North! or Be Eaten: The Wingfeather Saga Book 2

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I especially love that I'm acquainted with the author and his other work and that he chose to include the whole family in this story - no typical "home away home" children's literature this one. No, in this wonderful story, each person in the family is a hero - Grandpa Podo with his world of wisdom and Momma Nia fiercely loving and full of surprises, both respectful of the children as they begin to realize the roles they were born into. I love that the story works on all levels. For our grandchildren, it's an amazing fantasy adventure into another world; for me, the adventure was thrilling, but I identified so intensely with the family struggles and values, that I often had to stop reading and speak with "The Maker" myself before I could continue. I had such tears of joy, relief, encouragement, hope and love as I finished the last page. Can you enjoy North! Or Be Eaten without reading On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, the first book in the Saga? As I began reading, I was wondering about that and yes, I think it would work. Right now, my daughter's family is reading North! Or Be Eaten aloud. Dad wasn't there for the first book, but seems to be getting into the story just as well as everyone else. I heartily recommend North! Or Be Eaten for all ages, keeping in mind that it might be best considerably ahead of bedtime for younger, more sensitive listeners, as there are scary monsters and situations. So, come aboard for a desperate journey through Skree to the Ice Prairies, then join us as we cheer, "We've been North! . . . and we were not eaten!"

Peterson's first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, was a quirky romp with surprising depth and a dash of scare-inducing moments. The second book in the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten takes the series to the next level: deeper, darker, heart-wrenching, hilarious, hopeful, redemptive. As the Igiby family sets off for the promised safety of the Ice Prairies, they're separated both physically and emotionally. The book follows Janner, the oldest sibling, as he struggles to find his family and come to terms with the conflicting feelings inside him. Along the way, he's chased by Fangs, captured by cold-blooded thieves, held prisoner in the dreaded Fork Factory, and battles all sorts of ferocious, unique fantasy creatures. It's a journey, a quest, and though somewhat episodic in nature, it never feels disjointed as every event pushes the characters toward the climax. Though darker than the first book, it's an organic change as the Igibys face a dark world and find their own hope in each other. The book still packs plenty of humor - the footnotes, quirky characters, and my favorite, the Florid Sword. It's Peterson's Empire Strikes Back. The end of the book is a game-changer, making me antsy for book three. These characters have taken root in my heart and I look forward to seeing them again soon.

I have been a fan of Peterson's music since college. Only recently did I discover he was also a writer, and read the first (On the Edge...) of the Wingfeather Saga series. Once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. I eagerly awaited the release of North! to discover what was next. I have enjoyed some fantasy, but would not say that's my favorite genre. This series has completely engulfed me! The imagery Peterson uses is captivating. I didn't have to imagine myself there, I was there! The transition from the first book was smooth, as if the storyteller had paused for a glass of water and continued on with the story. Peterson tied up the loose ends that I didn't even realize were there from the first book. He kept the excitement in the story and gave a great setting for the journey the Igiby's were forced to begin, from the first book. I faced the problem of reading "just one more chapter" and an hour later forcing myself to put the book down. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a storytelling (not just a "good read"). I would stongly suggest reading the first book before this for the full story. The story is laced with treachery, lies and deep set loss and pain. Remembering that this is a journey and not the whole story, there is hope of what is to come. Much like any journey, there are warm memories from the past, difficult times that seem to have no end, a reminder of what is important and moments when you see that this may not be all about you. The main characters are forced to make difficult decisions and I found myself feeling their pain when the choice was made (be it right or wrong). I was going to quote some of my favorite descriptions that described the beauty these children experienced amongst the bleakness, but I found too many to list! The only negative I could find about the book is that I now have to wait for the next to be released to see what happens as they continue their journey! Thank you for allowing me to continue on this journey with you, Andrew.

Let me start out by saying that I am no fan of fantasy fiction, even when it is considered Christian. C. S. Lewis has never appealed to me. But, since my favorite Christmas song, "Labor of Love", was written by Andrew Peterson, I decided to give his book a try. "North or Be Eaten" was so intriguing that I read it in one night without putting it down. Yes, I got to bed about 2 in the morning! Each time I thought that this chapter would be the last, I would read just one more. Andrew's descriptive language is so perfect that you feel as if you are right in the midst of the drama. More than once, I looked up to make sure that a Fang of Dang was not peering in through my window. No need for a movie adaptation as my mind was reeling with it's own pictures. "North or Be Eaten" is actually the 2nd book in The Weatherfeather Saga. It begins with Janner Igiby and his family hiding from the Fangs of Dang. (The unusual names definitely took some getting used to!) Janner is the Throne Warden of Anniera, which means he is charged with keeping his younger brother, Tink the High King, protected at all costs. Everyone and everything is out to get them and they must flee to the Ice Prairies. This book follows them on their journey full of dangers. Throughout are themes on the Christian life. The theme of choices/consequences towards the end of the book impressed me. Humour is injected now and then, especially with Oskar's quotes. Mainly, it is just a very good read. If you read it aloud to the kids, be warned they will beg you to continue. Andrew Peterson was first introduced to me as an amazing songwriter. Now I understand that he is also a gifted writer and artist.

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.