Gigi Sedlmayer

Review by Uvi Poznansky
Talon, Windsong tells the story of friendship between Matica, a girl with a handicap, and a family of condors, and their flights together. I read all the books in the series and when this one came out, I was delighted to buy it.

The thought of an upcoming holiday in Australia makes Matica anxious. She hears a voice in her mind, which she interprets as Talon’s. “Your disability is your greatest strength,” it says. “We know you don’t like going, but you must go to find yourself.” This is a call to overcome obstacles, most of all from within, and meet any challenge.

Her friend, Amos, doesn’t stand in the way of her new exploration. His love for her is not the clinging type. “Yes, I will miss you and you will miss me and the birds, but you will see a lot of other things. New things.” Later, the journey would bring them together for a first real kiss, gently and lovingly described.

Going to great heights may feel intimidating at times. “Matica, looking down past Talon’s neck as he stood at the edge of the abyss, became nauseous. Why am I feeling like this?” But then, she soars in flight, which is exhilarating.

Her travels are not only about mountains, cliffs and ledges—they are about dangers, too. For example when she meets the Puma-mum. “Matica looked straight into the yellow, piercing eyes… She also saw her very long white fangs and could feel her hot breath… She will beed me to her cubs, she thought.”

A heartwarming story, told with a note of innocence. Five stars.… (more)

Talon, Encounter is the fifth book of the Talon series. In it, we once again meet Matica who is trying to prevent poachers from harming her condor friends, Tamo, Tima, and Talon. Encounter is just what it says: an encounter with Pete and Zed, the dangerous poachers. Throughout the story, Matica and her village people battle the poachers in the hope of finally bringing them to justice.

There's a lot of action which keeps the reader wondering if the bad guys will ever get caught. This is a good story, recommended for middle-grade readers and older.… (more)