On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: The Wingfeather Saga Book 1 (Wingfeather Saga, #1) (Wingfeather)

by Andrew Peterson

Joe Sutphin (Illustrator)

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND ECPA BESTSELLER • Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget. So begins the beloved Wingfeather Saga, with more than one million copies sold!

NOW AN ANIMATED SERIES • Based on Andrew Peterson’s epic fantasy novels—starring Jody Benson, Henry Ian Cusick, and Kevin McNally. Executive Producer J. Chris Wall with Shining Isle Productions, and distributed by Angel Studios.
 
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
 
Can’t get enough of Aerwiar? Collect the whole set!
ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS • NORTH! OR BE EATEN • THE MONSTER IN THE HOLLOWS • THE WARDEN AND THE WOLF KING • WINGFEATHER TALES • PEMBRICK’S CREATUREPEDIA • A RANGER’S GUIDE TO GLIPWOOD FOREST

• ISBN10: 0525653562
• ISBN13: 9780525653561
• Publish Date: 10 March 2020 (first published 1 January 2008)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 24 April 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group
• Imprint: WaterBrook
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 304
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780525653561

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first book in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Originally published in 2008, this reformat and re-release (with new illustrations and content) from Waterbrook, due out 10th March 2020 is 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).

This is part one of an epic fantasy which reminds me in a lot of ways of the scale of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Lord of the Rings. While it's admittedly not as well written (how could it be?), it does have a similar scope and reach. The author has a tendency to break the fourth wall often (asides to the audience are ok, but it's a device which in my opinion should be used quite sparingly). The footnotes are copious and extensive, and I found them a little tiresome.

The subject matter is largely a battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and a willingness to defend one's beliefs. Although often listed as a Christian selection, I read the book and didn't find -overtly- Christian doctrine or beliefs. It could certainly be read without the reader feeling catechized. The book is appropriate for all ages and there's no rough language or disturbing content.

The eARC which I received for review did not include the new artwork, maps, or addenda, so I can't speak to the quality of those. The cover art is lovely however, and I hope the new reformatted content is as well done.

Four stars. This would make a good selection for a family read, bedtime read, classroom or library circle read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.