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.