Hello friends! Happy Easter and Praise the Risen Lord!!! :D
I thought I would share one of my favorite Easter songs of all time with you. I love the lyrics so much! Listen closely, and see if you can understand the inclination of the words "High Noon". I was amazed when I finally made the connection, and so many of my friends still don't get it, but once you do, you will love the song EVEN MORE! :) If you get it, drop me a comment. ;)
On a side note, I promise to start updating more frequently in the near future. I've been a little crazy lately with keeping up with school, looking for work, and preparing things for Magpie. But just know, I have several amazing books to review very soon, and hopefully get a couple of meaningful writing posts out there as well.
HAPPY EASTER!!!!!
Showing posts with label Andrew Peterson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andrew Peterson. Show all posts
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
CSFF Blog Tour Day 3: Book Review -- "The Monster in the Hollows" by Andrew Peterson
Well I did it folks! I actually blogged for all three days during the book tour!!! *does a happy dance* Usually I end up blogging on the first and third days. Sometimes just on the third day. But this time I really did it and made it all the way to the end. ^_^ Perhaps it's because it's about books that I truly am inspired by, not to mention the absolutely epic music that's written and sung by the author... or perhaps it's just the illustrations. *shrugs*
You know, when I first heard about Andrew Peterson the author, I didn't realize that he was also the song writer that I loved to listen to. And when I finally made that connection, then I was astounded by the fact that he was also an artist. This just blew me away.
I'm not trying to blow my own horn or anything, but I know that I can write well and I love Christian fantasy (you can read a sample of my writing on the "read an excerpt" page of my blog); I know that I can sing well and I am fairly adept at playing the guitar (I'm now learning the piano) and I've written quite a few songs of my own (started working on an album but had to stop when the guy who was helping me moved out of town; I'm also an artist (check out the links to my art galleries at the top of the page). I do all of these things (and several others) and I know that I'm good at them because I love them so very very much. I know this sounds like I'm trying to be proud, but honestly I'm not. I'm just stating facts.
But here's another fact for you: there just aren't that many people out there who can do all three of these things at the same time and be good at them... and many of the people who can do all of these things only focus on one of them.
However, I don't want to focus on just one of my favorite pastimes; I want to expound on all of my talents and succeed at the same time... not just at one of them, but at every one of them.
So just for one moment, imagine the thrill I got when I realized that my new favorite author was also a singer/songwriter who played guitar and drew gorgeous illustrations for his own books. Not to mention the fact that he published his last book "The Monster in the Hollows" through Rabbit Room Press which is his own company! Not only were there others like me out there, but those others like me were making money and getting known for what they did, while at the same time (and most importantly) turning out genuine exemplary products in all three areas!!
Do you hear me?! I'm not a freak of nature!!! And I'm not alone!!! ^_^ *does another happy dance.*
So now I'm going to post a review of "The Monster in the Hollows", since I've finally gotten that out of my system. lol!
Janner Igiby has always wanted to sail over the Dark Sea of Darkness... ever since he found that old drawing of his father standing in the prow of a ship, he's wanted to know what it feels like to roll over the waves of the sea. He used to dream about it, looking out over the cliffs of his home on Dragon Day, but it just wasn't quite the same thing as doing it.
Now however he gets his wish... he's on a ship sailing far over the Dark Sea of Darkness... and he can't even get out of bed to see the waves!!!
Of course it's all Tink's fault. If his little brother hadn't decided to go off and grow a tail... not to mention grey fur all over his body and long, vicious canines... Janner wouldn't be in this position. But then again, perhaps Tink's change is partly Janner's fault... after all, if he had been looking out for his little brother like he was supposed to, Tink probably wouldn't have run away and gotten himself in trouble in the first place.
But what does it matter now? What's done is done, and the Igiby family is sailing away from Skree far over to the Green Hollows where Nia's mother came from, hoping to escape Skree and Gnag the nameless' awful namelessness. Not to mention the Fangs of Dang. The Hollows folk are said to be a simple people but harsh fighters, and they've driven off Gnag's armies several times in the past. Surely they will take in Nia, who is of their own kin, and her family.
But the Hollows aren't entirely safe in themselves. There is a dark forest there where many evil creatures are said to reside... monsters, the Hollow's folk call them. To the simple folk of the hollows, Tink's change makes him looks like a monster too. And monsters must be killed.
While Tink works to prove himself to the hollows folk, something else is as at work. Creatures from the forest are coming out and wondering through the hollows. Livestock stalk starts going missing, and strange tracks are left near houses and barns. There is definitely a monster in the Hollows... but who is it really?
My Thoughts:
Ok, let me just pause a moment to catch my breath. *catches breath*
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. It's the best one in the entire series, in my opinion. Tink's change challenges not only him but his entire family, as the Hollow's folk are suspicious of him and anyone who would bring such a creature with them. Tink tries to keep his new self in check and prove that he is not the monster everyone believes him to be, while all around him things seem to be falling apart. The dynamics in this book are far more engaging in my opinion than the other two books (although I can't complain too much about the dynamics of any of these books... I can only say that the ones in TMITH are stronger than the other books.)
AND THE ENDING!!!
*gasps again*
I had to catch my breath on that one. It totally caught me by surprise! I absolutely refuse to give out spoilers (and some of the blog tour participants may have notices that I have left out one specific surprise that happens in the first book every single time I write a review... but you see, the surprise is very powerful and important to all three books and I don't want to ruin it's epicness for anyone who hasn't read the series. ^_^) However, let me just say that my heart literally skipped a beat when I read the end (or almost the end) and I jumped up and shouted "YES!!!" in the middle of the second to last chapter (I believe it was). And then I cried in the last chapter. Couldn't help it. If you read the book you will totally understand.
The characters in these books definitely change over the course of the series. It's like you can actually see the kids mature... grow up and become young men and women who understand responsibility and consequences. It's not just that they are kids anymore... they actually have to learn about their world and the important roll that they play in it, and it effects them... deeply. It makes me think that as a father, Andrew almost wrote his books to help his own kids learn valuable lessons for life and about their faith... and in doing that, he's also teaching those lessons to every kid who reads his books.
I admire him for that. I want to write like that. I definitely aspire to accomplish that with everything that I attempt to do.
For those of you who are interested in his music, first of all, you must know that I absolutely ADORE his music. It's just as simple as that. In fact, the first time I listened to his album "Far Country" I was like, "OH MY WORD!!! This guy writes songs like I write. Wow!!" I mean, the subject matter... the genre... the type... it's all there! I love Christian contemporary music, but I'm also a huge fan of folk music with a celtic taste thrown in. And lyrics... lyrics are so, so, SO important to me. If the lyrics are strange or just seem meaningless, I'll usually end up hating the song.
Well, while I didn't notice any real celtic flair to these songs, they are all definitely Christian contemporary with a sort of folk-like twist. They are write up my alley... just what I like to write and sing. A friend of mine calls them "mellow". I'm not sure if that's how I would title them, but I guess the word does fit.
If you are interested in this album, check out this page: https://store.rabbitroom.com/music/the-far-country
AND
(this is important)
READ THROUGH THE PAGE BEFORE YOU BUY THE ALBUM.
While I'm absolutely 100% for supporting this amazing and talented man and artist, I also know that if you read closely you'll notice that you can actually download the album for free if you want to. Andrew even provides a link. But if you are anything like me, once you listen to his music, you'll be back for more. In this way, he's not actually loosing money but gaining money... because the free album is only a sample - a small taste - of the rest of his work.
Now, in other news, I noticed that Andrew recently posted this video on Facebook and it's totally epic!! ^_^ It really reminds me of myself in many ways. Fantasy writers can TOTALLY relate. I was laughing through the entire thing!!
And at long last I'll close out this Review with three new pictures of the man himself. :) If you haven't been able to tell up to this point, I'll be blunt: I am a huge fan of his. But if you check out the other blogs on the CSFF Blog Tour (linked to below), you can find out more about why I admire him so much. ^_^
Goodbye!!! And I hope you enjoyed the tour! Check out Andrew Peterson's website at http://www.andrew-peterson.com HAPPY READING!
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant
You know, when I first heard about Andrew Peterson the author, I didn't realize that he was also the song writer that I loved to listen to. And when I finally made that connection, then I was astounded by the fact that he was also an artist. This just blew me away.
I'm not trying to blow my own horn or anything, but I know that I can write well and I love Christian fantasy (you can read a sample of my writing on the "read an excerpt" page of my blog); I know that I can sing well and I am fairly adept at playing the guitar (I'm now learning the piano) and I've written quite a few songs of my own (started working on an album but had to stop when the guy who was helping me moved out of town; I'm also an artist (check out the links to my art galleries at the top of the page). I do all of these things (and several others) and I know that I'm good at them because I love them so very very much. I know this sounds like I'm trying to be proud, but honestly I'm not. I'm just stating facts.
But here's another fact for you: there just aren't that many people out there who can do all three of these things at the same time and be good at them... and many of the people who can do all of these things only focus on one of them.
However, I don't want to focus on just one of my favorite pastimes; I want to expound on all of my talents and succeed at the same time... not just at one of them, but at every one of them.
So just for one moment, imagine the thrill I got when I realized that my new favorite author was also a singer/songwriter who played guitar and drew gorgeous illustrations for his own books. Not to mention the fact that he published his last book "The Monster in the Hollows" through Rabbit Room Press which is his own company! Not only were there others like me out there, but those others like me were making money and getting known for what they did, while at the same time (and most importantly) turning out genuine exemplary products in all three areas!!
Do you hear me?! I'm not a freak of nature!!! And I'm not alone!!! ^_^ *does another happy dance.*
So now I'm going to post a review of "The Monster in the Hollows", since I've finally gotten that out of my system. lol!
Janner Igiby has always wanted to sail over the Dark Sea of Darkness... ever since he found that old drawing of his father standing in the prow of a ship, he's wanted to know what it feels like to roll over the waves of the sea. He used to dream about it, looking out over the cliffs of his home on Dragon Day, but it just wasn't quite the same thing as doing it.
Now however he gets his wish... he's on a ship sailing far over the Dark Sea of Darkness... and he can't even get out of bed to see the waves!!!
Of course it's all Tink's fault. If his little brother hadn't decided to go off and grow a tail... not to mention grey fur all over his body and long, vicious canines... Janner wouldn't be in this position. But then again, perhaps Tink's change is partly Janner's fault... after all, if he had been looking out for his little brother like he was supposed to, Tink probably wouldn't have run away and gotten himself in trouble in the first place.
But what does it matter now? What's done is done, and the Igiby family is sailing away from Skree far over to the Green Hollows where Nia's mother came from, hoping to escape Skree and Gnag the nameless' awful namelessness. Not to mention the Fangs of Dang. The Hollows folk are said to be a simple people but harsh fighters, and they've driven off Gnag's armies several times in the past. Surely they will take in Nia, who is of their own kin, and her family.
But the Hollows aren't entirely safe in themselves. There is a dark forest there where many evil creatures are said to reside... monsters, the Hollow's folk call them. To the simple folk of the hollows, Tink's change makes him looks like a monster too. And monsters must be killed.
While Tink works to prove himself to the hollows folk, something else is as at work. Creatures from the forest are coming out and wondering through the hollows. Livestock stalk starts going missing, and strange tracks are left near houses and barns. There is definitely a monster in the Hollows... but who is it really?
My Thoughts:
Ok, let me just pause a moment to catch my breath. *catches breath*
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. It's the best one in the entire series, in my opinion. Tink's change challenges not only him but his entire family, as the Hollow's folk are suspicious of him and anyone who would bring such a creature with them. Tink tries to keep his new self in check and prove that he is not the monster everyone believes him to be, while all around him things seem to be falling apart. The dynamics in this book are far more engaging in my opinion than the other two books (although I can't complain too much about the dynamics of any of these books... I can only say that the ones in TMITH are stronger than the other books.)
AND THE ENDING!!!
*gasps again*
I had to catch my breath on that one. It totally caught me by surprise! I absolutely refuse to give out spoilers (and some of the blog tour participants may have notices that I have left out one specific surprise that happens in the first book every single time I write a review... but you see, the surprise is very powerful and important to all three books and I don't want to ruin it's epicness for anyone who hasn't read the series. ^_^) However, let me just say that my heart literally skipped a beat when I read the end (or almost the end) and I jumped up and shouted "YES!!!" in the middle of the second to last chapter (I believe it was). And then I cried in the last chapter. Couldn't help it. If you read the book you will totally understand.
The characters in these books definitely change over the course of the series. It's like you can actually see the kids mature... grow up and become young men and women who understand responsibility and consequences. It's not just that they are kids anymore... they actually have to learn about their world and the important roll that they play in it, and it effects them... deeply. It makes me think that as a father, Andrew almost wrote his books to help his own kids learn valuable lessons for life and about their faith... and in doing that, he's also teaching those lessons to every kid who reads his books.
I admire him for that. I want to write like that. I definitely aspire to accomplish that with everything that I attempt to do.
Well, while I didn't notice any real celtic flair to these songs, they are all definitely Christian contemporary with a sort of folk-like twist. They are write up my alley... just what I like to write and sing. A friend of mine calls them "mellow". I'm not sure if that's how I would title them, but I guess the word does fit.
If you are interested in this album, check out this page: https://store.rabbitroom.com/music/the-far-country
AND
(this is important)
READ THROUGH THE PAGE BEFORE YOU BUY THE ALBUM.
While I'm absolutely 100% for supporting this amazing and talented man and artist, I also know that if you read closely you'll notice that you can actually download the album for free if you want to. Andrew even provides a link. But if you are anything like me, once you listen to his music, you'll be back for more. In this way, he's not actually loosing money but gaining money... because the free album is only a sample - a small taste - of the rest of his work.
Now, in other news, I noticed that Andrew recently posted this video on Facebook and it's totally epic!! ^_^ It really reminds me of myself in many ways. Fantasy writers can TOTALLY relate. I was laughing through the entire thing!!
Goodbye!!! And I hope you enjoyed the tour! Check out Andrew Peterson's website at http://www.andrew-peterson.com HAPPY READING!
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
CSFF Blog Tour Day 2: Book Review -- "North! Or Be Eaten" by Andrew Peterson
At the end of the first book in the series, Janner Igiby and his family are forced to leave their beloved town of Glipwood and hide out out in the dangerous forest where their half demented protector, Peet the Sock Man, has made his home. Janner finally has found out the truth about his family -- and his father -- and there is far more to their family history than Janner every thought even possible! Now the fun and games have ended and the adventure truly begins. Gnag the Nameless is still determined to find the Jewels of Anniera, and he has reason to believe that they are being hidden in Glipwood. With the furious Fangs of Dang pouring into the little town in search of the jewels, Janner and his family leave Glipwood behind in a desperate attempt to reach the Ice Praries before Gnag can find them and discover the powerful secret of their family line -- a secret that could do more than help Gnag take over the world... it could help destroy the world as well.
As they travel they are constantly in danger. Pursued by Fangs with every step, Janner and his family must escape the jaws of the dreaded Gargun Rock Roach, evade the knives of Stranders, hide out in hidden tunnels, avoid the terrible teeth (not to mention the awful breath) of Bomnibles, and out run the unbearable beaks of the hideous flesh-eating Snickbuzzards. It's going to take a lot of courage to get them to the ice prairies... all in one piece, that is.
And with Tink thrown into the mix, one can never be too grateful for the words "all in one piece". Who would have thought that little brothers could be so much trouble? Who would have thought that Tink's protection would fall squarely on Janner's shoulders, or that Tink would go off and grow a tale? Literally? And who would have thought that a Quilldiggle could taste so good, or that a Fork Factory could be so dreaded?
As they travel they are constantly in danger. Pursued by Fangs with every step, Janner and his family must escape the jaws of the dreaded Gargun Rock Roach, evade the knives of Stranders, hide out in hidden tunnels, avoid the terrible teeth (not to mention the awful breath) of Bomnibles, and out run the unbearable beaks of the hideous flesh-eating Snickbuzzards. It's going to take a lot of courage to get them to the ice prairies... all in one piece, that is.
And with Tink thrown into the mix, one can never be too grateful for the words "all in one piece". Who would have thought that little brothers could be so much trouble? Who would have thought that Tink's protection would fall squarely on Janner's shoulders, or that Tink would go off and grow a tale? Literally? And who would have thought that a Quilldiggle could taste so good, or that a Fork Factory could be so dreaded?
Besides that, Grandpa is hiding yet another secret... a secret that he's never even told his daughter Nia... a secret that just might have the whole family in pieces by the end after all.
My Thoughts:
I will never forget the day I first started reading this book. I was sitting in my bedroom, talking to my little sister, and telling her about this book I just borrowed that I was excited about reading. She asked me to read a bit to her. So I flipped open the first cover, admired the hand drawn maps, and then went to read the first chapter...
"Toothy Cows!!"
No, literally... those are the first words.
My sister and I both fell into hysterical laughing. "What did that just say?" She asked me. So I read it again and we both doubled over.
Wow. Now that's one way to draw a reader's attention. Especially if that particular reader hasn't read the first book in the series yet.
It didn't take me long after that to understand the seriousness behind the words "Toothy Cow". I shall never look at a toothy cow the same way again. Don't be fooled by their similar appearance to normal cows... while it would seem the toothy variety taste just as good as the normal variety (ask the stranders, if you don't believe me) they also tend to think that people taste good.
I will never forget the day I first started reading this book. I was sitting in my bedroom, talking to my little sister, and telling her about this book I just borrowed that I was excited about reading. She asked me to read a bit to her. So I flipped open the first cover, admired the hand drawn maps, and then went to read the first chapter...
"Toothy Cows!!"
No, literally... those are the first words.
My sister and I both fell into hysterical laughing. "What did that just say?" She asked me. So I read it again and we both doubled over.
Wow. Now that's one way to draw a reader's attention. Especially if that particular reader hasn't read the first book in the series yet.
It didn't take me long after that to understand the seriousness behind the words "Toothy Cow". I shall never look at a toothy cow the same way again. Don't be fooled by their similar appearance to normal cows... while it would seem the toothy variety taste just as good as the normal variety (ask the stranders, if you don't believe me) they also tend to think that people taste good.
See what I mean? Terrifying creatures. :)
Personally I loved this book as well if not more than I loved the first one. However, starting in the middle of the series was a little difficult, so no... I don't recommend starting with the second book. At first I really didn't understand what was going on (you sort of need to read the first book for that.) After a while I caught on. And once I caught on, the pace just picked up.
Personally I loved this book as well if not more than I loved the first one. However, starting in the middle of the series was a little difficult, so no... I don't recommend starting with the second book. At first I really didn't understand what was going on (you sort of need to read the first book for that.) After a while I caught on. And once I caught on, the pace just picked up.
Andrew seems to have a way with words and humor that just flows over the page. And when I say humor, I don't mean like the riddle kind, or like knock-knock jokes. He simply slips every day simple humor into the pages and when you catch it, it's like a little jewel of laughter... or perhaps like an inside joke. Guys will especially enjoy the humor, but even girls with a few brothers in the family or a silly father could easily catch on and would get a chuckle or two out of it. It's so worth reading.
I refuse to give away any of the amazing adventure in this book. You simply have to read it for yourself to understand. :) But I will say that the ending left me so on edge that first I gasped, then I went back and reread it three times, and then I started to cry and I couldn't pick up the third book for two days until the amazement had finally worn off enough to leave me literate again. No I'm not joking. I couldn't even think of starting the first book until my awe of Andrew Peterson's way with words and plot twists came back down to a somewhat normal status.
I don't think I need to say it again; you should already know by now that you absolutely HAVE to read this book. If you are Christian and a fantasy lover, then it is practically a required thing. :D (not really... but EXTREMELY recommended.) Again, this book gets a 5 out of 5 stars.
But just wait until you read my review on the third book. *rubs hands together gleefully* That one is by far the best book of the series in my opinion. At least up to this point.
Now, yesterday I mentioned that I would talk more about Andrew's other amazing talents. I told you that he was a recording artist, but I forgot to mention that he was also an illustrator. Illustrations from his own pencil are scattered throughout the book, and (as an artist myself) I just have to say that I love his cartoon animation style. I could totally see movies being made from these illustrations... perhaps in the style of Focus on the Family's Adventures in Oddesy series. You just have to love it when you find someone this talented... I mean, seriously... how much more awesome can this man get?
Oh wait... he's a father and a husband as well? Did I mention that he was born in IL... not too terribly far from my area. Yeah, my esteem just went up another notch. ^_^
Here's some of his artwork which you can also find here... http://wingfeathersaga.com
Now, yesterday I mentioned that I would talk more about Andrew's other amazing talents. I told you that he was a recording artist, but I forgot to mention that he was also an illustrator. Illustrations from his own pencil are scattered throughout the book, and (as an artist myself) I just have to say that I love his cartoon animation style. I could totally see movies being made from these illustrations... perhaps in the style of Focus on the Family's Adventures in Oddesy series. You just have to love it when you find someone this talented... I mean, seriously... how much more awesome can this man get?
Oh wait... he's a father and a husband as well? Did I mention that he was born in IL... not too terribly far from my area. Yeah, my esteem just went up another notch. ^_^
Here's some of his artwork which you can also find here... http://wingfeathersaga.com
1) Glipwood Township:
2) A map of Skree:
3) Peet the Sock Man's Castle:
4) A ferocious Fang of Dang:
5) A terrible flesh eating Snickbuzzard:
6) A Bomnible:
7) A Chorkney (from the Ice Praries):
And now I shall leave you once again with a picture of Andrew himself. This time he's playing the guitar. :D Gotta love it!
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nichole White
Rachel Wyant
Monday, September 19, 2011
CSFF Blog Tour Day 1: Review of Andrew Peterson’s “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness”
Wow… *double checks header* I do believe that that is one of the longest titles I’ve ever had on a blog post. O.o
Today is the first day of the September CSFF Blog Tour and we have been reading through Andrew Peterson’s book “The Monster in the Hollows”. That book is the 3rd book in the Wingfeather saga (originally dubbed “The Wingfeather trilogy”, but that now consists of four books instead of three… thus the change.)
I’ve had the pleasure of reading all three books and of actually getting to meet Mr. Peterson in person (and singing with my church worship band to open his recent concert in IL. ^_^). However, I haven’t posted any reviews on his books yet. And so, I thought I would do something a little different and actually review the whole series during this tour… three days for three books. ^_^ What do you think of that? :)
I’ve had the pleasure of reading all three books and of actually getting to meet Mr. Peterson in person (and singing with my church worship band to open his recent concert in IL. ^_^). However, I haven’t posted any reviews on his books yet. And so, I thought I would do something a little different and actually review the whole series during this tour… three days for three books. ^_^ What do you think of that? :)
Janner Igiby is tired of always having to watch over his younger brother and little sister. After all, he's already 12! Practically an adult. He should be able to decide what he wants to do with his own time.
And what he wants is an adventure... the kind he only gets to read about. The kind in the stories told to him by his ex-pirate grandfather about the sea and foreign lands. However, in the town of Glipwood which is run by the furious Fangs of Dang -- large lizard-man things with venomous teeth -- who report back to Gnag the Nameless himself, "adventure" often get's one in trouble.
When Janner tussles with a Fang in order to save his little sister and her dog nugget from a toothy and poisonous death, events turn dangerous. The children get thrown into the jail and are threatened with a trip in the Black Carriage, a nightmare out of fireside tales and children's rhyms about a carriage driver who comes and steals kids from their beds in the night. However, before the children are sent off, their mother Nia comes to rescue them with some secret jewels she had stashed away. She manages to bribe the head fang and get her children out of jail, but now Janner is curious where his mother kept the jewels and how come he never knew about them before.
And what he wants is an adventure... the kind he only gets to read about. The kind in the stories told to him by his ex-pirate grandfather about the sea and foreign lands. However, in the town of Glipwood which is run by the furious Fangs of Dang -- large lizard-man things with venomous teeth -- who report back to Gnag the Nameless himself, "adventure" often get's one in trouble.
When Janner tussles with a Fang in order to save his little sister and her dog nugget from a toothy and poisonous death, events turn dangerous. The children get thrown into the jail and are threatened with a trip in the Black Carriage, a nightmare out of fireside tales and children's rhyms about a carriage driver who comes and steals kids from their beds in the night. However, before the children are sent off, their mother Nia comes to rescue them with some secret jewels she had stashed away. She manages to bribe the head fang and get her children out of jail, but now Janner is curious where his mother kept the jewels and how come he never knew about them before.
And then there's Janner's brother, Tink. Tink is always getting into mischief. When he "borrows" a map from the local book store that leads to an old, abandoned house on the edge of Glipwood forest, Tink and Janner decide to go exploring. They know that Glipwood forest itself is said to be dangerous, but the house isn't actually in the forest... But instead of the relatively safe adventure they expected, they get chased by the terrible Horned Hounds and discover a hidden weapons chamber filled with all sorts of dangerous objects forbidden since the great war when Gnag the Nameless took over the land of Skree. What is it doing there? And what did the owner of the bookstore, the fat old Oskar N. Reateep, have to do with it?
Besides that, why does the local psychopath, Peet the Sock Man, seem so intent on protecting the Igiby children? And why is Gnag the Nameless suddenly so set on capturing them?
Janner knows that his Mother and Grandfather are hiding something from him -- a secret that probably has to do with his father who was lost in the Great War -- but what could that secret be? And what about these Jewels of Anniera that Janner keeps hearing about? There was even something about them written on the map that Tink had borrowed. Were those the jewels that his mother had given the fangs? Was that what Gnag really wanted?
My Thoughts:
Besides that, why does the local psychopath, Peet the Sock Man, seem so intent on protecting the Igiby children? And why is Gnag the Nameless suddenly so set on capturing them?
Janner knows that his Mother and Grandfather are hiding something from him -- a secret that probably has to do with his father who was lost in the Great War -- but what could that secret be? And what about these Jewels of Anniera that Janner keeps hearing about? There was even something about them written on the map that Tink had borrowed. Were those the jewels that his mother had given the fangs? Was that what Gnag really wanted?
My Thoughts:
I actually started reading the series with the second book, but to be quite honest, I think starting that way helped me to appreciate the first book all the more.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness pretty much stayed around the small town of Glipwood, which sits right up against the Glipwood forest, up until the very end. Usually I have some trouble with stories that aren't moving about -- it's not so much the stories fault as my attention span's fault. I just want to see things change... I want to see dynamics. (I suppose all readers do.) Well I didn't have those problems with this story. It had enough going on and it asked enough questions that I was curious and content with staying in one place.
My favorite character by far was Peet the Sock Man. He's so crazy, but there's something so likable about him. You just have to pity him, and you wonder constantly about what put him in such a state. And then of course you have little Leeli's dog, Nugget... if you haven't read the book, I won't try to spoil it for you, but let me just say that something happens to Nugget that, in my own opinion, is totally epic. ^_^
Andrew Peterson writes in a very unique style that utilizes the "story teller" style rather than the "Story shower" style. I found it a little distracting at first, but by the end of the first chapter, I'd completely forgotten about my distraction. The rhythm of the writing flows well and keeps the reader engaged. It's not just what happens in the book but the pacing that counts, and in my opinion this book has just the right mixture of pacing and action. In fact, Andrew keeps his own unique style very consistent throughout the entire series... even though I did note improvements from one book to the next. And a reader should take nothing for granted in these books either... even small details may come back throughout later chapters in very big ways.
As far as this book goes, I give it a 5 out of 5. It's absolutely family friendly, and it's the start of what is now one of my favorite Christian Fantasy series.
Just for fun, here's a picture of another version of the cover:
My favorite character by far was Peet the Sock Man. He's so crazy, but there's something so likable about him. You just have to pity him, and you wonder constantly about what put him in such a state. And then of course you have little Leeli's dog, Nugget... if you haven't read the book, I won't try to spoil it for you, but let me just say that something happens to Nugget that, in my own opinion, is totally epic. ^_^
Andrew Peterson writes in a very unique style that utilizes the "story teller" style rather than the "Story shower" style. I found it a little distracting at first, but by the end of the first chapter, I'd completely forgotten about my distraction. The rhythm of the writing flows well and keeps the reader engaged. It's not just what happens in the book but the pacing that counts, and in my opinion this book has just the right mixture of pacing and action. In fact, Andrew keeps his own unique style very consistent throughout the entire series... even though I did note improvements from one book to the next. And a reader should take nothing for granted in these books either... even small details may come back throughout later chapters in very big ways.
As far as this book goes, I give it a 5 out of 5. It's absolutely family friendly, and it's the start of what is now one of my favorite Christian Fantasy series.
Just for fun, here's a picture of another version of the cover:
And here's a picture of the author himself. Not only does he look good (I mean, he does look good... his features remind me a bit of Steven Curtis Chapman...) but he seems very kind hearted as well. Also note that Andrew Peterson is a Christian recording artist. Perhaps I'll devolve more on that later. Right now I will tell you that his album "Far Country" is one of my absolute favorites. :) I listen to it all the time as I'm working on homework or commission projects.
I shall now leave you with his smiling face. :D
I shall now leave you with his smiling face. :D
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Cynthia Dyer
Amber French
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
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Mirriam Neal
* Eve Nielsen
Joan Nienhuis
Donita K. Paul
Sarah Sawyer
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Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant
Friday, July 22, 2011
Andrew Peterson in the Peoria IL Area
Well hello again. :) I don't usually double post in a day, but I have some exciting news.
Andrew Peterson, Christian recording artist and author of the Wingfeather Saga (On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, and The Monster in the Hollows) is coming to Central IL this Sunday Evening. So if any of you will be in the Peoria area, the concert will be held at Springfield Road Baptist Church, and it starts at 5:30pm.
But that's not the best part, friends!!
The best part is that my church's worship team is opening the night, AND I WILL BE SINGING WITH THEM!!! ^_^ *dances around in happiness and awe* Yep, I'm totally stoked. First meeting Andrew Peterson this Sunday, and then a book signing by Brock Eastman in August, all within 45 minutes of my house and all within biking distance of my church. :) God is so amazing, I'm just in total awe of how he works!!
Actually, it's really interesting because I started reading "North! Or Be Eaten" about a month ago when a friend lent me her copy of the book. I'd heard of the series, but I couldn't find it in bookstores (for some weird reason) and I'm still a little wary of buying things off the internet. Of course I love the song "Dancing in the Minefields" that plays on my local Christian Radio station, but I honestly didn't know that the author and the recording artist were the same person until two weeks ago. Then I downloaded a CD, and fell in love with it (I've been singing the songs from it all week).
The fact that Mr. Peterson has done and been all of these things is totally inspiring for me for several reasons. One -- I am a christian fantasy writer who wants to touch people with my books, and Two -- I am also a singer/songwriter looking to someday record my art. Music and writing go hand in hand for me: I can't have one without the other, and I can't choose between them. I'm studying for degrees in both Music and English because I can't separate my love for both arts; they've just melded together and refuse to be parted. Some people have told me I should do one or the other, but now I know that I'm truly not alone; there are others out there who have done both and been successful, so why can't I pursuit all three of my "loves" (Music/singing/songwriting, Creative writing/English, and Painting/Drawing) and be successful at all of them? Seriously, why not?
Then I find out that Mr. Peterson is coming to Peoria for a concert, and then the worship leader at my church tells me that he wants me to sing with the church band this Sunday evening to open that self same concert.
I'm telling you, GOD IS SO AMAZING. :) See how He works? See how awesome He is? He knows the desires of our hearts; He wants to tell us how much he loves us... and He does it in ways we never saw coming!
I can't wait until Sunday evening!!!!
Andrew Peterson, Christian recording artist and author of the Wingfeather Saga (On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, and The Monster in the Hollows) is coming to Central IL this Sunday Evening. So if any of you will be in the Peoria area, the concert will be held at Springfield Road Baptist Church, and it starts at 5:30pm.
But that's not the best part, friends!!
The best part is that my church's worship team is opening the night, AND I WILL BE SINGING WITH THEM!!! ^_^ *dances around in happiness and awe* Yep, I'm totally stoked. First meeting Andrew Peterson this Sunday, and then a book signing by Brock Eastman in August, all within 45 minutes of my house and all within biking distance of my church. :) God is so amazing, I'm just in total awe of how he works!!
Actually, it's really interesting because I started reading "North! Or Be Eaten" about a month ago when a friend lent me her copy of the book. I'd heard of the series, but I couldn't find it in bookstores (for some weird reason) and I'm still a little wary of buying things off the internet. Of course I love the song "Dancing in the Minefields" that plays on my local Christian Radio station, but I honestly didn't know that the author and the recording artist were the same person until two weeks ago. Then I downloaded a CD, and fell in love with it (I've been singing the songs from it all week).
The fact that Mr. Peterson has done and been all of these things is totally inspiring for me for several reasons. One -- I am a christian fantasy writer who wants to touch people with my books, and Two -- I am also a singer/songwriter looking to someday record my art. Music and writing go hand in hand for me: I can't have one without the other, and I can't choose between them. I'm studying for degrees in both Music and English because I can't separate my love for both arts; they've just melded together and refuse to be parted. Some people have told me I should do one or the other, but now I know that I'm truly not alone; there are others out there who have done both and been successful, so why can't I pursuit all three of my "loves" (Music/singing/songwriting, Creative writing/English, and Painting/Drawing) and be successful at all of them? Seriously, why not?
Then I find out that Mr. Peterson is coming to Peoria for a concert, and then the worship leader at my church tells me that he wants me to sing with the church band this Sunday evening to open that self same concert.
I'm telling you, GOD IS SO AMAZING. :) See how He works? See how awesome He is? He knows the desires of our hearts; He wants to tell us how much he loves us... and He does it in ways we never saw coming!
I can't wait until Sunday evening!!!!
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