Customer Reviews

North! Or Be Eaten: Wild escapes. A desperate journey. And the ghastly Fangs of Dang. (The Wingfeather Saga)

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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.

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 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!"

"On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" was a fun read; it was also somewhat obviously Andrew Peterson's first novel. Of course when you have a writer with Peterson's talent, even a first attempt is pretty darn good.

"North!" goes far beyond. The characters find themselves in more danger, more darkness, and more doubt. We begin to see the weakness of humanity in our heroes, and the longing to be made whole. Tension within the family, secret strength revealed, and a few artful plot twists combine to kidnap your emotions and strap them into a dinky little car that they then proceed to run up, down, and around some very hazardous-looking rails in attempt to make them throw up (ahem. an emotional roller coaster).

Seriously. There were times when I was startled at the joyful euphoria I felt for a particular character... and equally surprised when, a mere page later, my eyes leaked as my heart ached for him or his friend. At another point, shame colored my face as his foolishness and poor judgement were revealed. These are not things that a book usually does to me.

This could go on for far too long, but why are you wasting time listening to me? Go and buy this book (assuming you've read the first one, without which this will make very little sense). Prepare to be moved and challenged, and perhaps even to be shown a glimpse of your own shortcomings. Oh, and expect to enjoy the ride.

Welcome to the land where huge sea serpent arise from the depths to sing, horrible wolf-like creatures murder and terrorize the hopeless citizens, toothy cows roam the forests and where the Igiby family is right smack-dab in the middle of it, desperately trying to make their way north, without being eaten.

Forget the last book's quirkiness; this one's gritty, dark and emotional. Peterson's vivid writing portrays both violent betrayal and heart-warming reunions at equally graphic levels.

So basically, if you're looking for something a whole lot like the first Wingfeather book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, this isn't it. It's more like a slower paced version of Ted Dekker's Lost Books. And that's a good thing. Very good.

I waited and waited for this continuation of the Wingfeather Saga. Andrew Peterson did NOT disappoint! His story telling ability is amazing! This kept me holding my breath most of the way through and solved some mysteries from the first book. I read "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" first and loved it. I laughed outloud at the creative footnotes and loved following the Igiby family. I passed it to my husband who couldn't put it down. Then he read it outloud to our kids (ages 9-15) and they gave rave reviews. We also listened to it on tape for a second go around! When the box with book 2 came (North! or Be Eaten) I had to HIDE it so my kids wouldn't read it before me. I've finished in record time and now it's my husband's turn. Then it will be read outloud to the kids. I describe these books as a cross between the Narnia Chronicles and Lord of the Rings...with some great humor thrown in. Hurry up with #3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

After finished NORTH! OR BE EATEN, I'm still not sure that I'm a huge fan of fantasy books. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I fully appreciated everything the author accomplished in this book. I absolutely wish that I had read the first book in the series before picking up this one because I did have a hard time catching on with all the terms. Because it was a fantasy book, there were lots of make-believe places, creatures, names, etc.; and I just didn't always get it. I'm assuming that had I read the first book before this one, things would have been a little easier to understand; but I just might not be all the bright when it comes to fictional worlds.

Having said my problems with this book (and I definitely think they were my own issues and not overall problems with the story), I did find a lot of very positive things about this story. This book was very exciting, filled with loads of suspense, and contained so many unique creatures. I'm pretty sure that kids would be riveted to the story and on the edge of their seats; and I am almost positive that they would become very involved in the characters' lives.

As a mother, I thought the overall messages in this book were fantastic. In fact, I think NORTH! OR BE EATEN would make a great book for parents and children to read and discuss together. Naturally, there were many instances of good versus evil, but there were also times when the characters (especially Janner) showed wonderful personality traits. I liked that this book showed Janner's strength and resilience as he always tried to do what was right. He was an outstanding example of a young boy who was constantly facing horrific situations yet still had faith and hope -- he never gave up!

Despite all the troubles that the characters faced, NORTH! OR BE EATEN definitely ended on a hopeful note. I still have lots of questions and I am very curious about what the future holds for the Igiby's. I have a feeling that there will be another book or two in this series; however, I am looking forward to reading Book 1 first. I also think when I revisit The Wingfeather Saga series, I will read it aloud with my kids!

One thing is for sure about NORTH! OR BE EATEN. Kids are going to love this book -- I think it will be especially appealing to young boys! There is just so much action and adventure in this story, and the author's descriptions of the fantasy world are amazing! I truly believe that NORTH! OR BE EATEN would be perfect for story time or to read aloud with your children. As I read this novel to myself, I kept thinking that Mr. Peterson wrote this book with the intent that the words to be said out loud. His prose is almost lyrical at times and I think children could imagine the entire story perfectly with his unique writing style. Plus, the chapters are pretty short and ideal for bedtime reading!

There is a fun website devoted to The Wingfeather Saga. I probably should have referenced it a few times while I was reading NORTH! OR BE EATEN because there is so much information about the books. There is a link to the Creaturepedia which gives pictures and descriptions of some very scary creatures. In addition, there are illustrations and maps that appear in the books as well as a Note to the Parents Section. I recommend taking a look at Mr. Peterson's "note" because I thought his message and explanations of his book were great.

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.

Unlike his first book in the Wingfeather Saga, this book did not possess the same light-hearted feel. It was easier to take seriously - but in a sense, harder for me to will myself to pick up to read.

The story did not seem to change all that much. The same themes were repeated from the first book - with variations, but there was still the boy rescues brother, girl sings song to help escape, mother worries over children, children get captured, escape, and captured to escape yet again. I had a difficult time picking up this second book every time I set it down because I knew what was coming, not what was going to happen story-wise, but I knew well at this point the ups and downs that I was sure to read about, and I wasn't wrong.

I did appreciate the bit of growth Janner showed toward the end of the book, but the remainder of the characters (Peet aside) really did not change all that much. Peet.. I think Peet was my favorite part of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the new (old?) Peet, or the little we got to see of him, and it'll be because of Peet alone that I'll be reading the third book when it is released.