The Bark of the Bog Owl

My Dearest King–

You will be glad to learn that I am still available for any quest, adventure, or dangerous mission for which you might need a champion or knight-errant. I specialize in dragon-slaying, but would be happy to fight pirates or invading barbarians if circumstances require…

So begins the story of Aidan Errolson, a boy with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. The Bark of the Bog Owl, the first book of Jonathan Rogers’ Wilderking Trilogy, is at a basic level a retelling of the Old Testament story of David and Goliath, but Rogers moves far beyond this basic level in creating a unique story about a boy who is called upon to do great things flanked by a motley collection of comrades and a series of unusual show more occurrences.

Although there are some parallel characters, Aidan Errolson (David), King Darrow (King Saul), Bayard the Truth Speaker (Prophet Samuel), Greidawl (Goliath), Rogers also creates some original ones such as Dobro of the fascinating Feechiefolk. Even the parallel characters have been developed so that readers gain a new sense of what their experiences must have been like and the courage that it must have taken for a small boy to face not only a giant but also the derision of his own brothers and people.

When Aidan doubts himself, Bayard tells him, “Live the life that unfolds before you.” The story pits small Corenwald and the one God against the mighty Pyrthens and their many gods. As Aidan prepares to face Greidawl he proclaims, “If I am defeated tomorrow, I want to die as I have lived–a shepherd boy, with the sun on my forehead and the breeze in my hair. But if I overcome, everyone must know that the One God, and not Aidan Errolson, is the Champion of Corenwald. Neither arms nor armor can deliver Corenwald–only the arm of the One God.” Now those would make some great famous last words, but, fortunately, they aren’t his last words as everyone knows that David defeats Goliath (or in this case, Aidan defeats Greidawl).

Although Aidan’s choices and the ending are somewhat of foregone conclusions, Rogers moves the story along and keeps it interesting by throwing in some humor, adding characters, creating increasingly grand action episodes, and changing of scenery. As Aidan’s adventures increase in scope, the setting shifts easily from Tambluff Castle, to Feechiefen Swamp, to Bonifay Plain, and beyond. Plus, the inclusion of a giant helps along the cause of getting the blood pumping and the pages turning.

The first book in the Wilderking Trilogy, The Bark of the Bog Owl speaks to love for God and country, faith, bravery, and overcoming seemingly impossible odds. The remaining two books of the trilogy appear promising to do more of the same (book 2: The Secret of the Swamp King (2005) and book 3: The Way of the Wilderking (2006)). show less

Courage and a heart for adventure drive twelve-year-old shepherd boy Aidan Errolson. When the bark of the bog owl echoes from the forest across his father's well-tended pastures, Aidan dreams of wild places still untamed and quests not yet pursued.

Aidan's life changes forever on the day Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives at Longleaf with an astonishing pronouncement: it is Aidan's destiny to be the Wilderking, who will ascend to the throne from Corenwald's wildest places. Only the Wilderking can balance his people's civilizing impulses with the wildness that gives Corenwald its vitality. But not just yet. Many trials and adventures will shape the shaggy-headed shepherd boy into the man who can bring the kingdom back to its former glory.

Courage and a heart for adventure drive twelve-year-old shepherd boy Aidan Errolson. When the bark of the bog owl echoes from the forest across his father's well-tended pastures, Aidan dreams of wild places still untamed and quests not yet pursued.

Aidan's life changes forever on the day Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives at Longleaf with an astonishing pronouncement: it is Aidan's destiny to be the Wilderking, who will ascend to the throne from Corenwald's wildest places. Only the Wilderking can balance his people's civilizing impulses with the wildness that gives Corenwald its vitality. But not just yet. Many trials and adventures will shape the shaggy-headed shepherd boy into the man who can bring the kingdom back to its former glory.

Courage and a heart for adventure drive twelve-year-old shepherd boy Aidan Errolson. When the bark of the bog owl echoes from the forest across his father's well-tended pastures, Aidan dreams of wild places still untamed and quests not yet pursued.

Aidan's life changes forever on the day Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives at Longleaf with an astonishing pronouncement: it is Aidan's destiny to be the Wilderking, who will ascend to the throne from Corenwald's wildest places. Only the Wilderking can balance his people's civilizing impulses with the wildness that gives Corenwald its vitality. But not just yet. Many trials and adventures will shape the shaggy-headed shepherd boy into the man who can bring the kingdom back to its former glory.

This is a hugely creative and rollicking romp into a fun and imaginative world! I enjoyed the retelling of the David and Goliath story, and appreciated how the author brought elements of it to life I’d not thought about before.

Looking forward to the next book in the series; glad they’re all out so I can binge read accordingly!

• 240 pages
• Fantasty/1st book in Wilderking Trilogy

A retelling of the story of David and Goliath, centered around a 12-year-old shepherd named Aidan who longs for adventure and to fight for King Darrow of Corenwald. The youngest of 6 brothers, he is chosen by the prophet Bayard to save Corenwald, not just from the Prythen armies, but from themselves.

Beautiful writing with wonderful themes of courage, steadfastness, and loyalty for young readers, with many inspiring quotes, e.g., “live the life that unfolds before you. Love goodness more than you fear evil” and “We overcame because the One God fought on our behalf – the God who asks only that we act justly, love mercy, walk humbly… In our comfort, we have forgotten that show more virtue is hard. In our wealth, we have forgotten that freedom is expensive.”

Another great one for a family read-aloud, but easily read by a 4th grader show less

We absolutely LOVED this book!!! I read this aloud to my children (10, 14, and 16) but younger children would really enjoy it too. When I read it aloud, I gave the Feechies a southern, hills accent. Very fun!