The Owling

Few authors have the ability to cross not only genres but also age levels the way Robert Elmer does. Whether he is writing a tender love story, a young person's high adventure, or another world drama his talent for story telling is unmatched. The Owling, book two in the Shadowside Trilogy is entertaining and thought- provoking. When fifteen-year old Oriannon Hightower witnessed the death of her mentor, Jesmet, she thought her world was falling apart. His return to life made her life completely baffling. And, when she thought things could get no more complicated, Jesmet returns and promises his followers some sort of special power called the Numa. As Oriannon waits for this unexplained power a new source of hope comes into her life. Sola, the new head of security on planet Corista, proposes the Ultimate Solution for peace. Oriannon is seduced by Sola's power and promises. Is the mysterious holy man or the new charismatic security leader the one to follow? Oriannon must work with her friend Markus to find the real answers, but will they be in time to save their loved ones and friends? The second book in the trilogy does not disappoint. It picks up almost immediately where the first book left off and the action doesn't stop. Readers will meet new characters and old friends. And, as with any book Robert Elmer writes, readers will find themselves drawn into the story and challenged by the message. I recommend this book for anyone, not only young adults. My twelve year old son loves this series also.

Review by Jill Williamson Orionna Hightower's shuttle, bound for her hometown of Corista, is hijacked and flown to a nearby way station. Before Orionna can figure out what happened, an Owling scribe begs her to protect a special Pilot Stone. She takes the stone, but a probe comes looking, and the scribe disappears before all her questions are answered. Orionna hurries back to the shuttle, is rushed aboard, and barely manages to sit down before the shuttle takes off and the way station is obliterated in a sudden blast of light. Orionna can't believe anyone would destroy a station before evacuating all the people. Over the next few days, she notices a lot of drastic changes in Corista. Her father, an Assembly Elder, is distant and refuses to tell Orionna what is going on. She visits him at work and meets his new advisor, Sola Minnik. At first Orionna is dazzled by the powerful woman who claims to want to help the Owlings. Sola asks Orionna to help, but Orionna's friends are skeptical. She struggles to discover the truth about what is going on in Corista, even if it means risking her own life. The Owling is the second book in the Shadowside Trilogy by Robert Elmer. This book was a fitting sequel, but stood very well on its own. Orionna and her friends are truly heroic as they search for truth. Even if they get a bit sidetracked at times, their inner goal is to do what's right. I like the way Elmer portrays the media in this book. The idea that people shouldn't always believe everything they see on the news, but seek out the truth for themselves. The Owling is a fun read that could spark some great discussions about trust, faith, and standing up for others. Make sure you read the first book in the series, Trion Rising (The Shadowside Trilogy, Book 1).

When Oriannon's shuttle home is hijacked and forced to land on a small way station, a mysterious Owling gives her an powerful stone that only she can keep safe. Oriannon accepts the stone and returns home, but more bizarre things are happening. Security destroys the space station and news reports give a false account of what happened. But that's only the beginning. Her father, a powerful Assembly elder, begins acting strange. Their home is searched without reason. But out of this chaos, a new voice rises. Sola, the new Head of Security, promises an Ultimate Solution for peace. Her enthusiasm and apparent openness make Oriannon feel like she's found a sister she never had. But something in Sola's big plan just doesn't add up. Can Oriannon and her friends discover the truth before it's too late? To be honest-- I've never read a sci-fi novel before, so this was a whole new experience for me! But I so enjoyed this book. The story is engaging, and the sci-fi part adds to the tale without distracting from it or burdening the reader with too many techie details. The allegorical references were woven seamlessly into the story and added more depth. I had not read the first Shadowside book before picking this one up, and I still understood the story very easily. Though now I'm anxious to read the first one!

Robert Elmer's "The Owling" is the creative and intelligently written sequel to "Trion Rising". Teen heroine Oriannon returns in this action filled novel of hope for peace and difficult choices. She finds herself torn between Jesmet, her resurrected mentor and Sola, Head of Security for Corista. Both offer a solution for peace, but which will Oriannon choose to support? These Shadowside novels are wonderful. Robert Elmer engages his targeted audience and some adults as well. I am not much of a science fiction/fantasy fan, but I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends!