Tigerpetal Press : Book Review: Exile

The Guardians of Ga’Hoole Book 14: Exile by Kathryn Lasky

I liked it

Second to last book here! (Well, not counting the “additional tales” book that I will also be reading.) I’m getting a bit bored with the repeated plot formula, but hopefully things are finally wrapping up.

Read: May 29 – May 30, 2025

Genre: Fantasy, Fable
Audience: Children, Middle-grade
Book contains: witch hunt, book burning, cult, excessive religion, brainwashing, manipulation, murder, death

Purchase a copy from Indigo.ca

Rinse and Repeat?

Striga (now called “the Striga”), the former dragon owl from the Middle Kingdom, has joined the great tree, and his warnings against vanity and pride have spread. The Harvest Festival has been cancelled, much to many owls’ despair. The Striga is further whispering in Coryn’s ear, and now the Band have been exiled and accused of treason. Can Coryn come to his senses before the whole tree is irreparably changed?

This book was an excellent read, and you really hate the antagonist, but it’s a little frustrating to me that this and the past few books keep following the same formula: the antagonist builds up their forces, there is a big battle between good and evil, good wins, but the antagonist narrowly escapes. It feels like the series could have ended several books ago already, which is diminishing my love of the book itself. I’m getting a little impatient for the end, which you never want in a book series.

This book was written in third person like all the rest, switching between characters—with a particular focus on the villain character and their evil motivations. It must switch between the groups inside the tree and out and how the plot developments are affecting each of them.

I’m back to my pattern of reading in the mornings before work. I read this book the old-fashioned way while enjoying some lovely background music and a hot cup of peppermint tea (the perfect way to enjoy a book)!

I continue to love the Band; they’re always good characters with their priorities in the right place. I was a bit disappointed in Coryn especially here, though, and how easily he was manipulated. It feels like his character wouldn’t allow for that, but I suppose it’s meant to show that it can happen to anyone. However, I was most confused by Striga. While yes, there were hints to his dislike of objects that depict vanity and hints of his brutality at the end of the previous book, it was such a switch-up in this book that felt like it came out of nowhere. I felt like it was reaching a bit and would’ve liked better characterization from the last book.

Of course, since so many characters are changing and being manipulated in this book, there are cracking relationships everywhere—especially between Coryn and his support system. The Band rely heavily on each other as they are cut off from the Tree. Meanwhile, Otulissa, staying behind at the Tree, relies on her few trusted companions: Fritha, Pelli, Bubo, etc. A big focus is placed on attempts to repair said broken relationships.

I will say, though, that Lasky does an excellent job at making me hate the antagonist. He’s burning books, for goodness’ sake! Truly evil. I would find absolutely no faults in it if not for the blindsiding of “Hey, he’s actually really evil underneath!” It’s a twist villain that I felt doesn’t quite land, especially in a children’s book. Otherwise, the storyline is an amazing representation of the dangers of cult behaviour and taking religion too far. Not being able to think for oneself is a big theme in this overarching series as a whole. Plus, the antagonist is justifying his horrid acts with the “saving of souls,” which is not what religion is supposed to be. It’s eerily reminiscent of The Golden Tree but in the exact opposite direction.

Reading this book was like watching a trainwreck: you just can’t look away, even if you don’t like everything that’s going wrong. Therefore, it felt like it flew by. There weren’t any particularly wasteful scenes, nor did it feel like any important scenes were rushed.

I definitely recommend finishing the series, especially at this point. You’re almost there! Each of the books are objectively well-written and entertaining with valuable lessons.

The Guardians of Ga’Hoole Book 14: Exile by Kathryn Lasky

Rinse and Repeat?

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