I am in an ever-active effort to expand my home library. I have a goal that no matter who walks in my house, I have a book that will speak to them. It sounds fantastical (and maybe it is), but the Wingfeather Saga took me one step closer to that goal. In case that sounds dramatic, let me tell you a quick story.
One winter night, three of my nephews were visiting. They each asked me to find a book for them. The oldest—seven at the time— read like a champion but lacked the confidence to read a novel. A few graphic novels and the first episode of the animated Wingfeather series later, his mom told me he wouldn’t put the book down! Next thing I knew, he asked if he could borrow the second Wingfeather book from me!
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness takes place in Glipwood and follows the Igibys as they struggle to survive the tyranny of the fangs of Dang. What starts as an easy-going, comedic narrative quickly spirals as Janner, Tink, and Leeli make an enemy of Slarb, the slimiest of the fangs, when they save Nugget from becoming lizard food and give Slarb a knock on the head.
Though slightly overprotective, Podo and Nia do their best to keep the trio safe. Podo, their ex-pirate grandpa, takes the helm as their strong protector while their mother, Nia, uses her cunning to win the favor of Commander Gnorm.
As all children do, Tink and Janner find their treatment unfair and strike out on their own during the day, knowing they can always go home come the setting sun. The children find their way in and out of the wildest mini adventures— Well… until they don’t. Tink can only drag Janner into so many hasty decisions before the consequences catch up to them.
Every character has so much character. Their oddities bring a smile to every page. From the sharp eyes of Zouzab the fruit-lover, to the crazed look of Pete the Sockman, you will never be left struggling to remember which character is which or why they’re significant. Peterson keeps track of every character and every question, from start to finish.
Nia and Podo keep so many secrets that lead the kids to seek out answers in far more dangerous ways, a truth parents face today with the internet ready to answer any of your kids’ questions with no regard to their age, development, or spirituality.
Despite seeking answers, Janner is constantly trying to keep his siblings safe and being dragged into the worst situations because of them, including but not limited to theft, trespassing, and assault. If that doesn’t sound like a great time, the T.H.A.G.S. and bookstore adventures with Zouzab and Oskar may be more to your liking.
Either way, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness will not disappoint.