Book Review--The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

 I distinctly remember hearing about this series some years ago. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness? North! Or Be Eaten? What outlandish titles! I had no interest whastsoever.

Until I read Gillian Bronte Adam's glowing review.

Until I read the first page.

Aewiar, the world in which these tales take place, is a wonky world that introduces its perils and bizarre monsters with cheek. But as the series continues, especially at the end of of the second book and on, even some of the seemingly ridiculous jokes and creatures are revealed to have a deeper, often darker nature. The truth behind the Fangs of Dang and The Nameless One (named Gnag) is twisted and tear-jerking. Indeed, some of the places and people here are downright horrifying.

But it wasn't always that way. That's not how the Maker created it to be.

As evil closes in, it seems all beauty and joy is choked out of existence. Except there are lost Jewels. Jewels that evil seeks to destroy. Jewels that could restore hope again.

Our heroes are truly delightful. Our three main characters are children, and though they are young (the oldest is twelve), their maturity is far beyond their years, especially as the books progress. We also have quite a fantastic host of adult characters, including their queenly mother and piratey grandfather.  But I have a name for you, dear readers. A name that has been written on my list of favorite literary characters.

Artham P. Wingfeather.

He is a gem. He is a literary gem. While reading about him, I was astonished and impressed how the author made me fall absolutely in love with him despite his...peculiarity in the beginning and his strangeness later on.  Really, I could read a series all about him. Sadly, this series isn't it. Though Artham is an important character, he stays out a lot of the pages in Books 2, 3, and 4. And his absolutely BEST moment is in Book 2. I understand why the author couldn't have him in the main climax of the final book, but I would have loved it if he had his own separate personal climax. And perhaps more of a back-story with his lady?

Now as for some things I didn't care so much for (besides prolonged absence of Artham). The monsters sometimes bordered on too bizarre. I mean some of the cloven were really creepy! I could take it in a book, but it would have been too weird for me on screen. But really it had a point. It was actually pretty heart-wrenching and important. So it's not something to complain about, just shudder-worthy. And other of the creatures were hard to take seriously. Toothy cows. Wow.

There were also some continuity inconsistencies I noticed, but nothing too awful.

Still, none of this really damaged my appreciation of these stories. Andrew Peterson is a remarkable and special author, bringing forth unique and profound tales that charm, chill, and captivate. He is truly a master storyteller. The closest style I could compare him to is Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events--except this is beautiful, less morbid, and severely more encouraging.

Readers may want to know that this series is sometimes to be considered to be a children's series, what with its young main characters and cheeky humor. But I disagree. Though mature kids from 10 (?) on up might enjoy it, the bad guys are quite evil, and the kids often find themselves in painful situations. Plus, these books deal with some pretty dark issues, such as a character mad from torture and guilt. If kids can read these books and glean the profound messages endowed here, good for them!

This is perhaps the most original way since The Chronicles of Narnia to portray the Great Truth.The bittersweet final book illuminates its beauty. I can't say too much for fear of giving anything away. But it is lovely. And the name of the last chapter? Lovely. And the epilogue?

GAH! HOW CAN THE AUTHOR SAY THIS IS THE FINAL BOOK WITH SUCH AN EPILOGUE???? Despite the satisfactory conclusion,the epilogue leaves our characters about to start on an adventure that has such potential and hope and...when you read it, you will join me in a chant for another book.

The young and old alike can enjoy these incredible tales of loss, restoration, failure, redemption, bitterness, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice.

So go read them. ;)

An illustration of mine of some of the main characters.

It's a Beautiful Life

I've been rather quiet on this blog, haven't I? Well, the good news is I haven't been nearly so quiet in real life! Indeed, I've been so busy, I haven't really had time to stop and think of good posts for you all!

First of all, some of you might be wondering how Moonscript is faring. It's in a new exciting stage--line-editing. Already, I can see that there will need to be several re-writes. It will take some time, but I want to make sure that Moonscript is the best it can be before it is revealed to readers. So as always, prayers are appreciated!

My Beauty and the Beast stories are going well. Thorn is nearly finished, and then I can turn my nose back to Centaur.

As most of you know already, my Goldstone Wood fan fiction, Eternal, won first place in the contest! I was so excited and blessed. I don't think I can express how much your beautiful comments and appreciation meant to me! So thank you! Thank you, dear readers!

I've been reading ever so many good books lately. It really is such a delight! A review will be coming soon on the incredible series, The Wingfeather Saga!

Also, for the past week, I was on family vacation, and might do another Views out the Window post on some of the beautiful sights we saw.

Oh, and our own dear Allison Rudivich has at last started a blog, The Art of Storytelling, so you should totally go check it out!

I hope you all have been doing well, both in writing and normal life! May God bless and inspire you!

What have been your doings?

Book Review--Hebbros by Nicole Sager

In a realm that feasts on wickedness, and a city that thirsts for power, the faithfulness of a few will be tested.

A MIZGALIAN SEEKS JUSTICE…
When members of his faith are exiled from the city of Hebbros, Luke vows to resist the forces that tore his family apart. Armed with a divine gift and the aid of friends, he undertakes to right a world of wrongs. Opposed on all sides by evil men determined to silence the Faithful and outlaw their powerful God, Luke’s small band will be tried and tested as they battle for truth, freedom, and the overthrow of rampant evil in their city.

AN ARCREAN SEEKS FULFILLMENT…
Three years after Elaina’s world was turned upside-down, the former nobleman’s daughter still tastes the sting of bitterness. When an act of betrayal sends her north into slavery, Elaina finds herself face-to-face with the truth she has long resisted and a choice that will change her forever.

THEY WILL DISCOVER A MATCHLESS GRACE…
Brought together in a desperate attempt to pluck a remnant from destruction, Luke, Elaina, and a host of unforgettable characters will discover the greatness of the power of God, and the startling truth that some things are not what they seem.

Through My Window

One of the first things that struck me when I began reading this book was this--the writing was excellent! In fact, it was so excellent, allow me a few moments to rave about it. 

The author's voice is simple yet elegant, leading the story with a strong hand. Once the tale begins, it really doesn't slow down...calms perhaps, but never bores. I admit, there were times when I would anticipate something that would either be postponed or defused, but after I sighed sadly and accepted things for the way they were, the story would take a new exciting twist. Each character is unique and vivid, imprinting themselves on your mind with such clarity, that it is no problem to keep track of the many characters--and there are MANY characters. 

Speaking of characters, our lead, Luke, is one of the most enjoyable male main characters I've encountered in a quite a while. He's a firebrand, a rebel, a spitfire. Think a Christian Robin Hood in a city instead of a forest. And the supporting cast is wonderful too, especially the witty, but wounded Brandly. The story follows these characters from childhood to adulthood, and they are fantastic the entire way. For the most part, I felt very little disconnection during the time jumps, except for a unprecedented nobility in one of the bad guys.

The theme of faith and salvation is incredibly strong here. The faith is actually based around God and Jesus, not representative deities, which I found a little strange, cause this is obviously a different world. But hey, C. S. Lewis did it too, though a tad more subtly. And while there are a few redemptions that feel rushed, they also feel well-thought out and possible. After all, Saul's salvation was rather sudden.

Violence: Very, very little. Some people die in battle, some are beaten, one is whipped. Children are threatened with death. But it so very mild in description. To be honest, I *cough, cough* was a little disappointed when the scene skipped over a hero being beaten. I know that sounds callous, but that confrontation and scene was being led up to throughout the entire book, and we missed it! (I know, I'm cruel to characters.)

Language: None

Sexual: None

Perhaps the only REAL complaint I have about this book is the cover. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice cover, but....it's the wrong cover. That girl on the front could barely be called a main character, though she does become prominent in the last 3rd. Still. I imagine Luke, with a bow in his hand, on a rooftop overlooking a (possibly burning) city at night. Such a cover would be hard to come by, though, so I understand. *sigh*

This is truly an engaging novel, packed full with excitement, drama, humor, unexpected twists, and a firm foundation on faith. If any of these things interest you, I suggest you check it out! (And be prepared to look up the author's other books. A sequel is coming!)