The Crystal Mask

The Echorium Sequence #2

by Katherine Roberts

The second title in Katherine Roberts' thrilling new fantasy trilogy, The Echorium Sequence.

Welcome to a world from another time. It is a world where the wind, the waves, and the land itself can be controlled by an unearthly music. A world where the forces of good and evil are held in harmony by the secret Songs of Power. A world on the brink of destruction, threatened by a dark lord whose evil knows no bounds. Two young heroes must rise to confront an evil power. Shaiala, a girl who has been raised by the centaurs, and Renn, a gifted but insecure Singer, must join together to face the forces of darkness. Only by trusting each other can they triumph.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic, Childrens

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I grew up in the south west of England and studied Mathematics at the University of Bath, writing fantasy and science fiction in my spare time. After graduating with 1st class honours (in maths, not fantasy writing!), I worked with computers for several years before redundancy convinced me that working with horses might be healthier.

I spent the next decade working in various horse racing yards, and kept on writing. "Song Quest" was eventually published in 1999 and went on to win the Branford Boase Award for best debut children's novel by a UK author.

Reviews

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than Song Quest. It starts off pretty slow for me but after a couple of chapters I couldn't put it down. I also felt that the main characters were a bit more padded out in this book than the first. Hopefully the next book is just as good!

[Fantasy Literature]

3.5 stars from Katherine Roberts: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[Elzbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a simple book, but it's not really great for young kids. There's a lot of death and while most of it's heroic, you may or may not lose your favourite character...

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favorites growing up

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread in 2020: Best part is Kherron/Lazim, and it's subtextual. Overall found too many stereotypes in the characters and not enough about them internally (other than sulkiness from Renn) to make up for it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Mask by Katherine Roberts – Why do teenagers always have to save the world? Must be because they are crazy enough to think they can! Enjoy the musical fantasy adventure! Happy Reading!

[Aj Toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first serious novel that I read when I was a child, and the reason why I started to like reading English literary works. Although the title of the book is not catchy, the idea of “Singers safeguarding the harmony of the world with the power of the Songs” was what captivated me the most. There was even a school for Singers called the Echorium. The descriptions and conversations in the book are simple, and yet enough to let me imagine the characters, the scenes, and the atmosphere. I could already imagine the voices of the Singers from the descriptions alone! Miss Katherine Roberts’ style of writing is very characteristic, and I haven’t read any other literary works that had the same style as Miss Roberts’ style. Hats down!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains one of my favorite books. I find the characters very realistic and not too idealized. It always brought out a lot of emotions for me. Oh, and I love the character development! Both from the main characters and those from the previous book.
And a line that has stuck with me in the 10 years since I first read this: "Those who are never afraid can never be brave."

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book good, however I prefered the first and third books in this series more. Looking at these books brings so many memories back of how i readily read these books after my mum recommended them to me. I liked many aspects of this book although the twists in the story didnt really suit my taste.

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful idea of the Power of Song to keep the balance of good and evil intact. Did not realise that Song Quest was the first, so will have to go back and rea that one, but not having read it did not detract from story.

Suited ages 11+

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than I thought I would. It is a unique world she has created, and I do read these books to escape. Still not great, but interesting enough.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Katherine Roberts. She has such an amazing imagination.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good follow on to the last book. Spellbinding and interesting. Love the mythical creatures. Next!

[Christine]

One of my favorite books as a kid. A fun re-read.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical! My favourite YA series!!!!