


Guardians of Ga'Hoole
3 books
Here are 3 books from the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky. Start with The Capture (2003), then read the rest in the order below. Books without a series number are listed in publication order.
Books in order

The Capture
Kathryn Lasky
Soren, a young barn owl, is cast out of his nest and faces a perilous fate, only to be discovered by enigmatic figures from St. Aggie's, a secluded academy for orphaned owls. Alongside a resourceful companion named Gylfie, Soren embarks on a journey of discovery within the school's walls. Together, they begin to unravel a sinister plot orchestrated by the academy's leadership, a conspiracy that threatens the very balance of the owl world. This gripping tale explores themes of courage, friendship, and the fight against tyranny, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined avian society.

The War of the Ember
Kathryn Lasky
When the feared Striga is driven from the Great Ga’Hoole Tree, the owl kingdoms finally taste peace—and with it, a renewed hunger for learning, music, and the arts. But tranquility proves fragile: old loyalties and hidden dangers stir as Nyra, the ruthless leader of the Pure Ones, may be gone—or may be plotting from the shadows. As knowledge spreads across the realm, young owls and seasoned guardians alike must confront what it truly means to protect a community without letting fear return in disguise. Blending high-stakes adventure with themes of resilience, moral choice, and the power of culture to heal, this installment showcases Kathryn Lasky’s vivid, fast-moving storytelling and sweeping sense of mythic conflict.

The Rise of a Legend
Kathryn Lasky
Before he becomes a Guardian of Ga’Hoole, Ezylryb the screech owl must earn his place through danger, loyalty, and hard-won courage. In this prequel, he recounts his rise through the ranks of the Killian Army, the betrayal that fractures his world, and the unexpected friendship that helps him keep his moral compass when survival demands compromise. Blending high-stakes adventure with themes of identity, trust, and redemption, the story explores how legends are forged—not in triumph alone, but in the choices made under pressure. Kathryn Lasky’s vivid, fast-moving storytelling brings the Northern Kingdoms to life with the same sense of wonder and grit that defines the Ga’Hoole saga.