- book 1 of a fantasy series, focusing on 3 siblings
- conflicts with enemy creatures, unsolved mysteries, suspenseful scenes and some age-appropriate violence (such as sword fighting)
- humor infused throughout, which breaks up intensity*
- language: stupid x1
- convo: pipe smoking, mentions ghosts, two flatulence jokes
Type: chapter book
Ages: 9-14
Author: Andrew Peterson
*However, some of the humor is in the footnotes, of which there are many in this first book. If you’re reading aloud, you may want to skip some–the story will be fine if you do!
I am writing this review after my second reading of this book. It was just as good the first time (a couple years ago)! Set in a world called Aerwiar, readers quickly connect with the Igiby family–a mom, her dad and her three children. They are a tight family unit who respect and love each other dearly, and who, unfortunately, have unavoidable run-ins with the evil creatures occupying their town.
A number of the scary scenes are merely feared rather than occur (such as a black carriage coming to take children out of their beds at night, never to be seen again), but I would suggest parental pre-reads for those younger than 9. Some kids could totally handle the intensity; some very much not.
This would make an amazing family read-aloud. Besides its wonderfully clean language, made-up creatures (like the toothy cow) and adventure, it portrays high morals, courage, helping others, obedience, responsibility, true friendship and more. There is very little religious content, but a few times they say a brief thanks or prayer to “The Maker.” The story is overall very engaging.
Their world has been at war for years, and this first book drops us right into the thick of it. Though it does tie some things up by the end, it leaves readers yearning to open Book 2 as soon as possible, ha! If I get reviews written of them, I’ll link to them below. And now, here are a few of my favorite quotes!
“Blood was shed that you three might breathe the good air of life, and if that means you have to miss out on a zibzy game, then so be it. Part of being a man is putting others’ needs before your own.”
“There’s more to the world than just seeing it. If you can’t find peace here in Glipwood, you won’t find it anywhere.”
“The Dark Sea was so far below that it seemed if someone were to tumble over the cliff, they would have time to stop screaming and take a final breezy nap before crashing into it.”
“…not everything here is permissible for young eyes. There are mysteries in the world that should remain mysteries for the young.”
“…they weren’t laughing at Tink’s comment so much as they were laughing because their fear-weary spirits needed it like medicine.”
“He must have forgotten that in the mind of a boy, a warning isn’t much different from an invitation.”
“You have to think hard about the very thing before you, dear. Nothing else. To think too long on what might happen is a fool’s business.”
“Even if hope is just a low ember at night, in the morning you can still start a fire.”
Oops, did I say a few quotes? Heh. Happy reading!