North! or Be Eaten (The Wingfeather Saga, #2) by Andrew Peterson

May 31, 2012 ND rated it 2 of 5 stars

Oh, traditional gender roles.... you find a way to be everywhere, don't you? While the grandfather, the portly bookkeeper, and the two grandsons are adventuring and swinging their swords and daggers, mum and granddaughter are always in the background being protected. There is one fairly activist female character, and the family mentions numerous times that she "needs work." Again, I was fairly turned off by the overt Christianity of this book (why don't you just hit me over the head with your me...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Ernesto Alaniz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Is there anything this renasciance man can't do? A musician, a writer of musicals, an artist, and a creator of worlds. I thought for sure his foray into fiction would produce a story that was serviceable and heartfelt to those who already loved him. But no. He crafted a story that stands on its own. You need not even know the man's amazing musical talent in order to enjoy fantastic tale of the Igiby Family.

The story lives in the beloved shadow of Tolkien and Lewis, as we are transported to a wo...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Matthew Robbins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

It’s been revealed that the Igiby children are actually the precious and extremely sought-after Jewels of Anneira: King, Throne Warden, and Song Maiden. This revelation has dictated the need for Janner, Tink (now Kalmar), and Leeli, along with Podo, Nia, and of course Peet The Sock Man, to head north to the Ice Prairies in Andrew Peterson’s second installment of the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten (see review of Book 1).

Adventures galore follow, as one obstacle after another puts the childr...more It’s been revealed that the Igiby children are actually the precious and extremely sought-after Jewels of Anneira: King, Throne Warden, and Song Maiden. This revelation has dictated the need for Janner, Tink (now Kalmar), and Leeli, along with Podo, Nia, and of course Peet The Sock Man, to head north to the Ice Prairies in Andrew Peterson’s second installment of the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten (see review of Book 1).

Adventures galore follow, as one obstacle after another puts the children to the test, revealing moments of cowardly shame, only to be redeemed by brave feats of courage and self-sacrifice. Readers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, as Peterson doesn’t shy away from dark themes and settings here (the scenes with Janner in the black box are particularly difficult), but he never fails to bring that “pinprick of light” through the darkness as themes of redemption abound.

Whereas the first book in the series was a little slow for the first half as Peterson had to lay a lot of groundwork to develop the characters and vast world he’d created, book two hits the ground running and never stops. The action is non-stop, plot twists are interesting, the characters are hilarious, the settings fascinating, and the ending perfect. The story engages your imagination and gives you permission to experience it as a child.

While trying to conjure up adjectives to describe the wonderful story Peterson has created here, the only word I kept coming back to was “magic.” This isn’t Harry Potter; there are no spells or wizards or anything like that, but the themes themselves are magical. I feel like a 10-year-old even writing those things, but I think that’s the point.

At one point, Oskar Reteep, the overweight book-lover, makes this statement:

“Here I sit in the presence of queens and heroes and magic. Yes, magic. It is only when we have grown too old that we fail to see that the Maker’s world is swollen with magic – it hides in plain sight in music and water and even bumblebees” (p. 279).”

Reteep was stating my own feelings when he said that. In a cold, cynical, dark world, we long for something magical, something that reveals the Maker’s power and the awe of redemption. That’s what this book was able to do for me (that and make me long for the third installment in the series). It might be classified as Young Adult Fiction, but I think its engaging brand of storytelling will connect with the young person inside many adults as well, giving you an excuse and reason to believe, even if just briefly as an escape, in the magic of stories and the power of redemption.(less)

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Feb 18, 2010 David Dickerson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm having a hard time remembering the last time that I shed tears while reading a book, but as I turned the final page of this strange, epic fantasy, I realized I had tears in my eyes.

I sat back and sighed, contented (and frustrated that I'll have to wait a year or so for the next stage of the journey!), and thought about the beauty of redemption that this book just gave me a picture of.

From a young person's fantasy novel?

It's more than that.

The Wingfeather saga series, and especially this book...more

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Oct 14, 2009 Jill Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story starts out where the first book left off: in Peet the Sock Man’s tree house. Janner, Tink, Leeli, Podo, and Nia are about to set off for the Ice Prairies, but they don’t get going soon enough and end up on the run from the Fangs of Dang. It’s a long, long journey to the Ice Prairies, and the Igby children are waylaid by some pretty horrifying setbacks. Will all in their party survive the trip? Will they get caught before they make it?

Oh, I likes me this book a way bunch! It makes me w...more

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Oct 07, 2009 Loren rated it 3 of 5 stars

From ISawLightningFall.com

THREE-AND-A-HALF STARS

Picking up a sequel can be a daunting prospect for a reader. Yes, the charms of an initial title in a series may entice you to snap up the second volume. But for every follow-up that winningly expands on its predecessor’s virtues, there are plenty that drive them into the dirt. Put another way, for every The Empire Strikes Back there seems to be a corresponding The Phantom Menace. So when I saw North! Or Be Eaten, the next installment in Andrew Pet...more From ISawLightningFall.com

THREE-AND-A-HALF STARS

Picking up a sequel can be a daunting prospect for a reader. Yes, the charms of an initial title in a series may entice you to snap up the second volume. But for every follow-up that winningly expands on its predecessor’s virtues, there are plenty that drive them into the dirt. Put another way, for every The Empire Strikes Back there seems to be a corresponding The Phantom Menace. So when I saw North! Or Be Eaten, the next installment in Andrew Peterson’s The Wingfeather Saga, I felt a bit of trepidation. Would it improve on the funny fantasy of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness or leave me wishing I’d spent the weekend with another paperback?

Peaceful Glipwood, home of the Igby family, lies in ruins, ravaged by the Fangs of Dang, rapacious serpent soldiers with a taste for wanton destruction. The Fangs, though, weren’t out simply to loot and pillage: They wanted the Igby children -- Janner, Tink and Leeli. Unbeknownst to everyone but their mother and uncle, the trio is heir to the fallen kingdom of Anniera, and the evil tyrant Gnag the Nameless wants to make sure it stays in ruins. Now the Igby family must flee to the Ice Prairies with wounded bookseller Oskar N. Reteep and Peet the Sock Man, the deformed former Throne Warden of Anniera who went half-mad when he abandoned his king during a Fang attack. If they can make their way north, they’ll be safe, because cold-blooded creatures like Gnag’s minions couldn’t possibly survive in such a harsh environment. But Gnag didn’t seize control of all Aerwiar without craft and cunning, and he has a plan to track the Igbys no matter where they run.

Though Dark Sea of Darkness possessed a well-imagined world and a winning sense of humor, it suffered from first-novel flaws (such as a chronically wandering point of view) that made me doubt the viability of the series. Fortunately, Peterson has honed his writing chops in the past year and a half, and North! is all the better for it. Plot, pacing, tone -- everything is sharper. Though the levity of Dark Sea of Darkness has disappeared almost entirely, one hardly misses it because North! kicks off with the proverbial bang. The sequel isn’t afraid to keep you perched on the cliffhanging edge or to subject its characters to any number of privations -- or to kill them off entirely. One commonality between the two books is that Peet steals the spotlight, his internal struggles with his fractured mind every bit as compelling as pitched battles with Fangs. Alas, Leeli once again gets relegated to second fiddle, but that’s a minor complaint. North! is a solid effort, one that has me anticipating its successor.(less)

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Sep 11, 2009 Amydeanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mr. C read this and said he loved it so very much he would read it again… He wants to read the first and the next book after this! He said that Peterson had a great imagination.

I tend to agree. Peterson is a singer and storyteller and he sure tells a memorable story here. This book took me on such an imaginative and adventurous ride that I couldn’t help but enjoy it! I was totally surprised because even though I was amused by the title, I was actually expecting it to be a bit lame, but it was fa...more

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Aug 04, 2009 Debbie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, fantasy

North! Or Be Eaten is a young adult fantasy. Logic need not apply. (My poor, logical brain kept frying every time a sword or dagger was lost during a fight only to mysteriously and without comment show up when the owner needed it during the next fight.) There was a lot of happenstance and accidental good and bad fortune to stir up the plot.

This is the second book in the series, and I haven't read the first book. I strongly suspect this book would be more understandable if I'd read the first book...more

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Dec 08, 2009 Lydia Presley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, young-adult

Unlike his first book in the Wingfeather Saga, this book did not possess the same light-hearted feel. It was easier to take seriously - but in a sense, harder for me to will myself to pick up to read.

The story did not seem to change all that much. The same themes were repeated from the first book - with variations, but there was still the boy rescues brother, girl sings song to help escape, mother worries over children, children get captured, escape, and captured to escape yet again. I had a dif...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Julius rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Andrew Peterson, sir, you've not let me down! Now I have to gather myself up and write a proper review that will tell of this work properly. I think that I'll split it into sections; that will make it easier for people (and myself) to navigate through. (*Cracks knuckles*)

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED:

#1 Characters (humans).
This is one of the main things in a book like this that one has to at least half like in order to finish the story. While I don't particularly like some...more Andrew Peterson, sir, you've not let me down! Now I have to gather myself up and write a proper review that will tell of this work properly. I think that I'll split it into sections; that will make it easier for people (and myself) to navigate through. (*Cracks knuckles*)

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED:

#1 Characters (humans).
This is one of the main things in a book like this that one has to at least half like in order to finish the story. While I don't particularly like some of the characters' personalities I find that the author was quite able to color them with enough uniqueness to cause them to be quite believable as people. Take young Janner for instance.

He is not my favorite character just so you know, but the way Mr. Peterson causes his (oft times anoying) mind to work reminds me of what I might have thought were I that age and in his situations. Janner is only twelve, and yet sometimes a spark of young male maturity will kindle and one will be reminded of some like event or time in one's own young life when one rose to the occasion to do what was required. And yet Janner is only twelve, and his imaturity shines through at just the wrong times, making them the right times for the story.

Then are the characters like Podo and Peet the Sock Man (the latter being my favorite by the way). In book one Podo is depicted as the retired pirate grandfather of Janner with a missing leg, a temper like a wolverine with a cold, and a past not talked of. On several occasions it was purely because of the ex-pirate that Janner and his family escaped the many nasty situations they found themselves in. Podo is vulnerable and yet nigh invincible. In the end of this book, when Podo's terrible secret is revealed, his vulnerability is laid bare. Another master stroke that Peterson handled grandly. Peet the Sock Man, a crazed soul with socked hands and a haunted past, is by far the most interesting human character in book one. Driven mad by failing to protect his brother the High king, Peet went into exile. But, true to a good fantasy tale, he shows up again when none think. He is a broken man, but not beyond repair; and the final accomplishment of his repair, as seen toward the end of book two, is told in such a way that we can almost forgive Mr. Andrew for casting aside the Peet we loved.

And then there are the side ones like the Stranders; the dirty gang of filthy bandits.

Mr. Peterson is able to create characters that grow on you, even if you don't wish them to, be they evil or good. You want to see the things like the Fangs of Dang or the master of the Fork Factory be punished for their evil deeds, while you are yet cheering for the poor Igiby family.

#2 Creatures.
Bomnubble, Snickbuzzard, Quilldiggle, Bumpy Digtoad, Toothy Cow, Horned Hound, the list goes on! This author brought smiles to my face too large and numerous to be healthy for the cheeks with his whacky creature-creations. I mean really, toothy cows?! This is one of the biggest areas where Mr. Peterson excells greatly. Clearly based off of real beasts in this wolrd, he tweaks them and combines them into his own cool minions. The Fangs of Dang our his most notorious.

#3 Storyline.
The most important thing of all. I write this review to say that Sir Andrew's story is orginal, with enough twists to keep the reader going, a funny flow writing style that he reserves for himself, yet with that spark of reality that makes it believable to the reader. The old kingdom lies in ruins, the free lands are under subjection, and the jewels, the Jewels of Aniera, must stay alive, stay fighting, and uncover thier destinies at all costs. The old kingdom is not wholly forgotten, but how shall it ever rise again? Gnag the Nameless lies over the sea, shrouded in malice, seeking to crush those who oppose him. The story is told from the viewpoints of the conquered, not the free, and that can make all the difference in the telling of a tale.

All in all, North or Be Eaten, along with the first book, sets itself apart in a way that's not too drastic or crazy, and yet is familiar enough to go to the heart.(less)

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Sep 20, 2009 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

There is something amazing in turning the page of a book and not recognizing the phantastical creatures that appear not only in the written word, but the occasional well drawn excerpt from Pembrick’s Creaturepedia. Such is the story in Andrew Peterson’s North! Or Be Eaten the second book in the Wingfeather Saga. N!OBE (as it is affectionately known) picks up quite literally where we left the beloved jewels of Anneria at the end of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness living with their Uncle P...more There is something amazing in turning the page of a book and not recognizing the phantastical creatures that appear not only in the written word, but the occasional well drawn excerpt from Pembrick’s Creaturepedia. Such is the story in Andrew Peterson’s North! Or Be Eaten the second book in the Wingfeather Saga. N!OBE (as it is affectionately known) picks up quite literally where we left the beloved jewels of Anneria at the end of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness living with their Uncle Peet the Sock Man in his treehouse preparing with their mother Nia, and former pirate grandfather Podo, for a trip that will take them north to the Ice Prairies where the Fangs of Dang cannot follow.

While the first book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness entertained me with its wit and quick paced movement, I found myself slowing down to capture every moment in this book. I am more invested in the Igiby family and wanted to savour their escape. It was Janner Igiby that I found myself drawn to as I read through the story. It seemed with every page you could see Janner growing into the protector of his family whether he wanted to be or not. It was often times in those moments of not wanting to be protector that he found himself most alone and out of control.

I confess I thought I knew how the book ended, but never was I more surprised when I got to the last ten chapters and knew that my plans would wait while with baited breath, tears of sorrow and joy, I found an end that was most unexpected.

I could tell you about the songs of the Sea Dragons, the stories that Podo, tells about Stranders and toothy cows, I could even tell you how Janner, Tink, and Leeli begin to believe they truly are the Jewels of Anneria; I could tell you all about those things, but Andrew Peterson does it so much better than I. So curl up any where you dare find, carve out a few hours and read: read about adventures and dangers unknown, read about creatures you have never even dreamed about, read about and remember how we (as much as the Wingfeather family) are created for so much more than we dare dream or imagine(less)

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Aug 03, 2011 Jenna St Hilaire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Move over, Terry Pratchett and Lloyd Alexander. Make room on the bench for Andrew Peterson.

It takes me a little work to get into humor-based fiction—all of it, not just this series. My sister told me to plan on reading this entire book through in one sitting. My brother-in-law wants to see it made into a movie. But I reacted to it very much like I did The Colour of Magic or Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or The Book of Three—fantastic books all, but more humor and action than emotional sympath...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Jeff Short rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

This is the second installment of the Wingfeather Saga. Though I would hardly have thought it possible, this book steps up the action and intensity from the first book. Peterson has braided his tale with some interesting twists. We had a lot of fun with this book and look forward to the next book in the saga. I will add that this book has a little more violence than the first and is a little darker at spots.

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Aug 11, 2009 Andrew Peterson rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

“Peterson deserves every literary prize for this fine book. It is obvious that his musical talents have been put to good use as his use of words, plot and narrative read like a well scored film script. A very fine book, by a very fine writer and future talent. Amazing - thrilling and well worth reading again and again.”
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run dow...more “Peterson deserves every literary prize for this fine book. It is obvious that his musical talents have been put to good use as his use of words, plot and narrative read like a well scored film script. A very fine book, by a very fine writer and future talent. Amazing - thrilling and well worth reading again and again.”
–G. P. Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowmancer and The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

“Toothy cows are very dangerous. Andrew Peterson convinced me and shivers run down my spine at the very thought of meeting a toothy cow face to face. The author spills characters like Podo and Nurgabog onto the page, then weaves a tale of danger that holds the reader captive. Believe me, you will relish being held captive by this master storyteller. But be sure you don’t get caught by the Stranders. Those people just ain’t civilized.”
–Donita K. Paul, author of The Vanishing Sculptor

“In a genre overrun by the gory and the grim, Peterson’s bite-sized chapters taste more like a stew of Gorey (Edward) and Grimm (the Brothers). North! Or Be Eaten is a welcome feast of levity--and clearly a labor of love. Andrew Peterson has awakened my inner eight-year-old, and that is a very good thing.”
–Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia’s Colors and Cyndere’s Midnight

“An immensely clever tale from a wonderful storyteller - filled with great values and even greater adventure!”
–Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales

“Thrills, chills, spine-tingling mystery, and lots of smiles. It’s not easy to combine heart-pounding danger with gut-busting laughs and make it work, but Peterson pulls it off. For readers who want nonstop action infused with powerful, life-changing themes, North! Or Be Eaten is a must-read.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, best-selling author of The Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire

“Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller, scene painter and wordsmith who takes you on a rollicking white-water ride of adventure. Readers of all ages are sure to find North! Or Be Eaten worthy of a big mug filled with a favorite beverage and a cozy nook near a crackling fire for hours on end. Here there be tales within yarns within stories. Listen, reader, bend your ear, but keep an eye peeled lest the dreaded Fangs of Dang be near!”
–R. K. Mortenson, author of Landon Snow and The Auctor’s Riddle
(less)

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Nov 09, 2009 Redheadkate rated it 5 of 5 stars

As you can imagine…or maybe not because Peterson is pretty inventive - the road north is filled with adventure and despair. This is the middle book in the series, so it has to get darker before dawn. Let me tell you, the sky gets pretty black. But the end, we do glimpse that flicker of light - hope.

At times the humor is broad, the written version of a pratfall. It is laugh out loud funny. Then, there is also the subtle stuff. Very witty, if you catch it. But there has to be something more to kee...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, fantasy, young-adult

In 'North! Or Be Eaten', the Igiby family face a more perilous and treacherous journey than any of them ever imagined. There is, of course, the danger of the Fangs and the creatures of the forest, but now they have to deal with Stranders, Trolls, Dragons, a bunch of other terrifying monsters, and people who are more than willing to turn on them for money.

Janner and Tink have to deal with jealousies toward each other. They both also have many other issues that they have to deal with. Tink's fear...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Steve Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This is the second installment of the Wingfeather Saga. I expected more of the lighthearted humor of the first book but was propelled into a breathless chase across the countryside, one that I haven't seen in fantasy since poor Bilbo found himself out of the frying pan and into the fire. The experiences are darker. The dangers are harder, and so are the characters the Igibys encounter. And yet the themes of courage and loyalty continue to provide an important foundation. Peterson writes characte...more

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Sep 19, 2009 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: children-s-books, fiction

Andrew Peterson’s latest addition to his children’s book series allows the reader be lost in language, to be immersed in a world that is both foreign and familiar, and to ultimately be captivated by a story that gives us a glimpse of the larger Story in which we find ourselves, and yet it never takes itself too seriously. This is a good thing.

You may remember Peterson from his debut novel, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. This latest installment picks up where the last ended and continue...more Andrew Peterson’s latest addition to his children’s book series allows the reader be lost in language, to be immersed in a world that is both foreign and familiar, and to ultimately be captivated by a story that gives us a glimpse of the larger Story in which we find ourselves, and yet it never takes itself too seriously. This is a good thing.

You may remember Peterson from his debut novel, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. This latest installment picks up where the last ended and continues at a galloping pace, careening through the landscape of Skree with twists and turns that might break your neck if you’re not careful.

There are swordfights and sea dragons as well as poetry and song. Each chapter's exploits lead quickly into the next, and I found it hard to put the book down and return to real life. Even more humorous proper nouns and quick quips kept me rolling, while the robust plot in this faster-paced installment had me hooked until the end. This book is also a bit darker, but only in the sense that bad things still happen to good people and the author doesn't shy away from the reality of death. Thankfully, the story overflows with more hope than the waters of Fingap Falls.

“Whether crushed or sheltered by the Maker’s hand, ’tis beneath it we go, from breath to death.”
— Triliban Plubius the Bruised, The Bridge, (Skree City Press)

In the midst of frenetic chases, family quibbles, measured despair, and weighty choices, short bursts of beautiful prose appear, sentences that make your breath catch and your heart yearn for More. Somehow Peterson manages to mingle the earthly and ethereal and yet still appeal to adventuresome eight-year olds. As always, the threads of redemption are subtly woven throughout this tale of trolls, toothy cows and troublemakers. I don't know how he does it, but I'd pay to be able to mix the silly and the sacred like that and make it work.

I would recommend this to anyone with an imagination and a heart. (That means you!)(less)

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Aug 19, 2009 Janet rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-fiction, christian

North! Or Be Eaten is not only beautifully written but also a wonderful book. I didn’t have much difficulty understanding the story since I haven’t read the first book. Though, I still suggest readers check out the first book and read it first. The characters are believable and the story is very creative and unpredictable. This book is loaded with intriguing and thrilling action scenes, that hold the reader captive, making them want to read more and more, I actually sometimes didn’t want to put...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Amy Kannel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, own

Fantasy is generally not my thing, so I was a little wary when I started this series, but I loved the first and immediately devoured the second. The story is engaging, inspiring, clever; the characters capture your heart and your imagination. A few beautifully written lines in North! nearly brought me to tears. It's one of those books that, though extremely entertaining, doesn't stop at mere entertainment--it resonates with timeless truth and beauty and transcends a simple story. I can't wait un...more

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Oct 01, 2009 Turi rated it 4 of 5 stars

It seemed like such a long wait since the first book in Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga, I was getting a little worried that this book wasn't going to ever come out. But here it is, and it's a perfect continuation of the family's wild adventures. I'm not going to give ANY plot details away, but let me say that this is one of the most fun, yet gripping children's series I've ever read. Peterson is an amazing storyteller, and while I was worried that his reputation as a Christian author and sin...more

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Aug 29, 2009 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars

FINALLY! More Toothy Cows, Igiby children, Peet the Sock Man, nasty Fangs and so much more. The sequel to "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is finally here and it has been worth waiting for. I will say that like in the first book, it takes a few chapters to get into the amazingly unique world Andrew Peterson has created. To understand the characters, the land, the animals and the culture of the world and also to get into the wonderfully quirky writing style Andrew has - it is sheer geniu...more

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Mar 02, 2013 David Rollins rated it 5 of 5 stars

The second of the series of the Wingfeather Saga is just as good as the first. I thought the author made some changes to the action and to the characters that made each of them more understandable( read interesting). The story becomes more complex, as the characters grow into more complex and challenging circumstances. The background history comes to the fore and many things out of the first book take on new relevance, as well as the questions of how this will all fall out in the end. i am looki...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm certainly glad I started this series after the third book was written. This second book in the series ends without any closure. I realize that is the point of a cliff-hanger but this one seems to end in the middle of the action. If I had not been able to move right into book 3, I think the story would have lost the momentum for me. At times I was quite upset with the author for the direction the story was going. But kudos to Andrew Peterson for creating characters I care so much for. I'm exc...more

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Apr 18, 2010 John Gardner rated it 5 of 5 stars

The sequel to "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is even better! It includes all of the strengths of the first book (mentioned in my review ) but none of the weaknesses. It is obvious that Peterson's skill as a story-teller and novel-writer are improving as he goes.

Where the first book got off to a bit of a slow start, the second was non-stop action from page one. Where the language in the first seemed a bit awkward at times, there was nothing in the second to detract from the engaging st...more The sequel to "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is even better! It includes all of the strengths of the first book (mentioned in my review ) but none of the weaknesses. It is obvious that Peterson's skill as a story-teller and novel-writer are improving as he goes.

Where the first book got off to a bit of a slow start, the second was non-stop action from page one. Where the language in the first seemed a bit awkward at times, there was nothing in the second to detract from the engaging story. The characters we got to know in Book One receive much more depth in Book Two. Readers feel very attached to the characters as we are drawn into their lives.

The story focuses primarily on Janner, the oldest of the Igiby/Wingfeather children. As the family flees their home in Glipwood for the hidden city of Kimera in the Ice Praries, 12-year-old Janner is forced to grow up fast as he is counted on to protect his younger siblings from all manner of dangerous creatures (illustrated by the author) and "the ghastly Fangs of Dang". Periods of intense action (with page-turning cliffhangers ending each chapter) are interspersed with introspective looks into the entire spectrum of emotions experienced by a very realistic pre-teen boy facing man-sized tasks.

***SPOILER ALERT*** Do not read the following paragraph if you don't want to have important details of the story revealed before you read the books! I want to point something of interest to parents who might like to read these books to their children.

One of my very favorite aspects to Peterson's story is that, when we find out that the Igiby children we met in the first book are actually the hidden royal family (the Wingfeathers) of the defeated island nation of Anniera, we learn that this country featured a very unique system of succession to the throne. The Kingship of Anniera is not passed to the eldest son in the royal family. Instead, it is the second-oldest who becomes King. The oldest (who in this story is Janner) is bestowed the title of Throne Warden. The Throne Warden's responsibility is to be the protector of the King and the rest of the royal family, serving his family and his nation self-sacrificially. Though he has no official power in the governance of the Kingdom, the Throne Warden is accorded a level of honor among the people of Anniera on par with that of the King. There are some really great lessons here for young boys on the importance of being a protector and of leading and serving by placing the needs, desires, and success of others above oneself. As a father of a young son, this is greatly appreciated!

***END SPOILER ALERT***

I absolutely recommend this series for any fan of fiction, especially for those who have children! I can't wait for the next book in the Wingfeather Saga!(less)

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Jan 26, 2013 Daniel rated it 5 of 5 stars

I turned to my brother (who was reading a different book) after finishing this and said, "That was cool."

The first book in the series I found to be okay. It was hilarious (particularly the footnotes), but the pacing was weird and not much happened until the last third. In addition, the feel didn't sit quite right with me... the serious moments felt weird when juxtaposed with such silliness, and the feel of the world wasn't there.

THIS book, however, was incredibly enjoyable. I read it straight th...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Drew rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first book in this series, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" was a rather dark tale, but was kept light by the humor, the wordplay, and the odd footnotes that are peppered throughout. It's the story of a land under occupation by the soldiers of "Gnag the Nameless, whose name is Gnag." Turns out Gnag isn't just out to keep our heroes and their countrymen oppressed (for example, by demanding that they fill out complicated forms if they wish to borrow gardening tools) he's actually look...more The first book in this series, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" was a rather dark tale, but was kept light by the humor, the wordplay, and the odd footnotes that are peppered throughout. It's the story of a land under occupation by the soldiers of "Gnag the Nameless, whose name is Gnag." Turns out Gnag isn't just out to keep our heroes and their countrymen oppressed (for example, by demanding that they fill out complicated forms if they wish to borrow gardening tools) he's actually looking for something. By the end of the first book, we know what he's looking for and why our heroes have to flee the land. And it becomes clear that the edict against gardening tools isn't just about bureaucracy, it's about making sure that there isn't anything like a weapon handy with which the oppressors could be overthrown.

But that's the first book, and like I said, it's kept pretty light, though if you stop to think about it, it's really kind of dark.

"North, or Be Eaten" is darker. A lot darker. There's less of the humor and the footnotes (thought they're still present), but in their place comes a stronger sense that this world the author has created has a long, deep history, and the reader is beginning to be let in on some of the secrets. A lot of stuff in the first book that felt like mere flavor-text actually turns out to mean something.

For example, the "Adam and Eve" story that leads off the first book is a cute little bit of humor ("Dwayne and Gladys" and "Here we are/Aerwiar") but then later the author starts dropping bits of information about the children of Dwayne and Gladys, and you realize that their story is somehow connected to this story. Also, the sea dragons are a big "so what" in the first book. But we find out they play a rather large part in the history of this world.

The difference between the first and second books is the difference between "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," . . . or to use a more modern tale, the first Harry Potter book, and the fifth.

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Mar 29, 2013 Seth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids, fantasy, reviewed

It wasn’t until I received the free review copy in the mail that I realized it was the second in a series. So naturally I borrowed the first one, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, from the library and read it first. They are both excellent

Peterson’s attempt at writing children’s fiction is a total blast to read. It’s witty, descriptive, well-plotted (I figured out about 1/2 of the foreshadowing before all was revealed), and creative while using tried-and-true storytelling technique.

A bit...more

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Feb 28, 2010 peter rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series, which appears to have gotten a few too many vitamins since the last installment. The characters are still entertaining, but the scale of the story has gotten out of hand. There are a few too many miraculous escapes and the landscapes in some places have gotten huge and arbitrary. I'm not sure quite what to do with cages suspended from ceilings in mysterious halls and impossible, Dr Seuss-type bridges suspended in mid-air.

But what I most miss when I compare...more

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Jan 06, 2011 Adam B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

As much as I enjoyed the first volume and found it both well-written and engaging, this novel was a huge improvement. I loved this book.

I appreciated how Peterson presented flawed characters who make/made very real, and sometimes very horrific, mistakes, and yet it is clear that grace is available, especially within the family. There is also maturation and growth for the young protagonists as the story progresses, even when they make the same mistakes again and again. Janner's growth and maturit...more

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North! or Be Eaten (The Wingfeather Saga #2)

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North! or Be Eaten (The Wingfeather Saga #2)

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