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Through 4 enticing novels, Andrew Peterson introduces his reader to a family & a world so very unlike our own & yet altogether like it as well in The Wingfeather Saga. A story of redemption, of looking past exteriors, of laying down our own desires for the good of others, and of the power of loving beyond what we can see; this book series leaves the reader with hope & expectation.

I have honestly never given the fantasy genre much of a thought beyond a passing glance but on the recommendation of several friends I dove into the first book of this series & never looked back. I believe it to be a good jumping off place for those exploring new genres. Peterson’s writing style is engaging and easy to get lost in.Peterson Wingfeather saga

We enter a world of old pirates, children & crazy uncles only to discover that those are about the last things to be recognized. We then embark on an attempt to imagine the creatures Peterson creates. From toothy cows and cloven to sea dragons and diggles the reader is left wrapped in a swirl of known and unknown.

The familiar human experience is captured throughout the story & it draws our hearts in. We walk with older brother Janner, who is only 12, through a world of emotions we all recognize – instinct to protect family, envy toward them, frustrati
ons that mount between siblings, chafing against expectations, anger when we feel wronged, pride in family, & sorrow at loss.

This is a redemptive story, highlighting the beauty of selfless love and transformation. Woven like every good story is, it captures the heart and draws the reader to fight for justice and love and beauty. Not explicitly Christian, this book draws parallels to the faith in a way reminiscent of C.S. Lewis.

I highly recommend this series. The story is constructed well. The characters develop into friends we hope will be victorious against the Fangs of Dang and Gnag the Nameless. The world becomes a rambunctious escape from our own filled with drama & adventure.

Peterson explores thoroughly the connection between family members & the undying desire to protect and care for one another. He exhorts his readers to look beyond what the eyes can see to the humanness buried underneath. He challenges us to extend grace to others because we will likely never know the road they have travelled. And perhaps most importantly, he shows us that redemption is possible & hearts can be changed – “thank the Maker!”.

I have already purchased the first book of the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness , as a Christmas gift for several loved ones and plan to recommend it to many others. Consider taking the opportunity to dive headlong into a world you may not recognize but which I assure you, has much to offer.

If you would like to explore a few more books to add to your list, check out these reviews: The Woman’s Identity: A Review of Made for More by Hannah Anderson and American Race Relations & The Church: A Review of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Have you read this series? What were your impressions? Do you have other book recommendations?