This is a book I’ve been looking forward to for a while! Normally things I wait this long to be entertained by end up disappointing me.
Not this book though!
From the very first chapter I was caught back up into the excitement of the Wingfeather Saga. It took a few chapters for a few details from the last book to come back to me, but that wasn’t the book’s fault. Whenever Andrew dropped a hint from the past the memories flooded in like a welcome tide. It made me want to read the first book all over again.
So on the story went, in directions I wasn’t expecting. There were many pleasant surprises, though they weren’t all pleasant for the characters to go through. I did see a few surprises coming, but I think it’s because I’m familiar with AP through his music, and because he’s a fellow Christian.
The characters are deepened and developed more in this book than in most of the books I’ve read. Take in where they started from in the first book, “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness”, and it’s amazing to think of where they are compared to where they started from. I have a feeling that the next book will do even more with them than both of the first two books combined.
I’m loving the setting of the books, the world of Aerwiar. It’s a land of excitement and epic epochs. Every image of Aerwiar that the book conjures up has filled my mind with bright vibrant color and overwhelming life (except those places in which life is snuffed out, color is erased by the wicked, or where all is dipped into the darkest black). The pictures he scattered throughout the pages definitely drew my interest deeper. I doubt Andrew will write enough books or draw enough pictures to fill my mind with all there is to the world he has created, and the world he is still creating.
The adventure of the book was thick throughout. It was always one notch more exciting than I expected at any given time. The drama of the tale unfolded naturally through the course of the journey, leaving NO time to wonder if the pace was too slow or too fast. After reading the book I feel like I should have a torn up traveling outfit hung on my wall for a display to all.
And while I know I should have seen it coming, the power that filled the last part of the book blew me over. There was one line in particular that broke me down. My eyes flooded and my heart stole my mind away for well over ten minutes. After that I was able to get back to the book. There were a few more parts that caused my soul to pause and reflect, to soak it all in and breathe deeply the truths of the Living God. I was compelled to think on Christ’s love, and it was so easy to comply. The power lasted long after the last words, and I was assured that it goes back farther than the first book.
It was all strengthened by the fact that the next day I read a verse in the Bible that reflected the same truths written in that line that took my breath away. I don’t know if Andrew had that Scripture in mind, but I’m sure he had the Author of Scripture in his heart as he wrote.
I really want to thank Andrew for writing this book and series. I want to thank his family too. As a writer myself I know the impact a wife can have on one’s writing, and I know about some of the sacrifice a wife has to make to let her husband immerse himself in the world he’s making. And I can’t help but think that his kids are adding light and color to almost every corner of Aerwiar. Thank you Petersons!
North! Or Be Eaten is an amazing story, and an amazing sequel to an awesome beginning. I recommend the book to anyone of any age. I’m truly hoping for many more books in Aerwiar, set in anytime in its history.
Thank God He has made people in His creative Image!!!
For more on the Wingfeather Saga, visit http://wingfeathersaga.com/
For more on Andrew Peterson, check out http://www.andrew-peterson.com/index.php and http://www.rabbitroom.com/
For more from the publisher, go to http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/
Writing for Christ! 