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Rowan of Rin #3
Rowan, o Guardião 3. Rowan e o Defensor do Cristal
O povo de Maris depende do Cristal. E o Cristal está se apagando rapidamente. Por isso, os Aldeões de Rin são chamados para ajudar enviando o Nomeador - aquele que decidirá quem vai ser o novo Defensor do Cristal. Só assim Maris ficará livre dos zebakianos. Nesta aventura, Rowan descobrirá muitos segredos a respeito de sua família e de seus antepassados. Mas, mais que tudo, terá que encontrar coragem dentro de si mesmo para salvar sua amada mãe, seu estimado povo, sua família e amigos queridos. Para cumprir sua missão, Rowan terá que decifrar enigmas e tomar difíceis decisões. Tudo isso antes que o Cristal se apague e o mundo como ele e seus amigos conhecem esteja, então, perdido!
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First published January 1, 1996
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740 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
298 books2,102 followersEmily Rodda (real name Jennifer Rowe) was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 with an MA (Hons) in English Literature. Moving into a publishing career, first as a book editor, and finally as a publisher at Angus & Robertson, Rodda's first book was published in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 12, 2016
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal was so much more interesting than the previous two.
Although I kind of wish it was Rowan who would become the Keeper. Don't ask me why, I don't even know myself.
Although I kind of wish it was Rowan who would become the Keeper. Don't ask me why, I don't even know myself.
June 12, 2018
A real sense of danger -despite being targeted to a younger audience. And riddles that, once explained, seem clear enough that a younger reader might understand, yet complex enough that they still keep me entertained. Now this seems like the sign of a great author.
June 27, 2024
Eleven years since my last read and I have a few additional thoughts both on the book and my previous feelings. Unlike previous books I found that the riddle in this one was not as well rounded. There was no a-ha moment when you think you're onto something, or a sense of joy at beating a character to the riddle. It was a bit too ambitious to be able to speculate.
Despite being the main character, Rowan was not giving main character energy. Honestly the three Maris folks were doing all of Rowans homework and letting him take all the credit.
I agree with my younger self that the ending felt rushed. Like this book was more back heavy then dump truck. Everything seemed to happen in those final four chapters. I will say though that this time around I did understand the ending.
Not bad, but not as good as the previous two.
Despite being the main character, Rowan was not giving main character energy. Honestly the three Maris folks were doing all of Rowans homework and letting him take all the credit.
I agree with my younger self that the ending felt rushed. Like this book was more back heavy then dump truck. Everything seemed to happen in those final four chapters. I will say though that this time around I did understand the ending.
Not bad, but not as good as the previous two.
June 17, 2020
KotC takes us to the island of the Maris. Like RoR, this is much more of an adventure book than its predecessor, but concentrates more on the quest and puts the morals aside for a bit. Beautiful setting/worldbuilding with intriguing riddles and an interesting plot.
November 12, 2018
This book positively surprised me. While I vividly remember the major things about the first two books, I had forgotten a lot of things about this book, and that made the mystery of the book all the more exciting. I mean, I knew everything would be resolved, but not how anymore. (It was also a quick read, like, it took me less than two hours finishing it, so it was the perfect evening read).
One of the reasons I love this author is the way she adds races and cultures to the world. In this short book, the author added an entire race and culture to the world, without making it suffocating and doing too much info-dumping (though the beginning was a bit info-dumpy, that's fine). I think you get a real feel for the Maris people, the way they look, what they eat, how their culture works. And most of it is done by adding subtle hints.
The plot is pretty straightforward, but there were little twists and turns that kept it interesting. The village of Maris is kept safe by a magical crystal, which was controlled by the Keeper of the Crystal. Every three generations or-so (60 years? maybe 70 years?) the keeper is dying and there has to be picked a new one. An unbias chooser picks between three selected candidates from the three different Maris clans. Due to events in the world's history, a family of Rin is now the chooser--considering that Rowan is the main character, it's easy to guess whose family it is.
Anyway, Rowan, his mother and Jonn (now her fiance, yay) go to the village of Maris. Rowan's mother gets poisoned--for unknown reasons--and Rowan takes on the role of being the chooser. And, to my surprise, Rowan takes the reigns. Like, instead of being timid like he usually is, he takes no prisoners. He forces the Keeper of the Crystal to reveal how to make the antidote and then he drags the three candidates along on a quest to figure out the riddle to make the antidote.
In this book, I think Rowan showed strength. He showed determination and courage, in his own way. Rowan always has been the runt of Rin, not being strong and fearless like the rest of the village. The adventure he embarks on with the three candidates was fun and exciting. It showed off the three candidates, and the characters were genuinely distinctive. As a reader, we also got to see a bit more of Rowan's thoughts and his motivations and that made him a more interesting character than in the previous book.
All-in-all, this is, up until now, my favourite book of the series. The characters were likeable, the main character had more personality and the twist and turns were actually surprising and exciting. Unlike the last two books, I couldn't remember for the life of me what exactly happened, only vague details. So, unlike the previous two who got 3.5 stars, barely a 4, this one will get a solid four stars.
One of the reasons I love this author is the way she adds races and cultures to the world. In this short book, the author added an entire race and culture to the world, without making it suffocating and doing too much info-dumping (though the beginning was a bit info-dumpy, that's fine). I think you get a real feel for the Maris people, the way they look, what they eat, how their culture works. And most of it is done by adding subtle hints.
The plot is pretty straightforward, but there were little twists and turns that kept it interesting. The village of Maris is kept safe by a magical crystal, which was controlled by the Keeper of the Crystal. Every three generations or-so (60 years? maybe 70 years?) the keeper is dying and there has to be picked a new one. An unbias chooser picks between three selected candidates from the three different Maris clans. Due to events in the world's history, a family of Rin is now the chooser--considering that Rowan is the main character, it's easy to guess whose family it is.
Anyway, Rowan, his mother and Jonn (now her fiance, yay) go to the village of Maris. Rowan's mother gets poisoned--for unknown reasons--and Rowan takes on the role of being the chooser. And, to my surprise, Rowan takes the reigns. Like, instead of being timid like he usually is, he takes no prisoners. He forces the Keeper of the Crystal to reveal how to make the antidote and then he drags the three candidates along on a quest to figure out the riddle to make the antidote.
In this book, I think Rowan showed strength. He showed determination and courage, in his own way. Rowan always has been the runt of Rin, not being strong and fearless like the rest of the village. The adventure he embarks on with the three candidates was fun and exciting. It showed off the three candidates, and the characters were genuinely distinctive. As a reader, we also got to see a bit more of Rowan's thoughts and his motivations and that made him a more interesting character than in the previous book.
All-in-all, this is, up until now, my favourite book of the series. The characters were likeable, the main character had more personality and the twist and turns were actually surprising and exciting. Unlike the last two books, I couldn't remember for the life of me what exactly happened, only vague details. So, unlike the previous two who got 3.5 stars, barely a 4, this one will get a solid four stars.
August 26, 2018
I haven’t picked up this book in ages. And, after a long Saturday at work, I kind of needed something quick, easy and interesting to read. This was the perfect fit. I spent about an hour just disappearing into the world of Rowan of Rin. The fact that he is so different from everyone he knows and loves always drew me to his stories as a child (I wonder why) and Rodda has an amazing way of telling fantastic stories that draw you in from the beginning.
The idea of deceit throughout the tale, and that Rowan is working with the very people who probably poisoned his mother adds an extra sense of time and difficulty to the tale. Every action and moment that is placed throughout the tale has this extra sense of confusion and mystery to it. Not only does it raise the stakes, but it also makes it far more confusing to understand who will be chosen, and how the story will unravel.
One of the things that I love most about the Rowan of Rin series is that each tale begins with a rhyme that must be unravelled in time. And it is never as expected. And it is always somewhat of a surprise when all of the pieces finally click into place. And The Keeper of the Crystal was no different.
The idea of deceit throughout the tale, and that Rowan is working with the very people who probably poisoned his mother adds an extra sense of time and difficulty to the tale. Every action and moment that is placed throughout the tale has this extra sense of confusion and mystery to it. Not only does it raise the stakes, but it also makes it far more confusing to understand who will be chosen, and how the story will unravel.
One of the things that I love most about the Rowan of Rin series is that each tale begins with a rhyme that must be unravelled in time. And it is never as expected. And it is always somewhat of a surprise when all of the pieces finally click into place. And The Keeper of the Crystal was no different.
October 10, 2021
I’ve always enjoyed this book in particular out of the Rowan stories. The Maris people and the setting of the Island draw me in, and the tests, the Choosing and the poems give the story a sense of urgency and pace.
April 5, 2023
This was an excellent exciting book but,I still think it could include a little more detail.
January 31, 2020
Rowan and the keeper of the crystal is an amazing book, Rowan and his mother are the choosers of Rin they go to Maris but then something goes wrong Rowan is determined to save his mother from death sleep.
April 29, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
The Story
All was well in Rin until Rowan and his mother’s summoning to Maris, the sea shore village. Their source of magic and power, a mysterious Crystal, is in danger as its keeper is dying and, for political reasons, the task of picking up another keeper falls on Rowan’s family hands.
As it usually goes regarding the candidates for the position, the mission is risky and dangerous for Rowan and his mother, but they have no choice. If Maris fall, the whole land will be easy prey for the Zebak to conquer.
The thing is, Rowan’s mother is poisoned on the first hours of the competition and Rowan has to take her place and safe her life. His only help are the three people suspect of poisoning his mother.
Will Rowan be able to think clearly enough to safe his mom? Will he be able to choose the right person to be the next keeper of the crystal?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I just wanted to start this review by saying that things got even more intense so sudden on this book that I actually shivered a lot of times and was left second-guessing even Rowan, the main character. I WAS LEFT SECOND GUESSING BY A BOOK THAT IS RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN! I’m amazed with Emily Rodda’s writing skills. She proves that a good children’s book is never silly on the eyes of an adult, haha! I mean, this is a middle grade book, but still. If this volume was any indication, I’m positive that things will get even darker in the next two volumes and, knowing Emily as I do, the end will blow my mind and leave me hangover, haha! But without further ado, FIVE STARS! <3
The narrative follows the previous’ volumes style, always in third person from Rowan’s point of view. I really like how he is growing up and maturing little by little on each book and how he manages to remain true to his feelings and beliefs even when facing the most terrifying situations. AND WITHOUT STOP BEING A KID! HOW DO YOU DO THAT, RODDA?!
The plot got more complex this time. As a web of lies is in front of Rowan’s eyes, we can’t be really sure of anything until the very end. Rowan is a great observer and very tenacious for his age, but he lives a situation that would make even an adult go insane. It’s normal to see him afraid, unsure and second-guessing even himself – and taking the reader with him. I almost ate all my nails reading, haha!
As Rowan leaves Rin once again, we meet new characters and I really wish we get to see some of them again, as they left a very good impression, haha! I loved to read about Maris and to see how they are different of Rin’s people and from the travelers. The most surprising was to see that no one cared about the differences, facing it all with normalcy and respect. It’s wonderful to see so many cultures coexisting in such a beautiful harmony. No one loses their identity and they still mix wonderfully! I wish real world was like that too, haha!
I would like to highlight how the maturing process of Rowan reflects directly on the story. As a child, he saw everything black and white. Up until the last book, he still saw a lot of things like this. On the Keeper of the Crystal, Rowan starts to understand the grey area and how to deal with it. Seriously, Rodda simply rocks hard!!! <3
I can’t wait to put my hands on the fourth volume of the series and, if you like fantasy, adventure, riddles and wonderful protagonists, YOU HAVE TO START READING THIS SERIES!!
Thanks so much for reading! <3
The Story
All was well in Rin until Rowan and his mother’s summoning to Maris, the sea shore village. Their source of magic and power, a mysterious Crystal, is in danger as its keeper is dying and, for political reasons, the task of picking up another keeper falls on Rowan’s family hands.
As it usually goes regarding the candidates for the position, the mission is risky and dangerous for Rowan and his mother, but they have no choice. If Maris fall, the whole land will be easy prey for the Zebak to conquer.
The thing is, Rowan’s mother is poisoned on the first hours of the competition and Rowan has to take her place and safe her life. His only help are the three people suspect of poisoning his mother.
Will Rowan be able to think clearly enough to safe his mom? Will he be able to choose the right person to be the next keeper of the crystal?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I just wanted to start this review by saying that things got even more intense so sudden on this book that I actually shivered a lot of times and was left second-guessing even Rowan, the main character. I WAS LEFT SECOND GUESSING BY A BOOK THAT IS RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN! I’m amazed with Emily Rodda’s writing skills. She proves that a good children’s book is never silly on the eyes of an adult, haha! I mean, this is a middle grade book, but still. If this volume was any indication, I’m positive that things will get even darker in the next two volumes and, knowing Emily as I do, the end will blow my mind and leave me hangover, haha! But without further ado, FIVE STARS! <3
The narrative follows the previous’ volumes style, always in third person from Rowan’s point of view. I really like how he is growing up and maturing little by little on each book and how he manages to remain true to his feelings and beliefs even when facing the most terrifying situations. AND WITHOUT STOP BEING A KID! HOW DO YOU DO THAT, RODDA?!
The plot got more complex this time. As a web of lies is in front of Rowan’s eyes, we can’t be really sure of anything until the very end. Rowan is a great observer and very tenacious for his age, but he lives a situation that would make even an adult go insane. It’s normal to see him afraid, unsure and second-guessing even himself – and taking the reader with him. I almost ate all my nails reading, haha!
As Rowan leaves Rin once again, we meet new characters and I really wish we get to see some of them again, as they left a very good impression, haha! I loved to read about Maris and to see how they are different of Rin’s people and from the travelers. The most surprising was to see that no one cared about the differences, facing it all with normalcy and respect. It’s wonderful to see so many cultures coexisting in such a beautiful harmony. No one loses their identity and they still mix wonderfully! I wish real world was like that too, haha!
I would like to highlight how the maturing process of Rowan reflects directly on the story. As a child, he saw everything black and white. Up until the last book, he still saw a lot of things like this. On the Keeper of the Crystal, Rowan starts to understand the grey area and how to deal with it. Seriously, Rodda simply rocks hard!!! <3
I can’t wait to put my hands on the fourth volume of the series and, if you like fantasy, adventure, riddles and wonderful protagonists, YOU HAVE TO START READING THIS SERIES!!
Thanks so much for reading! <3
July 7, 2018
This time Rowan’s mother Jillar must travel to the city of Maris and deal with the Keeper of the Crystal who is dying. Treachery is involved, who will be chosen as the next Keeper? I will encourage some second graders to try these fantasy books.
April 20, 2018
Entertaining read, part of a series, lots of action.
April 10, 2023
This review for the Audiobook ISBN 9781489418104
Published 1 August, 2017 by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd - ABC Audio
and narrated by Rachael Blake
(not in the Goodreads catalogue as of this review)
I'm making great headway with this series. Book #3 saw me failing to put it down. This is not such a problem for a fairly quick read. I felt like the premise of this one came a little from left field. I runner of the people from the coast arrives, requesting the presence of the Chooser, a person who fills the hereditary traditional role of announcing the success of the new ruler coastal dwelling Maris-folk. We find that this hereditary line of "Choosers" is inherited by Rowan's mother Jilla. In a convoluted reasoning, both Jilla and hers son are sent to Maris so that she can choose their new "Keeper" of the magical crystal that secures their power.
This all seems a little silly to me. In real life (TM) the President is never allowed to travel with their VP, should they both be knocked off by the same aggressor, and cause an unclear line of succession or a vacuum of power, and yet both the Chooser, and her heir have to travel together? Yeah, seems a bit daft. When Jilla suddenly falls ill, Rowan is named the new Chooser, and uses that privilege to extract information (through some power-crystal telepathy) from the Keeper of the Crystal, that gives him the recipe to a magic potion that might be able to save his ailing mother... if they can only figure out what the instructions in the recipe mean. Rowan steals off with the 3 leadership hopefuls to go and collect the bits that he needs to make his potion.
Convoluted though it may be, this is a pretty good setup for a party adventure where four adolescents work together to scrounge about an island, and solve problems and boss fights against the clock, while simultaneously allowing the Chooser to get to know the strengths and values of the supplicants. I do love the strange animals and plants that are used in this world, to give it it's own unique flavour. Once again the recurring theme of this series is fear of the unknown and the power of trust and friendship. As Rowan gets to know his new friends, and gets used to their strange, froggy, aquatic looks, and their unique subcultures, clothes and technologies.
Through the development of the Rowan character he is quickly becoming quite the ambassador for his people, as he meets and makes friends with far-flung peoples. His influence and powers of perception increase, and that whole crystal telepathy thing,in this book, has given him a head-start on understanding a culture that is completely alien to him. I can see the whole story ramping up for a big conflict with their historic conquerors, the Zebak. Am I allowed to hope for a long lasting peace at the end of this all?
At less than 4 hours a book, these are feeling more like chapters, which does make it a pretty good length for the intended age group; 8-12yr. It wouldn't be a good choice for a sensitive reader, as there are scary monsters and fight scenes. In this book there are a couple of distressing scenes where characters are injured in surprising ways, that had me taken aback a little. I'm liking the series, even if this part of the story was not quite as tight as the first book.
Published 1 August, 2017 by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd - ABC Audio
and narrated by Rachael Blake
(not in the Goodreads catalogue as of this review)
I'm making great headway with this series. Book #3 saw me failing to put it down. This is not such a problem for a fairly quick read. I felt like the premise of this one came a little from left field. I runner of the people from the coast arrives, requesting the presence of the Chooser, a person who fills the hereditary traditional role of announcing the success of the new ruler coastal dwelling Maris-folk. We find that this hereditary line of "Choosers" is inherited by Rowan's mother Jilla. In a convoluted reasoning, both Jilla and hers son are sent to Maris so that she can choose their new "Keeper" of the magical crystal that secures their power.
This all seems a little silly to me. In real life (TM) the President is never allowed to travel with their VP, should they both be knocked off by the same aggressor, and cause an unclear line of succession or a vacuum of power, and yet both the Chooser, and her heir have to travel together? Yeah, seems a bit daft. When Jilla suddenly falls ill, Rowan is named the new Chooser, and uses that privilege to extract information (through some power-crystal telepathy) from the Keeper of the Crystal, that gives him the recipe to a magic potion that might be able to save his ailing mother... if they can only figure out what the instructions in the recipe mean. Rowan steals off with the 3 leadership hopefuls to go and collect the bits that he needs to make his potion.
Convoluted though it may be, this is a pretty good setup for a party adventure where four adolescents work together to scrounge about an island, and solve problems and boss fights against the clock, while simultaneously allowing the Chooser to get to know the strengths and values of the supplicants. I do love the strange animals and plants that are used in this world, to give it it's own unique flavour. Once again the recurring theme of this series is fear of the unknown and the power of trust and friendship. As Rowan gets to know his new friends, and gets used to their strange, froggy, aquatic looks, and their unique subcultures, clothes and technologies.
Through the development of the Rowan character he is quickly becoming quite the ambassador for his people, as he meets and makes friends with far-flung peoples. His influence and powers of perception increase, and that whole crystal telepathy thing,in this book, has given him a head-start on understanding a culture that is completely alien to him. I can see the whole story ramping up for a big conflict with their historic conquerors, the Zebak. Am I allowed to hope for a long lasting peace at the end of this all?
At less than 4 hours a book, these are feeling more like chapters, which does make it a pretty good length for the intended age group; 8-12yr. It wouldn't be a good choice for a sensitive reader, as there are scary monsters and fight scenes. In this book there are a couple of distressing scenes where characters are injured in surprising ways, that had me taken aback a little. I'm liking the series, even if this part of the story was not quite as tight as the first book.
September 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars.
In Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, Rowan and his mother, the official Chooser, travel to Maris to fulfill their duty of choosing the next Keeper of the magical Crystal. However, his mother is poisoned by a hidden enemy, forcing Rowan to break tradition. He must work with the three Keeper candidates to find the antidote for his mother and survive a deadly journey with a cryptic rhyme, all while a greater danger threatens Maris and Rin.
This was my favourite Rowan of Rin adventure so far. I couldn’t help thinking surely by now they understand that he is a hero and not a snivelling rabbit (as the villagers have been known to call him). I mean honestly, how much can Rowan do before their opinions change? I enjoyed the mystery and majesty of the Crystal and is awe inspiring power. Rowan goes with the three candidates to the secret island to try and solve the riddle to get the antidote for his mother. Of course only then will he decide who should become the next Keeper of the Crystal. The three candidates, Seaborn (who reminds him of Jon), Asha (who reminds him of his mother) and Doss (who reminds him of himself) are at first distrustful of Rowan and each other, but soon they learn to work together and use their individual strengths to make them better as a group. The way this group ended up working together and how the choosing happened, it was perfection. Also, I was completely pulled into the story. Whilst reading this, I was undistracted and wholly focused on the story. I wasn’t aware what time it was or that I should be getting some sleep haha. That is why I know this was good, when a story draws you in like that, it has that book magic. Overall this was so entertaining and engaging and the best so far. ✨✨✨
Five stars.
In Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, Rowan and his mother, the official Chooser, travel to Maris to fulfill their duty of choosing the next Keeper of the magical Crystal. However, his mother is poisoned by a hidden enemy, forcing Rowan to break tradition. He must work with the three Keeper candidates to find the antidote for his mother and survive a deadly journey with a cryptic rhyme, all while a greater danger threatens Maris and Rin.
This was my favourite Rowan of Rin adventure so far. I couldn’t help thinking surely by now they understand that he is a hero and not a snivelling rabbit (as the villagers have been known to call him). I mean honestly, how much can Rowan do before their opinions change? I enjoyed the mystery and majesty of the Crystal and is awe inspiring power. Rowan goes with the three candidates to the secret island to try and solve the riddle to get the antidote for his mother. Of course only then will he decide who should become the next Keeper of the Crystal. The three candidates, Seaborn (who reminds him of Jon), Asha (who reminds him of his mother) and Doss (who reminds him of himself) are at first distrustful of Rowan and each other, but soon they learn to work together and use their individual strengths to make them better as a group. The way this group ended up working together and how the choosing happened, it was perfection. Also, I was completely pulled into the story. Whilst reading this, I was undistracted and wholly focused on the story. I wasn’t aware what time it was or that I should be getting some sleep haha. That is why I know this was good, when a story draws you in like that, it has that book magic. Overall this was so entertaining and engaging and the best so far. ✨✨✨
December 16, 2020
This was such a beautiful book. Listened to the audiobook (thanks Bolinda digital) this time and Rachel Blake’s narration really brought this story to life.
I just really love this story of sacrifice and knowledge and ancient mystery, love and friendship and bravery. It’s so good. It’s so good. Ugh. Everything felt so alive in this book, the descriptions and world building was so tangible. Loved how Maris felt. Loved how the Crystal was written about. The eerie ancient power of it. I’m taken by this whole world, really.
Again, I love Rowan so much. Heart doubled in size reading the last few chapters. He’s such a brave little kid. Such a smart boy. I’m literally so proud of him. He’s so KIND AND SWEET AND BRAVE bruh he’s like 9 years old how
Loved all the Maris characters and their designs too. Special place in my heart for Perlain. Dude ran like The Flash and he’s got like gills or smth and he’s also just rad as heck and when I thought he was gonna get Chosen I legit yelled.
Also loved the whole riddle and unraveling Orin’s journey along with getting the ingredients for the crystal. I dunno why but the whole bit on the island kind of reminded me of a really beautiful atmospheric indie game.
Anyway, to repeat myself: this was a beautiful book and I loved it so much. Can’t wait to devour the next one.
18.12.20 edit: I READ THE STAR OF DELTORA SERIES BEFORE THE RIN SERIES AND WHILE I WAS READING TWO MOONS BEFORE I KNEW THAT THE RIN SERIES WAS CONFIRMED CANON IN THE LARGER DELTORA SERIES BECAUSE THEY VISIT MARIS IN THAT BOOK BUT NOW SINCE I KNOW ABOUT MARIS AND CARE ABOUT THESE FISH PEOPLE I WENT BACK TO SKIM THROUGH TWO MOONS SO I CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REFERENCES AND BLOODY PERLAIN IS THERE!! PERLAIN!! AND THEY MENTION THE KEEPER WHO MUST BE DOSS!! AND THE BLOODY BUKSHAH ARE MENTIONED!! OMG!! NEED RIN AND DELTORA TO REALLY COLLIDE MAN.
I just really love this story of sacrifice and knowledge and ancient mystery, love and friendship and bravery. It’s so good. It’s so good. Ugh. Everything felt so alive in this book, the descriptions and world building was so tangible. Loved how Maris felt. Loved how the Crystal was written about. The eerie ancient power of it. I’m taken by this whole world, really.
Again, I love Rowan so much. Heart doubled in size reading the last few chapters. He’s such a brave little kid. Such a smart boy. I’m literally so proud of him. He’s so KIND AND SWEET AND BRAVE bruh he’s like 9 years old how
Loved all the Maris characters and their designs too. Special place in my heart for Perlain. Dude ran like The Flash and he’s got like gills or smth and he’s also just rad as heck and when I thought he was gonna get Chosen I legit yelled.
Also loved the whole riddle and unraveling Orin’s journey along with getting the ingredients for the crystal. I dunno why but the whole bit on the island kind of reminded me of a really beautiful atmospheric indie game.
Anyway, to repeat myself: this was a beautiful book and I loved it so much. Can’t wait to devour the next one.
18.12.20 edit: I READ THE STAR OF DELTORA SERIES BEFORE THE RIN SERIES AND WHILE I WAS READING TWO MOONS BEFORE I KNEW THAT THE RIN SERIES WAS CONFIRMED CANON IN THE LARGER DELTORA SERIES BECAUSE THEY VISIT MARIS IN THAT BOOK BUT NOW SINCE I KNOW ABOUT MARIS AND CARE ABOUT THESE FISH PEOPLE I WENT BACK TO SKIM THROUGH TWO MOONS SO I CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REFERENCES AND BLOODY PERLAIN IS THERE!! PERLAIN!! AND THEY MENTION THE KEEPER WHO MUST BE DOSS!! AND THE BLOODY BUKSHAH ARE MENTIONED!! OMG!! NEED RIN AND DELTORA TO REALLY COLLIDE MAN.
August 31, 2023
Rowan of Rin ★★★★★
Rowan and the Travelers ★★★★☆
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
This was the first Rowan book I read as a kid, coming across it randomly on my public library's shelves. I re-read it a few times then, before learning that I could request the other books in the series. So, The Keeper of the Crystal has always held a special place in my memory. Revisiting it as an adult, I was surprised to find it a weaker installment compared to the first two books in the series. It's definitely a solid adventure, the riddle works, and the change in location is exciting. However, I felt that Rowan's characterization disappears a bit, and there are a couple of logic holes in the story (if the Crystal never fails, then it literally wouldn't matter who was chosen, right?). Also, the introduction of fish-people to the world feels super random. Definitely still a fun time, but not as strong as the previous two books.
TW: poison, dying mother, description of injury, snakes, invasion
✨I read this title for the Magical Readathon: Orilium!
✨Autumn Equinox: Artificery, O
Rowan and the Travelers ★★★★☆
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
This was the first Rowan book I read as a kid, coming across it randomly on my public library's shelves. I re-read it a few times then, before learning that I could request the other books in the series. So, The Keeper of the Crystal has always held a special place in my memory. Revisiting it as an adult, I was surprised to find it a weaker installment compared to the first two books in the series. It's definitely a solid adventure, the riddle works, and the change in location is exciting. However, I felt that Rowan's characterization disappears a bit, and there are a couple of logic holes in the story (if the Crystal never fails, then it literally wouldn't matter who was chosen, right?). Also, the introduction of fish-people to the world feels super random. Definitely still a fun time, but not as strong as the previous two books.
TW: poison, dying mother, description of injury, snakes, invasion
✨I read this title for the Magical Readathon: Orilium!
✨Autumn Equinox: Artificery, O
June 29, 2021
My grandson brought home a book from his school library which turned out to be a bit beyond his reading level. So his mother read it. And I read it.
The book was Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal by Emily Rodda. Rodda is the pen name of an Australian author, Jennifer June Rowe (born in 1948). She writes crime fiction for adults under her own name, but her children's fiction is published under two pseudonyms: Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson. She has written several children's fantasy series: Deltora Quest, Rowan of Rin, Fairy Realm and Teen Power Inc., and recently the Rondo trilogy.
The book I read last night comes third in the Rowan of Rin series. It's nicely plotted, stylishly-written and requires the hero and the three young people he encounters to use their wits to overcome several difficult but connected problems. My daughter enjoyed it enough to say she might check out the school library and see if the rest of the series is there!
I'm in agreement: I often find children and young people's books are more imaginative and better written than some of the adult fiction I've encountered.
The book was Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal by Emily Rodda. Rodda is the pen name of an Australian author, Jennifer June Rowe (born in 1948). She writes crime fiction for adults under her own name, but her children's fiction is published under two pseudonyms: Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson. She has written several children's fantasy series: Deltora Quest, Rowan of Rin, Fairy Realm and Teen Power Inc., and recently the Rondo trilogy.
The book I read last night comes third in the Rowan of Rin series. It's nicely plotted, stylishly-written and requires the hero and the three young people he encounters to use their wits to overcome several difficult but connected problems. My daughter enjoyed it enough to say she might check out the school library and see if the rest of the series is there!
I'm in agreement: I often find children and young people's books are more imaginative and better written than some of the adult fiction I've encountered.
August 17, 2019
I liked this book. Another traveling adventure with Rowan! The journey in this book was amazing. The struggle wasn't as threatening as the last two. We understand that throughout the novels most people are enemies with the Zebak, however, we don't have any grasp on their danger. As a child this wasn't an issue for me. As an adult I feel the weight of having a keeper chosen for the crystal isn't as heavy or understood without knowing the threat that could come if they failed to choose a keeper.
This is still a series I love and will hold close to my heart and share with others.
This is still a series I love and will hold close to my heart and share with others.
June 10, 2020
Oh what fun! I barely remembered reading this one from my childhold so it felt like a new, fresh read. You can really see how Rowan's past experiences in the last two books carries him through the trials here. He doesn't take guff from anyone and forces a village governed by centuries of tradition to help him first. I don't perhaps understand why Rowan's ancestors would've put up with the attempted (and successful!) murders of their family members throughout the last three hundred years. For some reason, Rowan is the only one who genetically has any backbone.
September 11, 2020
The first couple Rowan of Rin books were a wee bit slow, but this one was really good. It's been fun going back to read this earlier series (after having read some of Emily's bigger and better contributions) and seeing how she's coming into her own as a writer. The plot of this one was excellent. There was just the right amount of lore without bogging everything down, and honestly, it was a super-fast read. The twists and turns, the surprises, and the final conclusion--it was all excellent. I can't wait to continue the series!
August 24, 2022
Once again, knocked out of the park. Keeper of the Crystal continues to expand Rowans world, introducing new people, places, and cultural practices that add more depth and color to the world. Once again she gets us thinking along a whimsical narrative; we examine the pride and danger of tradition, and how it's important to embrace the history that defines us, while continuing to question the world around us at the same time.
April 9, 2020
Eмили Рода продължава фентъзи сагата за Роуан от Рин, част от голямата поредица “Делтора”, с изненадващ трети том, в който отново има пътуване и приключения, но и голям брой политически интриги – нещо, което не съм сигурен, че ми допадна.
Ревюто продължава на линка:
https://citadelata.com/rowan-and-the-...
Ревюто продължава на линка:
https://citadelata.com/rowan-and-the-...
July 3, 2024
What a nice little read! As a children's book it is surprisingly entertaining. As well as the previous books, a not-so-obvious riddle drives the story forward, with a pinch of the classic switch-and-bait. In this story a new race is added, containing an unique culture and even different factions. Beautiful worldbuilding and beautiful plot, while being a short and simple read.
February 21, 2020
4.5 stars
I liked this best so far in the hard-back Rowan of Rain book I'm reading. I liked the way Rowan had to nut out the riddle of the moon flower. The concept of the people of Maris selecting candidates who already know how the Choose will think was interesting.
I liked this best so far in the hard-back Rowan of Rain book I'm reading. I liked the way Rowan had to nut out the riddle of the moon flower. The concept of the people of Maris selecting candidates who already know how the Choose will think was interesting.
February 24, 2020
Third of five and the halfway point of the Rowan series and another typical Rodda "journey": fantasy - they just keep motoring along and she does all she does well enough for the readers to keep coming back.
Rowan of Rin #3
Emily Rodda #27
Rowan of Rin #3
Emily Rodda #27
May 13, 2021
I always enjoy Rowan's adventures. This one was also great.
May 11, 2023
There is just something amazing about Emily Rodda's writing. Even as an adult I find myself enthralled with her stories. I highly recommend Rowan's story up to this point.
October 24, 2023
Another great adventure
November 8, 2023
Reading Challenge Prompt #232: Middle grade award winner
October 7, 2025
These are getting quite good. I like how the world is slowly expanding in each book.
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