Andrew Peterson, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Andrew Peterson

Waterbrook, Mar 2008, $13.99

ISBN: 9781400073849

The Fangs of Dang crossed the Dark Sea of Darkness and conquered the Skree and instituted martial law. The people are cowered because the venomous Fangs are reptilian with speed faster than horses and a bite that slowly brutally kills. Children keep parents in line because if a parent misbehaves, the kids are removed taken away by a Black Carriage never to be seen again. In the town of Glipwood lives the Igiby family of Mother Nia, her father a former pirate, and her three children (sons Janner and Tink, and handicapped but spry daughter Leeli).

At the Sea Dragon Festival, Leeli's beloved dog Nugget bites Slarb a Fang; he takes the little girl away with him. However someone throws rocks at Slarb, knocking him out so that Leeli can escape. Slarb catches up to the girl and her brothers and tosses them in a holding cell waiting for the Black Carriage to come take them away. Nia gets them out by bribing Commander Gnorm with jewelry and promising to make him maggot loaf every third day. One of the gems ends up with General Khrek who sees the island symbol of Anniera on it. It is said that the Jewels of Anniera could defeat the Fangs so these snake invaders head to Glipwood to end the threat by taking the jewels even if it means burning down the village to look in the rubble.

Fans of the Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy this fine young adult fantasy that older readers will appreciate too as this tale, like C.S. Lewis? saga, can be understood on several levels. The three Igiby children have plenty of adventures, but it is Leeli who wins the hearts of the audience with her courage and optimistic outlook and everyone will want to know what next for this special family.

Harriet Klausner