Andrew Peterson. Nashville: Rabbit Room Press, 2011. 348 pp. (Paperback).
How does an emphatic nonfantasy fan fairly review a fantasy book — especially one that runs 300-plus pages? The best place to start is usually the beginning, so … on to Page 1, then Page 2, then Page 3 — until the story takes over, the reader is drawn in and the dreaded chore becomes an adventure.
This third book of a four-part series stands well on its own, with the necessary back story added seamlessly into the narrative. It is an allegory of sorts, the top layer chronicling the trials of the royal Wingfeather family from the shining isle of Anniera who have fled from invaders, while threads of hope, freedom from guilt and shame, redemption and unconditional love are skillfully woven throughout the story. The author has created a setting and characters that are, if not realistic — this is fantasy, remember — then at least believable.
The Wingfeather Saga series is targeted, according to the back of the book, to the young adult reading population. Young adults? How about older nonfantasy fans who are captivated by the story and the writing and can’t wait for the fourth in the series to be released?
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