The Bark of the Bog Owl

Some time ago I came across a mention of the The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers at Paraklesis, but I didn't remember much about it. All I remembered was that it was YA Christian fantasy. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the first two volumes in my own church's library! On a whim (and not really from boredom; my to-do list is lengthy!), I brought the first one home today.

The Bark of the Bog Owl isn't a big book; it only took me a couple hours to read. And while it certainly is strongly reminiscent of a favorite story from the Bible's Old Testament, there are plenty enough twists and turns of its own to give it a fresh appeal.

Who wouldn't love a story that begins this way? (and I quote...)

His Majesty, King Darrow of Corenwald,
Protector of the People,
Defender of the Faith,
Keeper of the Island
Tambluff Castle
West Bank of the River Tam
Tambluff, Corenwald

My Dearest King--

You will be glad to learn that I am still available for any quest, adventure, or dangerous mission for which you might need a champion or knight-errant. I specialize in dragon-slaying, but would be happy to fight pirates or invading barbarians if circumstances require. I would even be willing to rescue a fair maiden imprisoned by evil relatives. That would not be my first choice, since I am not of marrying age. Still, in peaceful and prosperous times like these, an adventurer takes whatever work he can find.

As always, I am at your service and eagerly await your reply.

Yours very sincerely,
Aidan Errolson of Longleaf Manor

P.S. I have not yet received an answer to my last letter--or to my fourteen letters before that. Mail service being what it is on the frontier, I assume your replies were lost. I hope you don't mind that I have taken the liberty of writing again.

And thus twelve-year-old Aidan seeks adventures. There would, of course, be no story at all if Aidan didn't find them. Jonathan Rogers spins Aidan's tale out over three novels, and I for one want to read the other two! Any one of you who has a child or enjoys a quick read through a fantasy world will love the story of Aidan.

I found an interview with Jonathan Rogers here. Here's a little quote about writing:

Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block. Lawyers don’t get lawyer’s block. They get up in the morning and do their jobs. Are you a writer? Then get up in the morning and write.

I think I've been told!

One caveat: I'm used to strict rules of point-of-view being adhered to. This author hasn't heard the rules I've heard. Therefore, the reader is privy to the thoughts of many of the story's characters, major or minor. Once I made up my mind to ignore that, the story drew me in.