The Wingfeather Saga: Dragons, Whistleharps and the Jewels of Anneira (Series Review)

The first time I heard about “The Wingfeather Saga” I had stumbled upon a concept animation short that was being pitched around to different studios looking for someone to pick the story up. With a little research I learned that the story was based on a series of novels written by a Christian recording artist who grew up in the same little Florida town I live in now! It piqued my interest enough to start the first book and then lead to voraciously devouring the whole series. These books hold a strong place in my list of favorites and in the words of a friend of mine, another avid reader, “They’re so good they’ve ruined reading other books.” Since then Angel Studios has picked up the rights to the animated series and released the first two seasons on their platform, and when they asked LTN to review the latest season I was excited to dive back into the world of Anniera.

“The Wingfeather Saga,” based on the book series by Andrew Peterson, follows the adventures of the Igibys, a family living in the wonderful world of Anneira in the province of Skree. The world is oppressed by menacing lizard folk (Fangs) under the command of Gnag the Nameless to hunt for the Jewels of Anneira. In the first season the three Igiby children, Janner, Tink and Leeli, learn about their mysterious heritage, an underground resistance movement and their magical connection to sea dragons. Eventually they are forced into hiding deep within the Glipwood Forest!

The current season of the cartoon follows the family as they flee north to the Snowy Mountains, hoping to leave the cold blooded fangs behind. Every step of the way, though, they are faced with insurmountable challenges that test their love and devotion to one another. Peterson does a masterful job of creating a world that is both familiar and fantastical. A world that is exciting for those who have read his novels and newcomers alike! 

The current two seasons of the show cover the first book and a half in the series. As a fan of the novels there is so much great storytelling that happens starting in the second half of the second book moving forward. These first two seasons do a good job of setting up the world and letting us know who these characters are but the depth of the story has just begun.

© Angel Studios

As a dad, I’m consistently looking for great stories that I can share with my kids that highlight the same core values I want to instill in them. I want them to care for others, to be kind to each other, to give their best and never give up. Finding those values in an entertaining story that gains and keeps their attention is quite challenging. Add into that equation the fact that I have a 6, 10 and 13 year old and it’s quite the needle to thread. “The Wingfeather Saga” checks all the boxes for my kids and was just as enjoyable to my wife and me.

One of the hardest parts of taking a book and converting it to a movie or a series is figuring out what makes it into the series and what doesn’t. “The Wingfeather Saga” is a quick paced series with very little fluff and you can feel that when watching the series. It feels like you can’t catch your breath between episodes and some of the areas you wish were explored have to be left behind in order to complete the series in a handful of thirty minute episodes. That combined with a simple soundtrack and the unconventional animation style can make the series feel unfinished. Even with its shortcomings it’s still a great series to enjoy over a weekend and return for a second and third viewing down the road.

Some of the featured voices on display are Jodi Benson (“The Little Mermaid”) as Nia Igiby, Kevin McNally (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) as Podo Helmer and Henry Ian Cusick (“LOST”) as Peet the Sock Man. Both seasons are currently available for streaming on the Angel Studios app. Season one is free for view and season two is available for members of their Guild, Angel Studios financial supporters.