I really enjoyed it. It does have some moments that don't flow as well as other parts, chiefly the Jungle and Head Wolf. But I do see where they were needed to set up other parts of the story. Yes, it is dark, but unfortunately true to how our society deals with the mentally ill and elderly. How often do we see/think how they percieve "us", the sane ones. Still, I'd like to read some more of Sarah's adventures. ( )

My confession: I chose this book purely on its title and cover art.
My punishment: I couldn’t finish it.
My lesson: Never judge a book ….. (you get the idea)

I love the protagonist in Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls. She’s an autistic girl named Sarah who can only speak in literary quotes, communicates with inanimate objects, and carries around a two-headed pet dragon named Betwixt and Between. Sarah is a very intriguing character. I wanted to know more about her and her special talents. I kept waiting for the author to develop Sarah, kept hoping for her to rise above the flat characters surrounding her, kept searching for a definition as to what made Sarah so special. Instead, I got the Jungle and Head Wolf.

I hated the Jungle Book element. I found nothing enticing about the Jungle, found it’s leader, Head Wolf, to be an uninspired character and his miscreants even less deserving of Sarah.

I read to where everyone started having sex with everyone and then moved onward. My TBR list is just too long to wait for the author to get to Sarah’s story. I’m not certain she ever would have.

Also Reviewed on The Wild Rumpus Starts Children's Literature Website ( )

Odd story. ( )

This book was maybe a little too dark for me. The concept was good, but I just felt bad for all of the characters most of the time. The writing was good, the concept was interesting and well executed, I just was not drawn in. If you like a gritty reality in your fantasy books, you will probably not have a problem with this book. ( )

It's an enjoyable book, a smooth read, and deceptively science fiction. Anyone with a literature background will certainly enjoy this: hell, you may get more out of it than I did. :) It's an ambitious little novel and it's not perfect, but the language makes it a joy to read.

For a full review, which may or may not include spoilers, just click here: http://calico-reaction.livejournal.co... ( )