I just love it when I read a book and it captures my imagination. This book is a jewel in itself… It drawn me to the characters - the good and the bad ones - and it made me want to know more of what will happen. Toothy Cows, Fang of Dang and Horned Hounds seem to be hideous creatures. Actually, in the book we already have a representation of the Toothy Cows… I wouldn't want to be face to face with one of those believe me. The Fangs represent evil in the land of Skree.
There is also a quest of jewels coming from Anniera. Where are the jewels? The Igiby children are thrown in a series of adventures that will keep you on edge. Their grand-father is a pirate - oh I see my boys liking this book already since they are so much into piracy things…! You experience the Dragons Day with the visit of the Sea Dragons. You will explore the Anklejelly Manor, get lost in a bookstore, visit the tree house of Peet the Sock Man, and cook a maggotloaf with Nia - the mother of the Igiby children.
Andrew Peterson is full of creativity and helps the reader to visualize the various characters and places written about in the book. This is a strength I consider important when you write a juvenile fiction because the kids need to "see" what they read.
What is also interesting in the book is that every once in a while there are footnotes at the bottom of the pages giving various information about history or some reference books… I was especially curious about the Creaturepedia written by Penbrick. Inside the book, you also have an example of a page from the Creaturepedia - meet the Toothy Cow. Ouch! And honestly it made me dream of having such a book in my hands to explore the world, creatures and characters of the Wingfeather Saga. That would be an interesting idea I think. But I would wait until the whole saga is written before publishing such a book.
The way it is written makes me think of the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew. You get transported in a world where anything could happen and any creatures can live. The cover of On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is quite interesting as well. I find it a good representation of an old leather book which was written a long time ago to tell the magnificent story of… wait I won't say more because I might slip the punch of the story.
I wouldn't be surprised to see this saga be put on the big screen - either with real actors or 3-D cartoons. The book is packed with adventure and it's only the first book of a series. I can't wait to read Book Two and tell you what I think about it. I am expecting more adventures and hope to discover new creatures along the way.
I homeschool my kids and I am planning to read the saga to them this year. Oh! And The Wingfeather Saga now have a website… Check it out! You will find more creatures drawn from the Creaturepedia.