Andrew Peterson crafts another excellent story in this third installment of the Wingfeather Saga. “The Monster in the Hollows” is a story filled with courage in the midst of hardship. The characters continue to grow and mature as they face the challenges before them. The book has themes of bravery, humility, honesty, responsibility, and sacrifice. It is sure to inspire adults and children alike.

This book was fantastic! I could hardly put it down. This book contained plot twists I didn't see coming! My heart at the end of the story ached for the Wingfeather children. I'm so anxious to see where book 4 takes us!

Book 3 was amazing! I am so glad I started reading this series but I don't want it to end, only one book left. :(

Once again the Wingfeather have kept me on the edge of my seat as they try to avoid Gnag the Nameless. I definitely did not see the twist (no spoilers) coming, well played. I highly recommend this series to anyone (no matter your age) that enjoys an adventure!

On to book 4!

This series is epic. The heart-wrenching beauty of this tale mixed with fun and laughter makes these stories not to be missed. A series for all ages, the Wingfeather Saga deserves a rating of 10 (on a scale of 1-5). Please do yourself a favor and read them.

I have purchased several sets of these books, but I was also given digital copies with the new (amazing) illustrations for free in exchange for my review.

WalterBrook & Multnomah is re-releasing this series with new illustrated editions; the first two were published in March 2020 and the final two this October 2020. The included illustrations sprinkled throughout enhance the experience -- they are engaging and draw in readers.

The Igiby children find themselves in the Green Hollows, but what was meant to be a restorative time of safety is fraught with tension as they navigate charged relationships and uncertain futures. Will the community trust them, or will they be forced out? Secrets come to light and lives are altered yet again, heightening the tension as the story culminates in the next installment.

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

The Monster in the Hollows continues on the story of the Wingfeather clan in a most gripping and glorious way.

The book opens and it is high adventure from the first few pages and you wonder if the ship is going to make land before the ships filled with Fangs catch up. Then, the agony of wondering if they'll get to stay in the land of Ban Rona, with poor Kalmar as a half wolf.

After promises from Nia that she would take any punishment with Kalmar if he proves to be dangerous they get to settle in a real home. With legendary fellow who had been taking care of the ancestral home and grounds all these years.

The Wingfeathers settle in, start school and learn to adapt to the ways of the people in Ban Rona. It isn't easy, but moving and learning the ways of your new area never is (speaking as a Military Brat myself, I know how hard it is to find your place every time you move). Things seem to start looking up finally. Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli finally have a home. They are finally safe.

Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of what is going on at the Fork Factory with Sara Cobbler. Did she give up after she didn't leave with Janner? Did she remember where she came from and resolve to fight? What of the other children?

Until local livestock starts to go missing. And there are reports of the Monsters making their way into the Hollows again. What are these monsters? Could it be that Kalmar is becoming more like a Wolf Fang by the day?

I couldn't put this book down after I started reading it. I mean, I was up until 3 in the morning, telling myself just one more chapter....Just one more chapter.... Just one more chapter every time I finished the last one. This story takes you on a journey into the depths of your identity. Are you the product of what someone says you are? Are you a product of your environment? Are you who you are because of the blood that courses through your veins? I cried with reveals in the last several chapters, and I'm not a crier. So to be safe, have some tissues handy.

Book Review: The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson
Posted on October 6, 2020 by Kevin Holtsberry / 0 Comment
For those of you not following along, I’m reading the Wingfeather Saga to mark the release of new collectable hardcover editions being released this year. Specifically, books three and four being released today, October 6.

As I noted with book 2, the books seems to be getting better as we go. I enjoyed On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, and found the second half of the book more engaging than the first, and that pattern continued with North! or Be Eaten.

And that pattern continued with The Monster in the Hallows.

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, the Lost Jewels of Anniera, are hiding from Gnag the Nameless in the Green Hollows, one of the few places in the land of Aerwiar not overrun by the Fangs of Dang. But there’s a big problem. Janner’s little brother–heir to the throne of Anniera–has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows, he looks like a monster.

But Janner knows better. His brother isn’t as scary as he looks. He’s perfectly harmless. Isn’t he?

Each book builds on the previous; more history revealed, more surprises, more depth to the characters, etc.

Peterson continues to balance a focus on the inner lives of the children, Janner in particular, with the history and myth of Anniera. He adds in secondary characters that help flush out the details and color of the world he has built but also keeps readers on their toes with twists and turns.

The last third of this book in particular is pretty intense as the action and intrigue ratchets up. Things are barrelling towards the fourth and final book.

As I have said before, great series for young readers and particularly a read out loud or audiobook to share as a family. But something adults can enjoy too.

There is only one phrase that I think adequately describes The Wingfeather Saga-- soul-stirring. There are stories that you just read. And then there are stories that you read and along the way they prick your heart, making you realize that you needed to hear the message contained within it's pages. The Monster in the Hollows was one of those books for me.

The struggles and joys of the Wingfeather siblings are compelling and it's a fascinating journey to watch them grow into their roles. I love the fact that Mr. Peterson brought back characters from North! Or Be Eaten, which helped tie the different threads of the tale together. I especially loved the character of Nia in this book!. We get to spend a little more time with her since the family is together for the whole book, and her strength, grace, and fierce love for her children really comes through.

I"m still recommending this series every chance I get. I look forward to finishing The Warden and the Wolf King.

At last the little Igibys have a small respite. They arrive at their mother's native land and find a home to stay in. But that doesn't mean that their life is now full of happiness. The transformation that Tink (now Kalmar) went through is filling every townsmen with distrust and the eleven year old boy is having a very hard time.

This book made me suffer in a different way than it's predecesors. In the first two books their lives were in constant danger and it had me at the edge of my seat but The Monster in the Hollow made my heart hurt. Kalmar's treatment from the first was awful and it made me want to cry. He was such a brave little soul and I know he hasn't made the best decisions but no one deserves to be treated like that.

There is a new POV in this book that I enjoyed a lot. That whole plot was interesting and it developed in a way that had me absorbed every time it came up.

I´m loving this series, the characters are really well written, they feel real and I am very invested in them and I think the author is doing a great thing with this story. It has been very surprising to find such a rich world in these pages. I am very happy that I can read this saga.

This book was good, I liked it, I really enjoyed the characters, it was happy to read this saga again.

Monster in the Hollows is the third book in the series and is so so good. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s and the adventure and lessons learned in the book are just fabulous. Bring on book 4!

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This books is AWESOME! and this series is just as good. It starts off a little slow but the ending is soooo good. it's a huge surprise which i normally doesn't happen to me...i am able to guess the ending or twists pretty easily in a book. Yes, it will make you cry! It's written beautifully and the characters are solid. Definitely give it a read. Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.

Andrew Peterson is an amazing storyteller!! It captivates you and drags you into the story. His books are full of adventure with beautiful messages. Each book if the serie is better and better and more exiting.... OMG,This book really surprised me. Cant wait to read the next one!!!

WOW. I have so many feelings now that I finished these books, but I think the greatest praise I can give them is that I cannot wait to read them with my kids one day. Filled with beautiful life lessons woven into the narrative, these books whisk you to the world of Aerwiar and lets you ride the rollercoaster of emotions that is three children fighting forces of evil and finding out who they are in the process.

The Monster in the Hollows perhaps is my favorite of the 4 books because I love the setting of the Green Hollows and all the characters we meet there, plus the B-plot of this book is so charming that I was delighted every time we switched perspectives to Sarah.

Andrew Peterson has created magic in these books that isn’t just about the extraordinary powers used for good and evil in these stories. The magic lies in the actions and choices of the characters to be loyal, to be kind, and to be selfless. When you can see beyond evil and “ugly” to provide love, it can maybe change the heart of even the worst monster.

What would you if your siblings begin to transform and looks like a monster? The story is book 3 of a 5 part series. Trust, God and forgiveness are themes within. A great saga for families to read together. The illustrations are magnificent and help the readers envision the story better.

The story continues. I enjoyed the different points of view in different chapters. Parts of this story took me by surprise (no spoiler). The end of the book definitely leaves you anxious for the next one.

I have heard so much about this series over the last year or so. I read the first two books several months ago and enjoyed them, although I was a bit shocked at how the second book ended. Let me stop right here and say, you need to read the first two books to really enjoy this book. I read some spoilers for this book and wasn't sure that I wanted to read it. BUT, I am SO GLAD I DID. This is my favorite book of this series! In fact, I think that I like these books more than the Narnia books (there, I said it!).

What I especially loved:

(1) It wasn't hard for me to pick up from the previous book, even though it had been several months since I had read it. I appreciated that the author reminded me of what happened, without being too obvious.

(2) The book was too fast or too slow. I thought that the story developed at a really nice pace that made me want to pick it up again, but didn't keep me up too late (ok, maybe it did a few nights).

(3) I thought that the characters were so relatable! I can't wait to read this book with my son (who is just 2.5). This book deals so well with real topics of concern, like self-esteem, forgiveness, jealously, bitterness, anger, self-worth, redemption, learning from mistakes, not being perfect, and body image. There are so many profound, real feelings in this book, and they are addressed in good, real, profound ways. Wow.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the free e-ARC.

** “I have seen many like you who, in one moment of weakness, were forever marked. But you aren’t your fur any more than I am my flesh. Who you are runs deeper than your skin. A man may be handsome in aspect but black as death in his heart, you know.” **

WaterBrook is re-releasing Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga as hardcovers with new cover art and illustrations, with the first two novels released back in March and the final two on Oct. 6.

The third novel, “The Monster in the Hollows,” picks up immediately after the series’ second installation, with the Wingfeather family seeking refuge in Green Hollows. As siblings Janner (Throne Warden), Kalmar (High King) and Leeli (Song Maiden), along with their grandfather Podo, mother Nia, friend and book lover Oskar, and uncle Artham return to their family’s ancestral home, they must overcome suspicion and discrimination against Kal who is now partly a Gray Fang — enemies of the Hollows.

As the family attempts to earn the townsfolk’s trust, they must dig deep into themselves to learn their true gifts and worth. And as Artham leaves to help rescue Janner’s friend Sara Cobbler from the horrific Fork Factory where Janner once found himself enslaved, the Wingfeathers must figure out how to protect the town from an impending attack from evil creatures, all while protecting their own place in the community.

A story of love, sacrifice and identity, “The Monster in the Hollows” will appeal to all ages and is a delightful story that will deeply move the reader. Besides creating an entertaining and fantastical tale, Peterson builds many great lessons in it, like we are more than our outward appearance; the sense of aching for a home; the impact of sharing our gifts and light with others; finding hope and courage; we’re better for our scars; sacrificing ourselves for others; and how to deal with feeling inadequate.

“The Monster in the Hollow,” which contains some amazing jaw-dropping moments, also reminds us we can find strength not only in ourselves, but in the One who made us: “Every time he let his heart believe that they were out of danger, something dangerous found them. Every time. He ignored the quiet inner voice that reminded him that the Maker had sustained him, had brought him safely to Chimney Hill.”

Once again, the illustrations in this re-release are fun and glorious, and the cover is sublime.

Fans of the fantastical worlds created by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, The Spiderwick Chronicles, or Matt Mikalatos’ Sunlit Lands series will love these stories.

Five stars out of five.

WaterBrook provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
One of my favorite things about quarantining this year was Andrew Peterson's nightly read-alouds of the first two books in this series. I am beyond excited that he is picking that back up in October. My daughter is waiting until then to read these with him. I highly recommend purchasing books 3 &4 to follow along as he reads. This was just as excellent and I can't wait to hear it read by him.

Book 3 of the Wingfeather Saga, The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson is the next wonderful installment! The three Wingfeather children have been through many harrowing experiences and have run for their lives to finally reach a place of safety among their mothers people. There is still struggle as Janner wrestles with being the older brother and Kalmar also struggles with guilt and results of decisions he has made. Leeli begins to explore special gifts that she has and begins to realize that she plays a significant role as one of the Jewels of Anniera.

Is Green Hollows really safe for the family? Can they really rest and relax. NO! As the title indicates, there is a monster in the hollows. Now they face school, identity struggles, mistrust betrayal, and fitting into a foreign land. I am completely invested in these characters and what is going to happen next.......it has never been what I thought it was going to be. The mixture of fantasy creatures, morals, evil, good and hope make this saga a rich reading experience.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to ANYONE!