Synopses & Reviews
Bestselling author Kathryn Lasky takes flight once more with a brand-new Guardians of Ga'Hoole novel!
Far off in the ice-choked land of the Northern Kingdoms, a young screech owl is marked by destiny. He is Ezylryb, an owl who will rise through the ranks of the Killian Army to become the commander of a battalion of snakes. But although Ezylryb is touched by greatness, his battle-filled life is punctuated by tragedy--from the attack that leaves his father flightless forever, to a terrible betrayal by Ezylryb's own brother. But the young owl--with the support of a snake named Octavia--rises above it all, rises high on strong wings.
For Ezylryb is no ordinary owl.
He's the stuff of legends.
He's a Guardian of Ga'Hoole.
Review
"The Guardians of Ga’Hoole gets a prequel, with the history of one of the Great Tree’s rybs, Ezylryb.
Lyze, a young whiskered screech owl, is born into the Northern Kingdoms, where war is as much a part of life as a young owl’s First Meat ceremony. His parents, veterans of the battle against Bylyric and his Ice Talons, expect their young hatchling to grow up to be a soldier, but Lyze is reluctant to step into that role. The death of his beloved younger sister in a raid changes everything. He begins to apply his mind to the finer points of war, focusing on the elements of weather and battle strategy. He further suggests adding snakes and snow leopards to their ranks. However, Lyze quickly learns that victory comes at a heavy price. Lyze’s journey from egg to warrior to ryb enriches the mythology of Ga’Hoole, but it also serves as an unflinching commentary on the ravages of war. While this will undoubtedly appeal to the ardent followers of the series, Lyze’s story can be read easily as a stand-alone tale.
Both thoughtful and action-packed, this adventure illuminates the fantastical world that exists between dusk and dawn." - Kirkus starred review
Review
“Lyze's story can be read easily as a stand-alone tale. . . . Both thoughtful and action-packed, this adventure illuminates the fantastical world that exists between dusk and dawn.” -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review
Review
“Lasky continues her best-selling Guardians of Ga'Hoole series with another skillfully crafted fantasy . . . A wonderful family read-aloud as well as a compulsively readable addition for young fantasy and naturalist fans.” – BOOKLIST
About the Author
Kathryn Lasky is the Newbery Honor-winning author of over one hundred books for children and young adults. Her beloved Guardians of Ga'Hoole fantasy series has more than seven million copies in print, and she is the author of the Daughters of the Sea series, the Wolves of the Beyond series, as well as A TIME FOR COURAGE and other Dear America titles. Kathryn has also written a number of critically acclaimed nonfiction titles, such as BEYOND THE BURNING TIME and TRUE NORTH. She lives with her husband in Cambridge, MA.