Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls

A homeless woman named Sarah lives in a mental institution and can only communicate by quoting lines from literature. She keeps a battered plush dragon named Brother and carries an owl skull that speaks to her. Her world changes when she is forced to leave the institution and encounters the Street, an underground society of outcasts and rebels. Sarah navigates dangerous territory between rival Street gangs while trying to survive in a hostile world. Her unique way of perceiving reality and communicating becomes both a barrier and an unexpected asset as she builds alliances and faces threats from multiple directions. The story explores themes of neurodiversity, found family, and the power of different forms of communication. Through Sarah's perspective, the narrative examines how society treats those who process the world in unconventional ways.

Readers call this an unconventional blend of science fiction and fantasy, following a mentally different protagonist who communicates through Shakespeare quotes. Reviews highlight the unique narrative style and perspective. Readers liked: - Sarah's distinct voice and way of seeing the world - The blend of literary references with cyberpunk elements - The portrayal of neurodivergent characters - Fast-paced plot with emotional depth Common criticisms: - Some found the Shakespeare quotes confusing or distracting - The worldbuilding leaves questions unanswered - A few readers wanted more backstory Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (564 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) "A hidden gem with a truly unique protagonist" appears in multiple reviews. One reader noted "the Shakespeare quotes work brilliantly to show how Sarah processes the world." Critics mentioned "the plot gets muddled in places" and "secondary characters could use more development."

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🔹 Sarah, the main character, can only communicate by quoting from books she's read or by speaking to inanimate objects - a condition that mirrors certain aspects of autism and selective mutism. 🔹 The book's title comes from the Bible, specifically Job 30:29: "I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls." 🔹 Author Jane Lindskold wrote this novel early in her career while teaching English at Lynchburg College, drawing on her experiences working with special needs individuals. 🔹 The story uniquely blends elements of cyberpunk with magical realism, setting a deeply personal narrative against a gritty, near-future urban landscape. 🔹 The teddy bear character, Dragon, represents both Sarah's connection to childhood innocence and her ability to perceive truth in ways others cannot - a motif that appears in several of Lindskold's later works.