Reviews

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky

kellyrgraves's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

janeeyre_914716's review against another edition

3.0

So these series weren't like AMAZING but they were worth reading. They actually made me come to have a love for owls and have a big owl fetish haha. Some may think it's weird with a world of talking owls. *cough* um, you do know people there's other books I may not have read, have read or maybe not ever read that I know of that there's talking animals like Redwall? And there's Narnia? Same with Disney: Little mermaid, Cinderella, lion king, dumbo, Fox and the Hound I could go on.

My point is who cares if it's a world of talking owls don't give weird looks. Do you do that while watching Disney or Narnia or whatever? No. So don't judge it before you actually read it.

I did like these series and see the main little owl Soren come out of his comfort zone and become a great warrior when fighting for his new friends and loved ones. Even when he fell in love with another owl and had owlets he was still strong and his trusty friends he had met in the first book were ALWAYS there by his side. The only reason I did pick them up years back was 1- mom got them on book orders 2- it was before I REALLY came to have a love for reading in my sophomore year (I believe 9-10 years ago. Lost count haha) and 3- why not? I thought the first few out sounded good and ever since they had been released we'd get them and my love for owls became bigger.

Looking back they're a quick read and actually worth reading and fun for the middle grade level. But if you like owls anyway then read these. But overall, this is my review for the whole series and saying they're worth reading at least once. (PS movie was okay but I did prefer the book series :D)

heidinelt's review against another edition

4.0

For kids who love Harry Potter and who especially love Hedwig, this animal fantasy series could be the next series to read. I love the characterization and the bravery of the main characters, Soren and Gylfie. The book is peppered with violence that sensitive readers may find disturbing.

bb42's review against another edition

3.0

I read this because my middle son has become totally obsessed with the series. Partly I wanted to be supportive of his enthusiasm, and partly to be able to share in the excitement.

I can definitely see why he likes it so much. Exciting story line, likeable characters, sinse of danger and high adventure. But unlike other "great" books for younger readers (wrinkle in time, harry potter, heck, even Tom Sawyer or Treasure Island) there is just no depth here to make it feel like an enriching experience. As an adult reader, I was sometimes able to get into the excitement of the story (only after about 1/2 way through when the drama really starts to ratchet up) but I found the characters paper thin, the themes hackneyed. And it was sort of a labor of love to finish it -- especially with other books queued up waiting for me)

It's probably no worse than a summer blockbuster beach novel for adults -- but it doesn't have much richness or depth, or even very good writing.

sqeeker's review against another edition

3.0

The book would be a fun book for younger readers, and I think most kids would really enjoy it.

owls_rainbow's review against another edition

5.0

You wouldn't think owls would make good characters for books but it actually works really well :D I love the character's different personalities.

tstreet's review against another edition

5.0

I really hate how Soren gets pushed out of the nest by his brother. I like how he tries to do everything that he can to make sure that his sister is safe. I really hate how Soren is found by the other two owls and how they take him back to the camp where he is treated terribly. I like how he meets Gylfie and how they become good friends. I like how Gylfie and Soren will not give up. I like how they refuse to answer by the number they are called and I like how they are willing to receive all the punishments. I like how they team up and work together and discover the plot of the owls. I am glad that the old owl sacrificed his life to save Soren and Gylfie. I like how they fly away and leave the place. I am glad that they escaped together and didn't die.

auri_underthing's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Submit. Believe. Cruelty.

Damn. I did not expect this to be a journey and testament to the human owl spirit. Pretty good! The things Soren and his friends go though are pretty harsh, jeez,  considering how this book is aimed at 9-12 year olds. A little slow though. I don’t know if I want to read the next book because poor Soren has been through enough already. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping

Moderate: Blood and Confinement

Minor: Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Cannibalism

aea_hobbit's review against another edition

3.0

This book has a strong emphasis on the importance of family and friendship, good versus evil, and believing in dreams/legends. It broke my heart how intense the challenges Soren faced, considering how this book is aimed at 9-12 year olds; however, the main themes are valuable. Anyone who likes animal related books would like this; I just recommend younger or sensitive readers be aware.

essentiallyselfish's review against another edition

3.0

They teach middle grades about cannibalism?