The Guardians Of Ga’Hoole Books In Order

The Guardians of Ga’Hoole is a fantasy series written by Kathryn Lansky. Comprising sixteen books, it has several related spin-offs.

It was also adapted into a film: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, which Zack Snyder directed, and into a video game of the same name.

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole Books in Order

If you’re interested in The Guardians of Ga’Hoole, we have compiled an order of books for you to follow.

Take a look at our summary if you want any further reading about the spin-offs.

About The Guardians Of Ga’Hoole

The Guardians of Ga’Hoole focuses on Soren, a young barn owl, and his nephew, Coryn.

Throughout this story, we explore the battle between the Guardians of Ga’Hoole and the Pure Ones, who believe only certain owls are worthy of existing.

The themes within this book include the battle between good versus evil, friendship, found family, and war.

Many mature themes in this series may surprise some parents, so you should consider whether your child is ready to read them.

You’ll find some books involving kidnapping, death, and gruesome moments within the series that may not be suitable for younger readers.

The Guardians Of Ga’Hoole Books In Order

The Capture

The Capture (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 1)

When Soren’s older brother pushes him out of the family nest, he is rescued by members of St. Aggie’s, a mysterious school for orphaned owls.

Soren makes a new friend, Gylfie, and they uncover dark secrets about the school and plan their escape together.

Pros

  • A great fantasy story that is also incredibly informative about owls.

Cons

  • There are a lot of themes that may not be suitable for younger children.

The Journey

The Journey

Soren and his Band go on a journey to find the Great Ga’Hoole Tree to reveal the dark secrets of St. Aggie’s.

However, when they get there, they are tested and face challenges to become true Ga’Hoolian owls.

Pros

  • It offers more world-building that makes the setting richer.

Cons

  • It’s very slow-paced, so it feels like very little happens.

The Rescue

The Rescue (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 3) 1st (first) Edition by Lasky, Kathryn [2004]

Since he was kidnapped by St. Aggie’s, Soren has missed his sister, Eglantine, and wanted to see her again.

Now that his sister is back in his life, he discovers that she has been through a terrible ordeal. Not only this, but Soren’s mentor, Ezylryb, has disappeared.

Now, he must go on a quest to rescue his mentor and face a threat that could destroy the owl’s kingdom.

Pros

  • There is more depth in the series’s lore.

Cons

  • Several inconsistencies in the plot don’t make sense.

The Siege

The Siege (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 4)

Tensions erupt as the sides of good and evil wage war against each other. On the side of the Pure Ones is Kludd, driven by his need for power.

As the Great Ga’Hoole Tree is attacked, Soren is sent as the leader on their mission to St. Aggie’s, where they must enter the school as spies.

Pros

  • The story becomes more intense, and we can see the change in the atmosphere.

Cons

  • The villains have very little motivation outside of just being evil.

The Shattering

(The Shattering (Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Book 5)) [By: Lasky, Kathryn] [Sep, 2011]

Eglantine falls under the spell of an unusual dream, and just as her brother notices, she disappears.

These dreams eventually become a reality, and Soren needs to lead his Band to rescue her. Heading to the treacherous Beaks, they don’t expect the dangers that await them.

Pros

  • It offers a fresh perspective from Eglantine’s view.

Cons

  • This feels like filler to finish Soren’s story.

The Burning

The Burning (Guardians of Ga'Hoole #6) (6)

Soren and his friends fly to the Northern Kingdoms to search for allies and learn more about war.

As St. Aggie’s falls to the Pure Ones, Ga’Hoole is in more danger than ever. Soren and his friends need to succeed in their mission, or they are all sure to fall.

Pros

  • It concludes Soren’s and Kludd’s story.

Cons

  • The timeline could be more consistent and easier to follow.

The Hatchling

Guardians Of Ga'Hoole #7: The Hatchling: The Hatchling (7)

Nyroc, Kludd and Nyra’s son, is born, destined to lead the Pure Ones. Nyra raises him to follow his father’s terrible plan, but Nyroc doubts his destiny.

He heard legends of Ga’Hoole, and with his friend, he must choose whether he should follow his destiny or change it.

Pros

  • It introduces a new hero to follow.

Cons

  • The second half of the novel drags.

The Outcast

Guardians Of Ga'Hoole #8: The Outcast: The Outcast (8)

Nyroc is haunted and hunted by his mother and her allies, and although he wants to head to the Great Tree, he cannot.

However, Nyroc has had a glimpse of a new destiny. He journeys to The Beyond, a barren landscape where fire splits the sky.

Pros

  • It ties two generations of characters together.

Cons

  • The prophecy trope has been used many times.

The First Collier

The First Collier (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 9)

Ezylryb orders Soren and Coryn to read the legends of Ga’Hoole, which he has kept hidden in his private library.

Here, they learn about the young king and queen and how Grank, their most loyal friend, studies all kinds of things from amazing lands. But when they need help, Grank comes to their aid.

Pros

  • It explores the history of the world in a new trilogy.

Cons

  • Introduces never-before-seen aspects of the plot from out of nowhere.

The Coming Of Hoole

The Coming of Hoole (Guardians of Ga'hoole)

Soren, Coryn, and the Band continue to read the Legends of Ga’Hoole to find the danger ahead for the Guardians.

They continue reading to learn more about the Grizzled collier tending a young prince, a monk who dons battle claws, a queen raising an army, and a king who will be born or die under the shadow of the Sacred Volcanoes.

Pros

  • It continues to expand to other creatures in the world.

Cons

  • New elements included in the mythology may confuse readers.

To Be A King

To Be a King (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 11)

This is the finale of the Legends trilogy, where Hoole reclaims the throne of his father. He wages war against the forces of evil.

Grank uses his skills with fire to forge weapons for battle, and Hoole uses the power of the Ember to win the decisive battle and find s home for the free owls of the Great Tree.

Pros

  • It completes the Legends trilogy.

Cons

  • It feels like a detour away from the main plot.

The Golden Tree

The Golden Tree (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 12)

Soren and the Band return to their adventures. Coryn retrieves the ember, but the Band must protect the young king, who is haunted by his blood.

The ember’s influence is strong at the tree, and the remaining guardians are left to govern in their king’s absence.

Otulissa objects to these new ways and is unprepared for the danger.

Pros

  • It introduces more magical elements.

Cons

  • It feels like an afterthought to the main series.

The River Of Wind

The River of Wind (Guardians of Gahoole, Book 13)

Soren, Coryn, and the Band discover a realm of endless wonders and find a group of mysterious owls.

However, Eglantine and Primrose stumble upon Nyra’s plot to kill her son and his friends. But they must find a way to warn them and figure out a way to defend themselves from their enemies who are determined to kill them.

Pros

  • Introduces a new kingdom in the world.

Cons

  • Too much additional world-building.

Exile

Exile (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 14)

The Striga, a mysterious blue owl, takes control of Coryn’s mind.

Soren and his group are exiled from the Ga’Hoole Tree, and The Striga creates a new regime that hopes to stop the owls of the tree from learning.

Together, the group must somehow open Coryn’s eyes from exile.

Pros

  • Focuses on darker elements.

Cons

  • Unsuitable for children of all ages.

The War Of The Ember

Guardians of Ga'Hoole #15: The War of the Ember by Kathryn Lasky (Nov 1 2008)

The Striga and Nyra join forces. The Guardians hear of their team-up and call their allies from all over the world.

Now, they must all go to battle in their final confrontation that will end the war once and for all.

Pros

  • The finale of Coryn and Soren’s stories.

Cons

  • It doesn’t leave a satisfying ending for all characters.

The Rise Of A Legend

The Rise of a Legend (Guardians of Ga'Hoole)

Far off in the Northern Kingdoms lives Ezylryb, an owl who will one day become the commander of a battalion of snakes.

Despite his greatness, his life is also touched by tragedy. But the young owl works with a snake named Octavia to rise above this tragedy to become a Guardian of Ga’Hoole.

Pros

  • Explores the backstory of Ezylryb, Soren’s teacher.

Cons

  • It feels like a companion novel.

Summary

This series has two companion books, A Guide Book to the Great Tree and The Lost Tales of Ga’Hoole.

Fans of the series may also be interested in the spin-offs: Wolves of the Beyond, Horses of the Dawn, and Bears of the Ice.

Altogether, there are over 30 related books in The Guardians of Ga’Hoole series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Owls Of Ga’Hoole Books Are There?

There are a total of sixteen books in the Owls of Ga’Hoole series and several spin-offs set in the same universe.

What Age Are The Guardians Of Ga’Hoole Books For?

They are advertised for those between the ages of 8 to 12; however, there are some dark themes. You should consider the maturity of your kids before buying them.

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Anna Davis