“Toothy Cow!”
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is Book One of The Wingfeather Saga. Written by Andrew Peterson, a Christian author and singer/songwriter, this series is a family favorite of ours. The audiobook is a great listen at home or in the car. Some preteens may enjoy it on their own, but it includes some peril and may be best to listen to or read aloud as a family.
Illustrations from The Monster in the Hollows—the Third book in Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga Book Series.
The story begins in the township of Glipwood, above the cliffs of the Dark Sea of Darkness. A mother, Nia, and her father, Podo, with her three kids, Janner, Tink and Leeli, are exiled to the Fang infested continent of Skree, forced to live their lives under the leadership of the evil Gnag the Nameless. A secret integral to the family’s history changes their lives from one of dull monotony to one of thrilling adventure, as the children realize their importance in a wider world.
The story blossoms into a magnificent adventure with unexpected twists and turns, between continents, clearly contrasting good and evil while keeping true to the importance of family. While the writing starts out a little shaky, hold on: It just gets better and better, especially as the books unfold.
Many children’s stories have the kids trying to solve problems without their parents’ help or knowledge. In this series, the family is working together and doing their best to seek help from “The Maker.” When the children do try to solve problems on their own, it doesn’t go well for them. The dialogue between the family members, especially the siblings, is real and honest, easy to identify with, and could spark great discussion within your own family.
Peterson’s style is clever and creative. The chapters are relatively short and keep the story flowing well. You will discover interesting creatures like Toothy Cows, Flabbits and Horned Hounds and meet intriguing people like Peet the Sock Man, Zouzab and Oskar N. Reteep, Appreciator of the Neat, the Strange, and/or the Yummy, the proprietor of Books and Crannies. Watch out for the Dragons, the Black Carriage, the Fangs of Dang… and just what are the Jewels of Anniera?
Campbell and Stephen Dougherty contributed to this review.
Wendy and her husband, Dennis, have four children and serve in Faith's College ministry.
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