The first book in this series captured my attention. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness was simply good, and memorable. My cousin's just loved the first book! And then, I messed up. I didn't get the second one because I was waiting for a review. (OPPS!!!) So now, here we are, at book THREE! I quickly ordered a copy of North! Or Be Eaten!, but alas, I haven't gotten to read it all yet.
You know what that means! I can't BEAR to read all of The Monster of the Hollows with out reading North! Or Be Eaten!-!!! But I also couldn't not read enough to give you a review. You will just have to bear with me as I am able to read the second book, and then update this review, if needed. ;)
The Wingfeather children, and there are three of them, are in line for a throne. A throne that in book one they did not understand in book one. Now they are in the land of their ancestors, Green Hollows. Here they are going to be safe for a while, and get a chance to rest up and catch their breath. Running from Gnag the Nameless is exhausting. Being free and safe from Fangs is an excellent thing you see. However, soon they find they have a monster in their safe hollow.
Did it follow them? Was it hiding when they got there? Or did they somehow bring this monster with them? When one of their own looks like a monster, does that mean he is and they should hate and destroy him, or should they be asking Maker what He thinks about the issue? And you know, those gifts and callings are with out repentance. That means you are stuck with what you are put here to do, like it or not. (Oh dear!)
As I said, I haven't read the end because I can't bear to with out reading book 2 first. I think it is a good idea to read this series in order, so that you don't miss out on any of the incredible things happening. I also have to say that in books 2 and 3 there are really lovely drawings. It adds so much to the books when authors are able to do that, and the art work is not lost on me.
UPDATE! The new 2021 version is just outstanding! I am collecting the hardcover copies as fast as I can. The new illustrations are fantastic! This story only gets better with time.
Carol
About the Book:
Janner Wingfeather's father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind.
Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows--a land of warriors feared even by Fangs of Dang. But there's a big problem. Janner's little brother-heir to the throne of Anniera-has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster.
But Janner knows better. His brother isn't as scary as he looks. He's perfectly harmless.
Or is he?
Join the Wingfeathers on an adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There's a monster on the loose and the truth lurks in the shadows.
About the Author:
Author/Singer/Songwriter Andrew Peterson, a 2005 Audie Award finalist for his readings of Ray Blackston’s Flabbergasted trilogy, wrote and produced the popular Christmas play and musical Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of the Christ, and the album by the same name, which received the 2004 Best Album of the Year, World Christian Music’s Editors Choice Award. Andrew’s received critical acclaim for his seven albums and is at work on an eighth. He lives with his wife Jamie and their three young children near Nashville, Tennessee, where he reads storybooks aloud to his family each evening.
Artist Justin Gerard has illustrated several children’s books, including The Lightlings storybooks for young readers by R.C. Sproul. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and works as the chief creative officer for Portland Studios.
Artist Justin Gerard has illustrated several children’s books, including The Lightlings storybooks for young readers by R.C. Sproul. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and works as the chief creative officer for Portland Studios.
Andrew’s Web site and blog (a team blog he moderates):http://andrew-peterson.com/ and http://www.rabbitroom.com/
In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. :)
Book link - https://store.rabbitroom.com/books/the-monster-in-the-hollows
Series Web site - http://www.WingfeatherSaga.com/
Participants’ links:
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
Not bad for a half review. ;-) Seriously, I think you're right to read book 2 first. There's a whole subplot with Sara Cobbler that you won't understand well without having read book 2.
ReplyDeleteAnd why Kalmar is the way he is happens in book 2.
Hope you enjoy.
Becky