Beyond the Deepwoods: The Edge Chronicles #1

Book review by Matt Berman, Common Sense Media
Beyond the Deepwoods: The Edge Chronicles #1 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Weird creatures and nonstop action.

Paul Stewart Fantasy 2004
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 14 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book isn't meant for thoughtful discussion. It has some fantasy violence and may not be a good choice for kids prone to nightmares.

Community Reviews

Feathersword
Feathersword Adult
June 20, 2009
age 12+

Violent, exciting, not for kids under 12

As a teacher, I read many children's books and I must say, I am hooked on this series. I must caution parents that the theme is dark and that there is much violence in this series. I would only recommend this, with care, to those who are not sensitive and can handle graphic violence. Personally, as an adult, I just finished book 6 and can't wait to see what happens next. The illustrations are BRILLIANT!!!
Tending Bloom
Tending Bloom Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

Stepping off the path leads to....adventure

This book shows the reader what awaits off "the path". A warning: There is a death of an important character. A friend of Twigs. And there is alot of vicious things in this book. Plants and animals mostly. Not everything is as it first appears. It is fast paced and easy to read.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Edge is a bizarre world filled with weird creatures (\"woodtrolls, slaughterers, gyle goblins, termagent trogs ... monstrous creatures, flesh-eating trees, marauding hordes of ferocious beasts,\" and many, many more) and altered physics (certain types of rocks and wood float, powering sailing ships that ply the air).

Hiding from sky pirates, Twig strays from the path in the Deepwoods forest and encounters one weird creature and gruesomely dangerous situation after another, all the while trying to find a place where he can belong.

Is It Any Good?

The Edge may refer to the part of the world where the story takes place, but it also describes the part of the seat where your child will breathlessly linger. This author and illustrator team possess seemingly inexhaustible, if somewhat rank and fetid, imaginations, just the kind to delight kids with a taste for the creepy, gross, and bizarre. They trot out one all-too-vividly ghastly place and creature after another with wild abandon.

Twig stumbles (usually literally) from frying pan to fire over and over at a pace that some may find exhausting, and the lack of any real goal can make it seem pointless, if exciting, at times. But it's well-written, with crystal clear descriptions and delightfully creepy illustrations, and set into an inexpensive, old-fashioned hardcover edition. Many kids are going to eat this up and beg for more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the dangers (and possible benefits) of "straying from the path."

Book Details

Themes & Topics

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