The Story of Owen - by E K Johnston

About the Book

In an alternate world where industrialization has caused many species of carbon-eating dragons to thrive, Owen, a slayer being trained by his famous father and aunt, and Siobahn, his bard, face a dragon infestation near their small town in Canada.

Book Synopsis

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.

There have always been dragons. As far back as history is told, men and women have fought them, loyally defending their villages. Dragon slaying was a proud tradition.

But dragons and humans have one thing in common: an insatiable appetite for fossil fuels. From the moment Henry Ford hired his first dragon slayer, no small town was safe. Dragon slayers flocked to cities, leaving more remote areas unprotected.

Such was Trondheim's fate until Owen Thorskard arrived. At sixteen, with dragons advancing and his grades plummeting, Owen faced impossible odds--armed only with a sword, his legacy, and the classmate who agreed to be his bard.

Listen! I am Siobhan McQuaid. I alone know the story of Owen, the story that changes everything. Listen!

Review Quotes

"...nothing short of epic." --The Horn Book Magazine

-- (3/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Humor, pathos and wry social commentary unite in a cleverly drawn, marvelously diverse world." --starred, Kirkus Reviews

-- (1/15/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Johnston has created a whip-smart, witty, and utterly inventive alternate history. If this stellar debut is any indication, hers looks to be a bright, long-burning career." --starred, Quill & Quire

-- (4/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Johnston seamlessly blends fantasy with realistic fiction.... Suggest this title to reluctant readers as the fast-paced plot and witty dialogue will keep them turning pages until the tale's exciting conclusion. A great addition for any library with a strong fantasy following." --School Library Journal

-- (7/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Johnston's masterful book is a refreshing blend of alternative history, high fantasy, and contemporary teen life. Johnston has done careful research for her intricate world building, and the result is strikingly original and believable." --starred, Booklist

-- (3/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Siobhan is the true star of this novel, narrating the tale with off-beat humor and a believable teen voice.... Readers who enjoy world-building will enjoy the attention Johnston gives to infusing history and contemporary life with dragons." --VOYA

-- (6/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Siobhan narrates the story with great teen wit, and conveys her excitement and fear in an authentic teen voice.... [T]hemes of friendship, family, loyalty, and sacrifice will keep readers turning pages." --Library Media Connection

-- (11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Siobhan's narration sings thanks to her dry wit, intelligence, and ability to see the inherent musicality of life, while also commenting on the unreliability of history (and storytelling) and the power of a community to rally to save itself." --starred, Publishers Weekly

-- (1/20/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"The promising 'Story of Owen' is a clever first step in the career of a novelist who, like her troubadour heroine, has many more songs to sing." --The New York Times Book Review

-- (5/11/2014 12:00:00 AM)