The Warden and the Wolf King

In the words of Thorn O'Sally- "It's good. <i>Real</i> good."

Many of my reviews boil down to something like, “This book was real good.” And that isn’t as helpful as it probably could be. So, even though I do think that the last installment of the Wingfeather Saga was excellent, I’d like to go a step further and give you seven reasons why you should read it. Here goes!<br /><br /><b>7 Reasons to Read The Warden and the Wolf King</b><br /><br />Andrew Peterson is a gifted storyteller.<br /><br />There are writers who are known for creating strong characters. Others have signature plot twists or descriptive language. Andrew Peterson is the full package. In addition to creating some great characters to root for, Peterson keeps the story interesting with unexpected turns. All the while, he shows off his knack as a skilled wordsmith by using the words and the cadence of their reading to put the reader in the desired mood.<br /><br />The book is told from multiple viewpoints.<br /><br />Rather than being trapped inside one character’s head, we get to see the tale unfold from all three of the Wingfeather children’s eyes. This helps keep the plot fresh by being in multiple places at the same time. This tactic is a staple of fantasy and Peterson uses it with finesse.<br /><br />Siblings can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.<br /><br />I have two girls, and once they have the attention spans to accommodate longer books, I’m looking forward to reading them the Wingfeather Saga. Peterson doesn’t whitewash the fact that “brother” is just one letter off from “bother,” but neither does he glamorize sibling rivalry. If anything, kids could learn a lot about embracing the fact that siblings are often differently gifted and learning to tolerate some of their more annoying aspects as well. The Wingfeathers may not always get along, but they always show what love looks like when it counts.<br /><br />Parents can learn a thing or two from the Wingfeather kids.<br /><br />As a parent, I would love to raise my kids as well as Nia Wingfeather raises hers. And while young readers are imagining the story through the struggles of the children, I’m seeing it from Nia’s eyes. How would I feel if some dark evil was after my kids? How much freedom should I allow my kids when they have a history of making bad choices? What can I do to equip them for the battles they will face rather than trying to fight all of their battles for them? Parents would do well to see how the matriarch of the Wingfeather family handles herself and her kids. She isn’t a perfect mom, but she loves her kids and wants to do the best she can for them. I want the same.<br /><br />This book came into existence because it was demanded by fans.<br /><br />In a move that I’ll never understand, after the first two books in this series were published by Waterbrook Press (and they won a bunch of awards and such), the publisher dropped the series right in the middle. Peterson published the third book on his own dime and made it available through his personal channels, but for the fourth book, he appealed to his fans. Andrew Peterson launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final installment. With the way Kickstarter works, if no one cares enough about a project to fund it within a certain time-frame, then it doesn’t happen. Peterson’s goal was $14,000 (the minimum amount he needed to write, edit, print, and ship the book to the people who funded it) and by the end of the campaign he raised $118,188 (which is quite a bit more). His fans really believed in this book, and with good reason (it is excellent).<br /><br />Fantastic creatures abound.<br /><br />If there’s something you expect to see in a fantasy series, it is some fantastic beasts. The Wingfeather Saga doesn’t disappoint, having enough beasts and awesome creatures to warrant a separate book to document the lot (Pembrick’s Creaturepedia).<br /><br />The end of the book closes the series well.<br /><br />I’ve read too many book series where the final installment is rushed to print and leaves much to be desired (I’m looking at you, Hunger Games, and from what I’ve heard, Divergent). Either authors don’t know how to wrap the story up or they don’t want to part with their characters, but as a reader, it is so much nicer when the author can pull all the threads of the tale together in a way that is believable and intentional. I’m not saying that I don’t want to read more about the Wingfeathers, but I feel like that the story arc that began in book one has reached a good conclusion in book four.<br /><br />I firmly believe that the Wingfeather Saga is the next Chronicles of Narnia. I hope Peterson continues to write (when he isn’t too busy as a touring musician). I’ll gladly be part of any crowd-funding effort that ends with another of his books in my hands.<br /><br />Seriously, go buy a copy today!

An epic ending to an epic story. So very worth the read. Stories like this are the reason that GK Chesterton is quoted as saying that "fairy tales are more than true, not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be conquered." <br /><br />This is one of the truest books I have ever read, even though it's fantasy. I have never read a more honest portrayal of human emotion, strengths, weaknesses, failures, and thought processes. What a beautiful story of redemption. It's an incredible look at what it means to be a leader and a hero, when at heart we are all broken and imperfect. <br /><br />Besides all that, it's just a lot of FUN. :)

I may come back and leave a review once I have recovered emotionally. ?

*sniff, SNIFF!!!!!* Mememmemmemme....this was soooooo sweet at the end. And...and...I WANT BOOK 5!!!!!!!!!! This CAN'T be the end of the series! There needs to be at least one more book. Or at least a short story. Please, Andrew Peterson, PLEASE!<br /><br /><br />I distinctly remember hearing about this series some years ago. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness? North! Or Be Eaten? What outlandish titles! I had no interest whastsoever.<br /><br />Until I read Gillian Bronte Adam's glowing review.<br /><br />Until I read the first page.<br /><br />Aewiar, the world in which these tales take place, is a wonky world that introduces its perils and bizarre monsters with cheek. But as the series continues, especially at the end of of the second book and on, even some of the seemingly ridiculous jokes and creatures are revealed to have a deeper, often darker nature. The truth behind the Fangs of Dang and The Nameless One (named Gnag) is twisted and tear-jerking. Indeed, some of the places and people here are downright horrifying.<br /><br />But it wasn't always that way. That's not how the Maker created it to be.<br /><br />As evil closes in, it seems all beauty and joy is choked out of existence. Except there are lost Jewels. Jewels that evil seeks to destroy. Jewels that could restore hope again.<br /><br />Our heroes are truly delightful. Our three main characters are children, and though they are young (the oldest is twelve), their maturity is far beyond their years, especially as the books progress. We also have quite a fantastic host of adult characters, including their queenly mother and piratey grandfather. But I have a name for you, dear readers. A name that has been written on my list of favorite literary characters.<br /><br />Artham P. Wingfeather.<br /><br />He is a gem. He is a literary gem. While reading about him, I was astonished and impressed how the author made me fall absolutely in love with him despite his...peculiarity in the beginning and his strangeness later on. Really, I could read a series all about him. Sadly, this series isn't it. Though Artham is an important character, he stays out a lot of the pages in Books 2, 3, and 4. And his absolutely BEST moment is in Book 2. I understand why the author couldn't have him in the main climax of the final book, but I would have loved it if he had his own separate personal climax. And perhaps more of a back-story with his lady?<br /><br />Now as for some things I didn't care so much for (besides prolonged absence of Artham). The monsters sometimes bordered on too bizarre. I mean some of the cloven were really creepy! I could take it in a book, but it would have been too weird for me on screen. But really it had a point. It was actually pretty heart-wrenching and important. So it's not something to complain about, just shudder-worthy. And other of the creatures were hard to take seriously. Toothy cows. Wow.<br /><br />There were also some continuity inconsistencies I noticed, but nothing too awful.<br /><br />Still, none of this really damaged my appreciation of these stories. Andrew Peterson is a remarkable and special author, bringing forth unique and profound tales that charm, chill, and captivate. He is truly a master storyteller. The closest style I could compare him to is Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events--except this is beautiful, less morbid, and severely more encouraging.<br /><br />Readers may want to know that this series is sometimes to be considered to be a children's series, what with its young main characters and cheeky humor. But I disagree. Though mature kids from 10 (?) on up might enjoy it, the bad guys are quite evil, and the kids often find themselves in painful situations. Plus, these books deal with some pretty dark issues, such as a character mad from torture and guilt. If kids can read these books and glean the profound messages endowed here, good for them!<br /><br />This is perhaps the most original way since The Chronicles of Narnia to portray the Great Truth.The bittersweet final book illuminates its beauty. I can't say too much for fear of giving anything away. But it is lovely. And the name of the last chapter? Lovely. And the epilogue?<br /><br />GAH! HOW CAN THE AUTHOR SAY THIS IS THE FINAL BOOK WITH SUCH AN EPILOGUE???? Despite the satisfactory conclusion,the epilogue leaves our characters about to start on an adventure that has such potential and hope and...when you read it, you will join me in a chant for another book.<br /><br />The young and old alike can enjoy these incredible tales of loss, restoration, failure, redemption, bitterness, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice.<br /><br />So go read them. ;) <br />

Every time.<br />Every single time I read this book I sob. <br />HOW is it possible for the ending to feel so PERFECT???<br />Anyways...<br />Read this book.

I’ve been struggling to figure out how to convey my feelings about this book and this series. I still don’t really know how. <br /><br />I’ve never been so affected by a book. No spoilers here, but the ending of this book was incredible. My heart was absolutely broken but also fully healed and filled with hope and literally all the feelings at once. I sobbed for a solid 15 minutes. <br /><br />There are so many layers of meaning in these books. The story is wonderful, and if you’re a fan of middle grade or fantasy or books like The Chronicles of Narnia you will probably enjoy this series. But if you are also a Christian the books will come alive for you in a totally different way. Without ever mentioning Jesus (they speak about the Maker at times but the books are not overtly religious), the Gospel shines out of these books. While reading them there would occasionally be a line or a scene that would speak right to my soul. And the reason the ending affected me so much is because of the Gospel. <br /><br />Aside from that, the books are so fun. They’re funny and filled with adventure and monstrous creatures (Sea Dragons and Toothy Cows and Cloven and the Fangs of Dang). The characters are brave but imperfect, and they’re written in such a way that you can easily see yourself in them. <br /><br />Read the books, have your kids read the books (my 8 and 10 year old loved them!). Get these gorgeous books out into the world because they need to be read. These are the sort of stories I wish there were more of.

Tolkien and Lewis can welcome a new member to the ranks of Christian fantasy writers. The eternal echoes of truth that Andrew Peterson is able to bring about through three young children, a retired pirate, a rather tubby librarian, and countless other unlikely heroes will follow in the wake of the Maker's grace. I laugh for joy at the end.

The conclusion to the saga! And a much belated review.<br /><br />So, first, I have to admit I was so mad at the title of this book (and the cover) XD I ordered it ahead of time when still reading book 2 so that I wouldn't have to wait to keep reading. And I put the pieces together before Kal became the Wolf King. So, book 2 spoilers. I was upsetted. <br /><br />That said, it's a very pretty cover. All of the new covers are. And the title is fitting. <br /><br />In many ways, this felt like a book of climaxes. Different story threads here and there all finally crashed together. But we still started out with this beautiful, homey family time. (The blindplopping was epic and I <i>loved</i> this part of the culture and worldbuilding.) Then the story just unravels from there and we push into the long-awaited war. <br /><br />I really enjoyed following Sara and Gammon and Artham and company. Those were my favorite bits and the plot I was definitely most intrigued by. I wished there had been even more of Arthan and for him. His part seemed smaller somehow and that was a little disappointing. He was absolutely one of my favorite characters. But the whole organization and efforts in Scree drew me in. I wanted to see them fight and rebuild, so those glimpses were satisfying. And the storyline with Maraly was so fun and sweet, too!<br /><br />The sea dragons also felt like the had a smaller role--a good one, albeit, but I think it could have been even cooler to dig deeper into their history and culture. And the climactic twist I can honestly say I didn't see coming until it was right upon me. I yelled at the book XD It was a neat way to bring all Naag's lines together. Also, I'd wondered about the whole "Nameless" thing from the beginning and it was neat to see how that actually tied in, which was not quite how I anticipated, but still really fun.<br /><br />Oh man, all the Cloven stuff was so cool! I loved the city they found and how that led to another pocket of the world Peterson had built with yet another culture. They were fascinating and I definitely wanted to dig into them more. <br /><br />And just because I must comment on the ending (without spoilers), I have mixed feelings. I can honestly say I didn't put the pieces together. I tried to puzzle it out, but it didn't hit me until it happened and so I was a little stunned. Perhaps I should have seen that coming, but for some reason it just didn't occur to me. I think it was clever and emotional and fitting. But part of me is glad the ending is just a little open-ended, too. (Though, I also think the end of book 3 hit harder for me, personally.)<br /><br />And, of course, I still very much enjoyed the world and the characters in this one. The plot did pick up in this last book so that all the pieces finally merged together for the final climaxes of the story. But it still kept that familial, yearning, home-focused feeling that I loved from the first three. <br /><br />I'm excited to read the Wingfeather tales next! This was a fun saga and I'm really glad I did finally read them. <br /><br />There's no foul language and very little MG romance. There's some mild fantasy violence and thematically the story deals with a lot of brokenness--abandonment, love vs. hate, bitterness, forgiveness, freedom, power, etc. I'd recommend the book for 10/12+.

Each book in this series is better than the last, so it’s no surprise that this was my favorite of them all. It was beautiful and redemptive and also heartachingly, bitterly sad in parts. I loved it.