On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: A Review

Without overstating things, I think I can honestly say that Andrew Peterson's On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is as addictive as a new drug.

I can see the scene playing out in homes across the country:

The bedroom door opens abruptly and a pre-teen quickly shoves something under the mattress. It happens so quickly, we can't quite see what it is. The father, who's just entered the room, immediately retrieves it. Pulling out a worn copy of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, he questions his son: “Where did you get it?”

“It's not m-”

Dissatisfied with an answer he hadn't even allowed to be fully spoken, the father repeats, "Where did you get it?"

"Dad, it's-"

“Who taught you how to read this stuff?”

“YOU! Alright?! I learned it by watching you!”

Parents who read Andrew Peterson have children who read Andrew Peterson.

On the Edge (as I like to call it) was a great read. AP's done an incredible job of creating a world unlike our own. Yet he's still able to communicate universal truth, pieces of which will resonate with every reader, no matter their age.

If you've ever heard Andrew Peterson's songs, you know he's a gifted storyteller. That, in and of itself, is a rarity these days. But how much rarer is it to find someone who is comfortable writing a four-minute acoustic-pop song and a fantasy-adventure novel that's too fun to put down for any length of time. Add to that the fact that this book can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike (and I'm honestly not just saying that) and Andrew Peterson is in some pretty exceptional company.

OtEotDSoD (as I like to abbreviate it) opens with a description of the dreaded Black Carriage, whose sole purpose is to steal children from their homes in the middle of the night. From there, a unique mythology is unveiled through the eyes of three children, who find themselves evading horned hounds, toothy cows, the minions of Gnag the Nameless and a ghost named Brimney Stupe. Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby, along with their loyal dog, Nugget, wind up in the center of an adventure involving buried secrets and the mysterious lost jewels of Anniera.

Complete with hand-drawn maps, fantastic original creatures, and Andrew Peterson's refreshing sense of humor, I give this book my highest rating: bathroom-worthy... That's right. This book is so good I couldn't tear myself away for # 2.

So, do yourself a favor and buy a copy. Then do Andrew Peterson a favor and buy a second copy for a friend or loved one. The book is available here. Oh, and if you're my sister-in-law (and just got into grad school), there's a copy on its way to your mailbox.