The Monster in the Hollows: The Wingfeather Saga Book 3

A great continuation of the Wingfeather story! My kids (12 and 10) loved it! I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a book for their kids (although, gotta admit, not sure if my kids would read it on their own due to its length…they prefer me reading it to them)

Great story telling without obvious symbols. Its a great allegory.

Something in the book stirs tears in me at more places than I care to remember as I read it to my children.

What a fantastic story! Book three takes a lower key approach to it's storyline (at least the first 3/4 of the book) and spends more time delving into the characters and their personal growth. Never boring or dull the story takes us along to the Green Hollows and a city of security. Or is it? I was gripped by the story not just because of the story itself or because of the excellent writing but the characters became so real. The entertainment value is top-notch. I guarantee you'll stay up late reading. I'll be the first standing in the virtual line for the conclusion in book four "The Warden and the Wolf King". Don't let the "young adult" category stop you from reading this quadrilogy. It's great for any age but young kids. Books one and two were fairly dark and even though book three is lighter I still think it's not for the seven and under crowd. The overall message was powerful but not life changing enough to warrant my five star rating. I hate to be the first on to give it four stars because "The Wingfeather Saga" will go down in history as one of the great fantasies of all time. Truly it is a work of art. The "Maker" is honored and the moral philosophies of the book are encouraging. Evil comes in different colors so things are not always as they seem. I was disappointed by Andrew Peterson's choice to not continue the extremely entertaining footnotes. Since the first two books contained them I say he should have continues the feature. I missed them and don't expect them to return in book four. Looking for a great adventure sure to entertain and encourage? Then get yourself all three books and have a great time. I sure hope Andrew is working on book four because I don't have the patients to wait for long. 1 Star = Pathetic 2 Stars = Fair 3 Stars = Good 4 Stars = Excellent 5 Stars = Life changing For those who give me a negative vote on my review please comment and let me know why. I'd like to improve my reviews so they can be helpful to those who read them. Thank you.

A fantastic book. Whereas the first book was setting up the world and revealing the overarching plot, and the second was more of an extended chase, the third makes it seem like the protagonists have finally found some peace. At first I wondered how the author would make the "home" setting as exciting as the previous two books, but he truly outdid himself with the third one. Can't wait to dive into the finale...

Very good book, probably the scariest in the series. Somewhere someone said about this series, "it has the epic scale of Lord of the Rings, the humor of the Princess Bride, and the truths of the Chronicles of Narnia." (Or something like that.) I would hesitate to compare anything with those three works, but I will cautiously say that that description seems accurate.

Incredible series. This book just builds on it- wonderful character development, action, and truth. I and my 6 year old daughter love it equally!

The book is well written and has a great many surprises. My children loved this book and those before it.

I have always loved Andrew Peterson as a singer/songwriter. This book series puts my opinion of him up over the top! It is my new favorite book series, along with Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, etc. Good values, great character development, such emotion... and from such a neat author. It's the journey of 3 siblings (2 brothers and a sister), so if you have kids, it is wonderful for discussing how the siblings interact with each other (for good or bad), and shows the of value... all with the drama, adventure, intrigue and great storyline of a true fantasy novel. Buy all 4 books! You won't regret it.

This is the third in Andrew Peterson's award winning fantasy series The Wingfeather Saga. The Monster in the Hollows tells the story of the Wingfeather children hiding from Gnag the Nameless in the Green Hollows, one of the few places in the land of Aerwiar not overrun by the Fangs of Dang. It's a story about the children attempting to assimilate into a new culture and figure out how to do life (simple things like make friends, go to school, survive bullies, etc.). It's also a story about Kalmar's battle against guilt and shame, and Janner's struggle to protect his little brother. There also is a wonderful side story about Sarah Cobbler and the rebellion at the Fork Factory. Of the three Wingfeather books, this has the least "laugh out loud" passages (there were many in the first two books). However, what it lacks in laughs, it more than makes up for in suspense. I read the majority of the book in two nights. I'd finish a chapter and not be able to put the book down because I simply had to know what was going to happen next (this rarely happens for me; I almost always choose sleep over resolutions in plot lines). There also were a few tear jerker moments, beautifully written and wonderfully woven into the plot line. Fairy tales are great because they create for the reader (especially in kids) a moral imagination. You can't learn compassion or sacrifice or courage from definitions. We need to see examples in great stories. The Monster in the Hollows is one of those great stories that helps to form the good, the noble, and the beautiful in our minds and hearts. Peterson may very well be a better novelist than he is a songwriter (and that's saying something). I can't wait to read these books to my daughter.

A great continuation of the Wingfeather story! My kids (12 and 10) loved it! I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a book for their kids (although, gotta admit, not sure if my kids would read it on their own due to its length…they prefer me reading it to them)

Great story telling without obvious symbols. Its a great allegory.

Something in the book stirs tears in me at more places than I care to remember as I read it to my children.

What a fantastic story! Book three takes a lower key approach to it's storyline (at least the first 3/4 of the book) and spends more time delving into the characters and their personal growth. Never boring or dull the story takes us along to the Green Hollows and a city of security. Or is it? I was gripped by the story not just because of the story itself or because of the excellent writing but the characters became so real. The entertainment value is top-notch. I guarantee you'll stay up late reading. I'll be the first standing in the virtual line for the conclusion in book four "The Warden and the Wolf King". Don't let the "young adult" category stop you from reading this quadrilogy. It's great for any age but young kids. Books one and two were fairly dark and even though book three is lighter I still think it's not for the seven and under crowd. The overall message was powerful but not life changing enough to warrant my five star rating. I hate to be the first on to give it four stars because "The Wingfeather Saga" will go down in history as one of the great fantasies of all time. Truly it is a work of art. The "Maker" is honored and the moral philosophies of the book are encouraging. Evil comes in different colors so things are not always as they seem. I was disappointed by Andrew Peterson's choice to not continue the extremely entertaining footnotes. Since the first two books contained them I say he should have continues the feature. I missed them and don't expect them to return in book four. Looking for a great adventure sure to entertain and encourage? Then get yourself all three books and have a great time. I sure hope Andrew is working on book four because I don't have the patients to wait for long. 1 Star = Pathetic 2 Stars = Fair 3 Stars = Good 4 Stars = Excellent 5 Stars = Life changing For those who give me a negative vote on my review please comment and let me know why. I'd like to improve my reviews so they can be helpful to those who read them. Thank you.

A fantastic book. Whereas the first book was setting up the world and revealing the overarching plot, and the second was more of an extended chase, the third makes it seem like the protagonists have finally found some peace. At first I wondered how the author would make the "home" setting as exciting as the previous two books, but he truly outdid himself with the third one. Can't wait to dive into the finale...

Very good book, probably the scariest in the series. Somewhere someone said about this series, "it has the epic scale of Lord of the Rings, the humor of the Princess Bride, and the truths of the Chronicles of Narnia." (Or something like that.) I would hesitate to compare anything with those three works, but I will cautiously say that that description seems accurate.

Incredible series. This book just builds on it- wonderful character development, action, and truth. I and my 6 year old daughter love it equally!

The book is well written and has a great many surprises. My children loved this book and those before it.

I have always loved Andrew Peterson as a singer/songwriter. This book series puts my opinion of him up over the top! It is my new favorite book series, along with Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, etc. Good values, great character development, such emotion... and from such a neat author. It's the journey of 3 siblings (2 brothers and a sister), so if you have kids, it is wonderful for discussing how the siblings interact with each other (for good or bad), and shows the of value... all with the drama, adventure, intrigue and great storyline of a true fantasy novel. Buy all 4 books! You won't regret it.

This is the third in Andrew Peterson's award winning fantasy series The Wingfeather Saga. The Monster in the Hollows tells the story of the Wingfeather children hiding from Gnag the Nameless in the Green Hollows, one of the few places in the land of Aerwiar not overrun by the Fangs of Dang. It's a story about the children attempting to assimilate into a new culture and figure out how to do life (simple things like make friends, go to school, survive bullies, etc.). It's also a story about Kalmar's battle against guilt and shame, and Janner's struggle to protect his little brother. There also is a wonderful side story about Sarah Cobbler and the rebellion at the Fork Factory. Of the three Wingfeather books, this has the least "laugh out loud" passages (there were many in the first two books). However, what it lacks in laughs, it more than makes up for in suspense. I read the majority of the book in two nights. I'd finish a chapter and not be able to put the book down because I simply had to know what was going to happen next (this rarely happens for me; I almost always choose sleep over resolutions in plot lines). There also were a few tear jerker moments, beautifully written and wonderfully woven into the plot line. Fairy tales are great because they create for the reader (especially in kids) a moral imagination. You can't learn compassion or sacrifice or courage from definitions. We need to see examples in great stories. The Monster in the Hollows is one of those great stories that helps to form the good, the noble, and the beautiful in our minds and hearts. Peterson may very well be a better novelist than he is a songwriter (and that's saying something). I can't wait to read these books to my daughter.

A great story with a full ending. It was amazing, heart breaking, surprising, thrilling, and beautiful. Hope to see the story continue.

This book, just like the preceding two before it, was absolutely fantastic. Andrew Peterson has not failed to create yet another gripping tale - a true can't-put-it-down story of peril, intrigue, and shocking plot twists that he executes with masterful dexterity. Even as I type this, my Mom is chowing through the end of North or Be Eaten, and my Dad is beginning The Monster in the Hollows. Every last person in my family of six loves these books, and we've recommended/lent/given copies out to many friends, all of whom have become ardent fans as we have. My Dad, who NEVER reads fantasy, has stayed up until 1:00am (multiple times) to find out the ever-elusive "What happens next?!?" in these marvelous series. The Monster in the Hollows lived up to the exalted standards Andrew Peterson set in books 1 and 2. We wait with bated breath for the Books to Come. Thank you, Sir Peterson, for this series. I'm an oldest, like Janner, and his frustrations with his siblings have opened my eyes to the similarities between he and I... it's challenged me to be patient and brave and uncomplaining, as he strives to be. Just a few days ago, throughout a day of intense frustration towards the youngsters in my life, I gritted my teeth and whispered fiercely to myself to be like Janner, to fight like Janner for patience. It gave me courage. Ever since reading this book I have been heartened by the memory of the Wingfeathers' adventures, their moments of cheer, their laughs, and the hard times, and the courage required of them. Thank you so, so much for these books. Oh. And by the way. Peet the Sock Man is awesome. That's all. A thorough fan, -brennan gash

An excellent book. Kept me engaged with unexpected twists and turns! Would highly recommend it. Can’t wait to read the next one!

This book was so sad 😭. Every page I read made me want to cry. But even after betrayal the Jewels still tread on.

Holding you in suspence. Astonising revelations calling us believers to take a stand. A page-turner. Not easy to lay away.

My favorite of the 4 book series. Love them all though!!!

I bought this book for my seven year old. I read the series and really enjoyed it. However, I will wait a few years before introducing it to my child. With that being said, I really enjoyed the series and the writing was intriguing and kept me guessing.

The Monster in the Hollows was a fantastic continuation of the Wingfeather saga! I love and appreciate in all of the books the style of writing. The writer intentionally drops bits and pieces of a bigger picture. And that picture is of The Maker, and how He created the world, and predestined great kings (and ultimately The King of Kings, though it hasn't really mentioned it in the book) to come through the most unlikely lineage. Also, it is interesting how, starting from the first book, it has truly taken you on a journey (and is still). So each book is not a repeat of the previous one, like, On The Edge of the Dark of Darkness introduced the story, North! Or be eaten was adventurous as wells as molding the characters, and in the Monster in the Hollows the characters were seeking safety where there was little to be found; and at the same time, it answered many questions (and left you with more questions). There was one chapter that made me a wee bit edgy with the humor, but that can be looked over. And I do miss the silly/funny description of the creatures and the side notes at the bottom of the page (I guess bottom notes is more suited). But, Page 334 is so happy-sad that I had to read it again! Overall the book had great plot, surprising surprises, and tearful moments. I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone, but it is a very good book and I would encourage people to read the series! :)

**Spoilers**I love this series and have yet to read the fourth and final book so perhaps it will redeem some of the storyline from this book but as of now I'm kind of annoyed with how this ended. *Stop reading now if you don't want spoilers* . . . My problems with this book: Artham abandoning the Wingfeathers seems very out of character for someone whose life's purpose is protecting. The introduction of Esben being alive for 9 years without anyone knowing seems pretty far-fetched, even for a fantastical fiction story as this. Then to kill him off only a few chapters later was just plain annoying. It seemed like needless pain and a waste for the characters to have gone through. I also especially dislike having used Nia's love interest as a means to that end, right when things were looking up for her. :/ Even keeping within the context of a fantasy the details still have to fit together and make sense with the characters and storyline and this one just felt disjointed and left me disappointed and annoyed. If they were going to introduce Esben at all at least let the guy live with his family for awhile. Killing him off again immediately was just a waste.

This book - and the entire Wingfeather Saga - became our favorite family activity in the month following Chrirstmas. We read the books aloud to our children, and EVERYONE from our 5-year old to our nearly 14-year old (and their parents) was on the edge of their seat for the next chapter - and next book. I cannot recommend this series high enough - Andrew masterfully and poetically weaves adventure and silliness in with identity and heart issues that speak to the hearts of children and adults alike.

I am a 15-year-old girl writing this on my mother's account, hopefully with her approval. I've loved Andrew Peterson's music for a long time, and I discovered his heinously excellent fantasy series when I was about 11 (or thereabouts) and fell in love with it also. In The Monster in the Hollows, book 3 of the Wingfeather Saga, the Wingfeather family takes refuge in the Green Hollows, and are finally safe for the first time in months. However, Kalmar, the heir to the throne, was unfortunately turned into a furry and is met with hostility by the suspicious people of the Hollows. The book largely deals with Janner and Kalmar's struggle to accept Kalmar's new form. It's extremely well-written with a righteous balance of action and dialogue, seriousness and lightness - while poignant in places, it's also filled to the brim with dry, slightly psychotic humor like the previous two books. I was reminded by Esben's and Artham's history in the Deeps of Throg (and then later Esben's transformation) of how sin deforms our true selves and of God's mercy in making something beautiful out of what was broken. It ALMOST made me cry. But I didn't. Really. Obviously from my nerdy enthusiastic rant, The Monster in the Hollows gets 5 stars for awesomeness. I'm really excited about the next book. By the way, Artham/Peet the Sock Man is probably my favorite character ever, and a picture of him on my wall would be trollin.

This book has the whole family interested. Also nice to listen to so when my son (who doesn’t like to read) picks up the book to physically read it, it’s not so “hard/scary” to do.

This series is absolutely amazing! I've been reading them to my Grandkids and they love it! It expands their vocabulary (in a good way- unlike most TV shows) and it allows me some special time with them while Mom gets to do some mom time! I encourage you to buy the whole series! This is my third time through - with each reading I see the complexity of the story unfold (can you tell I really like it?!) . Well Done Andrew Peterson!!

Excellent series!! My 11 year old (and my husband!!) have enjoyed Andrew Peterson’s writing so much! Thought provoking. Entertaining. Twists and turns. Imaginative. Truly masterfully written. Our 11 year old couldn’t stop talking about books 1 and 2! He said “They are so amazing! You really have to read them!” I almost had a mutiny on my hands when I made him and my husband wait for Christmas to get books 3 and 4!!! 😂

At first I doubted the value of this series, but now I believe it to be one of the great fantasy adventure stories. I look forward to more installments. 😋

I've never taken the time to write a review of a book on Amazon, but I've also never read any books that have had as great an impact on me as these have. Words seem quite inadequate to express how beautifully written these stories are. I absolutely adore everything about them. The characters are wonderfully drawn and the storyline is epic, sweeping between depths of sorrow and heights of unparalleled joy and making you feel every emotion in between. I bought the books for my son in the hopes that he would pick them up and read them himself. When he didn't, I picked them up and started reading them out loud to him and his 2 brothers. We are currently in the middle of the 2nd book, but I was so caught up in the storyline that I kept reading and finished the 3rd book just one day later. Andrew Peterson obviously holds C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and their fellow Inklings in high regard (his bookstore is named The Rabbit Room in their honor); I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that he is every bit as skilled as any of them when it comes to telling a tale--maybe more so! I wish I could give all 3 of these books 10 stars!

This book was good, though not as good as the first two. Nia really grates on me with some of her decisions. But fair warning and spoiler alert.... A main character dies in book 4. I wish I had known before I started the series with my 1st grader.

I’ve been a fan of Andrew Peterson’s music for years, but have only just now read these books. They are so good! His storytelling is fantastic and even though I have one book still to read, I’m already feeling sad that this story will be over soon. I look forward to reading it again in a couple years with my son.

This was a good continuation of the saga. I love Janner's loyalty. Content: no profanity or sex. Some violence.

I had read the first two book and thought wow.. these are so fun and lighthearted. Skip to the end of this one... dang. I had real tears flowing out of me like my tear ducts had burst. Beautiful writing, beautiful illustrations, gorgeous book cover. I adore hardback editions of books and they are a beautiful addition to my bookcase.

THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!!! I took long to read this book, but was worth it… The Wingfeathers go to Green Hollows, and Sara Cobbler tries to get out of the Fork Factory, etc... Esben is back, as a cloven, but dies in the end… :( I recomend this book.

Janner and his family settle into life in the Green Hollows, but people don't really accept them, especially the furry Kalmar, whom they think is a Fang. Janner must step up into his role as a Throne Warden to keep Kalmar from getting into a fight that could destroy their entire family. But there are mysteries, betrayals, and dangers lurking. Janner does all he can to watch over and defend his brother, but what he can't manage to do is convince himself that Kalmar is innocent. I love Andrew Peterson's stories. He is a genius. His characters and dialogue are delightful. I cannot wait to see how this series will end. The only thing that felt off about this book was that--through most of it--it felt like its own story, like a standalone novel, separate from the first two books in the series. I enjoyed the book a great deal, and it all tied together nicely in the end, but I missed the overall plot of the series through most of this volume. If you haven't read Andrew Peterson's work, start with book one, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. They are fabulous.

My tween and I are enjoying reading this series together. The story is fun, suspenseful and creative. The author included funny footnotes and pictures throughout. The book itself is made well and the photo is an accurate depiction of the cover.

I’m flying through these books. This one was amazing. Powerful emotion, solid character building, great plot development, and wonderful moral messaging. I can’t wait to read #4 now.

I LOVE these books!! I'm an adult with no kids to read to (unfortunately) and I LOVE these books. The author does such a great job of telling a compelling story that both kids and adults can appreciate and enjoy. It's so hard to put these books down because I just have to know what happens next.

I loved this series far more than I imagined that I would as the story moved me in a way that I was completely unprepared for. Reading aloud to my children during mealtimes has become something we all look forward to. The Wingfeather Saga has been a feast in and of itself. I agree with those who have said that the fantasy genre is in a unique position to remind us of transcendent truth. By 'visiting' other realms and 'living' through other characters we are assured that there is something greater, deeper, more real than what our eyes are currently able to see. By 'entering' into this magnificent tale we are see how believing the truth sustains us through unforeseen and potentially devastating trials. Thank you, Andrew, for giving us more healing and heartening words to pass on to our children: "Remember who you are."

And each book brings more truth and magic to the forefront. Peterson does a wonderful job at showing people what truly matters.

Another fine addition to the Wingfeather saga. Loved the twists and turns in the storyline. Can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the final book.

We are loving this whole series! Andrew Peterson has created a fascinating world with relatable characters that my children can learn from and grow with.

My family loves this series. Great strong characters having to rise to challenges in life and a grand narrative that pulls you in and wants you to keep reading. A great story and I look forward to finishing the series and others like it.

We enjoyed this series more than Tolkien, Rowling, & CS Lewis...all fabulous in their own right. No childhood is complete without reading the WingFeather series. Best read aloud we’ve done as a family...and we never stop reading.

Such a great story. For adults or children.

Great characters and storyline. The pace of writing keeps you wanting more.

Love love love this book series! I recommend it to everyone!

I love this series. The suspense and emotions are part of me. I also love the characters. Five stars totally deserved -Agent ocelot13

Takes readers of all ages on a thrilling journey!

This story is up there with the Lord of the Rings. Filled with suspense, grief, and happiness this saga keeps you on the edge of your seat which makes it hard to put down.

Really enjoyable, quirky book. Unlike the more variable and often too slow pacing of Books 1 and 2, Book 3 has really great pacing and is a very satisfactory finish to the series.

North! was great and full of action. But Monster does soooo much to move the story forward and develop the characters. As a dad, the first time I read this aloud to my kids it made me cry.

From my 9 year old son: I really, really couldn't wait for this one. My mom surprised me with it recently. I wanted to read it right away, but my mom said I had to finish the book I was already reading before I could start in on it. So, I went to my room and read for about two hours so I could finish the book I was reading (The Black Stallion) so I could start on Monster in the Hollows. It was hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading it. I finished it pretty quickly, even faster than the first two books in the series, which I also really liked. The second book in the saga had action throughout, but this one had a different pace - there was action and then peace, action then peace. There was a big surprise in it, too. I know there's another book coming out and I'm very excited for that one. I think it will be the last one in the saga.

I couldn't put the book down and read it in 2 days. I love the morals and being pointed to the true "Maker" in this whole series. Its one of those books that I could read again. You become so emotionally invested in the characters and we must read it through to the end, until there is that happy ending, so I sure I will be buying the next book too.

Our children have enjoyed reading the first three books of this series and can't stop. Very entertaining and exciting books if you like fantasy.

My teen has been reading these books since rona started. Excellent author. She loves all the books he wrote in this series. Thank you for doing the read alouds on the web.

Just when you think you know what's going to happen and how things are going to end, Andrew Peterson gives you a shocking and surprising twist. And you LOVE him for it. The Igiby family finds themselves in their mother's homeland but things are far from easy. Peterson weaves deep truths into this story, the most memorable for me is this: Remember who you are. The characters struggle with identity and perception and guilt and shame. Through it all they grow and change and affect the world around them for good. I didn't want this book to end because book 4, the concluding piece, is still a long way off. But Peterson's story is so captivating, you can't take it slow. So my only word of caution is that once you start this series, you'll finish it quickly and find yourself eager for the conclusion. Book 4 can't come soon enough!

This book, more than either other, challenges the reader to look within and ask, "What would I have done?" It was hard to read because I saw something there that scared me. I saw myself. Point: We must remember who we are. We must. Path: The Wingfeathers' escape from peril leads them across the Dark Sea of Darkness and to the "safety" of the Ban Rona in Green Hollows. It is there that Janner must truly accept his role as Throne Warden, and Kalmar his position as King - whether they feel like it or not. Agreement: In comparing the first three of Peterson's works: "Dark Sea" - a humorous and fast passed child's tale. "North" - an action packed and passion stirring story. "Monster" - heart gripping, tear producing revelation of the soul. Favorite Quote: "But Janner had defied him. He was like a candle the Overseer couldn't snuff out.

My kid loved it. He started to share all the adventures.

Excellent! My 9 & 11 year old just love this series! Better than a lot of other series that I can't stand. Ha.

My 5th grade son LOVES these books!!

My 5th grader loved the series!

So much family laughter, so much begging for us to not end the reading at that chapter (every chapter is a cliff-hanger).

Here we go again. If you thought books one and two were good, Andrew Peterson keeps his foot on the gas pedal for most of this entry in the Wingfeather Saga. But in Monster in the Hollows things start changing. Personalities are maturing. Important lessons are learned. Lessons about love. Acceptance. Mercy. Trust me on this. If you've already bought the first two books, you need to keep going. This story is so emotionally deep and beautiful - I was in tears. And there is one book left in the series. What or who is the monster in the hollows? You'll be amazed when you find out. See that yellow "Add to Cart" button? Yes. Click that.

The best series!

So amazing!!!

My granddaughter loves these books

Excellent story, well developed characters, intriguing plot...a real treat to enjoy with the whole family!

The Wingfeather family escapes Fangs, but do they? They journey home, but is it their home? Oh, such excitement when they aren't running for their lives, but that doesn't mean life is without struggles and dangers. And school? The children begin to show their strengths and even new weaknesses. There is doubt, lot of it, betrayal, and jail. But there is also joy revealed and freedom. Such a great story!

My son and I couldn't put it down! Perfect for ages 8-100!

I pre-ordered this book as soon as I was able. While I know that the series is targeted to young readers, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them myself. As one of the other reviewers said, you will get completely swept up in the story and the books are hard to put down. With the dawning of e-books, I don't feel the need to purchase books often, except for those that will be saved on the bookshelf for future generations, The Chronicles of Narnia, Anne of Green Gables, etc. I hope to have the entire Wingfeather Saga upon my shelf, so that my great-grandchildren can pull them off the shelf one summer, and be swept away in the wonderful tales of adventure and redemption.

Very fun, clean, appropriate for young readers.

I can say we were satisfied with this third book in the Wingfeather Saga. Loved the complexity of blending Nia and Podo's pasts with the current adventure for the children! Loved the underlying message that it's not about being perfect -- it's about allowing the Maker (Our Awesome Creator God!) to heal us from our failures, and make us who He wants us to be. Loved the surprises in the story (but I don't want to give them away!). The answer to my title question isn't answered till the last pages of the story! My 12 year old daughter liked the story, but wondered why the ending had to be so sad. She was hoping for a happier ending after all the trials.

My 11 year old daughter loved this book. She would read me parts because it was so good she just "had" to share! She laughed at the creativity and enjoyed the suspenseful parts. When I asked her what she thought of the series, she said "Those are awesome books - they are the kind I would read again and again."

This series gets stronger with each book! Definitely read the series in order. The story develops in a wonderful way. I found several sections of this book thought provoking and touching. There were some beautiful themes of family, loyalty, bravery, doing something you don't want to do especially when you know it is the right thing to do, fighting inner demons and outer evil, standing up to bullies, serving others, and protecting those you love. I also appreciate that the books all have "The Maker", adding a soft God theme. I recommend it for teens and older as some of the chapters are heavy/intense and get detailed. Five star plot, but four stars because of some of the violence. See notes below. Vague Spoilers Ahead: Language/profanity: none Sex/innuendo: a few romances between characters, very sweet and mild Gore/Violence: Medium. Some fight/peril scenes, not overly graphic, but detailed. Blood, deaths, attempted murder, and bulling. Child slavery and abuse. Some scenes describing imprisonment. Dark/Creepy: Medium. An attempted hanging execution (I could have done without that scene. It was distressing). Still despite that I wouldn't classify this series as dark, but it was heavy at moments. I feel that the author is trying to give enough detail for the reader to feel the weight/heaviness of the situations, but holds back graphic detail knowing it is geared towards children, which I appreciate. There was still a little too much detail at moments for me. There were some cool plot developments that surprised me, but I loved. I found the scene when Janner stands up to a bully to protect his siblings so beautiful! It was a wonderful scene. One that I would hope would inspire readers, it certainly did for me. I also found Kal's struggle interesting especially mixed with Janner trying to help him. In an interesting way I found it very relatable to serious bad habits, strong weaknesses that are really difficult to overcome, mental illness or addictions (I'm not sure if that was intended or not). I saw myself in Janner trying to help, while seeing my friends in Kal. The way they struggle with their desires to improve and overcome, but the journey is up and down. Along with the side effects of things like low self-esteem that come with those struggles. It was very thought provoking. I also found the scene when Janner is upset by his mother's romantic relationship very moving. The scene was beautifully written. Especially to describe the struggle that children and teens can go through. Possibly a great way to discuss things like death, divorce, re-marriage, etc for teens. There were several moments when Janner would feel emotions that he couldn't explain which I loved because I felt that the reader could feel validated in the emotions they may personally experience and not understand. Seeing Janner work through his mixed emotions may allow readers to relate and do the same. I found that there were many scenes that I could potentially discuss with my children to talk about the hard things of today's world in their personal lives. Good teaching themes throughout the book. Good conversation starters. Overall I was touched by this book and really liked the depth it had. (I only wish the attempted hanging scene had been removed, I really disliked it.) Overall, it was a good book. Looking forward to the conclusion.

We LOVE this entire series!!!

Well, first off, I have all three books in the Wingfeather Saga, and this book is my favorite so far. It has an epic storyline, and well written descriptions, not to mention a lot of funny parts. It has a lot of odd words that Andrew Peterson made up, like Aerwiar, Yurgen, Watercraw, Turalay, Olumphia, Durgan, Throg, Rysen, etc, etc. It has a good plot. The the characters could not be improved in the least; as they are very well thought out. Overall, The Monster in the Hollows an awesome book. I recommend it for all ages, and am eagerly anticipating the fourth book in the Wingfeather Saga: The Warden and the Wolf King.

A friend recommended these books for our kids. My 8 year old has devoured each of the first 3 books in the series within days...couldn't put the books down. Unfortunately our library doesn't carry these books so we've had to buy each one. The cost can add up, but I view it as an investment considering I have multiple kids and also how much my first child loved the books. Thank you Andrew Peterson! I hope you continue to write more books for kids!

Great

The corners were a little bent which was disappointing but I’m sure she will enjoy the series!

This is a great series of books for middle school aged kids through adults. The books are well written with a flair for the absolutely absurd. The characters are rich and the story is so layered that the reveals are unexpected and exciting. When you get to the end and see the grand plan - that honestly at first looked like a hot mess - it's genuinely amazing.

This is the third book in the Wingfeather Saga and I have to say that these books do not stand alone. Please read them in order and as close together as you can, because Peterson dose not like to repeat information. Which is how it should be. On this book itself, we learn more about the history the land of Aerwiar, the fate of Sara Cobbler, and the reason behind Gnag's unending hunt for the jewels of Anniera. Also it's a good story about the importance of accepting others without looking at the outward appearance.

Great 3rd book - can't wait to see how the series ends. My kids love this series - memorable characters, surprising plot twists, original storyline, page turning action.

This is my first review because, frankly, with 6 children, I don't have the time. However, I don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to read this series. It is entertaining, funny and remarkably deep. This series has provided a springboard for discussion of modern social issues that would have been otherwise too adult or complex for my kids. It will have a place next to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and MacDonald on my bookshelf.

I have 4 kids from 15 down to 8, 2 boys and 2 girls, all of whom have equally loved this series. That's saying something!!!

Book two and, just like the first one, I couldn’t put it down! I bought the series for my son and he breezed through it in a matter of days.

Thrilling and intense! Profound on a spiritual and personal level. I will be reading this series to my kids.

All of these books were fantastic, and I am so glad that I bought them instead of borrowing!

As soon as he finished this book, my 11 year old son begged me to read this it so we could discuss it. I think that says a lot in and of itself. He loved the depth of characters, the suspense, the beauty, the surprises, the relationships of the characters. Andrew Peterson does a fantastic job of weaving deep, beautiful truths about life into a suspenseful fast-moving page-turner. We can't wait for the next one!

This is the best book series!

I love these books! My new favorite series. My 11 year old son loves them too!

Just don’t start the series. The first book is okay and I slogged through the rest of them hoping for a good ending. But it’s all depressing and disappointing.

this is book 3 in the Wingfeather Saga. This book series is one of the best I've ever read. He is an amazing author. I wish he had more books out for teenagers.

Favorite modern fantasy series ever!! Love the humor mixed with action mixed with life lessons.

The lyricism and beauty of the prose is no surprise given the fact that the author is a songwriter. But at no time does it distract from a rousing good adventure story. It's a great read for children and adults alike and a truly awesome way to introduce kids to superb writing in a book they will enjoy.

Peterson continues to draw me in further and further. This story has beautiful themes woven delicately and naturally into a gripping adventure. The last chapters of this book are full of twists and turns. The only downside is that I have to wait for the 4th book to be published. This author is a master!

My nephew (10) loves these books and read the whole series in a week!

I bought all three books due to a recommendation on a blog I read. This was one of the best series of books I have every read. I love how there were so many twists and turns that I couldn't ever imagine. The books kept me on the edge of my chair. Read them!

This one was more emotional for me but I love it. Not a disappointment but just as good as the first two books. I read it aloud to my kids because they love these as well. Definitely a classic set in our house.

Great series! Can't wait for the next book. Bought "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" expecting silliness and was not disappointed. I was however surprised with how good this series is. Very well written and can be very dark. Easy very good read I recommend them!

My 14 year old loves this series. Read it 4 times - so far.

great book. great series

My kids and I cannot put these books down. They are perfect read-a-louds.

My son 10 and LOVES all of these books!

Easily the best series I have ever read.

Great gift for my grandson. He loves it and was very excited to get the last two books in this series.

This series is excellent. I recommend it to anyone I know who loves a great story. If you like Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings books, you will love this!

Great series.

Excellent book! A great read! I thought I knew what to expect, but the author kept me guessing!!

I love this series! Andrew Peterson's writing is lyrical, beautiful. I know this series is supposed to be written for teens, but I'm nearing 30 and I still enjoy it immensely.

Product was what I expected.

Funny and exciting

Reading the Monster in the Hollows has made me want to go back and read the first two books over again. It was a page turner. I read it in one sitting and finished at 5:00 am. I couldn't put it down.

I mean first of all who doesn’t love dragons and toothy cows!? Then add in family adventure, humor, magic, and a war and you’ve got an exciting classic in the making. I read the first book and listened to the second and third. It’s imaginative fantasy. Accessible, poetic and absolutely captivating. Lewis and Tolkein would enjoy this saga and it’s deeper meaning and themes. I’m an adult and they’ve made me laugh and cry. Can’t wait to read it to my kids in a couple years (it’s a little violent for them yet I think). Highly recommend this read.

Christmas gift

Can't say enough good things about this author and this series. Great family reading

This entire series is fabulously written.

Andrew Peterson does a great job continuing the series. there is so much imagination and good humor in these books. I can't wait for the last book to be released in the spring of 2014!

Me and my sisters (plus Mom and Dad) love The Wingfeather Saga. It is one of the Best book's I've read. It's AMAZING! I love that It's christian based. It's such a sweet book. To me the 3rd book is the best book. It's sweet. If you are reading this and you have not read the Wingfeather Saga. TRUST ME, it is amazing! I so recommend you read it. It's my favorite series. I love that Janner never left his brother's side. I love Leeli's kindness. I love Nia's bravery. I love Podo's piraty ways. And I love how Tink is funny. And love the Sea-Dragons. It's really good. - Mailie Hunt

Best book in the series so far.

Love this series.

My tweens love this series.

This is a wonderful, fun fantasy adventure series, and you don't have to worry about reading it before you share it with the kids. I have long enjoyed Andrew Peterson's music for his storytelling abilities. His books deliver in the same fantastic manner.

Good book

Very disappointed to hear the author reading this one. His narration is uninspiring and character differentiation is minimal. Very poor.

Our whole family is enjoying this series, from our 6 year old all the way to my 80 year old mom. Great story, written well and entertaining enough for everyone to enjoy.

This book is amazing and recommended this book to anyone who likes the series. Kalmar is like my brother because he likes food.

there are many monsters in the Hollows...

The series keeps getting better as it goes along. Enjoyed it a lot!

Andrew Peterson really did a good job writing this book, my only regret is that he didn't have the delightful footnotes he had in the previous books! Wonderful story telling.

It was a great read. It has depths that grip your heart. If you have fallen and struggled this book relates to your heart and breaths grace into your depression with love. Very well written and great character development.

Best Series I have ever read!!!

Well done!

Love the Wingfeather Saga and wish the author would write more books about this family's adventures.

Great series! These adventures are moral, creative, and very fun!

We love this series. Be ready to cry.

Excellent book!! My 12 year old devoured this series!!

I Cannot say enough good things about the series. My husband and I have been listening to Andrew petersons audio version with our children ages 7,10 and 13. We all love it! Most definitely want to get this series on my book shelves as well.

Wonderful series! Highly recommend!

Andrew Peterson is not only an amazing author, he’s also an accomplished storyteller and listening to him tell this rich story with his amazing voice makes the experience all the more fantastic

My son and I loved this series! Wonderful books.

Wingfeather Saga Books Review Author: Andrew Peterson, acclaimed songwriter and recording artist Book 1 – On the Dark Sea of Darkness Book 2 – North, Or Be Eaten Book 3 – The Monster in the Hollows Book 4 – The Warden and the Wolf King The Wingfeather Saga begins, after three introductions (brief, slightly less brief, and very brief), with these words: “Janner Igiby lay trembling in his bed with his eyes shut tight, listening to the dreadful sound of the Black Carriage rattling along in the moonlight.” And in these first five pages, author Andrew Peterson sets the tone of the rest of the four-volume story – a witty adventure marked with real danger. The three main characters include twelve-year-old Janner, his eleven-year-old brother Kalmar (nicknamed Tink), and Leeli, his nine-year-old sister. The supporting cast expands during the two-year adventure and includes their mother Nia and their ex-pirate grandfather Podo (who has a wooden peg leg). We quickly find out that the adults in the family have been keeping secrets from the children, including how Leeli’s leg became crippled, and the mystery behind their missing father. As these secrets are discovered, including the revelation of lost jewels, the children are propelled through the saga toward its dramatic and surprising conclusion. Along the way, the reader encounters, kings and queens, trolls and sea dragons, vicious enemies, and dangerous creatures, including toothy cows, horned hounds, quill diggles, snickbuzzards, and bomnubbles. The saga is set in various settings from grassy prairies to dark woodlands, cliffs and waterfalls to frozen tundra, small towns to large cities, caves, mountains, castles and islands. The Wingfeather Saga deals with many challenging social topics. The story winds through single parenthood, domestic violence, handicaps and disabilities, isolation, peer pressure, slavery, child labor, mental illness, and the horrors of war. The children deal with life and death, as well as discovering what it means to live well and die well. Concepts like community, the importance of books, love of family, betrayal, young love, and the danger of rumors are explored with humor and realism. These settings and challenges provide a backdrop to deal with the topics of responsibility, servanthood, sacrifice, identity, trust, perseverance, jealousy, fear, brokenness, courage, and compassion – even for enemies. One thread that runs from the first few pages to the action-packed conclusion is Hope. No matter who dark things look, there is always hope! While most of the saga is not overtly religious, this story provides an opportunity to examine spiritual concepts like the existence of a Maker, the reality of personified evil, doubt, obedience, healing, faith, and even anger toward the Maker. Another thread that runs through the Wingfeather Saga is the philosophical and educational importance of what Nia calls the T.H.A.G.S. (Three Honored and Great Subjects): Word, Form, and Song. Janner excels in the Word: prose, poetry, and books. Tink is shaped by Form: sketching, mechanics, and sports. Leeli’s strength is found in Song: music, emotion, and compassion. The printed design of the award winning Wingfeather Saga includes the surprising presence of footnotes and appendices. Peterson uses these literary tools to interject humor and supplemental information, while teaching young readers how to interact with these devices in future reading endeavors. Each volume also includes a Reader’s Guide at the end of the book, which asks introspective questions, enabling readers to apply discovered truths to real-life situations. These Readers Guides would also be useful in facilitating small group or classroom discussions. The Wingfeather Saga is sure to become a classic series that rightfully earns a place on the shelf alongside The Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. And in recent news, it has generated enough financial investments to be developed into an animated television series, which is anticipated to be released by the end of 2022.

My 12 year old son has really enjoyed this series!

Fun and captivating read for all ages. This book took an unexpected twist and I can’t wait for the last in the series

These books are wonderful. The whole family loves this series!

Incredible book! Would recommend to people of any age!

Great read and delivered timely

Back cover was ripped off of book upon arrival.

We read this book aloud to the kids at night before bedtime. It was wonderful. The book is full of adventure, it has a bit of mystery, and some surprises.

My husband and 11 year old son loved it!

A great read for ages 8-98! Start with Book One and read the series in order. You’ll be glad you did.

The item was finally found in the bushes, no why eat the front door.

The Monster in the Hollows did not disappoint. Although it feels—in a lot of ways—like a transitionary book—and it is one, after all—the final arch of the book is made out of the stuff of legends. A lot happens and a lot of mysteries are revealed. So many twists and unexpected revelations! Now, going back to the original point, the book feels like a transitional book (because it is). These types of books are, in my opinion, the most difficult ones to write in a series, because by their very own nature, they **cannot** advance in any significant way the main plot line—except at the very end. I mean, they can, but it would be counterproductive given that the main plot line is supposed to be advanced in the final book. Take, for example, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It's book #6 in a #7 book saga and for the most part, the book is filled with seemingly inconsequential scenes, dialogues, and sub-plots. They're fun to read and all, but they are not explicitly connected to the main plot line of the series (the inevitable collision between Harry and Voldemort). It is only in the last arch of the book when such main plot line is actually advanced in a significant way due to new mysteries being revealed. That's how transitional books are supposed to work. They generally serve to (1) provide a wider context for the final book; (2) to fine-tune more necessary character development within all main characters and other significant characters; (3) and to escalate conflict and raise the stakes. Such is the case with this book—and that level of self-awareness is not always present in every series. This book does all of this beautifully. BTW, I believe there's an Easter egg reference to HP in this book. Let me know if you find it. Here's my take: SPOILER: Janner, if I am not mistaken, becomes a little disappointed when he found out that their new school in the Green Hollows didn't have magical secret stairs moving around the school. *Wink, wink* Anyway, like I said. This book is beautifully written. The final arch is worth the entire price of the book. So, so, so good!

** “I have seen many like you who, in one moment of weakness, were forever marked. But you aren’t your fur any more than I am my flesh. Who you are runs deeper than your skin. A man may be handsome in aspect but black as death in his heart, you know.” ** WaterBrook is re-releasing Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga as hardcovers with new cover art and illustrations, with the first two novels released back in March and the final two on Oct. 6. The third novel, “The Monster in the Hollows,” picks up immediately after the series’ second installation, with the Wingfeather family seeking refuge in Green Hollows. As siblings Janner (Throne Warden), Kalmar (High King) and Leeli (Song Maiden), along with their grandfather Podo, mother Nia, friend and book lover Oskar, and uncle Artham return to their family’s ancestral home, they must overcome suspicion and discrimination against Kal who is now partly a Gray Fang — enemies of the Hollows. As the family attempts to earn the townsfolk’s trust, they must dig deep into themselves to learn their true gifts and worth. And as Artham leaves to help rescue Janner’s friend Sara Cobbler from the horrific Fork Factory where Janner once found himself enslaved, the Wingfeathers must figure out how to protect the town from an impending attack from evil creatures, all while protecting their own place in the community. A story of love, sacrifice and identity, “The Monster in the Hollows” will appeal to all ages and is a delightful story that will deeply move the reader. Besides creating an entertaining and fantastical tale, Peterson builds many great lessons in it, like we are more than our outward appearance; the sense of aching for a home; the impact of sharing our gifts and light with others; finding hope and courage; we’re better for our scars; sacrificing ourselves for others; and how to deal with feeling inadequate. “The Monster in the Hollow,” which contains some amazing jaw-dropping moments, also reminds us we can find strength not only in ourselves, but in the One who made us: “Every time he let his heart believe that they were out of danger, something dangerous found them. Every time. He ignored the quiet inner voice that reminded him that the Maker had sustained him, had brought him safely to Chimney Hill.” Once again, the illustrations in this re-release are fun and glorious, and the cover is sublime. Fans of the fantastical worlds created by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, The Spiderwick Chronicles, or Matt Mikalatos’ Sunlit Lands series will love these stories. Five stars out of five. WaterBrook provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.

At last the little Igibys have a small respite. They arrive at their mother's native land and find a home to stay in. But that doesn't mean that their life is now full of happiness. The transformation that Tink (now Kalmar) went through is filling every townsmen with distrust and the eleven year old boy is having a very hard time. This book made me suffer in a different way than it's predecesors. In the first two books their lives were in constant danger and it had me at the edge of my seat but The Monster in the Hollow made my heart hurt. Kalmar's treatment from the first was awful and it made me want to cry. He was such a brave little soul and I know he hasn't made the best decisions but no one deserves to be treated like that. There is a new POV in this book that I enjoyed a lot. That whole plot was interesting and it developed in a way that had me absorbed every time it came up. I'm loving this series, the characters are really well written, they feel real and I am very invested in them and I think the author is doing a great thing with this story. It has been very surprising to find such a rich world in these pages. I am very happy that I can read this saga.

My enthusiasm for the Wingfeather Saga has only grown after reading this third installment—not an easy feat as I have already bestowed the other two books (for what it is worth) my five-star rating 😊. After the tumultuousness of book two, redeemed by its final chapters, this third book the Monster in the Hollows balances captivating charm with perilous adventure. The character development is superb; characters learn to master their fears, face and overcome their sense of shame, and forge a deeper identity. The book is packed with Christian themes such as paternal and filial love, sin, redemption, betrayal, and an unobtrusive sense of providence. The book’s masterful and largely unanticipated final chapters point to sacrificial love and the hope of life beyond the grave. Definitely, a must read for lovers of Lewis’ allegory and Tolkien’s myth. Once again, hats off to Andrew Peterson!

WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK AND YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE A SPOILER, STOP!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ok, so, I rated this book four stars because there's only one thing wrong, not the whole book. Matt Laney killed Esben right after they found him again. He could have at least given him a little time with his family, not just: "Esben! We found you! YAY!!" then SLICE. "Nooooo! Esben! You're dying!!" So, that's my point. Either way, great book, but a big fat FLAW.

The joyful ending of the previous book only carries so far into the Green Hollows, where the residents are wary, to say the least, about having a Grey Fang in their midst. Even as his family defends him, Janner can’t seem to help but be afraid of his brother as well. The Igibys begin to try to make their home in the Green Hollows, but there is more danger nearby than just the little Grey Fang. Though there were some slower parts for me in this book, as I wasn’t as interested in the school system in the Green Hollows, it was not nearly enough to detract from the rest of the book as an exciting, heart-filled addition to this series. Looking back on it, most of what I’d want to expand on would be a spoiler, so I don’t feel like I can say much in this review. However, as the danger ramps up, the heroes learn more and more who they are and who they should be. And though there were some dark and gut-wrenching moments, I have so much anticipation for the finale of this great series. More importantly, my 10-year-old daughter has gotten into this series since I started it, and she LOVES it! In fact, she’s kind of obsessed with it. She’s not an avid reader, so I’d say that’s a huge endorsement. I highly recommend this book, and the series so far, for folks of all ages who enjoy clean, fun fantasy adventures. And to restate from my previous reviews–you might see it labeled as Christian, and there are some references to a deity that many of the people believe in, but it is not overtly Christian. On a technical note, I initially listened to this as an audiobook, which isn’t normally my thing. It’s narrated by the author, though, and he does such great voices and really makes the characters come alive. When I got a copy of the ARC, I flipped through to find all of the illustrations and extras that the re-release will have, and they are great too! Definitely worth having the physical copy when it comes out (which it now has!). Thank you to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to review.

It was a lovely May morning under the arbor on our bricked back porch. We love family time. We love being out in the morning before the sun has climbed high and grown hot. And we love a good story. We had been waiting for this story for months. To our great delight it finally arrived, and there in the early cool of the day we read its final pages. Our hearts were thrilled with the song of the stones, the terrors of the deeps of throg, a family fighting through affliction, heroes and villains, friends and foes, laughter and tears. There's much to ponder in The Wingfeather Saga, much about the way the Maker moves, about the way it's always too early to quit, about the way the Maker takes a failure and makes a flourish, about how singing for love rather than power will make a bent song beautiful, and on and on . . . And this isn't just a book for the kids to think about, though think on it they should and will. The Monster in the Hollows isn't what you think, but it is Book Three in the Wingfeather Saga. Reading these stories as a family has been made more fun as we follow Andrew Peterson's progress on his blog and twitter updates, as we see the way other readers react in song and form to the tales he tells, and as we pray that the Lord will continue to cause his gaze to pierce into the way things really are. Andrew Peterson is a lover of language, a poet with a heart full of melody. And hope. And joy. And faith. And love. More than once as I read this book aloud to my boys my voice choked with emotion. More than once I paused to read and re-read lines for their loveliness. And as we slowly savored the sorrow and joy, the triumph and tragedy in those final pages of the book, I found it more beautiful than I had hoped it could be. In the night, hope lives on. We read those final pages slowly, then read them again, and again. What would it have been like to have read The Chronicles of Narnia as old Clive Staples finished them? What would it have been like to read along with Tolkien as he produced The War of the Ring? We won't know, but if you jump in right now, you can read along with Andrew Peterson as he moves toward the completion of The Wingfeather Saga, and you can join us in asking the Maker to bless Andrew as he seeks to be used to seal the song in the soul, to write the word on the heart, and to fill the sight with the form of the beauty of a better world.

Andrew Peterson has done it again! Just as with the first two books, I couldn’t put it down! I do not, usually, choose books of this genre...with dragons and magic. But these books grab hold of me and hold me captive with every word. Young or old...If you’re looking for a book that will capture you imagination and transport you to another place, I highly recommend this series!

*****Spoiler Alert****** We loved this whole series, although I do have to say I wish I had known that one of the main characters dies at the end. I would NOT have read it with my very sensitive 6 year old daughter. I do love the series though and wish he would write another book about the Wingfeather children! (author has confirmed that he will not be writing another book about them, but will be writing books in the world of Aerwiar). Overall I would recommend this series for an older child (or an adult!)

Rather than a long chase scene like book 2, The Monster in the Hollows feels more human. It slows down enough to get to know the characters better. That steady pace makes the twists in the books more impactful. And the twists are executed very well. One I saw coming and one that I did not. I like to be surprised, so it was fun. Overall, it was a great read, filled with rich characterization and beautiful settings.

It's a shame wordsmiths can't get shoe deals like athletes. Peterson would be pulling down seven figures for his new Readbook or Fila Fiction Cross Trainers. We could see ads like the famous Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson "Can you top this?" commercials. Peterson vs. Stephen King in a literary game of H-O-R-S-E. Peterson and JK Rowling endorsing new footwear (or word processors). I wish AP and others like him could pull down some of the same deals the NBA and NFL thugs get. Pro athletes merely entertain. Craftsmen and bards on the level of Peterson, Stephen Lawhead and Tosca Lee entertain AND make us better people. While reading Master Works such as the Wingfeather Saga our spirits soar. Our souls are fed. We become better people. We grow. Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga is (to keep the sports metaphor going) akin to Braves rookie left fielder Jason Heyward hitting a dramatic home run in his first major league at bat. It's like Jars of Clay's debut album. A monumental work right out of the gate. It's a little bit scary. If he grows as a writer we will have to invent new superlatives to review his future books. Lawhead is my favorite writer, but his early works like Dream Thief were not polished. Wingfeather, on the other hand, is polished, shiny, and brilliant. No learning curve here. One thing that separates this Nashville Bard - Singer/Songwriter - Creator of Modern Allegory from the original Inklings (Tolkien, Lewis) is his relatability. (Is that a word?) The British professors were staid, stodgy, academics. Stinkin' brilliant academics and storytellers, but academics nonetheless. AP didn't grow up in a boarding school. He grew up in an American public school, just like most of us and Ralphie from "A Christmas Story". His sensibilities are All American. I do believe he has taken the baton from C. S. Lewis, but he is running this race in a way that post-moderns can easily relate to. His easy humor, comfort level while incorporating monsters and fantasy elements, and fearlessness in writing frightening passages could only have been written by a member of the Boomer generation or later. We could only hope that the man who opened a Christmas song with the lines "It was not a silent night/There was blood on the ground" would not disappoint when writing a novel. He did not. As God is my witness, he did not disappoint. Except for the scores of passages that are laugh-out-loud funny; the many sections that will have you rethinking and readjusting your life philosophy; the entire chapters that are achingly beautiful; the wee hours in the morning when you will say, "I've got to put this up and go to bed" but won't be able to; the number of times you're not reading the book but will find yourself reliving scenes from it in your daydreams; the frequent times you will find yourself moved to tears; the many times you will find yourself telling friends and family about certain scenes or reading passages to them; the times you thank God for sending Andrew Peterson to us: except for those times and passages, this is an average book by an average author.

The Monster in the Hollows was written by Andrew Peterson. It is book three in The WingFeather Saga. This is not a standalone book. You need to read the first two in order to understand the storyline. Summary: The Igiby family has arrived in The Green Hollows-somewhere they can finally relax and be safe. But the townsfolk are not so sure about the Igibys-especially Tink, who now looks like one of their most dreaded enemies-the Grey Fang. As the Igibys settle into their new home, the children begin attending school for the first time. Will the other children learn to accept them, or will the Igibys be outsiders for good? Can Janner, Tink, and Leeli find their way in this new world safe from evil...or will evil come to them? My Thoughts: I loved this book. It is definitely my favorite so far in the series. I loved the setting, the characters, the interesting school subjects, and just the overall storyline as the children try to settle in to a whole new way of living. It was an extremely enjoyable read, and I will definitely be reading it again! I am really enjoying just how unique this series is-all of the different lands, peoples, creatures-it is really fascinating, and very well-written. It is reminiscent of other classic book series where entire worlds are developed by an author, and there is the classic good versus evil plot-like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the Narnia series. I am looking forward to finishing the series, and then introducing it to my kids-as I think they are going to enjoy it too! I would like to thank WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a whimsical adventure tale, funny, scary, inhabited by Fangs of Dang, crazy sock men, and genuine recipes for maggotloaf. North! Or Be Eaten, Book 2 of The Wingfeather Saga, is the classic journey story: a book of creatures, encounters, fascinating locales, and of course, coming of age. But it's in The Monster in the Hollows that this series steps up and takes its place as a true fantasy epic -- still quirky, still definitely located in the world of Aerwiar and not in Middle Earth, but firmly rooted in epic soil. The Monster in the Hollows is a bigger, sadder, older, and more beautiful part of The Wingfeather Saga than we've seen before. (Warning: series spoilers ahead.) The story begins, as all good sagas do, where the previous book left off: with the Wingfeather family sailing across the Dark Sea of Darkness in search of refuge in the Green Hollows, homeland of Nia Igiby Wingfeather and the last place in all of Aerwiar that is still free. But what begins as a warm welcome for Nia and her children quickly turns sour when the transformation of Kalmar is revealed: the Hollows are still free because its people have vigilantly driven every Fang from their land, and they are not keen to welcome one into their bosom now. A startling sacrifice from Nia convinces the Hollowsfolk to accept all of her children -- but no sacrifice can buy their trust. Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli settle into their new home and school, caught between the delight of being children again, with a home far from Fangs and from fear, and the knowledge that they are outsiders here. Janner struggles to love and protect his brother even as he resents him for estranging them. But something strange is happening in the Green Hollows. A monster lurks in the shadows, a voice calls to Janner out of eerie visions, and Kalmar, it seems, has a secret . . . In The Monster in the Hollows, Andrew Peterson once again weaves a tale that rings as true when it's exploring the firesides of home as it does when it's delving into the exotic places and peoples of a beautifully rendered fantasy world. As ancient secrets are revealed, revolutions are fostered, and the forces of evil gather for attack, we find ourselves caring just as much -- or perhaps more -- about the love between brothers, the faith of a mother, and the success of children in school. The forces of good, after all, are not concentrated in some distant castle or far-off king, but in frail human vessels in need of family, forgiveness, and the power of hope. As before, the story is primarily told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Janner, the oldest of the Igiby children and the Throne Warden of Anniera whether he likes it or not. Much of the saga's attention hovers, with Janner, at the outer edge of childhood. But the more adult story which readers have been able to glimpse all along through Podo, Nia, and Artham comes into the foreground in a greater way in The Monster in the Hollows, as Nia especially takes on a more central role. New characters are introduced -- including the memorable Head Guildmadam of the Ban Rona school, Olumphia Groundwich -- and subplots from previous books carried to their conclusions. (I found the further fate of Sara Cobbler to be particularly interesting, and particularly affecting.) The setting, Ban Rona of the Green Hollows, is likewise more adult: the fearsome toothy cows, bomnubbles, and snickbuzzards of Skree -- terrifying as they could be -- have faded into the background, replaced by the rotting, misshapen cloven of the Blackwood. Where Glipwood Township was as amusing as it was oppressed, Ban Rona is the stuff of legends. And this book, for the first time in the saga, is entirely devoid of footnotes. All in all, The Monster in the Hollows is a wonderful read, both entertaining and deep, and an effective launching pad into the fourth and final book in the series. For that, we'll have all just have to wait, content in the knowledge that it's likely to be worth waiting for.

I finished book 3, The Warden and the Wolf King of this Wingfeather series and was happy to have book 4 available immediately. As a fantasy series aimed at middle school children, I think these books hit all the right notes. The characters are believable, the plot is exciting, and the themes are echoed in the real world. The 3 children whose adventures the story follows have experienced the loss of their home, their family and their country. They have unique gifts, but struggle with their own and others flaws. Although there is juvenile humor about smells and peoples appearance that as an adult I found jarring, many of my students would appreciate them. The best part is, that some of the most disgusting looking and smelling characters turn out to be real heroes. I felt it was a wonderful way to learn not to judge by appearances.

Author Andrew Petersen continues his fantasy series for readers both young and old(er). This is part of his Wingfeather Saga series but could be read as a standalone. But don’t do it. Get the first two books and read them together as a family. In The Monster in the Hollows Petersen writes about a little brother who people are assuming things about, based on his appearance. What a great theme for children as they are learning not to judge based on looks. With delightful characters, great descriptions, and wonderful story lines, I highly recommend the entire series. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I started reading the Wingfeather Saga almost a year ago, and went into it a little hesitantly. If this was going to be a singer/songwriter's dreamy attempt at literature, and nothing more, I wasn't sure I wanted to subject myself to the disappointment. After all, I enjoy Andrew Peterson's music..... But Andrew Peterson is not merely a singer/songwriter. He is a master storyteller, no matter the medium. And in the Wingfeather Saga, I was pleasantly surprise--blown away--to find a truly precious story in the tradition of the Chronicles of Narnia. And I don't ever, EVER reference Narnia lightly. The series began with On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, in which the land of Skree suffers under the great evil of Gnag the Nameless and his wicked minions, the Fangs of Dang. Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby are just three ordinary children growing up under Gnag's oppression, until they discover the secret of the Jewels of Anniera, and realize their heritage is more than it appears. In the second book, North! Or Be Eaten, the siblings find themselves running for their lives, fighting and fleeing and fighting again, and they discover that the house of Wingfeather has enemies around every corner--and friends in unexpected places. Book 3, The Monster In The Hollows, picks up with siblings Janner, Tink (now Kalmar) and Leeli seeking refuge in the land of their ancestors. The Wingfeather children, it seems, have at long last reached a place of rest and safety, protected at least temporarily from Gnag the Nameless and his terrible Fangs of Dang. Like the first books, this one has its share of fascinating characters, vivid places, blood-chilling scarytale beasts, warm humor and epic adventure as the children discover that pursuant Fangs are not the only enemies they must beware of. Janner struggles with his role as eldest brother and makes difficult strides towards manhood as the Throne Warden of Anniera; Kalmar wrestles with guilt and regret even as he strives to hold onto his own identity; and Leeli explores her mysterious gifts more deeply than ever before. All three of the children have faced external dangers uncounted in the first books; this one finds them each growing as they learn who they are, both as the Igibys and as the royal Wingfeathers, and understanding how to fight internal monsters of their own. But--are they truly safe? Can it be that the Green Hollows is the refuge they've sought for so long? Of course not. There's a monster in the Hollows. And it's not what you think. I caught myself, towards the end of this book, feeling like I really had the whole thing figured out. I called it. Well, I thought, jumping to conclusions while only three quarters of the way through, this book did seem more predictable than the others. It's okay. I still enjoyed the story. And then, Andrew Peterson did it again. Just when I thought I knew exactly what was going on, he turned the whole thing upside down in a climactic battle where the truth--all of it--the baffling, the impossible, the tragic, the horrifying and the glorious--is ultimately exposed. He kept me guessing until the end. I choked up. And I loved, loved, loved this book. The characters of Janner, Kalmar and Leeli--all of whom I've grown to love through the series--see some real growth in this story. Up until now they've faced Fangs and bomnubbles and sea dragons and toothy cows and the Fork Factory and the wilderness; now they face school, identity struggles, mistrust, betrayal, and fitting into a foreign land. All this is told in Andrew Peterson's distinct style, which somehow manages to blend the comical and absurd with the profoundly moving. For me, the one enhances the other. I highly recommend this series. Here's looking forward to the fourth and final installment, The Warden and the Wolf King, which will be available.....er....whenever Andrew Peterson decides he's held us in anticipation long enough and carves out time to write it. I'll be waiting.

The Monster in the Hollows starts off pretty much where book #2 ended, and I found the first half to be a little bit difficult to get through -- it's not so much focused on the overarching peril faced by the Wingfeathers and Igibys, but it centers on Kalmar's great change and all of the implications that the family faces. While it's interesting in its own way, it's a bit of an abrupt halt to the general sense of urgency that the first two books are drenched in. But that peril is actually centralized to the Hollows, where the Wingfeathers go to escape the threat of Gnag and the Fangs. A Grey Fang isn't much welcome in the Hollows, after all, and there are all manner of them and cloven beasts that threaten the Hollowsfolks' borders. You just start to think that the Hollowsfolk are accepting Kalmar when something happens - and all fingers point to the Wingfeathers. And when farm animals are mysteriously snatched up, with no one else to blame, a plot to betray the Wingfeathers and jail them arises. They have to know who their friends are and who their enemies are -- and sometimes, it's just the opposite of who you might think. There are a few very clever plot twists that really will leave you with your mouth hanging. The finale is touching and very sad at the same time, and you'll need to read book #4 ASAP.

WalterBrook & Multnomah is re-releasing this series with new illustrated editions; the first two were published in March 2020 and the final two this October 2020. The included illustrations sprinkled throughout enhance the experience -- they are engaging and draw in readers. The Igiby children find themselves in the Green Hollows, but what was meant to be a restorative time of safety is fraught with tension as they navigate charged relationships and uncertain futures. Will the community trust them, or will they be forced out? Secrets come to light and lives are altered yet again, heightening the tension as the story culminates in the next installment. (I received a digital ARC copy from WalterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Just in time for some great summer reading, Andrew Peterson has released the third book in his Wingfeather Saga. Our family has followed this series since it first appeared, and we eagerly await each new title. Our 10-15 year olds loved this book. Their parents love this series; their grandparents love these books. They have been wonderful read-alouds, as well as spell-binding reads for all ages. Some of the things I love about The Monster in the Hollows. I love that: * it makes my 13 year old grand daughter do her happy dance . . . and post on facebook about it . . . with photos . . . (The whole Wingfeather Saga has turned her on to reading. She has begun to find favorite authors and now reads what they read as well as what they write!) * it makes me want to stay up late into the night . . . reading. * it makes me proud to brag that I knew Andrew Peterson before he was Andrew Peterson. Cool. * it makes my daughters re-arrange their days, so they can read-aloud other than at bedtime to the youngest who wants to know the story, but has a problem with monsters at bedtime. * my 75 year old friend and her 55 year old daughter are asking how soon they'll get to borrow my copy to read. * it's the 3rd book of the Wingfeather Saga. That means I've already enjoyed some of the story before, and there's more to come. * the kids in this story love their family, and are glad to be together with them. * it's filled with heroes (and that the mom is one of them!). * it's filled with real people who love and forgive and understand each other. * everyone I've suggested this series to, who has read it, loves it, too. * there is almost unbearable tension in this story as we follow multiple plot lines. * the characters are deep, real people. * I caught myself gritting my teeth and speaking aloud at the end of several chapters, then looking around with a smiling shrug, in case anyone noticed. * it's a book that brings on discussion among our friends, and between the generations in our family. "Did you just love it when . . . ." "Did you notice the way he used . . . ." * music, art, and words are woven together on more than one level to bring out the magic of the story and of life. * we now have before us an example of characters with clear and steadfast values, who know and honor the Maker, and still have amazing, thrilling adventures/lives! Our 13 year old grand daughter, who is not an easy audience, danced for joy when she found The Monster in the Hollows on her bed one day recently after school, then when she finished it she posted on facebook: "I have finished The Monster in the Hollows and I must say there will never be any words coming from my mouth to explain the greatness and amazingness of that book and Andrew Peterson!!! I have cried a great many tears of happiness and sadness due to that book and my wish is that every person will read that book and know how amazingly awesome that book truly is!!!! Andrew you're awesome!!!!!!!!!" Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga books are delightful and thrilling reads for all ages. This third book of the series brought new characters and more twists to the story, keeping each of us just as frantic to turn another page as the first two did. Andrew is a masterful storyteller/musician/songwriter/artist. His work has enriched our lives.

As often happens in a multi-volume series, there's one volume that seems to slow down a bit. That would be the first part of this book. Don't get me wrong. It was still delightful to read about the Igiby-Wingfeathers settling in to their lives in the Hollow as well as dealing with the Hollow residents prejudices against Kalmar. But when the action does finally pick up, it's non-stop with plenty of twists and turns and surprises. The book ends well, with a moment of quiet before the battle that will inevitably come in the final book of the series.

Really entertaining book with tons of interesting plot twists. I would recommend it to anyone who likes good fantasy books.

It took a bit for me to get beyond the 'middle school silliness' of the series, but now I'm absolutely hooked! The silly parts serve as a quality backdrop, and actually grow on you. Can't wait for book 4! The Monster in the hollows is a beautiful addition to the Wingfeather Saga. The way the characters have grown is believable, with Janner still doubting and trying to find room for himself, while still showing remarkable maturity. Leeli's wisdom beyond her years is not entirely unheard of and the story is all the better for it. Tink becoming firmly established in his true identity of Kalmar the King is an amazing journey not many 11-year-olds would consider themselves capable of, nor would their parents. However, I think we do everyone a disservice by not calling out that part of our kids, the courage to stand for the misunderstood, to fight our inner 'selfish prideful monster' and think creatively to actively do the right thing. And Artham, well he's wonderful as usual. We could all learn from him! I received an advance copy of this book from #netgalley, and chose to review it here. all thoughts are my own.

I really love this book. Even when I'm not as much in the mood for it as I thought I was), I love it. I love that Peterson was able to make a story out of an adventuring family's attempt at reclaiming a normal life. I love the twists and turns of the tale. I love how the characters struggle with their responsibilities in a way that seems realistic and not overdramatic. I will admit, though, that Sara Cobbler's sideplot is my favorite part of the book. The Wingfeather trio is Destined. They will do great things whether they intend to or not because others will put them in a place to do that by virtue of their birth. Sara is not, in a narrative sense, Destined. But she got caught up in the swirl of someone who was, ever so briefly. And she chose — she chose to keep moving. She was caught by hope, and she didn't let it become a happy memory. She didn't even just let the hope simmer as she waited for someone Destined to send someone back for her. She took that hope and she acted, and I have a lot of thoughts that aren't working in word form right now, but hopefully you catch what I mean. Anyway. This book is great. You should read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Waterbrook Multnomah for a free digital copy for my review. WOW. I have so many feelings now that I finished these books, but I think the greatest praise I can give them is that I cannot wait to read them with my kids one day. Filled with beautiful life lessons woven into the narrative, these books whisk you to the world of Aerwiar and lets you ride the rollercoaster of emotions that is three children fighting forces of evil and finding out who they are in the process. The Monster in the Hollows perhaps is my favorite of the 4 books because I love the setting of the Green Hollows and all the characters we meet there, plus the B-plot of this book is so charming that I was delighted every time we switched perspectives to Sarah. Andrew Peterson has created magic in these books that isn’t just about the extraordinary powers used for good and evil in these stories. The magic lies in the actions and choices of the characters to be loyal, to be kind, and to be selfless. When you can see beyond evil and “ugly” to provide love, it can maybe change the heart of even the worst monster.

I was so excited to start listening to this, the third book in the series. I started it a few minutes after finishing North or be Eaten, and when I realized there was a new narrator it saddened me!! Truly. The author narrates this one, and while he is good (I mean he wrote the book so he’s not bad at all) it’s just not AS GOOD as the previous narrator!! It really has taken away from the audible series by changing narrators. Listen to the first two and you will know what I mean. Even so, I am caught up in this wonderful story and I’m thankful for the audible versions. It helps me read several books that I would not otherwise have time to read. I listen while driving, folding laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming!

“When it rages long enough, hate doesn’t need a reason. It burns for the sake of its own heat and devours whatever, or whomever, is set before it.” “The Maker fears not the doings of Will. He weaves and sends the tale of the world, and watches o’er its endings. He has bid me bear my courage. He my fear has long assuaged. Even as he warns me of my rebel son’s ambition, even as his shining eyes are lined with grief in joy, I sense, my son, a mighty love for me and each of us, his children, and I am fain to trust his voice. He means to make his subjects merciful and wise; sorrow and struggle bringeth both. We will, he tells me, grow by grieving, live by dying, love by losing. The heart itself is the field of battle and the garden green.” So. Good. He continues the saga in a new setting- the Hollows. More troubles to overcome. More history revealed. More truth told. And we are reminded that in our weakness, He is strong. Great story-telling and character development. Peterson has created an intriguing world in this series- one that is more familiar than we realize. One more book to go!

'The Monster in the Hollows' is the third book in the "Wingfeather Saga" series, and it is great! I am really surprised by how much I like reading these books, because they are geared for a younger audience. In this book the Wingfeather family has escaped from the clutches of Gnag the Nameless's army and have made it to the Green Hollows, the land where their mother grew-up. While in the first two books they had action and adventure, 'The Monster in the Hollows' has something that they haven't had in a while - hope. A hope that they are finally free from the danger of the Fangs of Dang. But upon arrival, the town takes Kalmar into custody and it is only after a high price is paid that he is allowed to leave. Janner and Leeli are thriving here, but Kalmar is not. Because of the Hollish people's great fear of Fangs, Kalmar is treated with contempt and people are afraid of him. This fear causes them to take drastic measures and puts the Wingfeather Family to their greatest test yet. Janner, in particular, has the hardest challenge yet. He is tired of being Throne Warden and having to look out for Kalmar, his younger brother and the High King of Anniera. He thinks that when they arrive in the Hollows, things will be different and he won't have to guard Kalmar every second, but when Kalmar chooses the most dangerous guild, their mother wants him to join Kalmar, so that he can protect him. This means giving up the guild that he wanted to join, Bookbindery, but he reluctantly agrees. When a monster is suddenly on the loose and with the town's fears running rampant, Janner realizes he may have to guard Kalmar more than ever. 'The Monster in the Hollows' has some action in it, because in the school that they attend, the boys are in the Durgan Guild - where they learn to fight, sneak, spy and all the other things that a warrior must know. But on top of their official school learning, their mother still is teaching them T.H.A.G.S. (Three Honored and Great Subjects), the subjects that they as Annierian royalty must learn. I can't wait to read the conclusion to this series. I so hope that the ending will change Kalmar and Artham back into the humans that they really are and maybe change all the Fangs back into their original forms as well. If you love fantasy, you should love 'The Monster in the Hollows', but to completely enjoy this book, you should definitely read 'On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness' and 'North! Or Be Eaten' first. *** I received a complimentary copy of this book from CSFF to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done. ***

I love this series. I have one more in the 4-book series to go. There is always drama, steady to read and triggers the imagination regardless of your age!

There is only one phrase that I think adequately describes The Wingfeather Saga-- soul-stirring. There are stories that you just read. And then there are stories that you read and along the way they prick your heart, making you realize that you needed to hear the message contained within its pages. The Monster in the Hollows was one of those books for me. The struggles and joys of the Wingfeather siblings are compelling and it's a fascinating journey to watch them grow into their roles. I love the fact that Mr. Peterson brought back characters from North! Or Be Eaten, which helped tie the different threads of the tale together. I especially loved the character of Nia in this book!. We get to spend a little more time with her since the family is together for the whole book, and her strength, grace, and fierce love for her children really comes through. I"m still recommending this series every chance I get. I look forward to finishing The Warden and the Wolf King.