The Owling

Shadowside Trilogy #2

by Robert Elmer

This is the story of Oriannon, a very human-looking girl with an extraordinary the ability to record what she sees and experiences like the hard drive of a computer. When the mysterious Jesmet, thought to be a Magician in the Old Order, begins to connect with Oriannon, he is banished to Corista’s Shadowside. On another planet, the new faith of its first Believers is tested in the shadow of evil In book two, readers can contemplate how biblical truths translate in another world. The planet of Corista has been thrown off its axis, and the bright side has been plunged into perpetual darkness. Are the Owling people of Shadowside to blame? With both sides of the planet in chaos, the world becomes even more confusing for 15-year-old Oriannon when her former music mentor Jesmet miraculously returns from the dead and promises his followers a special power called the Wind. But his is not the only offer of hope. Sola, Corista’s charismatic head of Security, proposes the “ultimate solution” for peace, and she recruits Oriannon to help her carry out a seemingly perfect plan. But Oriannon’s closest friends are skeptical and try to convince her that the plan involves evil acts against the Owling. Should Oriannon trust the feelings of her friends? Will she embrace Sola’s solution as the answer to the world’s dilemma? Or will she believe the promise of an Owling holy man before she can no longer discern between light and darkness?

Genres: Young Adult, Christian, Science Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2007

About the author

Robert Elmer is the author of more than fifty books, including contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, nonfiction devotionals like Piercing Heaven and Fount of Heaven (Lexham Press), and seven series for younger readers. Among kids, he is best known for his historicals such as the Young Underground, Adventures Down Under, Life Behind the Wall, and Promise of Zion books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys beachcombing and travel with his wife, and spending time with their three kids and families.

Reviews

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely leaned more into the religious theme than the first book did, but again it didn't feel overly preachy. I enjoy the main characters and I never feel that miscommunication is used as a plot point instead of diving into something deeper. It was fascinating to learn about the true villain behind Sola. I am curious to learn more about that. I'm also wondering what the peaceful conclusion will be to this saga.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an ok book, im not a big Sci Fi fan but it was ok. Of course if i read book 1 first i woulda gave it more stars rating.

My rating for this is a 4 out of 5 stars!!

[Michael McPherson III · Rating 5 out of 5]

fuck sola

[Jill Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Jill Williamson

Orionna Hightower’s shuttle, bound for her hometown of Corista, is hijacked and flown to a nearby way station. Before Orionna can figure out what happened, an Owling scribe begs her to protect a special Pilot Stone. She takes the stone, but a probe comes looking, and the scribe disappears before all her questions are answered. Orionna hurries back to the shuttle, is rushed aboard, and barely manages to sit down before the shuttle takes off and the way station is obliterated in a sudden blast of light.

Orionna can’t believe anyone would destroy a station before evacuating all the people. Over the next few days, she notices a lot of drastic changes in Corista. Her father, an Assembly Elder, is distant and refuses to tell Orionna what is going on. She visits him at work and meets his new advisor, Sola Minnik. At first Orionna is dazzled by the powerful woman who claims to want to help the Owlings. Sola asks Orionna to help, but Orionna’s friends are skeptical. She struggles to discover the truth about what is going on in Corista, even if it means risking her own life.

The Owling is the second book in the Shadowside Trilogy by Robert Elmer. This book was a fitting sequel, but stood very well on its own. Orionna and her friends are truly heroic as they search for truth. Even if they get a bit sidetracked at times, their inner goal is to do what’s right. I like the way Elmer portrays the media in this book. The idea that people shouldn’t always believe everything they see on the news, but seek out the truth for themselves. The Owling is a fun read that could spark some great discussions about trust, faith, and standing up for others.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many YA books about over throwing dystopian societies but this interesting in that it chronicles the rise of the dystopian government and actually shows how ordinary people are duped into giving away all of their freedom.

This is also a continuation of the story line begun in Trion Rising Mentor Jesmet is risen from the dead and his people are being persecuted. The early church is struggling. But what do you expect when it consists of four school children and race of people that the Government refuses to acknowledge as human.

[Kiersten]

This was somewhat slow to start off (I guess Oriannon agreed with me!), but still enjoyable once it gets going. This is full of interesting twists. I feel so sorry for Margus! Definitely on the gloomy side compared to the first book, but still good. I find this a unique series in the light that I've never seen allegorical science fiction before; it's an interesting perspective. i will definitely read the final book in the Shadowside Trilogy.

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*

[Lady Brainsample · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. I'm not sure if this one was supposed to be allegorical...if it was, I missed most of it. Except for Sola being blind at the end. I think that was supposed to be Saul/Paul.