Note: To avoid SPOILERS below, make sure you’ve already read Book 1 (see review) and Book 2 (see review).
- book 3 of a fantasy series, focusing on 3 siblings
- difficulties abound as the family attempts to settle in their new home–from both neighbors and evil creatures
- many surprising twists to the storyline, bullying to overcome, and a new traitor
- themes include: courage, faithfulness to family, defending the vulnerable, resisting evil, finding strength in weakness
- convo: a boy is teased about a girl he likes, pipe smoking, brief flatulence jokes
Type: chapter book
Ages: 9-14
Author: Andrew Peterson
Another great installment in this fantastic series! This book picks up a few weeks after we left the Wingfeathers in Book 2–in the ship which served for their escape. They land in the infamous Green Hollows, where Nia grew up, and conflict begins immediately when the townspeople lay eyes on Kalmar (Tink only goes by this name now) in his wolf form.
I still strongly recommend a minimum age of 9, and higher if the child is quite sensitive. Kalmar is bullied and physically hurt a number of times, Janner has own struggles, and the entire family is treated like a disease by the town. There’s quite a bit of suspense with lives hanging in the balance. However, I personally felt this book was a notch lighter than the first two (note: just a notch). It included some longer, slower scenes (which were by no means boring), contrasting the hyped-up intensity of the first two books.
Both Janner and Kalmar have some mental hurdles and private struggles to work through. Leeli has fewer problems at their new school than her brothers, but she isn’t completely excluded by some of the mistreatment they receive. All three Wingfeather children are clearly growing in maturity and good character.
As always, there are many humorous parts inserted throughout the story as well as momentary deep thoughts by various people. Readers will be so connected with these characters by now that they should expect to feel many of their emotions. Reading this as a mother, I teared up a handful of times.
Here are some quotes I enjoyed or appreciated:
[“Why does he hate it so much?”] “Who knows? When hate rages long enough, it doesn’t need a reason. It burns for the sake of its own heat and devours whatever, or whomever, is set before it.”
“Firepits! Flower beds! Oh, Maker, let there be books too.”
“Gnag bends things for breaking, and the Maker makes a flourish! Evil digs a pit, and the Maker makes a well! That is his way.”
“But you aren’t your fur any more than I am my flesh. Who you are runs deeper than your skin. A man may be handsome in aspect but black as death in his heart, you know.”
“All he really wanted were good books to read, a warm bed, and his family and friends near.”
“Because there was hope in her heart, there was courage too. Courage changed the way she moved among the other prisoners.”
“His anxiousness about another day at school shrank when he thought about how far the Maker had carried him.”
“They had gone caving, which was far better than cleanliness.”
“The bond between Leeli, Kalmar, and Janner strengthened. The more they leaned on one another, the stronger they were.”
My favorite quote, however, would give away a huge story twist, so I’ll just be excited for you to come to it. 😉
There were three things I wish the author had expounded on, that felt unfinished. I was even mad about one of them for a while, ha! Overall, though, it was a well-crafted page-turner, and I’m excited to start Book 4!
Thoughts on Wingfeather Book 1: The Dark Sea of Darkness
Thoughts on Wingfeather Book 2: North! Or Be Eaten
Thoughts on Wingfeather Book 4: The Warden and the Wolf King