THE SHATTERING: Guardians of Ga'Hoole - Book Five
by Kathryn Lasky
Scholastic
ISBN: 0439405610
Ages 8-12
176 pages

Eglantine keeps having very odd dreams, and to her hollow mate and friend Primrose, Eglantine’s behavior is downright odd. The two owls used to be such close friends, yet now it seems as if Eglantine is only interested in spending her time with Ginger, a barn owl who was injured when the Ga’Hoole owls battled with the owls who call themselves the “Pure Ones.” Ginger was one of the enemies, but she is now one of them and a member of the Ga’Hoole Tree community.

Though the battle is over and was won by the owls from the Ga’Hoole Tree, no one believes that the Pure Ones have given up. Far from it. They are all sure that the Pure Ones are determined to seize power over all the owls in all the kingdoms, and they are quite certain that this group of misguided creatures will use the mysterious “flecks” to obtain the power they seek. The Guardians of Ga’Hoole must continue to be vigilant and learn all they can about their enemies.

It is only when Soren and his friends start to look into the properties of the deadly flecks further that they make a shocking discovery. It would appear that the flecks have the ability to “shatter” owls, to make them lose their minds and sense of self. They have delusions when they are under the influence of the flecks, and if they are young enough, the effect can be permanent. Clearly the Pure Ones are in the process of using this same power to gain control over all the owls, and it is possible that this course of action has already begun within the owl community of the Ga’Hoole Tree.

It is not long before Soren and his friends, “the Chaw of Chaws,” must once again set off on a rescue mission, and this time it is for none other than Soren’s little sister Eglantine.

Suspenseful and full of unexpected twists and turns, this fifth installment in the “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” series is sure to please readers. The sheer audacity of the plans of the Pure Ones will appall, and the power that lies within the inexplicable flecks will once again make the reader wonder if the Guardians will indeed be able to solve the puzzle before it is too late.

   --- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber, Editor of Through The Looking Glass Children's Book Review (www.lookingglassreview.com)
email: lookingglassreview@direcway.com

Back to top.