Ghost Owl

by Nancy Schoellkopf

A spiritual story of discovery
that follows a young woman as she explores
the limits of her potential
and confronts her own shadow.


Twenty-year-old college student Mariah Easter is missing. Her mother and half-brother are frantically searching for her. Her best friend Rafa is poring through her private journals, seeking clues to her whereabouts. But Mariah is unaware of their concern. Blind to any danger, she has slipped into a world where darkness is as bright as noon—but for her eyes only. Embarking on a deep spiritual journey into shadows, she begins peering into the unlit spaces normally hidden from view, leading her to confront the sinister nature of power, the vulnerability of the ill, and the secret life of a homeless man: a winding path that will bring healing to herself and the man she loves.

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2017

About the author

Nancy Schoellkopf is a California poet and novelist who writes stories with spiritual themes. She is the author of the Avian Series of Novels--Yellow-Billed Magpie, Red-Tailed Hawk, and Ghost Owl—as well as the short story collection, Rover. In her books she has created a universe where each soul–orphaned, homeless, autistic, wounded, rich, poor, unremarkable, ageless–is discovered as a luminous gift. She invites the reader to ponder the extraordinary treasures hidden in the ordinary events of daily life.
Based in Sacramento, Nancy spent over 30 years teaching amazing children in Special Education classes in urban school districts. A full-time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden, and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Owl is a story of Mariah Easter. Will she find out about her potential and learn about herself? She seems to struggle with her gift. I love the fact that Nacy shows us away into the afterlife and that maybe we are all reincarnated or we move through space and different dimensions of space.

Is everything an illusion or is it something as we see what want to make or see what we want to see? Is life as we see it or is what we think it is. Could it be that there are different parts of the world that we can travel to any dimensions we want to and choose to live in the dimension where were born or do want to go higher? Is there nothing in this world, we do not exist. We are in the body to experience that lifetime but then shred it and go to another life or travel somewhere else.

As we travel though Mariah Journey, is death even real? Nancy has you guessing and trying to believe that maybe we come back and travel to dimension and live there. It just us making that choice. Are what we pass to the next life and experience higher. Mariah meets someone and what about this new gift and maybe smell she or essence she got. What tribe is part of and why? We learn some of this as we read about Mariah Easter and her journey.

[Leserling Belana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book in Nancy Schoellkopf’s Avian series, so not only was I familiar with most of the characters, but with the subject too: a spiritual journey to the main character’s inner self.

Now, I’m not a spiritual person, but I like the idea that there are things in this world which appear mystic and strange to your average human being. I quite enjoyed the first two sequels, so when asked if interested, I readily agreed to read the Ghost Owl.

Where the first two volumes didn’t stretch my imagination too much, this volume was a lot more taxing. I simply cannot imagine anybody actually having an experience like Mariah has, other than maybe suffering from an undiscovered brain tumor. Then again, I’m sure this isn’t to be taken literally, and although I failed to explain the experiences in any way I can understand, I guess those who live spiritual lives won’t have that problem.

Be that as it may, I decided to read this book as the quest of a young woman, recently bereft of her beloved dad, to find out who she is, and what her goal in life is.

As such, the story reads very well, it is interesting, colourful, and even has suspense in it.

Mariah goes missing, and her best friend Rafa and her half brother Dale try to retrace her steps with the help of Mariah’s journals, which Rafa studies meticulously in search of clues to Mariah’s whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Mariah is blissfully unaware of the frantic search for her, and experiences a lot of ‚Oh‘-moments. When it is getting too much for her to cope with, she returns to her home and the people she loves, and she does know a few things she hadn’t be aware of before.

At first, we’re always a step or two behind Mariah, following her journals, but at some point we catch up with her. It is here that things get quite fantastic, but they’re still interesting. This book will certainly stay with me for a time while I try to figure out what exactly it is it wants to tell me. I know there is a message in there for all of us somewhere, and this message is wrapped in an interesting story, fluently written and very readable.

Disclosure: Thanks to iread book tours for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

[Angela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost Owl Holds a Darker Element. As the book's description suggests, readers should expect to visit some dark places--both figuratively and literally. I think I was initially taken aback by what I felt was a sharp change in Mariah's character and the stronger sexual elements detailed in this third book. The first two books led readers to follow the characters on a more peaceful, mystical journey toward self-discovery. This book takes readers on a journey--but, it's a darker road with a more sinister feel at times.

Ghost Owl is a Stand Alone Novel. Sometimes, when you read a book from a series, you simply need to read the earlier books to form those bonds and connections with the characters and their backstories. I think readers may appreciate the growth and struggles of the characters more if they have read the earlier books--but, may actually find this book easier to settle into its darker elements without pre-formed character images from past novels.

The Author Still Offers Realism Even with the Heavier Fantasy Element. I will admit that this book was more like a paranormal/fantasy novel than a women's fiction piece. I had a more difficult time accepting the magical/fantasy events of this book--and I missed the cleaner, lighter, mystical feel of the earlier books. Having said that--, Ghost Owl simply went a darker route. Both with its magic and its realism and that stayed true to the series. The author takes readers on a journey--and she did manage to tie together the magical darkness of the plot with the real world and her series' characters.

Would I recommend Ghost Owl by Nancy Schoellkopf? I think paranormal fantasy fans--who also enjoy some real-world realism--will enjoy this book. This book has darker, adult themes, mostly sexual in nature, and a heavier, maybe less believable, magical element than the previous books of the series. In spite of that, readers of the series can expect the same character re-discovery and healing of the previous books. I enjoyed the book and I will certainly look forward to more books from the author in this series.

I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read in the Avian series by Nancy Schoellkopf. While a third book, you do not need to read the other two to fully appreciate and understand this one but I would completely recommend it. You can find my reviews of Yellow-Billed Magpie and Red-Tailed Hawk.

In this book, Mariah starts to see the Ghost Owl in her dreams and around her in mysterious ways. The Ghost Owl is an animal that is connected with deep wisdom and people who have this as their spirit animal tend to see beyond what others see and when this animal guides you, you can see true reality beyond illusion. This is what happens to Mariah, she goes on a magical journey to a whole new level of understanding and see life on different levels and dimensions of the same person.

I really enjoyed this book the most out of the series but you do have to pay attention! The concept of the same person having different realities and dimensions can be a bit to take in so you do have to pay attention. Mariah is a very different young woman in this book! It is almost hard to believe to see how much she has grown from the first book. This is one my favourite parts about series - the growth and development of a character.

Ghost Owl is a well written novel that takes you on a magical adventure. It is a story of growth and understanding and completely unique in its plot. It keeps you guessing as to what and where Mariah is going and the why. It is a definite must read in this series, either alone or as part of the other two books.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariah Easter has a strange new ability. It starts as vivid dreams until she realizes that she is on spiritual journeys. She starts journaling them until one day when she disappears. Her best friend Rafa and brother Dale follow her journal to try to find her. At the same time Mariah doesn’t realize that she is missing but is following on her path to learn more about her abilities and what is around her.

This was an interesting read. I admit that I didn’t realize that it is the third book in a series. It can be read as a standalone book but I think you might get more by having a background with the characters. Having said that I will admit that I was a little lost in the beginning because I really didn’t know what was going on.

Once I got into the book a little more it made more sense. This was a journey for both Mariah and me as she learned about herself and those around her. This is an interesting concept with the dimensions and spirituality. You really need to pay attention as you read or you will miss something small and you will have to retrace your steps to figure out what is going on.

This was an interesting read and nothing like what I was expecting. It’s one book I would say try but I would start with the first two books in the series to have a better understanding of what is going on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mariah made a very unique discovery one night which led her on a journey of new discoveries. Most of all, she wanted to discover more about her new "gift" and what it means.This took her into various new places and seeking new experiences.

Her dearest friend and roommate Rafa discovered her missing one day and after many inquiries, realized she had gone missing. Rafa told Dale -Mariah's brother - and her mother so together they could find her.

This is a mystic type of a fantasy relating to a form of reincarnation and the various dimensions of universal existence. It was hard at first for me to connect with, because of the vagueness in the beginning.

The characters were brought to life and the situations were portrayed well. The Book Cover and Title were an okay "fit" , however not depicting the story well.

^Reader Beware: There is some profanity and sexual situations - two quite explicit.

Although, the existence of various dimensions of the universe we do not know about do exist, this was a little too bizarre for me to grasp and enjoy.

This was fairly well written.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
* This book was gifted me with no requirement for a positive review. This is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost Owl was a different read for me. I generally stick with fantasy novels, and this was more of a magical realism novel. I also learned later, this is the third book in a series. It can definitely be read as a standalone. I had no issues getting to know the characters and understanding the story.

Most of the chapters are journal enteris from our main character, Mariah, and narrated from first person POV. The rest are from third person POV of the other characters. I think Nancy Schoellkopf did an amazing job keeping this crisp and clean, as the story flowed fluidly through the chapters. Switching POVs can be tricky, but the author clearly knew what she was doing.

The concept of Ghost Owl was something that took me a bit to latch on to. I understood what was going on, but I think I was too aware I was reading. However, I did enjoy the magical aspects and alternate dimensions. It was an interesting take on how different decisions have different outcomes.

Overall, I enjoyed Ghost Owl once I got into it. I do recommend checking this one out if magical realism is your go to. I would like to read the first two books in the series to get more out of the story.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I had read Red-Tailed Hawk and Yellow-Billed Magpie and I was looking forward to reading another book in Nancy Schoellkopf’s Avian series.

Mariah’s story began in the Red-Tailed Hawk. Even though this is a continuation of her story, this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It is quite a bit stranger than the first two books which just had a touch of fantasy.

Mariah disappears one day after she realizes she has some kind of new power. She tries to figure out exactly what is going on while at the same time, her roommate, mom, stepbrother, and godfather are all trying to find her.

Mariah’s journey has revelations but at the same time, it was confusing for me. There are still things that I’m not quite sure about. I did like how it ended but I enjoyed the first two books in this series better.

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this book is the third in a series but apparently a stand-alone.I think it might have served me well to read the first two books. It took me awhile to get into this book as I felt it started off a bit slow. However, once it got to the heart of what the book was really about, it took off.

Although the summary says the main character embarks on a mission, this was more another dimension that is thrust upon her almost unwillingly, She has to move through the fantasy elements to not only find her "tribe" but to come back to where she began.

I loved that through it all, she discovers more about life than she would have by not having her powers to "see." The twist throughout was just enough to keep me reading.

This book gets 4 stars from me.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is so mysterious

This book is beyond unbelievable. It is a unique read which will keep you in awe. Life is so mysterious. There are magic or situation that is unbelievably to explain. I believe those moments when it happens.

Those powers I wish I have  and am sure it is beyond ordinary. This is a sweet book to read. If you believe in extra ordinary things, then you will love reading this book.  Mariah, inspired me to start writing a journal especially that I am traveling soon. We should write memories just like Mariah.

This book is also about friendship, family and love. We should follow our instincts too. Angels surround us wherever we are. It could be in different forms and we just them. They are mysterious.

[Wander Girl Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost Owl is a third installment in the Avian series, but it can be read as a standalone book too. I haven’t read the first two parts and I read Ghost Owl directly. It is not absolutely necessary to read the first two parts but I would recommend reading it for better understanding of the magical concepts and the characters’ relationships.

The book starts of with our protagonist, Mariah having a strange recurring dream. She realizes that it is just not a dream but much more. She starts to see things as bright as noon even at night. Mariah consults her God father and decides to explore the possibilities. She has different adventures night after night and decides to keep a journal about her experiences.

One day Mariah suddenly goes missing. Everyone is worried for her in the meanwhile Rafa, her roommate discovers her journal and carefully reads it just to find out where she could be. He and Mariah’s half brother, Dale visit places mentioned in Mariah’s journal with a hope of finding her.

The book is divided in twenty seven chapters. Most of the chapters are journal entries from Mariah and from Mariah’s perspective which are narrated from the first person POV. The remaining chapters are from the third person POV of the other characters. The flow of the book is easygoing and the edit seems crisp.

I found the dynamics of the relationship that Mariah and Rafa shared to be complex for my understanding. Since I haven’t read the first two books, it took me a while to latch on to the concept of Ghost Owl and its powers. But soon I understood the concept and started to enjoy my read. What I enjoyed were the parts with magical revelations and the idea of alternate dimensions which exposed the diverse possibilities. It sort of created a metaphor for the readers to think of altering their lifestyles and decisions to lead a life that they actually wish for.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. Although it is not necessary to read the first two book before picking this one up, the other books do lay some fundamental background elements, which make it easier to understand several aspects of this novel.

With a deeper dive into magical realism and the questions surrounding death and existence, this intriguing tale weaves a journey of self-discovery and love.

Mariah Easter writes her strange dreams in a journal. When she goes missing, her best friend, Rafa, hopes the entries can trace her down. Oblivious to the search for her, Mariah is on a discovery of her own. S heads through various experiences, each of which push her to new thoughts and considerations as she unravels what life means to her.

Unlike the first two books in this series, this tale hits the realms of magical realism full swing. Mariah is pulled through many experiences and forms of reality, each one leading her to new realizations. The tone in this book is much darker than the others, and hits on harder material. The paranormal element grips tighter, and questions surrounding death, the meaning of life and spiritual realities are opened up in an entirely new way. While the writing flows smoothly, Mariah's shifting through realities requires concentration and can grow a little foggy at times.Those who indulge in spiritual meanings and searches will find much food for thought.

The story is told from different points of view, each one offering wonderful insight at the right moment. Some chapters are told through Mariah's journal entries, others through Mariah, and others through other characters in the third person. These transitions are clear, never threatening confusion.

While this tale reaches in a new level in Mariah's character development and stretches the concepts of death and life, it takes on a new direction when compared with the first books in the series. Fans of spiritual exploration and the questions surrounding death and reality will enjoy this read.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.