On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

"Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree."

This book is every bit as stereotypical as it sounds. And I loved every page.

Andrew has completely embraced the typical fantasy/adventure story. There's nothing new or original about the plot here. Bad guys, good guys, adventure, adversity. But if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Here's a quick synopsis of the book:
"Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad."

This book is two parts Tolkien and one part Douglas Adams. There is definitely a unique world that Andrew has created. But don't take this book near as seriously as you would Lord of the Rings. Not that Andrew leaves that option open to you. After all, the world of Aerwiar (where they live) was named such because the first inhabitant woke up the first morning there and said "Well, here we are!". (here we are --> "Aerwiar")

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is filled with fun little trinkets through out the book. They mostly come in hilarious footnotes, but there are also a few poems within the book. One such poem is written on the treasure map:

"Be you friend or be you foe
Beware to all who follow
For in the catacombs below
Is hidden in the hollow
A way that leads to pain and woe
Sadness, grief, and sorrow
The hungry ghost of Brimney Stupe
Awaits your bones to swallow
So think you long before you go
Exploring here tomorrow."

Although there are a thousand predictable scenarios throughout the book, there was one thing in the last few pages which I have never seen before, except in the bible. Obviously I won't say what it was, but it moved me in a deep, deep way once I realized the analogy.

Overall, this book is just plain fun. Completely entertaining and tough to put down. I recommend it to kids of all ages, especially grown up ones.

Click here to buy your own copy of the book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073847

Ok, ok, now I know what everyone is waiting for: trivia questions to win a free copy of the book! Well here they are. The first person to post a comment with the correct answer to one of the questions gets a FREE copy. NOTE: There are 3 questions but only 2 books to give away.

Question 1:
In the Andrew Peterson song "The Silence of God", Andrew refers to "A statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll/ In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold"

What is the name of this monastery?

Question 2:
What was the name of the Driver's Ed. instructor on Saved By The Bell?

Question 3:
Who did I take to homecoming my Junior year of high school? (Hint: she was the homecoming princess)

To see the rest of the lyrics of "The Silence of God", click here. GREAT SONG.

PS- If you live in State College, I'll be more than happy to lend you my copy of the book.