Owlflight

The story is set in the world of Valdemar, a land of magic and mythical creatures. The main character is Darian, a young orphan who has grown up in the forest with his mentor, a healer named Keisha. Darian has always felt a connection to the forest and its inhabitants, especially the owls. He has a special ability to communicate with them and has even been able to train some of them to do his bidding.

Darian’s life changes when he is discovered by the Companions, magical horses that serve as the protectors of Valdemar. The Companions are sentient beings that choose their riders based on their character and abilities. Darian is chosen by a Companion named Kestrel, who recognizes his potential as a mage.

Darian is taken to the Collegium, a school for mages, where he begins his training. He is initially overwhelmed by the new environment and the expectations placed upon him. However, he quickly adapts and begins to excel in his studies. He also makes new friends, including a fellow student named Talia, who becomes his closest ally.

As Darian progresses in his training, he discovers that there is a dark force at work in Valdemar. A group of rogue mages, known as the Tayledras, are using their magic for their own selfish purposes. They are also responsible for the disappearance of several young mages, including Darian’s friend Talia.

Darian and Kestrel set out to investigate the Tayledras and rescue the missing mages. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles and enemies, including a powerful dragon and a group of bandits. Darian also learns more about his own abilities and the true nature of his connection to the forest.

The audiobook version of Owlflight is a well-produced and engaging adaptation of the novel. Kevin T. Collins does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and conveying the emotions and action of the story. His narration is clear and easy to follow, and he does a good job of distinguishing between the different characters.

One of the strengths of the audiobook is the way it captures the sense of wonder and magic that is central to the story. The descriptions of the forest and its inhabitants are vivid and evocative, and the scenes of Darian communicating with the owls are particularly enchanting. Collins’ narration adds to the sense of wonder, making the listener feel as though they are experiencing the magic of Valdemar firsthand.

Another strength of the audiobook is the way it handles the action scenes. The novel has several exciting set pieces, including a battle with a dragon and a confrontation with the Tayledras. Collins does an excellent job of conveying the tension and excitement of these scenes, making them feel like cinematic action sequences.

The characterizations in the audiobook are also strong. Darian is a likable and relatable protagonist, and Collins does a good job of conveying his sense of wonder and his growing confidence as a mage. Talia is also a well-drawn character, and her friendship with Darian is one of the highlights of the story. The other characters, including the Companions and the various mages, are also well-realized and distinct.

One of the few weaknesses of the audiobook is the pacing. The novel is fairly slow-paced, with a lot of emphasis on Darian’s training and his interactions with the other mages. While this is necessary for the story, it can make the audiobook feel a bit slow at times. However, Collins’ narration helps to keep the listener engaged, even during the slower sections.

Overall, Owlflight is a well-written and engaging fantasy novel that is well-suited to the audiobook format. Kevin T. Collins’ narration is excellent, bringing the characters and the world of Valdemar to life. The audiobook is recommended for fans of fantasy and for anyone looking for an engaging and magical story.