Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature)
This is the first book in the "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" series. Soren has a happy home with his parents and siblings. He dreams of flying, of the various ceremonies that he will experience as he grows. Then, suddenly, all of these things that are so dear to him are snatched away, or rather he is snatched away from them. The little barn owlet finds himself in a place of nightmare, a place full of baby owls like himself who have numbers instead of names. Luckily, Soren soon finds himself a friend, a small elf owl called Gylfie. Together these two youngsters develop the skills it takes to survive their captivity and yet keep their individuality and their will to be free. Kathryn Lasky has created a remarkable owl world full of legends, owl words and owl dreams. It is as real and as warm to the reader as any human world could be. With her usual skill, Lasky pulls us into a story where the characters find out more about themselves and each other than they thought was possible. Guided by fear, hope, and loss, the little owls work towards finding answers and gaining their freedom. They endear themselves to us very quickly. We fear for their safety and feel the horror of the place that they find themselves in. When they make their first flight we are there with them, led there by the skill of this consummate storyteller. Book Two, The Journey, will continue the story of Soren and Gylfie and their quest. 2003, Scholastic Inc, $4.99. Ages 12 up.

Erin Lukens Darr (KLIATT Review, September 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 5))
First in a budding series, The Capture introduces Soren, a young barn owl who, shortly after hatching, finds himself being pushed out of the safety of his family's nest by his mean older brother. Alone in the world and unable to fly, Soren is snatched up by a group of mysterious owls and carried off to St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. While it fronts as a home for unfortunate owls, St. Aggie's is actually a brainwashing and training facility to raise an army. While there, Soren meets an elf owl named Gylfie and together they endeavor to survive and avoid being "moon blinked" (brainwashed). They must try to solve the mystery of St. Aggie's and find a way to escape at the same time. Both owls learn that the strength they need lies in themselves and that sometimes friendship is a powerful weapon. Lasky uses her interest in owls to expose the reader to this interesting world, employing a combination of scientific and creative vocabulary to educate readers. A sometimes-dark story, this book begins what could be an epic adventure and leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. Fans of animal fantasy will appreciate this, especially those who enjoy the Redwall series. The Capture would be a good language arts complement to the study of owls in a science unit. (Book One, Guardians of Ga'Hoole) Category: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror. KLIATT Codes: J--Recommended for junior high school students. 2003, Scholastic, 220p., $4.99. Ages 12 to 15.

Kathleen McBroom (Library Media Connection, January 2004)
Evil forces are terrorizing Ga'Hoole, the owl kingdom. Eggs are being stolen; fledglings are being kidnapped and delivered to an orphanage where they are brainwashed into mindless drones. Soren, a three-week-old barn owl, is snatched, but finds an ally in Gylfie, an equally young elf owl. Together they manage to resist brainwashing and attempt to find explanations as they plot their escape. They overcome gruesome obstacles, meet assorted villains and heroes, and uncover a horrifying plot involving total domination of their world. They eventually escape and are taken under wing by Twilight, a fiercely independent great gray owl. After a fruitless search for their families, Soren and Gylfie realize they must go to the Island of Hoolemere, where legend says a race of mighty owls dwell. There they hope to reunite with their parents and muster counter-forces. This "Book One" ends as the young owls, accompanied by Digger, a burrowing owl they have befriended, set off on their quest. This is an intriguing debut, featuring well-developed characters, exciting plot twists, and a heroic struggle between good and evil. Details regarding owl behavior are seamlessly threaded into the storyline. Destined to continue in three-month installments, this series will appeal to animal lovers and fantasy epic enthusiasts. Highly Recommended. 2003, Scholastic, 240pp., $4.99 pbk. Ages 9 to 14.

Ann Welton (VOYA, December 2003 (Vol. 26, No. 5))
Soren, a sweet little barn owl who is not quite ready to fly, is booted out of his nest by his evil older brother, Kludd, while his parents are out hunting. Left on the ground to either hide or be eaten, Soren is swept up by an alarmingly large great horned owl and carried off to the St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. At the Academy, his name is replaced with a number, he is told to ask no questions, and put to work as a "picker," pulling apart owl pellets to look for mysterious "flecks." Kept alert by his questioning mind and the steadfast friendship of Gylfie, a likewise kidnapped elf owl, Soren sets out to solve the riddle posed by St. Aggie's and ultimately to escape and help save his owl world from the domination of those running the orphanage. Characterization is merely adequate, but the setting is well realized with enough background to give the owl world depth and history. The plotting, although predictable, is swift and involving, making this first installment in a projected series a compelling read. It will appeal to readers of animal fantasies such as the Redwall series or Avi's Poppy (Orchard, 1995/VOYA June 1996). VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Scholastic, 220p., $4.99 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 15.