On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2008)
by
Andrew Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author/Singer/Songwriter Andrew Peterson, a 2005 Audie Award finalist for his readings of Ray Blackston’s Flabbergasted trilogy, wrote and produced the popular Christmas play and musical Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of the Christ, and the album by the same name, which received the 2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music’s Editors Choice Award. Andrew’s received critical acclaim for his seven albums and is at work on an eighth. He lives with his wife Jamie and their three young children near Nashville, Tennessee, where he reads storybooks aloud to his family each evening.

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.


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled 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 love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.

“So good–smart, funny, as full of ideas as action.”
–Jonathan Rogers, author of The Wilderking Trilogy

“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/co-executive producer of ABC’s Grey's Anatomy, and co-creator of Marvel Comics Young Avengers

“Totally fun! Andrew Peterson, a natural storyteller in the oral tradition, has nailed the voice needed to translate a rip-roaring fantasy tale to the written page.”

–Donita K. Paul, author of DragonSpell, DragonKnight, DragonQuest, and DragonFire

MY REVIEW:

I’m going to be brutally honest and tell you that I did not read this book. I tried a few pages and realized instantly that I was going to spend more time trying to figure out and pronounce names and places and keep them sorted out than I was going to spend enjoying the story. So, what did I do? I gave it to my 14-year-old son to read! And he loved it!

This review then is based solely from the viewpoint of a 14-year-old who loves to read!

First, read the briefings at the beginning carefully so that you will understand the background of the story and its characters. You want to know why the Nameless Evil is looking for the Jewels of Aewair.

Now that you have the background, you will enjoy a story of mystery, suspense, good action and some humor. The mystery in the story is well maintained and there are some really good fight scenes that include porcupine creatures with deadly spines, horned wolves and fanged cows! There is a really huge and very cool battle at the end of the book, and the story ends in a way that makes you really want to read the next book. (Hint! Hint! Mr. Peterson!)

My son’s initial response – as in the first 5 -7 chapters – was that it was kind of like trying to read the poem, Jaberwocky, because the names were kind of “different”. One of my good blogger buddies over at A Peek At My Bookshelf described the names as Dr. Seuss-like only better, so you get the idea. However, once his 14-year-old mind sorted through the first chapters, he literally consumed the book in less than a day! My son’s highest praise? He highly recommended it to his brother who is reading it even as I type! How cool is that?

So, dear blogging audience, if you enjoy action-filled fantasy, it sounds like Andrew Peterson’s book is just the thing for you! I’m always thrilled when my son enjoys a book that I suggested! He is, after all, my best audience and a very honest critic! Thanks for stopping by! Pick up your copy of this book today!

An update: Since I wrote this review, my second son has read the book, and he has asked several times when the next book is coming out! Rave reviews from two boys who are huge fans of good, action-packed novels! Bravo, Mr. Peterson!!