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The Owl Service by Alan Garner

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Love The Owl Service but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Owl Service below.

In The Owl Service, did you enjoy ...

... mythological influences and folklore?

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper

If you were fascinated by how The Owl Service weaves Welsh myth into the everyday lives of its characters, you'll love The Dark Is Rising. Here, Will Stanton discovers he is part of an ancient conflict, drawing on Arthurian and Celtic traditions to craft a story where old legends shape the modern world and destiny feels both magical and ominous.

... dark, mysterious magic at the edge of reality?

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

If the unsettling, almost threatening presence of magic in The Owl Service drew you in, Coraline delivers a similarly eerie atmosphere. As Coraline explores a hidden world behind a locked door, the magic she encounters is as beautiful as it is dangerous, echoing the sense of unease and enchantment found in Garners' novel.

... psychological tension and inner turmoil?

The Changeling by Victor LaValle

If you appreciated the psychological depth of Alison, Gwyn, and Roger as they struggle with forces beyond their understanding in The Owl Service, you'll be gripped by The Changeling. LaValle's novel explores the unraveling of reality, myth, and personal trauma, delving deeply into the minds of its characters as they confront the uncanny.

... a claustrophobic, intimate setting with few characters?

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

If you were drawn to the tight, almost suffocating setting of the Welsh valley and the small cast of characters in The Owl Service, Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle will resonate. The story unfolds within the confines of a family home, focusing on the complex relationships and secrets of just a handful of characters.

... coming-of-age through supernatural encounters?

Skellig by David Almond

If you loved watching Alison, Gwyn, and Roger confront growing up amid magical forces in The Owl Service, Skellig offers a similarly poignant coming-of-age experience. Michael’s journey—coping with family, friendship, and the mysterious creature in his garage—captures that blend of youthful confusion and mystical awe.

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