“Dragons are the tangible cost of industrialization in E. K. Johnston’s wry young adult novel, ‘The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim.’ . . . 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
★ “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.”—Booklist, Starred Review
★ “In an alternate world where humans and dragons battle over fossil fuels, the tale of one slayer and his bard becomes a celebration of friendship, family, community and calling. . . . It may ‘[take] a village to train a dragon slayer,’ but it takes an exceptional dragon slayer to deserve a village―and a storyteller―like this one.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “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.”—Quill & Quire, Starred Review
★ “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.” ―Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“nothing short of epic.”―The Horn Book Magazine
“The humour is wry, the dialogue snappy, the commentary on our obsession with fossil fuels sharp”—The Globe & Mail
“Johnston focuses on developing rich characters and a detailed alternate history, with mild dragon encounters sprinkled throughout. Readers who enjoy world-building will enjoy the attention Johnston gives to infusing history and contemporary life with dragons.”―VOYA
“Johnston seamlessly blends fantasy with realistic fiction; readers will have a hard time remembering that dragons aren’t an everyday aspect of life.”―School Library Journal
“An interesting commentary on the perils of carbon emissions, action, interesting twists on history, and themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and sacrifice will keep readers turning pages.”―Library Media Connection
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