Owl King

Feathers and folktales. This had me flying to the gameshelf and pulling out cards from Wingspan to prove look, here’s birds, I know birds!

Islette has always been wary of other fairies, but when the ruthless Owl King selects her sister Lyla as his next ill-fated bride, she risks everything to find the one thing which might free her. But clues from bedtime tales might hold deeper secrets, and it will take all of her courage, musical talent, and bargains with new allies to accomplish her goal before the moons fade. And unbeknownst to Islette, her Lyla has plans of her own.

This tale of sisters blends fairy tale and Scheherazadian magic - while Islette encounters wondrous and dangerous new fae, Lyla intrigues the Owl King with fables of show more the birds, their kindred people. Their quest dwells on the power of stories, the importance of owning mistakes, taking action when all options seem bittersweet, kindness rewarded by kindness, and unexpected love. There’s a half dozen or more short tales sprinkled throughout (best guess, I didn’t count) and I looked forward to each as much as the main story. I loved getting to explore a new kingdom within the fairy realms, told with what I'd now consider the author's signature craft - beautiful descriptions and a knack for saying just enough.

Although this series can be read in any order, I enjoyed recognizing the returning characters and I think it is stronger with that context.

(And now, book 3 has been announced. Huzzah!)

**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!** show less

Loved this story! 4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed the smaller fairytales within the larger story, as they added so much whimsy, texture, and ambiance, in addition to complementing Ilsette’s journey and fleshing out the romance between Lyla and the Owl King. The magpie was a great character as well and helped secure that nice ending I was looking for without it feeling too overdone. I liked this book so much that I actually went back and read Nettle, the first book in this series, and thought it was cool how they connected but could be read as standalones. Will absolutely be watching for another book in this series!

Thank you for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was so fun. Easily read in a day, beautiful art, very wonderful story. The characters were all so fun! I haven't read Nettle (book 1) but I am curious to check it out (also the 3rd book?)

You can't make me hate the dude then care about him and feel this way. Very rude to make me this sad.