School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6 In his fourth adventure, Rowan comes face to face with the dreaded Zebak tribe. Generations earlier, the people of Rin had been its warrior slaves, and had fought to earn their freedom. On what should be the happiest of days, Rowan keeps receiving warnings of danger, but decides to keep quiet until after his mother marries Strong Jonn. Unfortunately, before he can tell anyone, his little sister is snatched by a fanged, flying grach. With the help of friends from previous outings-and of course a few magical poems courtesy of Rin's always cranky wise woman, Sheba-Rowan makes his way across the sea and through the Wastelands, to the fortress of steel that is the Zebak's stronghold. There, mysteries of the past are revealed, new friends are made, and Annad is rescued. Rowan is not the flashiest of heroes, but in each story he grows a little more confident. He has become a quiet but able leader, one who listens and learns and inspires his followers to do their best. This story, like its predecessors, is filled with mystery, magic, and plenty of twists and turns. Fans of the series will rejoice and newcomers will want to go back to the beginning and read about Rowan's earlier adventures. -Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
When his little sister is stolen away by a flying grach, Rowan and his friends set off on a dangerous voyage into Zebak territory, guided only by a series of mysterious rhymes. The fourth book in the series provides as much action and mystery as the first three. The fact that RowanÆs courage stems from a staunch heart and open mind rather than physical strength makes him an approachable young hero. From HORN BOOK Fall 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In the fourth in this fantasy series by Australian Rodda (Rodda and the Keeper of the Crystal, p. 50, etc.), Rowan follows the patterns set forth in previous titles. Rowan has become a hero to the Rin in previous books, but he is very aware that he is not larger than life, and now his renown has made him feel even more of an oddity in the village. Because he ignored an ominous feeling, Rowan feels responsible for the capture of his younger sister by a flying lizard-like creature sent by the Zebaks. Various friends from previous adventures join him in his quest to find her and bring her back, but as always, Rowan must first see Sheba, the witch-like seer for help on his journey. Sheba's forecasts are told in poems that provide clues suitably vague and threatening, but as events unfold, reveal exactly the information the seekers need. Rowan and his companions are nicely ordinary, yet manage to have just the resources needed in their battle against the evil Zebak. The tale flows smoothly with threatening episodes paced to keep the plot moving. Rowan and his fellow travelers are far more likely to act independently than companions of Rodda's Deltora Quest series where unity was critical. Although each adventure stands alone, this is much easier to follow when the books are read in order as new characters are introduced and continue to be important in following stories. Lacking depth in terms of exploring grand ideas, it is nonetheless satisfying to see simple determination and kindness rewarded with success. Solid. (Fiction. 8-12)
Booklist Review
Gr. 3-6. This final installment in the Rowan of Rin series will not disappoint fantasy-adventure fans. When Rowan keeps quiet about his premonition of disaster and his younger sister, Annad, is kidnapped and whisked away to the land of the Zebak by a fanged, flying grach, Rowan feels responsible. He decides to attempt a rescue. After receiving a mysterious packet and a set of instructions in the form of a riddle from Sheba, the community witch, he sets off, accompanied by Perlain, one of the fishlike Maris creatures; Zeel, a Zebak who has been raised by Travelers; and Allun, a resident of Rin with a Traveler father. His comrades become essential to the quest. As in previous books in the series, Rowan's adventures are riveting, with plot twists sufficient to keep the outcome in doubt until the final pages. Rodda's alien landscapes and imaginative creatures will intrigue young audiences, but it's the characters, who seem fully human, that are the strength of the book. On a subtler level Rodda says much about the importance of recognizing and celebrating an individual's strengths. This book easily stands alone, but since the others in the series are so good, why not enjoy them all? --Kay Weisman
