Exile (Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series #14) by Kathryn Lasky

Synopsis

The Striga, former dragon owl from the Middle Kingdom beyond the Unnamed Sea, has come to stay at the great tree. He has earned the trust of all by saving Bell, Soren's owlet, from Nyra, and he grows daily closer to the young king Coryn, with whom he seems to share a strange bond. The Striga senses the power of the ember hidden in Bubo's forge and draws it closer. As his power waxes, he accuses the Band of treason and produces flimsy evidence to support his abominable claim. And so the Band is exiled, strengthening the Striga's hold over Coryn.
The Band seeks refuge in distant forests and enlists the help of old friends, but every action they take is construed as further treason, and agents of the Striga - former Guardians - hunt them mercilessly, until for safety sake the band itself must separate. They devise as system of messages and alarms and so communicate despite their isolation. Old friends, loyal family and allies help devise a plan to shake the hold the Striga has on Coryn and to free the young king and the tree from this new, insidious tyranny. It will take courage, daring and wisdom, but the Band will meet the new challenge - for the sake of the king, and the Great Ga'Hoole Tree.

Children's Literature

This is the fourteenth book in the "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" series. The Harvest Festival is soon, and everyone one is excited about the upcoming celebration. Everyone, that is, except for a welcomed newcomer to the tree who believes that the tradition is pure vanity and that vanity will lead to destruction. Striga, the newcomer, is the founder of the Blue Feather Club aimed at coaxing young owls to rid themselves of their vanities early. The counselor to Coryn, who feels indebted to Striga for his help, has adopted his philosophy. Coryn convinces Otulissa and the others to conduct a wind experiment instead of celebrating the Harvest Festival due to Striga's influence. Not everyone is happy about all the changes that Striga has brought to their tree; some worry that Striga has too much power over Coryn. Soon, Striga's true intentions become clear. But is it too late? What do owls do when they are forced from their tree? Can they ever go back? You must read this action-filled book to find out. This latest book is not the place to start reading the series because there are so many characters and relationships that a new reader will not truly understand. The vocabulary may be a bit difficult for reluctant readers in grades three through six. Reviewer: Laura J. Brown