The Owl Service

by Alan Garner
The Owl Service cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 853
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 1981-01-01
  • Formats: 37
  • Reviews: 4
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Paperback • £7.99
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Format • £7.59

The Owl Service is a captivating tale that weaves together elements of mythology and folklore with a compelling narrative. The story revolves around a most unusual dinner service that holds ancient, deadly magic, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide. The book is celebrated for its intricate storytelling and has been recognized with the prestigious Carnegie Medal, highlighting its literary significance. /n/n This enigmatic novel explores themes of identity, tradition, and the power of ancient forces, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary dinner service. The characters' interactions with the service reveal deeper layers of mystery and danger, making it a must-read for those who enjoy thought-provoking and atmospheric fiction.

Reviews
Awfully Big Blog Adventure · Paul May · 2021-09-06
excellent 4.00

The book is gripping and terrifying, with a strong emotional connection to the character Gwyn.

Paul May found the book to be a gripping and terrifying read. He particularly felt for Gwyn, the Welsh boy struggling to better himself. The reviewer's emotional connection to the character and the intense atmosphere of the book are clear. They highlight the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and keep the reader engaged.

Quick quotes

    It was a gripping, terrifying read.

    I felt for Gwyn, the Welsh boy with a chip on his shoulder, struggling to better himself and leave his ...

    The book's atmosphere is intense and engaging.

A Little Book Problem · 2020-07-18
great 4.50

The story is powerful and evocative, with a bare writing style that is magically effective.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's evocative storytelling and sparse writing style. They see it as a magical achievement, highlighting how the simplicity of the prose enhances the power of the narrative. This reviewer clearly appreciates the book's unique approach to storytelling and its emotional impact.

Quick quotes

    This is a really powerful and evocative story,

    written in a bare writing style, which is a feat of magic in itself.

    It's a magical achievement.

The English Student · 2016-09-19
classic 4.00

The reviewer considers the book a classic of young adult literature, noting its publication before the YA genre was well-established.

This review acknowledges the book's status as a classic in young adult literature, highlighting its significance in the genre's history. The reviewer appreciates how the book blends elements of myth and modern storytelling, making it a standout work that has aged well despite being published decades ago.

Quick quotes

    Alan Garner's The Owl Service (1967) is a classic of young adult literature, published before YA was really a thing.

The Guardian · 2011-07-05
mediocre 2.00

The book is not one of the best reads ever, but it's worth checking out from a library. The reviewer suggests it might not be worth purchasing.

The reviewer feels this book isn't a standout read, but still recommends giving it a chance. They suggest borrowing it from a library rather than buying it, indicating they don't see themselves rereading it. This might be due to its lack of lasting appeal or re-readability value. The tone is somewhat dismissive, but they do acknowledge it might be worth a look.

Quick quotes

    Not one of the best reads ever,

    take a look anyway.

    Preferable get it from a library not a bookshop, as you probably won't read it again.

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