The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston
Dragon Slayer of Trondheim bk 1. CarolRhoda Lab, 2014. ISBN
9781467710664
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Science fiction. Fantasy. Music. 2015
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten), William C. Morris YA
Debut Award Nominee (2015), Kirkus Prize Nominee for Young Readers'
Literature (2014). This is the story of Owen Thorskard, slayer of
dragons and his bard Siobhan McQuaid, who tells his story. Set in an
alternative America, where dragons are drawn to fossil fuels, the
people are protected by dragon slayers, who are lured to the cities
by big corporations, leaving small towns unprotected. When the
Thorskards, a legendary dragon fighting family, arrive in Trondheim,
a remote Canadian village, 16 year old Owen faces an onslaught of
dragons with just his sword and his bard to help him.
This is a stunning book. Once I got reading I couldn't put it down.
It is a wonderful and original mixture of modern life, carbon
emission eating dragons and song writing. Owen and Siobhan have to
face ordinary situations at school and extraordinary situations
fighting the dragons and this mixture adds to the humour and
sometimes pathos in the story. A droll social commentary on big
corporations and the environment adds to the interest of the story.
The tale is told in the witty and humorous voice of Siobhan:
'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 between the
town of Trondheim and creatures that threatened its survival.'
The reader gets to know both Owen and Siobhan very well. Owen is a
likeable hero and Siobhan grows as a bard in training and as a sword
wielder while recounting their story. The focus is on the nature of
heroism and partnership rather than romance as the pair learn to
cope with modern life while defending their village and those they
love. They also learn that sacrifices have to be made.
This story was complete in itself. It was such a relief not to be
left on a cliff-hanger! However I am thrilled that there will be
other adventures in the series and eagerly wait for the next book.
Pat Pledger