Let me start out by saying that I am no fan of fantasy fiction, even when it is considered Christian. C. S. Lewis has never appealed to me. But, since my favorite Christmas song, "Labor of Love", was written by Andrew Peterson, I decided to give his book a try. "North or Be Eaten" was so intriguing that I read it in one night without putting it down. Yes, I got to bed about 2 in the morning! Each time I thought that this chapter would be the last, I would read just one more. Andrew's descriptive language is so perfect that you feel as if you are right in the midst of the drama. More than once, I looked up to make sure that a Fang of Dang was not peering in through my window. No need for a movie adaptation as my mind was reeling with it's own pictures.

"North or Be Eaten" is actually the 2nd book in The Weatherfeather Saga. It begins with Janner Igiby and his family hiding from the Fangs of Dang. (The unusual names definitely took some getting used to!) Janner is the Throne Warden of Anniera, which means he is charged with keeping his younger brother, Tink the High King, protected at all costs. Everyone and everything is out to get them and they must flee to the Ice Prairies. This book follows them on their journey full of dangers. Throughout are themes on the Christian life. The theme of choices/consequences towards the end of the book impressed me. Humour is injected now and then, especially with Oskar's quotes. Mainly, it is just a very good read. If you read it aloud to the kids, be warned they will beg you to continue.

Andrew Peterson was first introduced to me as an amazing songwriter. Now I understand that he is also a gifted writer and artist.

I waited and waited for this continuation of the Wingfeather Saga. Andrew Peterson did NOT disappoint! His story telling ability is amazing! This kept me holding my breath most of the way through and solved some mysteries from the first book. I read "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" first and loved it. I laughed outloud at the creative footnotes and loved following the Igiby family. I passed it to my husband who couldn't put it down. Then he read it outloud to our kids (ages 9-15) and they gave rave reviews. We also listened to it on tape for a second go around! When the box with book 2 came (North! or Be Eaten) I had to HIDE it so my kids wouldn't read it before me. I've finished in record time and now it's my husband's turn. Then it will be read outloud to the kids. I describe these books as a cross between the Narnia Chronicles and Lord of the Rings...with some great humor thrown in. Hurry up with #3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been a fan of Peterson's music since college. Only recently did I discover he was also a writer, and read the first (On the Edge...) of the Wingfeather Saga series. Once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. I eagerly awaited the release of North! to discover what was next. I have enjoyed some fantasy, but would not say that's my favorite genre. This series has completely engulfed me! The imagery Peterson uses is captivating. I didn't have to imagine myself there, I was there! The transition from the first book was smooth, as if the storyteller had paused for a glass of water and continued on with the story. Peterson tied up the loose ends that I didn't even realize were there from the first book. He kept the excitement in the story and gave a great setting for the journey the Igiby's were forced to begin, from the first book. I faced the problem of reading "just one more chapter" and an hour later forcing myself to put the book down.

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a storytelling (not just a "good read"). I would stongly suggest reading the first book before this for the full story. The story is laced with treachery, lies and deep set loss and pain. Remembering that this is a journey and not the whole story, there is hope of what is to come. Much like any journey, there are warm memories from the past, difficult times that seem to have no end, a reminder of what is important and moments when you see that this may not be all about you. The main characters are forced to make difficult decisions and I found myself feeling their pain when the choice was made (be it right or wrong).

I was going to quote some of my favorite descriptions that described the beauty these children experienced amongst the bleakness, but I found too many to list! The only negative I could find about the book is that I now have to wait for the next to be released to see what happens as they continue their journey!

Thank you for allowing me to continue on this journey with you, Andrew.

It was delightful! When I picked up the first book in the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, I literally laughed out loud just reading the introduction. Then I found myself immersed in the saga of the Wingfeather children. This second book in the series continues the compelling tale of the Jewels of Anniera.

The method of storytelling bordered on ridiculous at times, in the way that only a fanciful tale can do, and for me personally that creativity is what made the book so delightful. I could imagine my own grandfather narrating such a story. I was truly swept along in a whimsical world full of joy and terror. I connected deeper with the truths of rejoicing in simple blessings, persevering through suffering and longing for a world without cruel injustice than I expected from a fantasy series billed for youth.

Peterson's storytelling and creativity truly shine creating a delightful tale for youth and adults alike. Even more, the deeper truths of discovering who you are and becoming who you were born to be, will challenge and inspire readers of all ages.

I highly recommend both On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and its sequel North! or Be Eaten. I haven't enjoyed a tale so much in years.

I am normally not interested in reading fiction. But my heart has been so moved by the music of Andrew Peterson that I had to look into his writing as well. I was so very impressed and encouraged by such vivid descriptions and such intense adventure that I didn't want to put the book down. Andrew has this ability to pull you into a world that you in many ways you don't want to leave! You find a family together wielding swords and battling against the forces of evil. How true in the real world we live in! Oh, that families would rise up and do battle and speak truth into this broken world!! I was encouraged to see emphasis on the importance of a family living life together with the same vision and purpose. Another major theme I left with in this 2nd book is REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! Those who are walking with the Lord must be reminded that we are children of the living God. The life He breathes into us will most assuredly rise up and be willing to wage war against a culture and world that desires to crush (like the fangs of Dang) His Kingdom. May this book (with all of its looping adventure) cause us to disciple our families in such a way that the structure of the family unit would be so strong and courageous that each would be willing to lay down their lives for each other. And that our children would be so encouraged in the Lord - to remember who they are or will be. That the life and adventure that awaits them in the Lord will greatly surpass any empty adventure that this world may attempt to offer.

Peterson's first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, was a quirky romp with surprising depth and a dash of scare-inducing moments. The second book in the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten takes the series to the next level: deeper, darker, heart-wrenching, hilarious, hopeful, redemptive.

As the Igiby family sets off for the promised safety of the Ice Prairies, they're separated both physically and emotionally. The book follows Janner, the oldest sibling, as he struggles to find his family and come to terms with the conflicting feelings inside him. Along the way, he's chased by Fangs, captured by cold-blooded thieves, held prisoner in the dreaded Fork Factory, and battles all sorts of ferocious, unique fantasy creatures. It's a journey, a quest, and though somewhat episodic in nature, it never feels disjointed as every event pushes the characters toward the climax.

Though darker than the first book, it's an organic change as the Igibys face a dark world and find their own hope in each other. The book still packs plenty of humor - the footnotes, quirky characters, and my favorite, the Florid Sword. It's Peterson's Empire Strikes Back. The end of the book is a game-changer, making me antsy for book three. These characters have taken root in my heart and I look forward to seeing them again soon.

This book was a great read all the way through. I could barely put it down. It takes you through many highs and lows with the charaters. There are many funny lines that make you laugh out loud. You grow to really know and love the family charaters in the story. While reading, you will feel the characters' heart breaks, highs, lows, excitement, fear and Joy. Andrew Peterson has written a very refreshing new fantasy.

I absolutely LOVED this book, even more than the first one! It held me captive for 2 days until I found myself at the end of the book, wanting more. I do wish there were more illustrations, of the kids and the surroundings, but what an awesome story. I thought I had it figured out, but everything went topsy turvy at the end and ... well, read it for yourself.

Can't wait for the 3rd one to come out!

I am over half way through with this book and am enjoying it even more than the first one in the series. I mostly read non-fiction, but since this series is written by one of my favorite singer song writers I could not resist. I cannot put this book down. Great, Great Stuff!

Andrew Peterson is an amazing story-teller. In his music (that's right - he's a musician, too! Check out Behold the Lamb of God or Love & Thunder Cd!) he weaves together poetic lyrics, deep truths, and beautiful melodies to tell his stories. In his books he weaves together lovable characters, dangerous predicaments, fantastic creatures and settings, and laugh-out-loud humor into a saga that you'll be quickly caught up in.

The Igiby family, who we met in On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree. (The Wingfeather Saga), finds itself on the run from the horrible Fangs of Dang. They are pursued through a forest filled with vicious creatures, across the Mighty River Blapp, and over the Stony Mountains to the Ice Prairies. On the flight from their home in Glipwood, Janner and his family (Tink, Leeli, Nia, Podo, and Peet the Sock Man) encounter such dangers as The Gargan Rockroach, a band of Stranders, a "Fork Factory!", Bomnubbles and Snickbuzzards, Gray Fangs, and sea dragons with grudges. As if those many dangers were not enough, the Igiby children also struggle with their own loss of innocence and are forced to grow up and accept their true identities as the Royal Family of Anniera in exile.

I've been waiting for this book for a long time, and it was worth every minute of wait. Andrew Peterson does not disappoint. I laughed out loud in many parts, and was thoroughly swept up in the action. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and preferences - you will not be disappointed. Also, I humbly request that Mr. Peterson hurry and write the next part of the Wingfeather Saga - your fans are already excited about it!

FINALLY! More Toothy Cows, Igiby children, Peet the Sock Man, nasty Fangs and so much more. The sequel to "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" is finally here and it has been worth waiting for. I will say that like in the first book, it takes a few chapters to get into the amazingly unique world Andrew Peterson has created. To understand the characters, the land, the animals and the culture of the world and also to get into the wonderfully quirky writing style Andrew has - it is sheer genius, but very original. Once in the groove of the book, you can not put it down. I love this series.