Kathryn Lasky has long had a fascination with owls. This led her to research their life and behaviour, thinking that she would write a non-fiction book about owls to be illustrated with her husband’s photographs. She soon realised, though, that this would be rather difficult since owls are shy and nocturnal creatures – so she wrote a fantasy series about them instead.

"The fantastical elements are well integrated with the natural history and the result is a convincing and suspenseful fantasy… A compulsive read." School Librarian“With all the right elements – a hero that's destined for greatness and the struggle between light and darkness – Lasky's Guardians debut is a high-flying hoot. Soren's tale is suspenseful and riveting, and by the book's end, readers will even be impressed with how much they've learned about owls. Reminiscent of Brian Jacques's Redwall and Robin Jarvis's Deptford Mice, The Capture is bound to catch fantasy fans in its talons.” Barnes and Noble Reviews“The story's fast pace, menacing bad guys, and flashes of humor make this a good choice for reluctant readers, while the underlying message about the power of legends provides a unifying element and gives strong appeal for fantasy fans.” School Library Journal