Canvas of Constancy: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness- Andrew Peterson

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Order “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness” HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
Author Bio HERE

I must begin by admitting that I am a bit of a sucker for children's fantasy books. Like those delightful Pixar movies, there's just something wonderful about diving into a story that is ostensibly aimed at someone much younger than you. I would call it a guilty pleasure, except I feel absolutely no guilt for enjoying them. Andrew Peterson's new book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is just such a story- a captivating journey into a world you've never heard of before, somewhere you wish with all your heart you could go to.

The book begins with an brief introduction to the world of Aerwiar and a "slightly less brief introduction to the Land of Skree." Skree is in bondage to the evil lord of the land of Dang, Gnag the Nameless, and ruled by his vile minions, the Fangs of Dang.The story opens in the township of Glipwood, on the western edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. We are introduced to the Igiby family: the boys Janner (12 years old), Tink (11 years old), their 8 year old crippled sister Leeli, their one-legged ex-pirate grandfather Podo and their noble and beautiful mother Nia. Despite the dark cloud of Dang over their land, the Igiby's have scratched out a reasonably pleasant existence. They have their farm, their cottage, their books and most of all, they have each other.

When Leeli is put in danger, Tink and Janner are forced to act and their actions lead them down a road that they could never have imagined themselves travelling. They are forced to deal with perils well beyond their years, primarily the unwelcome attention of one particular Fang. As their somewhat tranquil lives spiral out of control, the Igiby's are forced to lean on one another more than ever. The second half of the book is a brilliant thrill ride of adventure, full of danger, mischief, mystery, frightening creatures such as horned hounds and toothy cows, haunted mansions, and a fairly strange character named Peet the Sock Man. Along the way the kids find out more about themselves than they could have ever imagined and the book ends with a satisfying finish that still leaves you eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Wingfeather Saga (no word on when the 2nd book will be coming out yet).

Peterson's writing is a joy to read. I have long been a fan of Peterson's music and I saw many parallel's between his songwriting and his fiction. They both scratch the surface of deep things in ways that make you laugh, cry and ache for more of what is just out of sight.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness has now placed itself on the shelf of books I can't wait to read to my kids, which is itself a recommendation of the highest sort.

As I mentioned before, the publisher sent me an extra copy of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. I will have more details regarding that contest tomorrow (3/17).