On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree. (The Wingfeather Saga) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Playwright Peterson (Behold the Lamb of God) spins a whimsical fantasy novel that will appeal to both adult and YA readers. When the three Igiby siblings find a mysterious map, they embark on an adventure to discover family secrets about the father they never knew and a hidden treasure that many have long desired to find. Leeli, the youngest, can sing with a beauty that captivates dragons; Tink, the middle sibling, has the makings of a king; and Janner, the eldest, possesses a bravery that will protect them all. But the children's curiosity get the entire Igiby family into trouble with the Fangs of Dang—frightening, scaly-skinned, lizard creatures that drip venom—who have ruled the land of Scree since the Great War. Soon, the Igibys are scrambling for their lives. Peterson's style is lighthearted and funny, but following the Igibys' story requires patience and attention to detail and character so as not to get lost. The sheer amount of names, places, creatures and history Peterson invents will frustrate some readers—it is so complicated that he inserts explanatory historical footnotes throughout (though many are amusing). (Mar.)
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Review

“So good–smart, funny, as full of ideas as action.”
–Jonathan Rogers, author of The Wilderking Trilogy

“A wildly imaginative, wonderfully irreverent epic that shines with wit and wisdom–and features excellent instructions on how to cope with Thwaps, Fangs, and the occasional Toothy Cow.”
–Allan Heinberg, writer/co-executive producer of ABC’s Grey's Anatomy, and co-creator of Marvel Comics Young Avengers

“Fun to read! Every page has word-play, a pun, or clever dialogue that makes me giggle, and the story is full of insight into life. The characters have great names and come to life and stimulate the imagination. Andrew is such a gifted storyteller; this book will be a treasure to both children and adults.”
–James Bryan Smith, author of Room of Marvels; Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven, and Embracing the Love of God; co-author of Devotional Classics with Richard J. Foster

“What a great story! I laughed, gasped, and learned more about Skreean culture than I ever thought possible. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is equal parts adventure and whimsy–a real page turner that both accelerates the heart and warms it. I loved it.”
–Carolyn Arends, singer/songwriter and author of Wrestling with Angels

“Sometimes, in order to find out who we were supposed to be, we need to get lost in other worlds: Oz, Camelot, Narnia. In On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Andrew Peterson provides new and needed places like Aerwiar, Skree, and Glipwood–places where we need to get lost and found.”
–Michael Card, author of The Hidden Face of God and The Parable of Joy, and singer/songwriter of more than thirty albums

“Totally fun! Andrew Peterson, a natural storyteller in the oral traditi... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400073847
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073849
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Thought-Provoking, March 20, 2008

By	Brian Baute (Burlington, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a big fan of Andrew Peterson's songwriting and music, so when I heard he'd written a novel I had high expectations. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness delivered. It's not great literature, it's not going to displace Narnia or Lord of the Rings in the canon of fantasy literature, it's not going to be studied in classrooms fifty years from now. But it was a ton of fun to read, and I've continued to think about some of the themes a couple weeks after finishing the book (I plowed through it in about four days earlier this month).

The characters are memorable and well-crafted, the dialogue is perfect (unimaginitive or stilted dialogue is usually where sloppy fiction loses me, and this one kept me throughout), and the plot is fun and tense and touching and a little messy, but in a good way.

I've been told that I frown a lot when I read, not because I'm unhappy but because I'm thinking and processing, and I guess when I get lost in my thoughts my expression looks sour. This book made me smile as I read it. It was fun to read and is even more fun to read aloud (I've read the first two chapters to the kids, and next is Chapter Three: "Thwaps in a Sack"; they cackled when I read the parts about falling hammers and horse nuggets; they'll love toothy cows and Peet the Sock Man and the Fangs of Dang too). But there's also plenty of tension and drama and conflict, which carries the story along.

At times it seemed a little bit derivative of The Chronicles of Narnia, until it reminded me more of To Kill a Mockingbird, but then it brought to mind Harry Potter, except when it was more like Lord of the Rings. Then there were all those times when it was completely original. There's a lot that's familiar and a lot that's original. It's a good mix.

This is Book One of The Wingfeather Saga, a series title that makes a lot more sense after reading the final few chapters. I'm going to recommend this to my friends and their kids (probably appropriate for about age 5 and up to listen to, and for age 7 and up to read), and I'm looking forward to the next book in The Wingfeather Saga.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good change of pace from my favorite singer of all time, June 23, 2008

By	GoodLiteraturePlease (Michigan) - See all my reviews

I'm a huge fan of Andrew Peterson's music, so the minute this book came out I was dying to read it. I very much enjoyed it, but feel almost guilty saying I didn't love it. It was a wonderful fantasy story full of dragons and lost worlds and children heroes, and though it started a bit slow it definitely picked up in the last 3rd. But, it was a little too Ogden Nash/Jabberwocky for me... almost every plant, name, town, animal, house, etc. had weird names that distracted me from the story line. Also there were these creative footnotes that were wonderfully clever, but after a while completely distracting as well... I quit reading them about halfway through the book and then came back after I finished it. Lastly, as a child I was never one to like "icky" stuff, and as an adult that stuffy part of my nature has carried over, so I was completely turned off by the long descriptions of maggotloaf, snot porridge... etc. I almost hurled reading it, which I'm sure is a delight to 7 year olds everywhere.

That said, I'm definitely buying the sequel when it comes out, mainly because of who wrote it. If it were any other writer, though, I'd probably just check it out from the library. If you are a fan of children's fantasy, however, you will love this story!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic adventure for adults and young readers., March 19, 2008

By	Andrew Scott (Chattanooga, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Before you can get through the title of Andrew Peterson's new book, he pokes you with his sense of humor. In the opening pages, the author delights in throwing you head first into a world of meeps, chortneys, and flabbits. What's a flabbit? You'll find out when you need to know, so play along with this fantastically spun tale of adventure, wit, and hope.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a pleasure to read for the thrilling story and the delightful way Peterson chooses to tell it. Characters are rich and mysterious, and the story is dealt like cards in the hands of a magician. The world created for these characters is equally rich, full of unexpected color and detail. The reader is allowed to go down small footpaths along the story's trail, some important, others just for whim. Footnotes and appendices are even offered, rewarding the reader with extra insight and out-loud laughs.

Andrew Peterson is best known as a songwriter. In fact, he is a craftsman whose wood is words. He selects words and shapes phrases with fierce skill. Happily, he has applied himself as fiercely to his newest adventure. More, the story fills the soul with hope, recognizes the heart's ache, and reminds us of what is valuable.

Reading this book was a complete joy. Sprouting near the family trees of Narnia and Middle-Earth, young readers will love reading about the land of Anniera. Adults will quickly be swept up in the adventure, beauty, and humor. It may be a great storybook for families, as the chapters are 4-5 pages long. I happily recommend it to any reader.