Review: Three Stars: A book with some unique and intriguing ideas. Fresh and original!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2012
Iris awakens from yet another dream.  Over and over, she dreams of flying to the small island.  Her own Never Never....why does she keep having this reoccurring dream?  Once she awakens, she discovers that she suffered yet another devastating asthma attack.  Her father then informs her she is going on a trip with her caretaker and confidant Diana, but something isn't quite right.  Once Iris reaches the island she realizes it is the same island from her dreams.  It seems that she has forgotten her childhood and old friends including the handsome and mysterious Falcon.  Everything begins spiraling out of control and Iris is on the brink of uncovering some big secrets, including her true identity.....What I Liked:*After reading so many books in the paranormal genre, it isn't often that I run across a book that is fresh and original.  Owlet was one of those reads with some unique ideas unlike anything I have experienced before.  Ms. Michaels presents a race of humans known as the Stryx whose souls are part human and part bird.  No they do not transform into birds, but they all possess traits from the birds with whom they share their souls.  I really enjoyed the interesting ideas and concepts put forth in this one.*This book is full of mythology, poems, songs and stories about the Stryx.  I really enjoyed reading all the legends and stories that surround the race of the Stryx as well as learning their history. Once again, Ms. Michaels presents some wonderful and innovative ideas with her created mythology. If you like books with mythology you should check out this one with its original lore.*I liked the romance in this one.  At first, when Iris returns to the island and meets Falcon it feels a bit like insta love.  For all of you who dislike insta love, fear not this is not one of those romances.  Iris is suffering from a bit of amnesia and she has forgotten her childhood and her friendship with Falcon.  Once she retrieves her memories of Falcon, it is clear that their was a deep bond between the two.  I really liked Falcon. He is kind, patient and so loyal and willing to risk everything for Iris.*I really enjoyed the discussion on the two individual parts of the soul that make up a Stryx.  There is the human half and the bird half, but there is so much more to it than that.  The souls are complex and they can split...I am not doing it justice, it is something you need to read for yourself as it was very intriguing.And The Not So Much:*For me, this book felt more like a novella.  It comes in it at just under one hundred and forty pages so there is not much time to develop an extensive story.  Not that Ms. Michaels doesn't do a good job of packing some great stuff into the short length, but I felt that lengthening the book and taking time to expand on details would have made this a better read.*The other problem I had was pacing.  As I mentioned the short length ended up hindering this book because it ends up moving too quickly through some parts and glossing over details and explanations.  I am a reader that particularly enjoys details and extensive world building and the quick pace didn't allow for this.  Furthermore, the book brought up a lot of questions and few answers.  For instance what happened to Iris' mother? Why were there assassins trying to kill Iris? Who exactly is Caleb? How many different type of bird Stryx are there?  What are their traits? Why did they want to kill certain species?*Finally, the ending felt a bit abrupt.  It isn't a cliffhanger but it ended with so many unanswered questions.  Again, for me this felt like a prequel novella, which isn't a bad thing at all, it is a nice introduction to an interesting new series.Owlet is a quick, short read that packs a punch with its intriguing concepts of humans whose souls are half bird.  This book has plenty of original mythology and history.  I personally enjoyed the lore surrounding the Stryx.  If you are looking for something different and unique in the paranormal genre and want a fast read, check out Owlet.Favorite Quotations:"Leaders are not born; they are made in the difficult moments when others turn their backs.  Love is what makes a true leader, not command.""If you remember yourself, you will remember me.  I am always a part of you.  I am your mother.""Chocolate chip pancakes are more important than grudges.""You should remember what I taught you; you make your own future.  You can be anything you want to be and any person you want to be.  You just have to choose what directions  you take in your life so that it carries you there.""When you were born it was like a part of my soul belonged to you forever and I know your mother felt the same way. You will always be our little girl."I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a promotional tour.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for my review.