On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree. - eBook

Andrew Peterson is critically acclaimed in the music industry, and his lyrics and songwriting are compared by reviewers to James Taylor, Marc Cohn, and the late Rich Mullins. He’s married to Jamie; they have two sons, Aedan and Asher, and one daughter, Skye.

Artist Justin Gerard has illustrated several children’s books, including The Lightlings storybooks for young readers by R.C. Sproul. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and works as the chief creative officer for Portland Studios.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson is a book filled with adventure, excitement, and mystery! The evil serpentine Fangs of Dang have conquered the humans known as Skreeans, and they are far from kind to them. The Fangs enjoy putting people in prison and whipping them, and they take special delight in sending children to Gnag the Nameless by way of a dark carriage. So, when Janner, the main character, along with his brother Tink and sister Leeli find themselves in trouble with the Fangs, it’s best the reader buckle his seatbelt and prepare for a wild ride.

Aside from the terrors of the Fangs, Janner comes to discover many secrets kept from him and his siblings. From the mysteries of Janner’s father, Esben, and the hidden jewels of his mother to the famous yet strange Armulyn the Bard and the seemingly fabled land of Anniera, readers are sure to be on the edge of their seats with curiosity and tensions. Andrew Peterson’s book is just complex enough to be taken seriously, yet just silly enough to be continually amusing. With slapstick humor, jokes, and amusingly skillful storytelling, the author really gets the reader to enjoy the book. It is written well, definitely for an adolescent age group, and is only the first in a whole series titled The Wingfeather Saga. Definitely a recommendation!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, ESV). With all the problems going on in their world, Janner and his family trust in “the Maker.” This should tell the readers something. In all the troubles and storms of life, the Lord is there. He is the God of peace and love. He is in control, and so we should worry over nothing. And that’s just one of the many lessons to be gained from this book. Great writing, Peterson! -- Joshua Wagner, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

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.)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Praise for the Wingfeather Saga

"I love all the adventure and the wild inventiveness and, most of all, the heart in Andrew’s books. He is a poet and a master storyteller. I want to read anything he writes."—Sally Lloyd-Jones, New York Times best-selling author of children’s books
 
"An experience your family will never forget. I can’t recommend these books highly enough!"—Sarah Mackenzie, author of The Read-Aloud Family and founder and host of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast
 
"The Wingfeather Saga is witty, imaginative, and full of heart. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers who’ve run out of Narnia novels and are searching for their next great series."—Anne Bogel, creator of the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and host of the What Should I Read Next? podcast
 
"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 and coexecutive producer of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and cocreator of Marvel Comics’ Young Avengers
 
"Immensely clever!"—Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales