2.5/5 stars

When I saw the Wingfeather series on NetGalley, the covers immediately enchanted me. I looked it up at Goodreads and saw that they were just new editions and the old ones got very good and high reviews. Since lately my favourite genre is MG fantasy, I knew I would love these, too. That’s why I requested the whole series in NetGalley.
Then came the surprise, and the first book got 3 stars from me. I’m not saying I didn’t like it, but it was so boring and nothing special to me, I suffered reading it. But when I read it, I moved in, and I didn’t have a lot of mood for it, so I decided to give the series another chance.
That's how I started in this book. I told myself that I was going to enjoy this book, I was just in the wrong mood when I read the first one... Well, it didn't happen that way. I enjoyed the beginning of the book a bit more, but then I started to get bored again. I think if I hadn’t suffered with the first one and wasted so much time on it, I would have loved this book better. But I just felt like I was still suffering in this world and I had enough of it. The characters were annoying now, I didn't care about the story at all, and didn't like where the story was going. By the end, I was so tired of the book that I hated reading it.
I have a rule: I don’t DNF any book from NetGalley. So I couldn't DNF. I admit, I just bought an audiobook in the end and finished it in that way. If I hadn't listened to the audiobook, I would break my "not DNFing" rule.
I was also disappointed because this edition should contain illustrations. The first book was full of pictures, which gave me something special. In this one, there were only a few pictures in it and they were illustrations about some creatures. I guess it was only the NetGalley version like that, but it’s a little disappointing that there wasn’t even a map.
I didn't match with this series, I will not continue it.

Hungarian version:
Amikor megláttam NetGalley-n a Wingfeather sorozatot, rögtön elvarázsoltak a borítók. Utánnanéztem Goodreadsen, és láttam, hogy ez csak egy új kiadás, és a régiek nagyon jó értékelést kaptak. Mivel mostanában kedvenc műfajom a MG fantasy, tudtam, hogy én is imádni fogom. Ezért az egész sorozatra jelentkeztem, hogy elolvasom.
Aztán jött a feketeleves, és az első rész nem túlzottan jött be. Nem mondom, hogy nem szerettem, de annyira unalmas, és semmilyen volt nekem, végig szenvedtem az olvasását. De épp költözés közben voltam, nem volt hangulatom nagyon hozzá, ezért úgy dönttem, hogy adok még egy esélyt.
Így kezdtem bele ebbe a könyvbe. Én teljesen próbáltam bemesélni magamnak, hogy ezt én élvezni fogom, csak rossz passzban voltam az elsőnél... Hát nem így lett. Igazából az elejét még valamennyire élveztem, de aztán kezdtem újra megunni. Szerintem, ha nem szenvedtem volna az elsővel, és nem pazarlok el rá ennyi időt, jobban szerettem volna a könyvet, de így csak azt éreztem, hogy még mindig szenvedek ebben a világban. A sszereplők most már idegesítettek, a történet meg cseppet sem érdekelt, és nem is tetszett merre halad a történet. Végén már annyira elegem volt a könyvből, hogy utáltam olvasni. De NetGalley-s könyvet nem hagyok félbe, ezért megszenvedtem rendesen vele. Bevallom, végén már kerestem egy hangoskönyvet, és úgy hallgattam végig, mert ha csak olvasni kellett volna, megszegem a nem hagyok félbe szabályomat.
Ezenkívül csalósott is voltam, mert ez a verzió illusztált kellett volna, hogy legyen. Az első rész tele volt képekkel, ami kicsit feldobta, de ebben csak pár kép volt pár lényről. Gondolom, hogy csak a NetGalley-s verzió volt ilyen, de kicsit kiábrándító, hogy még csak térkép sem volt.
Én és ez a sorozat nem találtunk egymásra, tovább nem fogom folytatni.

Andrew Peterson has created a believable fantasy world in The Wingfeather Saga. The world and its creatures maintain a consistency throughout the two books in the series I have read so far. In North! Or Be Eaten the characters learn there are consequences for their actions, even actions from many years ago. They also learn what happens when they are selfish and do not put others before themselves. Readers will be challenged along with the characters as they try to figure out who they can trust among the people they meet on their journey.

There is much in North! Or Be Eaten to appeal to fantasy lovers – mythical creatures, an epic quest, and adventure. There is danger along with quite a bit of fighting – another aspect that will appeal especially to the boys.

North! Or Be Eaten has a satisfying ending although readers will wonder what comes next. I can’t wait to read other books in The Wingfeather Saga. I recommend reading the books in order as the stories do build on the previous book.

There would be no problem adding North! Or Be Eaten and other titles in the Wingfeather Saga to a K-12 Christian School library. I think the book has appeal for fantasy lovers grades 5 and up.

I received an advanced copy as a member of the launch team. This is my honest review.

Book Review: North! or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
For those of you not following along, I’m reading the Wingfeather Saga to mark the release of new collectable hardcover editions being released this year. Specifically, books three and four being released on October 6.

Alas, rather than hardback I am reading them on Kindle so I am not getting the full effect of the new covers, maps, and illustrations by Joe Sutphin. Kindle reading does make it easier to read in bed at night without disturbing my wife so it has that going for it. And it does give me a sense of the added material even if not quite as grand as the hardbacks.

I am pleased to report that the books seems to be getting better as we go. I enjoyed On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and found the second half of the book more engaging than the first.

And that pattern continued with North! or Be Eaten

Janner, 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.

In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.

But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

I think I enjoyed this second book in the Wingfeather Series more than the first because there was more action and much more of the larger picture was revealed.

The focus continues to be on Janner, his character and perspective, but we also finally learn more about Peet/Arthur. The second book also includes more about the history and geography of Skree and the myths and legends of Aneiria. The big picture really starts to come together and you see how the children’s story connects with the larger world. The complexity is starting to develop even as the tension and excitement grows.

It is still a fantasy adventure for younger children so there are some improbable escapes but also some nice twists and turns as well. Mixed in with this are some well done portraits of what it means to be a family. Sure, not every family has to deal with fantasy adventure type action but the dynamics of siblings and family are universal and Peterson explores them without slowing the story down or getting too cheesy.

I’m glad I decided to revisit this series and am excited about pushing on to book 3.

Andrew Peterson has once again blessed us with a world of adventure with his creativity. His The Wingfeather Series is a series of books for young adults. The books are rereleasing with new covers, new illustrations, and maps. The first two released in March and books three and four will release in September. If you have not had a chance to escape to this world of adventure, this would be a great time to dive in.

I have young children and I cannot wait to introduce them to this series. I recommend it for audiences of all ages. Many of adult friends really enjoy the books along with their children.

North! or Be Eaten is the fast-paced sequel to On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. In this story, Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby learn that they are the Lost Jewels of Anniera. The only way for them to survive is to flee to the Ice Prairies. But the journey won't be easy.

I fell even more in love with the Igiby children in this second installment of The Wingfeather Saga. This story was fast-paced and more danger-filled than the first story. But the Igiby's learn that love of family is more important than anything else. As they learn to lean into that love, they realize it is this love that will help them overcome all the odds.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

In <i>North! Or Be Eaten</i>, Andrew Peterson's writing matures and deepens -- at times with an almost cinematic quality, especially in the scene at the bridge near the beginning of the story.

Like its predecessor, this is not a book for the faint-hearted: both because of peril and because of mystery. I'm not talking mystery in the sense of "Who done it?" but in the sense that life can't always be explained -- and yet it clearly has purpose and beauty. There are moments of deep sadness and astonishing bravery, especially among the children in the story, who in many ways take center stage.

There's still a lot of humor in this story, as well -- perhaps more closely integrated than in the previous book. I'm especially fond of the whimsical word-play when it comes to names of places and creatures. To fully enjoy Andrew Peterson's use of dialect and accents, I recommend finding the free online videos of him reading this (and the previous) story aloud in the spring of 2020.

Thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC.

North! Or Be Eaten is a middle-grade novel written by Andrew Peterson and is book two in The Wingfeather Saga. This is not a stand alone book. You need to read the first one to understand and enjoy this one.

Summary: The Wingfeather family has been hiding out in Pete the Sock Man's castle for as long as they can. Now they must flee to the Ice Prairies or risk being captured by the Fangs.

But the journey is not an easy one. A dangerous forest, monsters, Stranders, Fangs, Trolls, and evil men stand in between them and the Ice Prairies. Can the Wingfeather family make it there safely, or will the family be splintered apart forever?

My Thoughts: I liked this book much better than the first one. I think because I listened to the first as an audio book, it was a little different. Also, this series really is entering a whole new world. Andrew Peterson is an extremely creative writer and has imagined an entirely new world of characters, settings, and beasts. It takes a bit to get into the story and what is happening.

This second book is packed with action, drama, and an epic journey filled with perils. I especially enjoyed the monster illustrations with the humorous descriptions.

This book is well-written and easy to follow. There are tons of interesting characters and battles. I think adults and kids 12 and up will enjoy this book, and probably boys even younger would like it too.

The only caveat-the author has SUCH a good imagination, the monsters are pretty creepy. If you have a kid that is squeamish, or scares easily, this book might not be the one for them. Even I got a little grossed out by one of the monsters-yuck!

That being said, I enjoyed the book, and have already started the next one!

I would like to thank WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Loved this second book in the series! This book continues the adventures of the Igiby family. The family is forced to leave their home in Glipwood and travel to a home they don’t even remember. The road there is fraught with danger and filled with adventure. I really enjoyed the story and how the characters evolve. Highly recommended and will be reading the next book in the series. Happy reading!

This is book two of the The Wingfeather Saga and it was just as good as book one! It has just the right amount of excitement and suspense to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is a series you don't want to miss! Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The second book in Peterson's Wingfeather Saga. Finding out they are the lost heirs to a kingdom only is just the beginning of a crazy adventure for the Igiby siblings. The true test and meaning of family will be brought to the forefront with all that is against the siblings.

We return to the Igiby family as they are on the run from the only home Janner, Tink, and Leelie have ever known. North! Or Be Eaten is the second book in The Wingfeather Saga. This book is, without a doubt, one of the most suspenseful books I have read! It is non-stop action from start to finish. The reader's growing love for the characters only adds to the suspense because you care what happens to them. The Igiby children are challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually. They are tested with attack after attack, trying to outstrategize well organized enemy, and even difficult revelations about someone they trust. Can they prevail against all odds to step into the rolls set for them from birth? Put this book at the top of your TBR pile. It is not to be missed! Note that there are some darker scenes in this book than there were in the first. Preread if you have sensitive kids.

A second book of a great fantasy story that I have read, which undoubtedly bears in mind the "you are not really alone in the world" and "the family", I loved it without a doubt it was a reading that many children love, it is full of valentia, it's fun and innovative.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this for my honest review. I enjoyed the world building and character development. This is a great adventure read for middle range. My son enjoyed it also. He is 10.

North! Or Be Eaten is my second-favorite book in the Wingfeather Saga. I love the introduction of Maraly and Sarah, as this entire series shows that we are not as alone as we think we are when times are tough. The settings in this book are fun and innovative and the bravery of the Igibys/Wingfeathers gives us all a little courage to stand up and speak out.

An intense, suspenseful read that I really, really loved. Lots of tears and lots of smiles. My older kids are reading it after me but I'm holding off on reading it aloud to my youngest (6 yo) just yet. What I loved most: how knowing your true identity and who you belong to leads to actions, behaviors and decisions that display that truth. It's beautiful!

This is a great series and a great edition. I strongly recommend this whole series to anyone and everyone who will listen.

My kids loved this book and, indeed, the whole series. They are currently finishing up the fourth one. It's exciting to see an author weave Christian themes into a fantasy series and provide rich lore along with deep characters worth imitating.

It took my children a little while to get into this “scary” saga. But once they got to know Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby–and their dog Nugget–they were swept into the adventures of the three children as they run from the Fangs of Dang. Between escapes from the Toothy Cows of Skree, fearsome Sea Dragons, and the dreaded Black Carriage, it’s a saga of constant peril and adventure. Will their fear win out or will they stay faithful to their family and friends? Who will find the lost jewels of Anniera?

I find The Wingfeather Saga reminiscent of the Narnia series, but not derivative, insofar as there are young children facing real danger, overcoming obstacles, and learning what it is to be brave.  

North! Or Be Eaten is the second in the four-part series. The Igiby family has left their home and they are setting out for a new land. The children are learning more about their world and the historical events that led to the present moment. The first volume was more meandering, whereas this installment is filled with regular danger. There is no guarantee that everyone will be okay; there is sacrifice and loss that must be faced.

This book was previously published in 2009, but the purpose of this new release is to roll out illustrated hardcovers (books 1 and 2 were released this March 2020, while books 3 and 4 are slated for release in the fall of 2020). There are about ten black-and-white pictures in this volume.

I confess that the former covers didn't draw me in and felt dated to me (this helps to explain why I never read the series before now). This new cover is captivating, and the illustrations draw you in. I highly recommend being introduced to the Wingfeather Saga through the illustrated volume.

I am not a huge reader of fantasy as an adult, so while I was open to the story, more of my thought process was, "My oldest will really devour this series!' I believe my nearly ten-year-old is more than ready for this fantasy series, whereas, even as a read-aloud, some of the action might be too much for my tender kindergartner. I am interested to see how the story transforms in later titles.

(I received a digital ARC copy from WalterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Wingfeather series book #2. The Lost Jewels of Anniera, Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby, are hiding out from the Fangs. Gnag the Nameless wants them alive for some unknown reason and the Fangs are desperate to find them. With a warning from their friend, the town bookseller, the Igibys are able to escape just ahead of the Fangs finding their hideout. Now they must head North but the way is treacherous and who can you trust when you are on the run.
This second book in the series is better paced and is a sure bet for fantasy adventure fans.
#NorthOrBeEaten #NetGalley