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Owl and the Lost Boy
Return to the world of Amy Wilson's Girl Called Owl in this sparkling seasonal novel from 'the rising star of children's fantasy'.
Being stuck in an eternal summer is not fun. Especially when you're Jack Frost's daughter.
Owl's friend Alberic – who also happens to be the Earl of Autumn's son – is missing. Determined to find him and end the long summer, Owl and her best friend Mallory embark on the adventure of a lifetime that will take them deep into the magical world of winter. But Alberic's disappearance is shrouded in secret, and there's more going on than meets the eye. And what does Owl's mischievous father Jack Frost and his nemesis the Queen of May have to do with it?
Lose yourself in this glittering story of frost, friendship, nature and the elements told with Amy Wilson's trademark magic and heart.
Being stuck in an eternal summer is not fun. Especially when you're Jack Frost's daughter.
Owl's friend Alberic – who also happens to be the Earl of Autumn's son – is missing. Determined to find him and end the long summer, Owl and her best friend Mallory embark on the adventure of a lifetime that will take them deep into the magical world of winter. But Alberic's disappearance is shrouded in secret, and there's more going on than meets the eye. And what does Owl's mischievous father Jack Frost and his nemesis the Queen of May have to do with it?
Lose yourself in this glittering story of frost, friendship, nature and the elements told with Amy Wilson's trademark magic and heart.
292 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2020
About the author
Amy Wilson
9 books104 followersAmy Wilson has a background in journalism and lives in Bristol with her young family. She is a graduate of the Bath Spa MA in Creative Writing and has many owls in her house, from drawer handles to cushions. She is still waiting for them to speak to her...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 15, 2021
Ohhh! Amy Wilson writes the most breathtakingly magical fantasy novels, with the strongest sense of wonder I've ever read in any MG fantasy books since Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising - and she always weaves that fantasy through such wonderful characters. This one is full of complex friendships and imperfect but amazing parent-child relationships, with every delicate nuance picked out so beautifully. It's officially the second book in a series, but I was fine reading this as a standalone (having read Book 1 so many years ago, and while I was going through so much sleep deprivation with a young baby that I genuinely cannot remember a single detail from that first book). I adored Owl, her friends, both of her (very different) parents, and the astonishingly lovely and dangerous fae magic that permeated this whole adventure! And I would LOVE to read more adventures about them in the future...or anything else Amy Wilson chooses to write. She is one of my very favorite fantasy authors for any age group, and every new book feels like SUCH a gift to sink into.
SO highly recommended!
SO highly recommended!
March 19, 2021
After finishing this, I have now read every book by Amy Wilson currently out. I can safely say without a shadow of a doubt, she has become a favorite author..a favorite storyteller. The way she can tell a magical story is just breathtaking. I was so happy to continue back w/Owl, Mallory, & Alberic. I love a good friendship dynamic, & theirs is strong. I also love how even though Mallory isn’t “magical”, but fully human-it in no way takes away from her importance in the story. She is such an amazing friend, & strong & loyal. Owl & Alberic never could have done the things they do w/o her..there’s huge meaning to that in itself. Her qualities as a friend, & who she is as a person, are her own kind of “magical” qualities. Love it. Love her character. The 3 of them together is amazing, & they all need the other. Can’t say too much about the story since it’s the 2nd, but just as much magic, danger, suspense, BEAUTIFUL writing, & just as atmospheric. This made me dread the heat that’s coming, that I’ve been recently craving!😆 I was like nooooo! at the end though lol something is about to happen(not a big deal, it just would have been awesome to see) & then ..”The End” you’re killing me! Lol it ended amazingly, don’t get me wrong. I don’t know if there will be more w/Owl & friends, but I really hope so! Highly recommend! Love these gorgeous covers by Helen Crawford-White too!💜
January 5, 2021
Summer is dragging on and there is no sign of it ending, sapping all Owl's magic and strength with it. She hasn't seen Alberic since the end of school either, so she's sure something has happened to the Earl of October, preventing Autumn from coming. With Jack Frost also missing and the fae court blocked, she doesn't know what to do but she must do something.
I enjoyed this just as much as A Girl Called Owl. The fantastic characters and settings were magical, with very vivid descriptions. The imagery of Time's realm in particular was very clever, I could really picture it looking like that. It was a bit hard to sympathise with Owl hating the heat when I would happily have the endless summers!
I enjoyed this just as much as A Girl Called Owl. The fantastic characters and settings were magical, with very vivid descriptions. The imagery of Time's realm in particular was very clever, I could really picture it looking like that. It was a bit hard to sympathise with Owl hating the heat when I would happily have the endless summers!
November 30, 2020
Fantastic series. Language like poetry with a fantasy plot that will stop time.
November 12, 2020
I will forever be a fan of Amy Wilson's worlds. I've read most of her stories, and I'm always in awe about how she combines traditional fairytale elements with the real world, somehow keeping both sides of the door rich and believable. This second installment in Owl's journey is no different, and I'm certain readers will fall easily back in love with Owl and her friends!
The quick pitch for this series: what if Jack Frost had a daughter? What if she was a quick-witted girl struggling between her human and fae sides, as well as the difficulties of having an elemental trickster as a father? And what if, one year, summer refused to end?
The answer lies in an adventure that traces itself through various fairytale realms (including Time itself) as Owl and her human BFF Mallory attempt to track down Alberic, the son of autumn, after he goes missing and summer tightens her hold on both worlds. Aside from the adventure, I appreciated how Wilson dealt with pretty existential themes about loss, belonging, and loneliness, all from a totally MG-appropriate lens. The pace did occasionally feel quite slow and repetitive, as it often seems like characters have the same conversations about their goals/problems again and again, and I would've liked to have seen more growth in Owl and Mallory --- because despite all the rushing about and soul-searching, I never felt like I could connect with them in that magical way that breathes characters to life. I think, as well, being able to root more deeply for our heroes might've made the pace feel less dogged. But overall, this was a shimmering gem of a tale, and I'd happily recommend it to 9-12 readers who are searching to immerse themselves in the fantastic.
The quick pitch for this series: what if Jack Frost had a daughter? What if she was a quick-witted girl struggling between her human and fae sides, as well as the difficulties of having an elemental trickster as a father? And what if, one year, summer refused to end?
The answer lies in an adventure that traces itself through various fairytale realms (including Time itself) as Owl and her human BFF Mallory attempt to track down Alberic, the son of autumn, after he goes missing and summer tightens her hold on both worlds. Aside from the adventure, I appreciated how Wilson dealt with pretty existential themes about loss, belonging, and loneliness, all from a totally MG-appropriate lens. The pace did occasionally feel quite slow and repetitive, as it often seems like characters have the same conversations about their goals/problems again and again, and I would've liked to have seen more growth in Owl and Mallory --- because despite all the rushing about and soul-searching, I never felt like I could connect with them in that magical way that breathes characters to life. I think, as well, being able to root more deeply for our heroes might've made the pace feel less dogged. But overall, this was a shimmering gem of a tale, and I'd happily recommend it to 9-12 readers who are searching to immerse themselves in the fantastic.
January 31, 2021
One of my most anticipated books of the year 😍 🍁🍂❄️❄️
I have loved Owl and her world since the first time I read the book A girl Called Owl, which was a fantastic, heart warming adventure story, about finding who you are 💓
Owl and the lost boy was a wonderful dive back into Owl’s world and the magic that surrounds her.
Somehow Amy Wilson alway seems to get the reader to connect with her characters. This story was no exception, because I fell more in love with Owl, Alberic and Mallory!
Within this story you dive more deeper into the fae world and what problems the charcaters must over come together!
This is a beautiful book all about over coming, believe in yourself, and not to get caught up in time. I think that is a very important message 💕
I do hope in the future we get more books within Owl’s wonderful magical world of the fae and their mayhem and mischief 💓
It is so enchantingly read about these characters, and I feel as if I have created a bond with them.
This was a wonderful read 😊
I have loved Owl and her world since the first time I read the book A girl Called Owl, which was a fantastic, heart warming adventure story, about finding who you are 💓
Owl and the lost boy was a wonderful dive back into Owl’s world and the magic that surrounds her.
Somehow Amy Wilson alway seems to get the reader to connect with her characters. This story was no exception, because I fell more in love with Owl, Alberic and Mallory!
Within this story you dive more deeper into the fae world and what problems the charcaters must over come together!
This is a beautiful book all about over coming, believe in yourself, and not to get caught up in time. I think that is a very important message 💕
I do hope in the future we get more books within Owl’s wonderful magical world of the fae and their mayhem and mischief 💓
It is so enchantingly read about these characters, and I feel as if I have created a bond with them.
This was a wonderful read 😊
October 9, 2020
I loved this follow-up to 'A girl called Owl' even more than the first. It has the amazing world-building, unbelievably-believable fantasy of the first, with even more wonder, emotion and terror! At its heart is the story of Owl and her friends Mallory and Alberic, trying to understand their strengths and the world they find themselves in. Along the way we reacquaint ourselves with Lady Midday (trying to keep summer forever), the haughty Lord Autumn and the Lady of the Lake, and meet new ones, such as Father Time. But who will triumph in the epic battle of summer and winter?
Recommended to fantasy-lovers aged about 10 plus.
Recommended to fantasy-lovers aged about 10 plus.
October 15, 2020
Owl returns in this sequel to A Girl Called Owl, together with her friend Mallory and their friend Alberic is missing. Summer is still going strong in November, which is not only uncomfortable for the average human, but is devastating if you happen to be Jack Frost's daughter. Things have gone magically wrong, Owl cannot gain access to the fae on her own and she and Mallory must struggle together against bitter opposition in order to find Alberic and release his father the Earl of October from Time.
Amy Wilson has written a wonderful sequel, it is as beautifully written and as gripping as A Girl Called Owl. She writes with sensitivity about the natural world and the illustrations are beautiful. I will definitely be following Owl and her friends on any future adventures and will be purchasing them for my grandchildren very soon. Magic and the natural world is a definite winner for me and if you haven't tried them yet please give yourself a treat. Aimed at children aged 9 to 11 but reading ages are not set in stone. Very, very highly recommended.
Amy Wilson has written a wonderful sequel, it is as beautifully written and as gripping as A Girl Called Owl. She writes with sensitivity about the natural world and the illustrations are beautiful. I will definitely be following Owl and her friends on any future adventures and will be purchasing them for my grandchildren very soon. Magic and the natural world is a definite winner for me and if you haven't tried them yet please give yourself a treat. Aimed at children aged 9 to 11 but reading ages are not set in stone. Very, very highly recommended.
February 5, 2021
Locked in a seemingly eternal summer, Owl is feeling suffocated by the never-ending heat. She knows they must find a way to bring Autumn to her world and the key to restoring the natural order is to find Alberic who has mysteriously disappeared. But dark forces are at work in the magical world, there are those who would stop at nothing to stay in control. Can Owl and her best friends find a way to break the battle between the elements before it is too late? Mesmerising storytelling at it’s very best, Amy has delivered a truly stunning sequel that completely swept me away. She seamlessly weaves together the contemporary and magical worlds creating this totally believable place where the elements are at war. The characterisation is sublime as we see Owl and Alberic both realise where their destinies lie as they struggle to make sense of their positions within the fae and the real world. Completely enchanting, I absolutely loved this wonderfully atmospheric and compelling tale.
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July 15, 2021The first in this series (which fantasticfiction has yet to acknowledge as a series) went around as a bookcrossing bookray, and those of us in on it greatly enjoyed it, to the extent that one of the participants kindly procured a copy of this, the second, and has made it available.
This continued much in the same vein as the first, with the same characters. It seems there has been a falling out between Owl and Mallery, but I didn't remember that from the end of the previous book. Soon the team is back together, first working to find Albaric, then to pretty much save the world.
There is a flavor of more to come, and I'd be glad to re-enter this rather magical world. The Fae and their cohorts are mostly not the kindly spirits one might hope, but here the theme of belonging and home come to the fore. Another good read.
This continued much in the same vein as the first, with the same characters. It seems there has been a falling out between Owl and Mallery, but I didn't remember that from the end of the previous book. Soon the team is back together, first working to find Albaric, then to pretty much save the world.
There is a flavor of more to come, and I'd be glad to re-enter this rather magical world. The Fae and their cohorts are mostly not the kindly spirits one might hope, but here the theme of belonging and home come to the fore. Another good read.
November 28, 2020
I like Amy Wilson's books. Her plots and characters are solid and they have a feel of old classic children's books, but also feel modern enough to please today's middle grade reader.
This book is no exception. It's the sequel to A Girl Called Owl, about a girl who finds out that her father is Jack Frost, and that she's half fairy. (I haven't read the first book, I don't think you need to to read and understand this one, but you might like to) This time, Owl finds herself getting involved when a friend goes missing and it seems like something has gone wrong in the other world. It's a lovely little adventure. I found it a little slow to get going, but it's an enjoyable read for kids of the right age.
This one was sent to me my PGC books as an ARC for review.
This book is no exception. It's the sequel to A Girl Called Owl, about a girl who finds out that her father is Jack Frost, and that she's half fairy. (I haven't read the first book, I don't think you need to to read and understand this one, but you might like to) This time, Owl finds herself getting involved when a friend goes missing and it seems like something has gone wrong in the other world. It's a lovely little adventure. I found it a little slow to get going, but it's an enjoyable read for kids of the right age.
This one was sent to me my PGC books as an ARC for review.
August 7, 2020
The sequel to A Girl Called Owl, Owl and the Lost Boy picks up the adventures of Owl and her friends, Mallory and Alberic. However, Alberic is missing, as is his father, the Earl of Autumn, and without them summer cannot end. Stuck in the eternal summer, Owl must find Alberic and confront Time himself.
Another super fantasy adventure.
Another super fantasy adventure.
August 7, 2020
It’s so wonderful to be back in the world where magic, the elements and power are so apparent. I absolutely adored the messages about friendship, believing in yourself and owning who you are in this. This world, these characters and the humanity of it just breathes such life into the world. Just gorgeous! So lovely to be back with Jack again too.
February 11, 2021
3 🌟
This book has the same vibe as its prequel.
It was oddly paced at times and the story was abruptly over. Therefore I didn't like the ending at all. What happens with Alberic and Mallory? We don't know! This is something I don't really like if it has an abrupt end, especially in Middle Grade.
I still recommend this book! Was this sequel necessary? No not really but it was a fun ride!
This book has the same vibe as its prequel.
It was oddly paced at times and the story was abruptly over. Therefore I didn't like the ending at all. What happens with Alberic and Mallory? We don't know! This is something I don't really like if it has an abrupt end, especially in Middle Grade.
I still recommend this book! Was this sequel necessary? No not really but it was a fun ride!
October 7, 2020
Another great book in the series.
We find owl and her friends wondering what has happened to autumn, they must work together to prevent summer all year round?
What a joy to meet up with old friends.
Fingers crossed for a new book in the series.
We find owl and her friends wondering what has happened to autumn, they must work together to prevent summer all year round?
What a joy to meet up with old friends.
Fingers crossed for a new book in the series.
November 2, 2020
ARC Copy...it was nice to see the continuing adventures and Owl and her emotional journey of dealing with her "magical status" along with having to navigate fae court social-politics and her legacy of her unusual family.
July 20, 2024
This book was very good and I really enjoyed it.I loved how friendship was involved in this 📖 book.And it shows the importance for always being there for each other and Yh.I just loved it. I loved how owl is also able to get along with her father in this book.👍🏾
October 14, 2020
Absolutely brilliant. It was so good to be back with Owl and Co. Devoured this and didn't want it to end. Everything Amy Wilson writes is just magical.
November 28, 2020
Fae, family and friends, I loved this story from expert middle grade author Amy Wilson.
May 6, 2021
A good follow-up to the first of the series, “A Girl Called Owl”. I love both these books and would recommend them to anyone who likes a bit of fantasy.
September 13, 2021
Owl and the lost boy is a very interesting and adventurous book where Owl's friend Alberic went missing and they go on an adventure-seeking journey to find Alberic.
February 22, 2022
OMG I LOVED how low let Mallory go with her!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
Wow what a book
June 21, 2022
A good read.
October 22, 2022
Autumn adventures
A must read, capturing the seasons of friendships, change and growth!
A captivating tale and hope to read more adventures about Owl, Alberic and Mallory.
A must read, capturing the seasons of friendships, change and growth!
A captivating tale and hope to read more adventures about Owl, Alberic and Mallory.
February 3, 2023
An improvement over the first Owl book, in my opinion. It doesn't feel as derivative as the first one at the very least.
August 3, 2023
I haven’t read previous book in series but was easy to pick up storyline. Great characters and storyline - would recommend for 8-12 year olds
April 4, 2024
Nice story, a bit rushed and muddled, but definitely a fun read as a pallet cleanser book.
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December 28, 2025Another great book by Amy Wilson!
August 15, 2021
Add Fairy tales + Modern day problems and you get the perfect potion for a legend.
The summer was endless and when you are the daughter of Jack frost that is not the season of your dreams. To make matters worse Owl's friend Alberic is nowhere to be found. Summer stretches on and on with no sign of ever ending!
Even the Fae cant help since they have problems of their own. Finally they find out where Alberic has disappeared to but it's a place forbidden by Mother Earth herself!
Can Owl and her best friend Mallory Save their friend and end summer before it's to late?
The summer was endless and when you are the daughter of Jack frost that is not the season of your dreams. To make matters worse Owl's friend Alberic is nowhere to be found. Summer stretches on and on with no sign of ever ending!
Even the Fae cant help since they have problems of their own. Finally they find out where Alberic has disappeared to but it's a place forbidden by Mother Earth herself!
Can Owl and her best friend Mallory Save their friend and end summer before it's to late?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews