I am happy to say that I enjoyed this one more than the first book in this series. It still took me a ridiculously long time to read a 300 page middle grade book, but I'm going to say that's because life has been generally very distracting lately and not blame it on any part of this book. The cliff notes were thankfully fewer this time around which led to the chapters flowing with much more ease. It still was annoying to have to flip back and forth for the few that were still included but it wasn't quite as distracting as the first book..

The characters were still their same quirky selves which made it easy to jump right back into this world and continue on this journey from where the first book left off. I found that I liked the travel and adventure more knowing that they were on the move and so much more of the land and the creatures and the people were introduced which made this book feel a bit more lively.

It was also a little darker and more gruesome with some pretty tough circumstances befalling Janner and Tink. They had to make some tough decisions and go through hell to keep their family together and fighting to bring Anniera back to fend off the Fangs and the new and even more evil Grey Fangs.

If I had time to sit down and read through the rest of this series I might keep going but as of right now there are a lot of other books calling to me and these were unfortunately not the quickest of reads. But I think maybe in the future I will continue just to find out what happens.

A very good read!

I dived to this second volume with very good memories of the first volume, read a few months ago.
Unlike the first, this volume starts in action, with a leak from the first pages ... and it isn't the only one in this book. We learn more about the character of Peet, who intrigued me a lot since the first volume, but also about all the characters.
Again, the writing is very pleasant, and some passages can be appreciated more by reading them aloud ...

In short, a very nice second book! ^^

Read! and Be Delighted

It was delightful! When I picked up the first book in the series, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, I literally laughed out loud just reading the introduction. Then I found myself immersed in the saga of the Wingfeather children. This second book in the series continues the compelling tale of the Jewels of Anniera.

The method of storytelling bordered on ridiculous at times, in the way that only a fanciful tale can do, and for me personally that creativity is what made the book so delightful. I could imagine my own grandfather narrating such a story. I was truly swept along in a whimsical world full of joy and terror. I connected deeper with the truths of rejoicing in simple blessings, persevering through suffering and longing for a world without cruel injustice than I expected from a fantasy series billed for youth.

Peterson's storytelling and creativity truly shine creating a delightful tale for youth and adults alike. Even more, the deeper truths of discovering who you are and becoming who you were born to be, will challenge and inspire readers of all ages.

I highly recommend both On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and its sequel North! or Be Eaten. I haven't enjoyed a tale so much in years.

If you have a tween boy, get these books for him. Tween boys are often hard to get interested in reading. These new editions have a few pictures, to entice them to read more, but the adventure and journey will pull any boy (AND his parents AND siblings) into the book. The book also has moments that left my kids breathless with laughter.

This book and the 4-book Saga as a whole, are in my personal top 5 books/series of all time. In fact, both my husband and I stole the book from the “read aloud” area so we could devour it faster. The 4-book journey is a beautiful, amazing, captivating, and heart-rending story of love, courage, redemption, family, and hope.

The Wingfeather Saga is a series. The second book picks right up where the first left off. While you might be able to start the series with this book, I recommend reading all four books in order.

I received this book via netgalley in exchange for a review. I was so happy to get this as I’d read the first book in this series and was looking forward to this next book.
It did not disappoint. Again we are immersed in the world of the Igiby’s. No spoilers but it picks up where the last one left off. This world is amazing with its characters and creatures and towns. I can’t wait to read book 3.
I just finished this and I’m still wiping tears (of joy? Of sadness? Not telling you). So good.

Book two of the Wingfeather Saga picks up right where book one left off, with the Igiby family hiding away in Peet the Sock Man's treehouse. Of course, they can't stay there for long, and soon they are off on other adventures, dodging Fangs, toothy cows, and traitors in their midst.
I got a little weary of the constant scenes of escape, but toward the middle of the book, things slowed down and I was able to see more character development than what the first book offered. By the end of the book, I was more invested than ever in what happened to Janner, Tink, Leeli, and the others. I was moved by scenes of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness. But most of all, it was refreshing to my soul to get lost in a story, especially one that ended on a hopeful note.
It is worth noting that fantasy is not my typical genre of choice, but this was a delight. Highly recommend, especially for fans of Narnia.

This is going to be an adventure I will never forget. And now I have mixed emotions. Oh.. I need the next book please !!

In this second book in the series, the adventure continues without pause. And like in the first book, the misfortune never ceases making the plot a thrilling roller coaster ride. Oh how I miss these kind of adventures!

Though so much bad things happened in the story, the ending is one of hope and I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel. Will there be more hope on the horizon or will there be greater trials?

I also really love the character development. I can see each character growing into stronger men and women. And now I’ve grown to love all the characters even more dearly.

Finally, I utterly enjoy the illustrations of the various creatures and their introductions. They are all so funny!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rereading this second book in the Wingfeather Saga was like travelling back to my preteen days of lazy summer afternoons filled with reading and trekking through the woods to go to the library. And it also reminded me of how North! Or Be Eaten took a more serious turn than the first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

After escaping Glipwood Township and the nefarious Fangs of Dang, Janner, Tink and Leeli, as well as their mother Nia, their grandfather Podo, and Peet the Sock Man all are hiding out in the forest, where they are safe from the monstrous lizards. But not from the dangerous creatures that roam the forest, like toothy cows and horned hounds. And after several weeks, their sanctuary is compromised when the Fangs come for them with trolls at their sides.

Now the Igibys must head north to the frozen tundras where the Fangs won’t be able to survive. But their plans go off the rails as the family is separated and Janner is taken to the formidable Fork Factory.

North! Or Be Eaten contains more depth as the characters grow and learn from their experiences. Many secrets, especially about Peet the Sock Man are revealed, adding layers to the story that take it from a child’s fairytale to a perilous adventure that even adults would enjoy.

Peterson writes with deft grace and wisdom as he explores themes not commonly shown in children’s books, and leave the reader thinking months after the book is closed. It also helps that the book ends with a cliffhanger ending.

Overall, I enjoyed the book for both its masterful writing and the copious amounts of nostalgia it gave me, cracking open its covers for the second time. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fun, adventure, fantasy, and heart.

NOTE: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The danger is real as the Igibys escape the clutches of the Fangs of Dang and head north toward the Ice Prairies. The Lost Jewels of Anniera begin to realize their full potential along the way, but there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Surviving Fangs, the Stranders, and even the wilds of Skree itself, the Igiby family gets separated, and that's when things really get bad for young Janner, the Throne Warden of Anneira. Worse yet is when he loses his little brother, the High King of Anneira, whom he is meant to protect. Surprises await around every corner in this action-packed, heart-filled fantasy!

I don't know if I can adequately express how much I enjoyed this book. The imagination that went into the characters, the creatures, and the plot itself is vast and enviable. I was swept up in the horrors, the betrayal, and the victories right along with the characters. I was annoyed every time I had to put it down and plunged back in with voracity every chance I got.

As in the first book, the main character really is Janner, the oldest of the Igiby children, and in this book it was even more clear why that was the best choice. He grew up so much in this book, even though only a short time passed (I don't know how much for sure...months, maybe?). Leeli really blossomed in this book as well, even though we didn't get to see her as much. She's courageous and has a beautiful spirit, and I love her! Tink, who is know more and more as Kalmar, has a rough time of it in this book, but boy was that ending incredible.

At times, I felt like the action didn't slow down enough for me to catch my own breath, but looking back at it, I don't think it was a bad thing. There were some pretty dark moments, so I wonder about the age range it's meant for, considering that my daughter falls into the middle grade range. I don't think it would scare her, necessarily, but I wonder if she would still be bothered by some of it, though she is on the low end of that range.

I highly recommend this book, and the series so far, for folks of all ages who enjoy clean, fun fantasy adventures. Also, you might see it labeled as Christian, and there are some references to a deity that many of the people believe in, but it is not overtly Christian. I have a feeling I'm going to love the rest of this series and want to re-read many times. There's no way I'm waiting for the new versions of the last 2 books to come out before I read them.

"North! Or Be Eaten" is an amazing, heart warming (and wrenching) book. Just as beautifully told as "On the Edge of the Dark Sea Darkness", this second book in the Wingfeather Saga will pull you even deeper into the story of the Wingfeather family as they fight for what they love, try to find who they are, and find a place of safety while being pursued by the deadly Fangs of Dang. A GREAT read for all ages!

I really liked the first book in this series, but I loved this one. I read it while travelling and I was chuckling audibly at some parts and just so completely absorbed in others that my husband had to tell me to board the plane. Maybe I loved it more because I knew the characters and this world better this go round, but I also think this book is written with more depth of feeling. It's a middle grade novel, so it moves quickly, but this book makes more space for you to relate to the emotions as well as the actions of this saga.

The adventure of the Igibys/Wingfeathers continues!

After quite the harrowing escape from death and destruction, the Igiby/Wingfeather children have to come to grips over who they truly are, and how they've found themselves fleeing for their lives from the Fangs and He Who Must Not be Named. They've heard of the town of resistance up in the Ice Prairies and set off with the help of Oskar and Pete the Sock Man/Uncle Arthram. But, can they cross the forest in time? Can they make it without detection in Dugtown? Can Tink come to grips with what his identity means? Can Janner protect them all? What about Podo? He seems to be keeping yet more secrets from the family, ones that even his daughter Nia know nothing of.

Continuing with the themes of identity, destiny, and repentance, North or Be Eaten takes us on a journey fleeing the rubble of Glipwood Township, in search of the remote outpost of resistance living in the Ice Prairies far to the north. However, the journey is fraught with dangerous animals that can eat you in a few bites, bands of roving Stranders, grieving parents in search of a way to get their children returned, and the ever present Fangs of Dang and a betrayal by the one they sought refuge from.

North or Be Eaten continues the saga of the Wingfeathers as well as On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness began it. In my experience, the second book of a series typically is found lacking for story. This was not the case here. North or Be Eaten is as strong of a story as the first book and leads us to discover what the Fangs really are, and that there is always redemption available in some form when we've done things we are not proud of. This is ultimately a story of redemption for many people in the story. May we learn the lesson that no one is too far from repentance.

This is probably an "it's not the book, it's me" case. Everyone seems to love this book, but I just can't get into it. I thought the first book was just okay (see my review here), but nothing great, and I only picked this second one up because I got it via Netgalley before reading book one.

I read about 15% of this, and again it is giving me Narnia and Redwall vibes. So if you like those books you will probably like this series as well. I am going through a (reading)slump at the moment and this is Not the book that will get me through it. So I quickly decided to give up on it.

I would still like to thank Netgalley for sending me this.


Because I DNFed it so quickly I'd rather not give it a star rating. My review will be posted on my blog on the 9th.

This is a re-release of the second book in Peterson's popular Wingfeather Saga, and this book is the one that really captured my interest in the full set.. Joe Sutphin's illustrations are spot on! I will be buying the hardcover editions of these books. Do yourself a favor and add these books to your reading/purchasing list.

Andrew Peterson is a writer/musician that is very well known among his following. I had not heard of the Wingfeather Saga prior to this but have researched and found he has quite a following throughout the years. This is a rerelease of the series in a hardback cover with new illustrations. While this is not my normal genre of book, I truly enjoyed the story and can see where it would definitely be a hit with a preteen and older crowd.

The stories are action packed and full of adventure. Janner, Tink, and Leeli are the main characters of this story. These children are very brave and able to tackle any obstacle that comes their way. Along their journey they meet many friends and foes. There are many areas where I was on the edge of my seat just reading. I can't wait to see how their story ends.

I highly recommend this author and this series for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I am honored to be selected by the publisher to review these works on netgalley. All opinions are mine.

I actually enjoyed this book in the series more that the first which never happens when reading series. The humour in the book was definitely amped up, but I feel like it did so in a better way further in the book, the first section still wasn't quite there for me. I think the characters could have done with a bit more development and you would think that by this point in these rather large children's books they would be fully developed but unfortunately they were not. I don't think I would carry on with the series but I think for the right audience they would genually really enjoy this story.

North! Or be eaten by Andrew Peterson is an amazingly awesome work! Andrew Peterson is truly a gifted writer. He has a way with words, being able to grab your attention and take you deep into another world. I love this book!

A fun read! I didn't know what to expect when I started this one, but I liked the cover, and the blurb sounded fun. I really enjoyed it, though, and am glad I got the chance to read it! I enjoyed the characters, and the story was well written!

I am thoroughly hooked on this story now. We have followed the family from their home into the woods and so begins their journey to the ice fields where they feel they’ll be safe from the fangs. Along the way the children are forced to grow up. They try and run from their responsibilities but are faced with the consequences of their actions and must come to terms with the reality of their situation. They discover more about the fangs and their plans and meet some interesting people along the way, some that are exceedingly mean and some that are amazingly helpful.
A heartbreaking and hopeful coming of age tale that all ages will enjoy. I can’t wait to see what happens next to our weary and resilient band of travellers.

*I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review; all opinions expressed are my own.*

North! Or Be Eaten is overall an excellent sequel to On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. It is clear to see that Janner and Tink are both changing and maturing as their character arcs progress and this is such a delight to watch. There were many things to enjoy about this installment of the Wingfeather saga, like the crafty twists and turns, new faces, and a further expansion of the world the Igiby children know.

However, North! Or Be Eaten suffers from the same flaws as Dark Sea of Darkness -- a slow beginning and various scenes that feel like unnecessary filler. Other than these, the story is relatively solid and does push me to want to read the next book.

Rating: 3.5 stars