Official Review: Talon, Encounter by Gigi Sedlmayer

Jaime Lync · Post by **Jaime Lync** » 30 Jun 2018, 19:32

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Talon, Encounter" by Gigi Sedlmayer.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Talon: Encounter by Gigi Sedlmayer is the fifth installment in The Talon series. I have not read the first four books. Fortunately, the author offered enough background information for me to be able to follow the storyline. Talon is an abnormally huge condor that poachers, Pete and Zed, have been after ever since he was just an egg. Tamo, Tima (Talon’s parents) and Matica, a little girl, have been able to protect Talon in the previous books. However, Pete and Zed are back and more determined than ever to capture the condors.

The Talon series is categorized as young adult fiction. I am in my early twenties and feel that the writing style appeals more to readers who are 12-16 years old. Encounter is composed of 74 chapters that span a little fewer than 400 pages. In my opinion, Sedlmayer’s writing comes off as superfluous. A lot of the words seem to have been chosen for their shock value but they did not have much of an effect on me.

The story is written in the third-person narrative and includes a lot of dialogue. The dialogue functions to develop characters and advance the storyline. There were many characters that were probably developed more extensively developed in earlier books. I was not able to connect with any of the characters. However, I believe that Talon and Matica, the protagonists, may appeal to younger readers.

There were little things that I liked about this book. It seems to have been professionally edited since there were minimal editorial errors. The storyline progressed smoothly from chapter to chapter. Also, although there were many chapters they were short enough to manage and each chapter had a unique title. I was also glad that the story involving the poachers was concluded. At the end, the author hinted that another instalment with a new focus is not unlikely. The things that I liked about this book are not compelling enough for me to want to read any previous or future books in the Talon series.

In conclusion, I rate Talon: Encounter 2 out of 4 stars. I found it very hard to rate this novel. I struggled to finish it and only did so out of a feeling of obligation. However, as I mentioned previously, it seems that a younger audience may enjoy this novel. I recommend that persons interested in this book should start with the first installment.

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Talon, Encounter
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stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 02 Jul 2018, 00:34

I wonder if it would have been more enjoyable if you had the background of the previous installments? Despite your struggle to finish the book, you gave it a fair review. Good job!

DathanReeves · Post by **DathanReeves** » 02 Jul 2018, 09:39

It's too bad the book didn't do it for you. I grew up reading Erin Hunter's Warrior series, and I will still read his books because they are so universal and mature for many ages. Would you say the book was missing some kind of element to connect adults and kids and bridge that gap?

Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 02 Jul 2018, 11:41

Sounds like a good premise with a positive message, but it's always disappointing to feel like you begrudgingly have to finish reading a book. I commiserate and I enjoyed your great review. On the upside, this book made me remember how much I love watching Rescuers Down Under, so I'll be watching that with the kids later. Thanks!

Dahmy 10 · Post by **Dahmy 10** » 02 Jul 2018, 11:52

Short and straight to the point, I can feel your low interest in your brevity and accuracy.... Great review here!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 02 Jul 2018, 13:16

It's a shame the story wasn't more compelling. I'm sure it was hard to finish the book under a sense of obligation, but even so, you did a good job on the review.

crediblereading2 · Post by **crediblereading2** » 02 Jul 2018, 20:24

I actually like the plot. It sounds like a lot of suspense and adventure. I am sorry that you were not too intrigued. Thank you for your honest review.

Paiges-reads · Post by **Paiges-reads** » 04 Jul 2018, 16:41

Thank you for the review, I'm always looking for more books to read or suggest to people, and Young Adult is always a go to for me. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this book, but being able to relate to or at least enjoy the characters is important and it doesn't seem like you did. Hopefully your next read is more relatable!