“Shari froze in place, eyes as wide as the multitude of glowing silver owl eyes that stared back at her. Or perhaps they leered. It’s so difficult to discern with owl eyes. Especially so many. She could feel scrutiny pressing down upon her, like a weight. Gulping, she tried to smile, in an attempt to ward off any ill-will. If there was any. Maybe these owls were friendly, or at least some sort of guardians who could help her. It was certainly worth asking.” – Emily Kinney, author of The Island of Lote