Andrew Peterson, my favorite singer/musician (seriously, look up some of his songs! He is incredible!), came to our area and did a concert a couple months ago. Not only is he a musical artist and has put out several albums, he has also written a YA fantasy-fiction series of four books called, "The Wingfeather Saga."
I actually don't think I have ever read from the fantasy genre (except for the Narnia series, which should be required reading for everyone). But curiosity got the better of me, and I had to check out Andrew Peterson's books, since his songs encourage and inspire me so much.
So, long story short, I bought the whole series at his concert in October. I could tell right away that the books would be good because the back cover of one of them made me laugh out loud. The first book I finished within a couple days (when you find a book that you cannot put down to save your life and you end up reading in bed until 3am, you know you've got a good one!). I made myself wait until cracking open the next book because I wanted it to last as long as possible, but my self-control wore off after about seven days and I gobbled up the rest of the series within two weeks.
Here is a quick blurb about the story:
Step into the land of Aerwiar where toothy cows roam the forest, Stranders hide around the next bend, sea dragons dance in the sea, and the venomous Fangs of Dang have infiltrated, causing legends of hope to be forgotten in darkness.Andrew's writing is so eloquent; I have never encountered another writer with the same knack for writing so deeply, realistically, and beautifully. The story was so engaging that I found myself living in the world of Aerwiar. Andrews plot line was edge-of-your-seat, I-can't-believe-he-fit-so-much-action-into-one-book. (*Disclaimer* I have never read The Lord of the Rings (*GASP!* I know, pick your jaw up off the floor now), but the action-adventure resembled what I have gathered is in that series. While the Wingfeather saga was less of an allegory like the Chronicles of Narnia, it holds some wonderful and cleverly-woven life-lessons about selflessness, sacrifice, courage, brotherly love, protection, perseverance, hope, redemption, true treasure, and so much more!
"Janner and his siblings, Tink and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they’re really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
Janner's father was the High King of the Shining Isle of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind."Encountering danger, adventure, and mystery, Janner, Tink, Leeli, their noble mother and their ex-pirate grandfather must persevere with love and courage to find safety and bring redemption to a broken world.
Andrew's characters are extremely colorful and creative--hilarious, quirky, blustering, warmhearted, broken, and treacherous--yet all possessing a depth and realness that is unusual to find among writers nowadays. Tender, riveting, and hilarious, I found myself both laughing out loud and crying as I turned the pages. It takes a rare and uniquely gifted storyteller to weave such a story full of heart. I won't give you any spoilers, but the conclusion was incredible--I've never read a more perfect ending to any book, much less a series. Once I finished the saga, I found myself walking around the house, mesmerized, still so powerfully impacted by the emotions and unable to get my head out of Aerwiar and back into reality. Even though words failed me, I couldn't stop exclaiming over and over what an amazingly incredible story Andrew Peterson had written! I probably drove my family crazy with how captivated I was. XP
So, all that to say, even though I guess the big gift-buying season is over, when y'all are ready to settle down and curl up with a good book, go check out The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson! :) You can read more about the books, order them, AND hear about their animated series which is in the works(!) at http://wingfeathersaga.com/
Merry Christmas, everyone! I pray you all have a wonderful time remembering and celebrating the birth of our Savior!
