Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 9/12/2010 + 1113 more book reviews

I was surprised by how much evil existed in this story - kidnapping, cannibalism, death of parents, owls willingly drained by vampire bats, and an Orwellian 1984-like orphanage where names are replaced with numbers. My kids are excited to see the movie, and my ahead of grade level in reading seven year old read and enjoyed the book before I knew all the details. I'm torn about whether it's a good way for kids to learn about real problems or too much too soon. (I think it is aimed at the upper elementary grades.) It is a page turner, but I'm unsettled by the open ended ending. I guess in a 15 book series I should have known there wouldn't be closure in book one! I do like the heroic believe in yourself stance and the variety of good guys (a snake, eagles, a young owl with an amazing vocabulary, and a tough old "from the streets" type owl) working together.

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