The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim

Listen! For I sing of Owen Thorskard: valiant of heart, hopeless at algebra, last in a long line of legendary dragon slayers. Though he had few years and was not built for football, he stood… Read More →

  • Lexile: 1020
  • ATOS: 6.6
  • Dewey: [Fic]
  • Copyright: 2014

Reviews

“Siobhan narrates the story with great teen wit, and conveys her excitement and fear in an authentic teen voice…. [T]hemes of friendship, family, loyalty, and sacrifice will keep readers turning pages.” —Library Media Connection View →

 

“Johnston seamlessly blends fantasy with realistic fiction…. Suggest this title to reluctant readers as the fast-paced plot and witty dialogue will keep them turning pages until the tale’s exciting conclusion. A great addition for any library with a strong fantasy… View →

 

“Siobhan is the true star of this novel, narrating the tale with off-beat humor and a believable teen voice…. Readers who enjoy world-building will enjoy the attention Johnston gives to infusing history and contemporary life with dragons.” — View →

 

“The promising ‘Story of Owen’ is a clever first step in the career of a novelist who, like her troubadour heroine, has many more songs to sing.” —The New York Times Book Review View →

 

“Johnston has created a whip-smart, witty, and utterly inventive alternate history. If this stellar debut is any indication, hers looks to be a bright, long-burning career.” —starred, Quill & Quire View →

 

“Johnston’s masterful book is a refreshing blend of alternative history, high fantasy, and contemporary teen life. Johnston has done careful research for her intricate world building, and the result is strikingly original and believable.” —starred, Booklist View →

 

“…nothing short of epic.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →

 

“Siobhan’s narration sings thanks to her dry wit, intelligence, and ability to see the inherent musicality of life, while also commenting on the unreliability of history (and storytelling) and the power of a community to rally to save itself.” —starred, Publishers… View →

 

“Humor, pathos and wry social commentary unite in a cleverly drawn, marvelously diverse world.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →