; however, they is light at the end of the tunnel. He finds his hope and strength again and is able to help others see it as well.

I started previewing the Wingfeather Saga for my children to see when they might be ready to read it, and also for myself because I simply enjoy the genre. When the publisher offered a chance to read an eGalley of North! Or Be Eaten in exchange for my honest review, I leapt at it.

Like On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, the first book in the series, I found North! Or Be Eaten took a little time to ramp up. However by the middle of the book I was on the edge of my metaphorical seat trying to figure out what would happen next. This book follows the best of the fantasy genre in telling the truth about our world through story and in re-enchanting life just a little bit more. Even with the slightly slow start, I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rereading this second book in the Wingfeather Saga was like travelling back to my preteen days of lazy summer afternoons filled with reading and trekking through the woods to go to the library. And it also reminded me of how North! Or Be Eaten took a more serious turn than the first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

After escaping Glipwood Township and the nefarious Fangs of Dang, Janner, Tink and Leeli, as well as their mother Nia, their grandfather Podo, and Peet the Sock Man all are hiding out in the forest, where they are safe from the monstrous lizards. But not from the dangerous creatures that roam the forest, like toothy cows and horned hounds. And after several weeks, their sanctuary is compromised when the Fangs come for them with trolls at their sides.

Now the Igibys must head north to the frozen tundras where the Fangs won’t be able to survive. But their plans go off the rails as the family is separated and Janner is taken to the formidable Fork Factory.

North! Or Be Eaten contains more depth as the characters grow and learn from their experiences. Many secrets, especially about Peet the Sock Man are revealed, adding layers to the story that take it from a child’s fairytale to a perilous adventure that even adults would enjoy.

Peterson writes with deft grace and wisdom as he explores themes not commonly shown in children’s books, and leave the reader thinking months after the book is closed. It also helps that the book ends with a cliffhanger ending.

Overall, I enjoyed the book for both its masterful writing and the copious amounts of nostalgia it gave me, cracking open its covers for the second time. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fun, adventure, fantasy, and heart.

NOTE: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I cannot say enough good about this book. Perhaps the most telling is the sound of my children asking me to read it again when bedtime rolls around. Andrew Peterson has crafted a well-paced adventurous romp the whole family can enjoy!

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.