Book Review - North! Or Be Eaten

I'm going to take a total departure from the fiber world today, and instead explore probably my longest running and probably most beloved hobby - reading. I may try to do more book reviews if there's interest, so if you like what you read here today let me know!

My love for fantasy stories began early in life with Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia has continued on strongly into my adult years where I discovered Tolkein's Lord of the Rings. To my great delight, I recently was turned on another great, and I expect to be, classic series: Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga.

Andrew Peterson is relatively new to the publishing scene, with his first book, The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats, published in 2007 and followed shortly after by book one of the Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. While Peterson may be a new author, he is far from being new at storytelling. Andrew is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has recorded 10 albums. In the spring of 2001, my now husband and I saw Andrew perform for the first time at a small Christian camp. We both were immediately enamored with his ease, wit, and quirky storytelling. Since that concert we have seen Peterson in concert every possible chance and purchased every one of his albums. We are continually drawn to Peterson's music for his amazing ability to invoke emotion and image with his words.

As you can imagine, I was thrilled to learn that AP (as he is affectionately known in our home) was publishing a book. I was confident before purchasing On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness that it would be first-class, and I was not disappointed. This book follows Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby - three children who think they live in a normal town and are normal family, but who discover their true identities as the only living heirs to a lost nation. The latest installment in the series, North! Or Be Eaten follows the children's adventures after the discovery of their royal heritage. They travel through strange lands, face fearsome creatures and interact with dangerous folk. The story is one of love, faith, the importance of family, and the burdens of responsibility.

While this series is classified as children's fiction, I have no doubt that adults everywhere will be reading it for a long time to come. As with Peterson's music, this is a work that has enduring value – the ability to expand your mind and make your heart sing.