introverted_reader's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first book in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Originally published in 2008, this reformat and re-release (with new illustrations and content) from Waterbrook, due out 10th March 2020 is 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).
This is part one of an epic fantasy which reminds me in a lot of ways of the scale of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Lord of the Rings. While it's admittedly not as well written (how could it be?), it does have a similar scope and reach. The author has a tendency to break the fourth wall often (asides to the audience are ok, but it's a device which in my opinion should be used quite sparingly). The footnotes are copious and extensive, and I found them a little tiresome.
The subject matter is largely a battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and a willingness to defend one's beliefs. Although often listed as a Christian selection, I read the book and didn't find -overtly- Christian doctrine or beliefs. It could certainly be read without the reader feeling catechized. The book is appropriate for all ages and there's no rough language or disturbing content.
The eARC which I received for review did not include the new artwork, maps, or addenda, so I can't speak to the quality of those. The cover art is lovely however, and I hope the new reformatted content is as well done.
Four stars. This would make a good selection for a family read, bedtime read, classroom or library circle read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first book in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Originally published in 2008, this reformat and re-release (with new illustrations and content) from Waterbrook, due out 10th March 2020 is 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats).
This is part one of an epic fantasy which reminds me in a lot of ways of the scale of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Lord of the Rings. While it's admittedly not as well written (how could it be?), it does have a similar scope and reach. The author has a tendency to break the fourth wall often (asides to the audience are ok, but it's a device which in my opinion should be used quite sparingly). The footnotes are copious and extensive, and I found them a little tiresome.
The subject matter is largely a battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and a willingness to defend one's beliefs. Although often listed as a Christian selection, I read the book and didn't find -overtly- Christian doctrine or beliefs. It could certainly be read without the reader feeling catechized. The book is appropriate for all ages and there's no rough language or disturbing content.
The eARC which I received for review did not include the new artwork, maps, or addenda, so I can't speak to the quality of those. The cover art is lovely however, and I hope the new reformatted content is as well done.
Four stars. This would make a good selection for a family read, bedtime read, classroom or library circle read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
skinnercolin221's review
3.0
Favorite quote: "Hush now. It'll be alright. It does no good to worry over what's already happened. What matters is now. The past and the future are both beyond our reach.. You have to think hard about the very thing before you dear. Nothing else. To think too long on what might happen is a fool's business…even if hope is just a low ember at night, in the morning you can still start a fire.”
Maybe about a 3.5? I don’t know, while there are parts that are beautiful and moving (I shed some tears), it had some major issues.
Positives: It’s a constant adventure and every chapter leads you to wonder what happens in the next one, the meaning is deep, you can feel the warmth of family in it, and it can be funny.
Negatives (for me): it took too long to get into as the first few chapters are just a bunch of poorly made up words (I can see enjoying the silliness of this too though) with a ton of footnotes to learn their meaning (I get some people enjoy them - just not my cup of tea), the writing feels like a stream of consciousness rather than being organized and re-worked (it does seem to improve through out as the author grows as a writer), some stuff is trying to be funny but isn’t at all, at least not to me: “he had no name and his name was gnag the nameless”, the plot of the kids getting in trouble and getting saved by one of two characters is recycled at least 5 times to the point I thought “they’re gonna go get in trouble… the kids will get beat up but then saved by ____ again.” which reminds me that the whole plot was too predictable - I knew what the jewels were and the other big reveal less than halfway through the book BUT that didn’t stop me from enjoying it when it was revealed!
Maybe about a 3.5? I don’t know, while there are parts that are beautiful and moving (I shed some tears), it had some major issues.
Positives: It’s a constant adventure and every chapter leads you to wonder what happens in the next one, the meaning is deep, you can feel the warmth of family in it, and it can be funny.
Negatives (for me): it took too long to get into as the first few chapters are just a bunch of poorly made up words (I can see enjoying the silliness of this too though) with a ton of footnotes to learn their meaning (I get some people enjoy them - just not my cup of tea), the writing feels like a stream of consciousness rather than being organized and re-worked (it does seem to improve through out as the author grows as a writer), some stuff is trying to be funny but isn’t at all, at least not to me: “he had no name and his name was gnag the nameless”, the plot of the kids getting in trouble and getting saved by one of two characters is recycled at least 5 times to the point I thought “they’re gonna go get in trouble… the kids will get beat up but then saved by ____ again.” which reminds me that the whole plot was too predictable - I knew what the jewels were and the other big reveal less than halfway through the book BUT that didn’t stop me from enjoying it when it was revealed!
sassybookishmama1's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
houser023's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lexie2516's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kristidurbs's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars for me. An enjoyable tale that took a bit to get into at the start. I had the sense there is a bit of an identity crisis about this book. I couldn’t pin down the ideal audience. Written for a younger audience stylistically, but weighed down by the footnotes and details spent in building the world, making it read like a book not geared for children. Lots of ugly violent battle scenes that seemed a bit too graphic or maybe dark for my 7 year old, juxtaposed with heartwarming friendships and quirky characters with mysterious pasts. In all, enjoyable and I will look forward to the rest of the series.