Emily Rodda has written many books for children, including
Finders Keepers, which School Library journal dubbed "a lively adventure," and several novels about the likable hero Rowan. The first of these novels,
Rowan of Rin, won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers Award when it was first published. In fact, Emily Rodda has won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award an unprecedented five times. A former editor, Ms. Rodda is also the best-selling author of adult mysteries under the name Jennifer Rowe. She lives in Australia.
*Starred Review* Gr. 3-6. This new 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
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