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Rowan of Rin #1
Rowan of Rin
"Seven hearts
the journey make.
Seven ways
the hearts will break."
the journey make.
Seven ways
the hearts will break."
The wise woman's warning rings in Rowan's head as he and six companions set out to climb the forbidden Mountain that towers over their village, Rin. The stream Rin depends on has stopped flowing, and these seven are seeking the source of the problem. But no one who has tried to climb the Mountain has ever returned. Legend has it that there is a dragon at the top; every morning and evening the people hear its roar.
Rowan is terrified. In a village where people pride themselves on being hardy and brave, Rowan has always been timid and shy. He is teased by the other children and belittled by the adults, who whisper that he will never be the man his father was.
This dangerous journey is Rowan's chance to step out of his father's shadow and earn the respect of the village. But, frightened by the perils that lie ahead, Rowan isn't even thinking about this possibility. He's just wondering if he can survive.
151 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
111 people are currently reading
3645 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
297 books2,114 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 437 reviews
April 16, 2019
This was nowhere near as good as Deltora Quest, in my opinion. It could have something to do with the fact that I never read Rowan of Rin as a kid and don't have that nostalgia factor, but I feel like the scope of things in DQ were bigger and the stakes were so much higher and the story much more interesting.
I still enjoyed it, but DQ will always have my heart.
I still enjoyed it, but DQ will always have my heart.
May 18, 2016
I have such wonderful memories from this series. I admit that these books are best suitable for very young readers but the concept is enjoyable for all ages. I have spent many years with this series and this fantasy world and the characters in it have grown into much more than what they are or at least what they appear to be at first look. My only regret is that these tales are too short for they are simply beautiful.
This series tells the story of a boy who is different than all others in his village. A very kind, fragile and sometimes sickly boy who has come to think of himself as unworthy and who can only find comfort in the animals he kindly cares for. Animals that love him back and answer his touch. This boy is forced to embark on an adventure and learn to embrace his differences. He learns that small hands can have great powers and that it is in embracing differences that true harmony can be reached.
He changes and he changes the world around him. That's the beauty of it. He is not the only one who has to change their perception of the world and people that live in it. His people grow with him! He finds friendship in least expected places and he learns what true courage. These are beautiful concepts for young readers to think about. The story might appear simple and even flat at certain points but there is great depth to it and in my imagination, Rowan's world will forever remain alive and treasured.
In this particular book, the story begins. Rowans takes his very first steps in finding his real identity and he learns that sometimes solutions to great problems are as simple as a gesture of kindness. Something that might appear insignificant and yet many are incapable of attempting it. There is strength in kindness. That's what Rowan of Rin is about.
This series tells the story of a boy who is different than all others in his village. A very kind, fragile and sometimes sickly boy who has come to think of himself as unworthy and who can only find comfort in the animals he kindly cares for. Animals that love him back and answer his touch. This boy is forced to embark on an adventure and learn to embrace his differences. He learns that small hands can have great powers and that it is in embracing differences that true harmony can be reached.
He changes and he changes the world around him. That's the beauty of it. He is not the only one who has to change their perception of the world and people that live in it. His people grow with him! He finds friendship in least expected places and he learns what true courage. These are beautiful concepts for young readers to think about. The story might appear simple and even flat at certain points but there is great depth to it and in my imagination, Rowan's world will forever remain alive and treasured.
In this particular book, the story begins. Rowans takes his very first steps in finding his real identity and he learns that sometimes solutions to great problems are as simple as a gesture of kindness. Something that might appear insignificant and yet many are incapable of attempting it. There is strength in kindness. That's what Rowan of Rin is about.
January 3, 2016
Rowan of Rin is a children's book so I'm gonna do a little comparing with Narnia and Oz series:
Rowan lacks the writing brilliancy the other two had. Everything about the text was so simple, it reminded me of the book I wrote when I was 10. Oh, those sweet times...
On the other hand, Rowan was simply not irritating. If you go back to my review of Narnia and Oz you'll see that I was annoyed by literally everything. At least I didn't pull my hair out every second of reading this book.
Also, everything was predictable and the problems and obstacles got solved very lamely. That, I'm going to blame on the fact that it's a children's book and I shouldn't have built my hopes up.
I'm going to read the rest of the series, just to see what happens. But I gotta say, I liked Emily Rodda's Deltora series way better.
Rowan lacks the writing brilliancy the other two had. Everything about the text was so simple, it reminded me of the book I wrote when I was 10. Oh, those sweet times...
On the other hand, Rowan was simply not irritating. If you go back to my review of Narnia and Oz you'll see that I was annoyed by literally everything. At least I didn't pull my hair out every second of reading this book.
Also, everything was predictable and the problems and obstacles got solved very lamely. That, I'm going to blame on the fact that it's a children's book and I shouldn't have built my hopes up.
I'm going to read the rest of the series, just to see what happens. But I gotta say, I liked Emily Rodda's Deltora series way better.
March 28, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
The Story
Rowan always felt a stranger on his own village. People in Rin were expected to grow up handling every physic aspect of life with perfection. But not Rowan. He was always too skinny, too thin, too scared… Useless. All the kids always made fun of him. The only thing that he never failed to do was to look after the village’s bukshas, a kind of breed between cow and sheep.
Until the bukshas’ lake rans dry and no one knows why.
Rowan knows he’s not a brave man as his father was before his death and that his own mother doesn’t believe in him to be strong, but he has to save the buskhas. The only creatures that ever believed him and never made fun of him. That trusted him.
So when he’s left with no other option but to travel to the Mountain with the other six villagers, Rowan decides that he will be brave for the bukshas.
Even if it scared him to death.
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I LOVE Emily Rodda. I’ve read the whole Deltora Quest series (all three parts of it) and then I started reading Rowan of Rin. As always, Brazilian publishers took so long between a book and other that I stopped reading it on the second book and when I got myself the third book, I could hardly remember the story at all. Hence the re-read, haha!
Rowan of Rin was everything good that I knew I had felt on my first reading and more. With real and relatable characters, a wonderful setting and life-saver riddles, it had everything that I love about a fantasy/adventure book. Five stars again <3
The narrative is third person styled, from Rowan’s point of view most of time, but anyone can barge in during the book. Even Estrela, Rowan family’s buksha. I personally love Rowan, he’s an adorable kid <3 He’s always true to himself, no matter how bad things look or sound. I’ll get there in a moment lol
Also, I love Rodda’s writing style. It’s so fluid, detailed and addictive! I’ve read this book in one single hour, as I didn’t remember how it ended, just some pieces of their adventure. (I also read the following book in one seating, haha! Only the third was spilt on two sittings as life is not fair.) I dare to say that the dystopian created and Rodda’s writing are the strongest points on this book.
Rodda’s main characters have a very good thing and a poor thing about them. They observe a lot and pay attention to so many nice things, but they tend to not think about themselves a lot. To this day, I’m not really sure of Rowan’s looks, haha! All people around him is easier to picture, but it’s like he’s a nice faceless boy. I mean, I imagine him just like the Grand Chase character thanks to the name, that is similar, but I don’t have a book official version, you know? (Btw, I miss this game so much, the Brazilian branch was closed on 2014 =[)
But there’s another catch to Rodda’s characters. Each one of them is one type of person that you’ll find on a society. There’s the optimistic, the grumpy, the honest, the cheater, the workaholic, the loner, the wise… And so on. Still, they aren’t boring one you figure out which type each one of them will be, as Rowan brings the best on each of them. He rarely judges people, as he is always occupied trying to understand them. You gotta love the boy.
Also, I really wished to know his age. Oh, well.
I feel the need of highlighting the world that Rodda created for this series. It starts small, with only the village of Rin, the bukshas’ lake and the Mountain, but keeps growing through the series, showing one more piece of it on each following book. <3
Overall, I think this is an ageless book. If you like dystopian, fantasy, adventure and doesn’t care about romance, you have to board my fangirling boat and read Rowan of Rin!
Thank you once again for reading! <3
The Story
Rowan always felt a stranger on his own village. People in Rin were expected to grow up handling every physic aspect of life with perfection. But not Rowan. He was always too skinny, too thin, too scared… Useless. All the kids always made fun of him. The only thing that he never failed to do was to look after the village’s bukshas, a kind of breed between cow and sheep.
Until the bukshas’ lake rans dry and no one knows why.
Rowan knows he’s not a brave man as his father was before his death and that his own mother doesn’t believe in him to be strong, but he has to save the buskhas. The only creatures that ever believed him and never made fun of him. That trusted him.
So when he’s left with no other option but to travel to the Mountain with the other six villagers, Rowan decides that he will be brave for the bukshas.
Even if it scared him to death.
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I LOVE Emily Rodda. I’ve read the whole Deltora Quest series (all three parts of it) and then I started reading Rowan of Rin. As always, Brazilian publishers took so long between a book and other that I stopped reading it on the second book and when I got myself the third book, I could hardly remember the story at all. Hence the re-read, haha!
Rowan of Rin was everything good that I knew I had felt on my first reading and more. With real and relatable characters, a wonderful setting and life-saver riddles, it had everything that I love about a fantasy/adventure book. Five stars again <3
The narrative is third person styled, from Rowan’s point of view most of time, but anyone can barge in during the book. Even Estrela, Rowan family’s buksha. I personally love Rowan, he’s an adorable kid <3 He’s always true to himself, no matter how bad things look or sound. I’ll get there in a moment lol
Also, I love Rodda’s writing style. It’s so fluid, detailed and addictive! I’ve read this book in one single hour, as I didn’t remember how it ended, just some pieces of their adventure. (I also read the following book in one seating, haha! Only the third was spilt on two sittings as life is not fair.) I dare to say that the dystopian created and Rodda’s writing are the strongest points on this book.
Rodda’s main characters have a very good thing and a poor thing about them. They observe a lot and pay attention to so many nice things, but they tend to not think about themselves a lot. To this day, I’m not really sure of Rowan’s looks, haha! All people around him is easier to picture, but it’s like he’s a nice faceless boy. I mean, I imagine him just like the Grand Chase character thanks to the name, that is similar, but I don’t have a book official version, you know? (Btw, I miss this game so much, the Brazilian branch was closed on 2014 =[)
But there’s another catch to Rodda’s characters. Each one of them is one type of person that you’ll find on a society. There’s the optimistic, the grumpy, the honest, the cheater, the workaholic, the loner, the wise… And so on. Still, they aren’t boring one you figure out which type each one of them will be, as Rowan brings the best on each of them. He rarely judges people, as he is always occupied trying to understand them. You gotta love the boy.
Also, I really wished to know his age. Oh, well.
I feel the need of highlighting the world that Rodda created for this series. It starts small, with only the village of Rin, the bukshas’ lake and the Mountain, but keeps growing through the series, showing one more piece of it on each following book. <3
Overall, I think this is an ageless book. If you like dystopian, fantasy, adventure and doesn’t care about romance, you have to board my fangirling boat and read Rowan of Rin!
Thank you once again for reading! <3
November 23, 2024
ماجراجوییای پر از معما، کوتاه و جالب^^
February 20, 2023
Quick read. Simple storyline that I think would work well for Middle Readers. First of a series, though of course I don’t have the second one to read now. I’ll pick it up at work tomorrow if we have it on the shelf.
3 solid stars.
3 solid stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2012
A Tale of Courage
Gentle spirited Rowan is thought of as weak by the strong and hardy folk in his village, Rin. He doesn’t measure up to the other villagers; in him they see no value and he has learned to see no value in himself. Only the peaceful creatures he tends named the bukshah love and appreciate him. When an expedition to the top of the mountain is formed to save the bukshah Rowan is forced to go. Haunted by fear and scorned and pitied by the other members of the expedition Rowan is driven by the faith the bukshah have in him to meet the dragon who lives at the top of mountain.
Throughout this book Rowan struggles to exhaustion to combat his fears and do things others find so easy. Who among us hasn’t felt that way? We spend a lifetime trying to be good enough only to be bashed down. Most people can identify with Rowan and even at times his companions in this book.
One of the lessons Rowan learns is to see more clearly. He learns to see himself and his companions in a truer light; they are not as invincible as he thought and he is braver than he knew. As the only one to complete the quest he also learns what true bravery is; it is overcoming your fear and doing something even though it frightens you. It is a lesson many people in the real world have yet to master.
This is a book I have come back to many times and each time I read it I am immediately transported to the valley of Rin. It is written for a younger age group than I tend to read, but the rich texture and characters appeals to many ages. The writing is graceful and Rodda is able to keep the momentum up throughout the story. With universal themes of learning to value yourself and bravery in the face of fear I give this book four stars.
Definitely give this book a chance!
Gentle spirited Rowan is thought of as weak by the strong and hardy folk in his village, Rin. He doesn’t measure up to the other villagers; in him they see no value and he has learned to see no value in himself. Only the peaceful creatures he tends named the bukshah love and appreciate him. When an expedition to the top of the mountain is formed to save the bukshah Rowan is forced to go. Haunted by fear and scorned and pitied by the other members of the expedition Rowan is driven by the faith the bukshah have in him to meet the dragon who lives at the top of mountain.
Throughout this book Rowan struggles to exhaustion to combat his fears and do things others find so easy. Who among us hasn’t felt that way? We spend a lifetime trying to be good enough only to be bashed down. Most people can identify with Rowan and even at times his companions in this book.
One of the lessons Rowan learns is to see more clearly. He learns to see himself and his companions in a truer light; they are not as invincible as he thought and he is braver than he knew. As the only one to complete the quest he also learns what true bravery is; it is overcoming your fear and doing something even though it frightens you. It is a lesson many people in the real world have yet to master.
This is a book I have come back to many times and each time I read it I am immediately transported to the valley of Rin. It is written for a younger age group than I tend to read, but the rich texture and characters appeals to many ages. The writing is graceful and Rodda is able to keep the momentum up throughout the story. With universal themes of learning to value yourself and bravery in the face of fear I give this book four stars.
Definitely give this book a chance!
January 11, 2021
I have been looking for good books for my boys who are voracious readers. They saw this at the book fair, and I was a little skeptical, but the reviews sounded ok, so I let them get it. I decided I better read it to see what it's about. I think this is one of my favorite books they have. It was a story about a fantasy people, maybe like Lord of the Rings where they have their own words, names of things, magic, lands and history. It had suspense and danger, but it surrounded fears - water, spiders, tight spaces. Nothing evil and no one is betrayed or killed. Perfect for young readers who can be scared or distraught even by say a Harry Potter, but I felt it was just as entertaining and engrosssing - my kids couldn't put it down. The main character overcomes his fear and honor and friendship triumph. I can only home that the rest of Rodda's work are as classic.
October 28, 2011
I read this book a decade ago and loved it, and I have just reread it again and still enjoy it immensely.
The plot is simple: Cowardly Rowan must journey with six companions up a mountain to discover and fix the cause behind why water is no longer reaching their village.
Rin is a village filled with people who are strong and raised to be brave, seek adventure, and show no weakness, but Rowan is different. He's easily frightened and openly displays his weaknesses. The only friends he has are the animals he looks after; not even his mother understands him. All of this makes him relatable to children, especially those who feel weak or small at times. I can see many children watching him grow and wanting to be him.
The story also has riddles, which are always fun to guess at, giving this book an interactive quality.
The only weaknesses I see in this book are the flat characters and the episodic storyline. However, I do forgive the flat characters, since most of them don't stay in the story too long, and are mentioned only a little in the sequels (that's right, there's more).
Nonetheless, I loved this book as a kid and I enjoy it now.
The plot is simple: Cowardly Rowan must journey with six companions up a mountain to discover and fix the cause behind why water is no longer reaching their village.
Rin is a village filled with people who are strong and raised to be brave, seek adventure, and show no weakness, but Rowan is different. He's easily frightened and openly displays his weaknesses. The only friends he has are the animals he looks after; not even his mother understands him. All of this makes him relatable to children, especially those who feel weak or small at times. I can see many children watching him grow and wanting to be him.
The story also has riddles, which are always fun to guess at, giving this book an interactive quality.
The only weaknesses I see in this book are the flat characters and the episodic storyline. However, I do forgive the flat characters, since most of them don't stay in the story too long, and are mentioned only a little in the sequels (that's right, there's more).
Nonetheless, I loved this book as a kid and I enjoy it now.
June 2, 2008
This book is a lot better then I thought it would be. It is a sort of fantisy sci-fi book as it is set in the made up land of rin. A male hero named Rowan is given a task to go to the top of the ice mountain and find out what is stopping the water from flowing into his village. Through his journey with his friends a lot of magical things happen. Its a good read to take a break from all those tough books.
August 21, 2018
I’m always impressed by Rodda’s skill for quite complex world building in such short books. Even as an adult I will still pull these out every year or two for a nostalgia read.
August 22, 2025
Deltora quest could NEVER
January 2, 2019
يادمه وقتى سه تا مجموعه ى دلتورا از اميلى رودا رو خوندم خيلى دلم مى خواست يه جورى برگردم به دنياش. و تو عالم بچگى با اين فكر كه احتمالاً اين قصه هم شبيه همونه چون نويسنده ش يكيه سراغش رفتم.
فضاى داستان شباهت داره به داستان دلتورا. اما من دلتورا رو خيلى خيلى خيلى بيشتر دوست داشتم. ماجراش هيجان انگيز هست ولى اون هيجانى كه من بعد از دلتورا خوندن مى طلبيدم رو نداشت.
پ.ن.: اينا تفكرات يه دخترِ نُه ساله راجع به اين كتابه!:))
فضاى داستان شباهت داره به داستان دلتورا. اما من دلتورا رو خيلى خيلى خيلى بيشتر دوست داشتم. ماجراش هيجان انگيز هست ولى اون هيجانى كه من بعد از دلتورا خوندن مى طلبيدم رو نداشت.
پ.ن.: اينا تفكرات يه دخترِ نُه ساله راجع به اين كتابه!:))
January 23, 2019
Still as good as the first time I read it!
September 11, 2019
I loved this book when I read it as a kid and it holds up fairly well.
I'm surprised by how much it has in common with the How to Train your Dragon movie.
I'm surprised by how much it has in common with the How to Train your Dragon movie.
February 14, 2022
داستان قشنگی بود با اینکه منو اوایلش حرص داد. واقعا باید یه فکری برای این مشکل بکنم که دیگه هرگز کتاب های حرصدار رو نخوندم. با این حال قشنگ بود. از بروندن وحشتناک متنفرم و بدم میاد این داستان واقعا جوری بود که احساس میکردم کلیشه رو شکست،( آدم های مغرور به کار بد خودشون پی ببرن و معذرت بخوان) اصلا نبودددد هیچ وقت معذرت از روون نخواستن و حتی تا آخرش بازم روی حرف هاشون میوندن و این واقعا منو ناراحت کرد. اون زمانی که دیدم همه دارن به ترس هاشون رو میگن ولی هیچکس بازم قبول نمیکردن و در آخر مجبور به قبولش شدن رو دوست داشتم شاید بخاطر این بود داشتم شکسته شدن کسایی رو میدیدم که همیشه از اول تا آخر میگفتن من بهترینم، من باهوشم، من شجاعم، ولی تو (روون) ترسویی و ما بهترین البته به جز آلون و مارلی و جان. و اره خوشحال شدم
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
خیلی وقت تو کتابخونه هست، بالاخره دارم میخونمش 🐈⬛
October 18, 2018
As a kiddo, I read a lot. And most of the authors I read back then faded into nothingness. The one and pretty much only exception is Emily Rodda (and no, I didn’t quite grow up with J. K. Rowling). And even a decade later, I still enjoy her books and her writing.
What’s the story about? In the village of Rin, their livestock needs the water from the mountain to well, survive. One day, the water stops flowing from the mountain, and the livestock struggles. Because, well, they need water. So a few villagers decide to go up to the mountain to see what’s wrong—despite that nobody previously has returned. Our main character Rowan is a bit of a wimpy kid. He isn’t like the rest of his people, strong, courageous and fierce warriors. However, the village’s Wise Woman decided to grant him, and only him, the capability to read the map that can guide them through the trials of the mountain. Mostly out of spite, partially because Rowan is the only one who partially thinks rationally.
Both the writing and the story is very simplistic, but that’s to be expected. After all, this is a middle-grade novel, and it was pretty old. Like, it’s about 25-years-old. Honestly, I didn’t even realise that it was that old. But there are things I didn’t catch the first time reading this book, like there is a lot of foreshadowing. Foreshadowing you only pick up by the second read-trough (or you’re an actual observant reader). The strength of this book is the characters (for me).
Rowan as a main character is very interesting, enjoyable character who shows growth over the course of this book. Despite being frightened most of the time—fair enough, I would be too—he just tried. Tried and failed, but got up again and continued trying. He showed intelligence, patience and consideration. The support cast was also pretty stable. Everyone in the group got a bit of background, some more than others. I think Allun got most background story—his family life, his fears—but that was understandable. He was the only adult Rowan could relate to, as his was bit of an odd duckling too. So that created an instant connection between the two of them. Another interesting dynamic was between Rowan and Jonn. Jonn was a good friend of his passed-away dad, and slowly started to replace him. Well, not necessarily replace him, but fill the void. But at the start of the book, Jonn mostly had a good connection with Rowan’s mother and little sister. He struggled with Rowan, because Rowan was un-Rin-like. And over the course of the story, that shifted. Because Rowan showed courageous over the course of the book in his own way.
Is the book the best book ever? No. Was it very enjoyable? Yes. It was an easy read, the main character didn’t annoy me and it gave me a heavy dose of nostalgia. I like the simplicity of middle grades.
What’s the story about? In the village of Rin, their livestock needs the water from the mountain to well, survive. One day, the water stops flowing from the mountain, and the livestock struggles. Because, well, they need water. So a few villagers decide to go up to the mountain to see what’s wrong—despite that nobody previously has returned. Our main character Rowan is a bit of a wimpy kid. He isn’t like the rest of his people, strong, courageous and fierce warriors. However, the village’s Wise Woman decided to grant him, and only him, the capability to read the map that can guide them through the trials of the mountain. Mostly out of spite, partially because Rowan is the only one who partially thinks rationally.
Both the writing and the story is very simplistic, but that’s to be expected. After all, this is a middle-grade novel, and it was pretty old. Like, it’s about 25-years-old. Honestly, I didn’t even realise that it was that old. But there are things I didn’t catch the first time reading this book, like there is a lot of foreshadowing. Foreshadowing you only pick up by the second read-trough (or you’re an actual observant reader). The strength of this book is the characters (for me).
Rowan as a main character is very interesting, enjoyable character who shows growth over the course of this book. Despite being frightened most of the time—fair enough, I would be too—he just tried. Tried and failed, but got up again and continued trying. He showed intelligence, patience and consideration. The support cast was also pretty stable. Everyone in the group got a bit of background, some more than others. I think Allun got most background story—his family life, his fears—but that was understandable. He was the only adult Rowan could relate to, as his was bit of an odd duckling too. So that created an instant connection between the two of them. Another interesting dynamic was between Rowan and Jonn. Jonn was a good friend of his passed-away dad, and slowly started to replace him. Well, not necessarily replace him, but fill the void. But at the start of the book, Jonn mostly had a good connection with Rowan’s mother and little sister. He struggled with Rowan, because Rowan was un-Rin-like. And over the course of the story, that shifted. Because Rowan showed courageous over the course of the book in his own way.
Is the book the best book ever? No. Was it very enjoyable? Yes. It was an easy read, the main character didn’t annoy me and it gave me a heavy dose of nostalgia. I like the simplicity of middle grades.
August 24, 2012
A personal favourite from my childhood which doesn't quite live up to the hype... I remembered "Rowan of Rin" as a great adventure story, albeit a predictable one, but this time around I found it a bit shallow and - maybe - underdone?
Don't get me wrong. This is a great children's book with a lot of memorable moments, but it's not "The Hobbit". Some of the characters are interesting and engaging, but emotional depth is not included. The audience has to read between the lines and apply paint with a liberal brush if they hope to connect with anybody, including the protagonist.
The inevitable culling of the adventurers is rushed and heavy handed, lacking any kind of tension. If you read a chapter in which nobody calls it quits, it's only because the next chapter is a twofer, where you'll be lucky to have half a page between a couple of "hearts breaking". The climax of the novel itself spans over only five or so paragraphs.
At the same time, the prophetic poems are clunky and vary between ridiculously convoluted and downright literal with no real rhyme or reason. The characters seem to understand this, though it's not clear how or why, and will sometimes make split second decisions on gross misconceptions, when a far simpler interpretation goes completely unthought of. Definitely a case of brawn over brains...
That said - there is real potential here and the lasting impression is a positive one. With some embellishment and greater depth, I'd have had no hesitation in awarding this novel four stars. But as it was, the actual adventure paled in comparison to how I fondly remembered it.
Don't get me wrong. This is a great children's book with a lot of memorable moments, but it's not "The Hobbit". Some of the characters are interesting and engaging, but emotional depth is not included. The audience has to read between the lines and apply paint with a liberal brush if they hope to connect with anybody, including the protagonist.
The inevitable culling of the adventurers is rushed and heavy handed, lacking any kind of tension. If you read a chapter in which nobody calls it quits, it's only because the next chapter is a twofer, where you'll be lucky to have half a page between a couple of "hearts breaking". The climax of the novel itself spans over only five or so paragraphs.
At the same time, the prophetic poems are clunky and vary between ridiculously convoluted and downright literal with no real rhyme or reason. The characters seem to understand this, though it's not clear how or why, and will sometimes make split second decisions on gross misconceptions, when a far simpler interpretation goes completely unthought of. Definitely a case of brawn over brains...
That said - there is real potential here and the lasting impression is a positive one. With some embellishment and greater depth, I'd have had no hesitation in awarding this novel four stars. But as it was, the actual adventure paled in comparison to how I fondly remembered it.
September 10, 2012
I just finished reading this book to my class of year 4 students.
They voted on the star rating themselves. (1 student gave 3 stars, 2 students gave it 4 stars and the rest gave it 5).
Here are some of their comments:
"I loved the book because it was exciting the whole way through"
"I liked the part where they were fighting the dragon, and how they go into the tunnel"
"It was cool when they got to the dragon and ran from the dragon"
"I only gave it 3 stars because it has some boring bits and some really exciting bits. The bit I liked the most was when they were in the forest. It was scary with the spiders."
"I liked the book because I like books that have some adventure"
"I liked the book because Emily Rodda makes it interesting with her noun groups, verbs, adjectives, dialogue, adverbs and conjunctions" (Somone has been paying attention in class!)
"I really like it when they have to face all the obstacles"
"I liked the book because it had lots of mystery and lots of adventure. You don't know what's going to happen next."
"I liked it because it was interesting and it was scary."
"I liked the part where Rowan had to pull the bone out of his throat, and I liked all of the characters."
"I think I would give this story five stars. Year fours should read this type of book and older kids can also read this type of book."
"I liked it because there were heaps of tests, and they kept losing people."
"I definitely loved this book. I think Rowan learned a vaulable lesson about not worrying what other people think. I liked this book because it is full of mystery and surprise."
They voted on the star rating themselves. (1 student gave 3 stars, 2 students gave it 4 stars and the rest gave it 5).
Here are some of their comments:
"I loved the book because it was exciting the whole way through"
"I liked the part where they were fighting the dragon, and how they go into the tunnel"
"It was cool when they got to the dragon and ran from the dragon"
"I only gave it 3 stars because it has some boring bits and some really exciting bits. The bit I liked the most was when they were in the forest. It was scary with the spiders."
"I liked the book because I like books that have some adventure"
"I liked the book because Emily Rodda makes it interesting with her noun groups, verbs, adjectives, dialogue, adverbs and conjunctions" (Somone has been paying attention in class!)
"I really like it when they have to face all the obstacles"
"I liked the book because it had lots of mystery and lots of adventure. You don't know what's going to happen next."
"I liked it because it was interesting and it was scary."
"I liked the part where Rowan had to pull the bone out of his throat, and I liked all of the characters."
"I think I would give this story five stars. Year fours should read this type of book and older kids can also read this type of book."
"I liked it because there were heaps of tests, and they kept losing people."
"I definitely loved this book. I think Rowan learned a vaulable lesson about not worrying what other people think. I liked this book because it is full of mystery and surprise."
September 4, 2013
This book starts out fairly slow. All is well in Rin and there is only one problem, Rowan, the main character, is considered a coward. This is the main conflict of the story, as well as the river going dry. These two conflicts run side by side as each comes to its resolution with the same event. The trek up the mountain is the main focus of the story. This book falls short on details though.This fault is small, but does detract too much. This book also has very bland side characters. Some of the minor characters are very shallow with not much known about them.
This book has some good characters though. Most of the other major characters have some details. They may not have a lot, but they have all the details that they need. The true place were the details fall short is when a character is mentioned, but then all that the reader is then informed about is their job in the town.
This book gets a 4 out of 5, because there isn't very much wrong with the book, not very much to complain about. So then all someone can do is look at the good things. The plot is very clever and has some twists. The reader also learns what life in Rin is like, so then Rowan's problem can be understood. This is what gives this book its rating.
This book has some good characters though. Most of the other major characters have some details. They may not have a lot, but they have all the details that they need. The true place were the details fall short is when a character is mentioned, but then all that the reader is then informed about is their job in the town.
This book gets a 4 out of 5, because there isn't very much wrong with the book, not very much to complain about. So then all someone can do is look at the good things. The plot is very clever and has some twists. The reader also learns what life in Rin is like, so then Rowan's problem can be understood. This is what gives this book its rating.
July 26, 2011
I loved this series. I recommend it to any young fantasy lovers, especially shy 10-year-old boys. Fantasy is not my thing, but both my sons loved fantasy books, so I've read an awful lot (aloud). Emily Rodda was a favourite for all of us. Her books are rich in every way: vivid settings, full characters, well told stories. There are quests to make, lives to save, riddles to solve, monsters to vanquish, evil to defeat, and an unlikely hero to do it all.
Because my kids are 7 years apart, they went through the readings of Rodda's books separately (and repeatedly). We started with her Deltora books (3 series, start with Deltora Quest) and moved onto the five Rowan books, which are a bit longer (and not as gory, if I recall). I have read and listened to all of these books four times each. And I am not sick of them. In fact, I could read them again right now. Highly entertaining.
Because my kids are 7 years apart, they went through the readings of Rodda's books separately (and repeatedly). We started with her Deltora books (3 series, start with Deltora Quest) and moved onto the five Rowan books, which are a bit longer (and not as gory, if I recall). I have read and listened to all of these books four times each. And I am not sick of them. In fact, I could read them again right now. Highly entertaining.
May 29, 2012
I'd probably even give this one a 4.5. A really wonderful mid-grade fantasy (the first of a 5-part series). Young Rowan is a bit meeker than his peers, and he is often looked down on from adults and children alike in his village. But then his village is threatened by a serious drought, and the village needs to send a questing party to the top of the mountain (where none have returned from) to try and puzzle out the source of the stopped river. Thanks to the nudging of the local "witch," Rowan must join the party of adults who are daring to climb the mountain and possibly confront a dragon of legend. As you might expect, Rowan turns out to have more bravery and cunning than any others imagined...
March 23, 2013
This is such a great coming of age book for 9-11 year olds. It is a quest book with a prophecy. The main character is weak and unsure of himself. He is "forced" to go on a quest to save his town which somehow has lost its water supply. With a map to lead 7 of them, which only Rowan can make reveal the path, they are thrown into many physical and mental challenges. People once strong, become weak and vice versa. True characters become visible.
It is great to draw a map while it is being read. I supplied the verses as I read the book. It is a great visualizing novel. I've hardly met a student who hasn't loved it.
It is great to draw a map while it is being read. I supplied the verses as I read the book. It is a great visualizing novel. I've hardly met a student who hasn't loved it.
December 17, 2017
3.5 stars
I read this series first back in late primary school. I was probably 10 or so years old? I don't really remember it, and I'm not sure I've reread it since then, so it was an interesting reread!
Emily Rodda has got to be up there in the reasons I like fantasy so much, because I grew up on these books and her Deltora Quest series and absolutely loved all the adventure, fantasy and little riddles and puzzles along the way.
Of course it's a lot more predictable reading the story as an adult, but still enjoyable, if at least for nostalgia and cute story where no one dies because yay its child-friendly? A great middle-grade read which funnily enough is as old as I am.
I read this series first back in late primary school. I was probably 10 or so years old? I don't really remember it, and I'm not sure I've reread it since then, so it was an interesting reread!
Emily Rodda has got to be up there in the reasons I like fantasy so much, because I grew up on these books and her Deltora Quest series and absolutely loved all the adventure, fantasy and little riddles and puzzles along the way.
Of course it's a lot more predictable reading the story as an adult, but still enjoyable, if at least for nostalgia and cute story where no one dies because yay its child-friendly? A great middle-grade read which funnily enough is as old as I am.
January 15, 2026
A nostalgic reread of a childhood favorite (a story that made me love reading) and 20 years later, it still is a 5 outta 5 ⭐️
February 25, 2020
A fun fantasy tale! My 10 year old is reading this at school, so I thought I'd read along at home.
January 2, 2020
So I read this series a lot as a child, but haven't touched them since. A couple months ago, I couldn't remember the name of this series and searched through goodreads for bit. After finding it, I added it to my to-read list in order to remember the name.
But for Christmas my father couldn't think of anything to get me so he took a look at my to-read list for ideas. Not realizing that this is a book for children he got me this. And so I've re-read it.
It's a nice, simple story that asks that you not underestimate anyone even the smallest and most fearful.
But for Christmas my father couldn't think of anything to get me so he took a look at my to-read list for ideas. Not realizing that this is a book for children he got me this. And so I've re-read it.
It's a nice, simple story that asks that you not underestimate anyone even the smallest and most fearful.
October 14, 2020
this book was a good. the book is about a dragon on top of a for bidden Mountain and they try to get up there to see what is wrong with it. my favorite part was when rowan was trying to be good at being a warrior but he couldn't because he was never good at anything. I would prefer more people to read this book.
December 10, 2019
(3.5)
Short and sweet with some good messages about bravery and prejudice. I wish I had read this first when I was the intended target demographic as I think I would have loved this when I was younger.
Short and sweet with some good messages about bravery and prejudice. I wish I had read this first when I was the intended target demographic as I think I would have loved this when I was younger.
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