Rarely have I had so much fun reading a book. The Wingfeather Saga is a tremendously good tale, but it’s also much more than that. Between harrowing adventures and dauntless sneakery are moments of passion and humor that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the glory of the Maker.

In so many ways, this is the best book in the saga to date. Peterson proves that his creativity is by no means limited to bizarre creatures and crazy situations. The character development in this novel is incredible, aided by the fact that for the first time in the series the Wingfeather family is no longer on the run. Relationship-building (and the emotions that go with it) is inevitable when settling into a new town, with a new home, new neighbors, and new schoolmates. Of course, they wouldn’t be the Wingfeathers if their lives were free from unexpected twists, and turns.

The Monster in the Hollows is an amazing book.  The characters really came alive for me. The drawings are spectacular.  I am looking forward to reading it again.

trigger warning
<spoiler> kidnapping, being drugged, trauma, grief, bullying </spoiler>

After their sea journey the siblings Janner, Kalmar and Leelie reach the city their mother was born and grew up in. It looks like the group that also includes their mother, their grandfather and the weird bookshopkeeper Oskar now is safe. 

This third book of the Wingfeather Saga is all about being a stranger, both to the people around and to yourself, as Kalmar grapples with the changes he has gone through, unable to forgive himself, and being remembered of it every single day.

In this one, we finally get to know why they are prosecuted despite their home country, in which they belong to the royal family, has been destroyed, and now I am curious to see how it will resolve in the fourth and last book.

The arc was provided by the publisher

Wow. The new editions of these books are so lovely, especially with the new art and illustrations. The stakes continue to increase for the Igiby/Wingfeather children as their adventure continues. I waited to write reviews for the series until I finished the 4th book. It's an epic conclusion! I will be talking about these books for a long time to come.

This book is amazing. We live in a world full of uncertainty and threats of future peril. This book allows the reader to live through hard times and rise up. The struggles are fierce (internally and externally) but the love and hope are even stronger. This book brought me to tears in love and heartbreak. But I'd read it again and again because those tears were not bad, they were beautiful.

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.

These books are one of my favorite YA series ever!  I am an adult who loves YA fiction, particularly of a kind that is filled with such great character!  I highly recommend these!

#TheMonsterintheHollows #NetGalleY
The jewels of Anniera have found refuge in the Greenhollows, where their mother, Nia, grew up. They are starting to feel safe and enjoy the routine of daily life. Nia has pledged her life against her son Kalmer, if he does anything to hurt anyone in his altered state of wolf boy, also known as a Fang. Then betrayal comes, and the Fangs invade. Who will survive?

In the third book of the Wingfeather Saga, Andrew Peterson continues to delight his readers! The new cover art for this series is amazing!
Peterson continues the great character development and continues to draw his readers and listeners in to the excellent plot line.

It took a bit for me to get beyond the 'middle school silliness' of the series, but now I'm absolutely hooked! The silly parts serve as a quality backdrop, and actually grow on you. Can't wait for book 4! 

The Monster in the hollows is a beautiful addition to the Wingfeather Saga.
The way the characters have grown is believable, with Janner still doubting and trying to find room for himself, while still showing remarkable maturity. Leeli's wisdom beyond her years is not entirely unheard of and the story is all the better for it. 

Tink becoming firmly established in his true identity of Kalmar the King is an amazing journey not many 11-year-olds would consider themselves capable of, nor would their parents. However, I think we do everyone a disservice by not calling out that part of our kids, the courage to stand for the misunderstood, to fight our inner 'selfish prideful monster' and think creatively to actively do the right thing.

And Artham, well he's wonderful as usual. We could all learn from him!

I received an advance copy of this book from #netgalley, and chose to review it here. all thoughts are my own.

Author Andrew Petersen continues his fantasy series for readers both young and old(er). This is part of his Wingfeather Saga series but could be read as a standalone. But don’t do it. Get the first two books and read them together as a family.

In The Monster in the Hollows Petersen writes about a little brother who people are assuming things about, based on his appearance. What a great theme for children as they are learning not to judge based on looks.

With delightful characters, great descriptions, and wonderful story lines, I highly recommend the entire series.

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

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.)

I've been a huge fan of Andrew Peterson's music for years, so I was beyond excited when he announced he would be writing children's books.  Each of these books are fantastic on their own, but together make up an amazing story full of the light slowly defeating the dark.  Andrew doesn't shy away from the darkness in these books, but shows that in the end the light always ends.  

For those that don't know he has already read through the first books on his Youtube and Facebook page and will start reading through the last two this month.  I highly recommend watching them if you have kids or if you just want to hear the author read the story to you.

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.