Rowan of Rin

Last updated
Rowan of Rinn
Rowan of rin (series).JPG
Rowan of Rin
Rowan and the Travellers
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
Rowan and the Zebak
Rowan of the Bukshah
Author Emily Rodda
Illustrator Matt Wilson
CountryAustralia
Genre Juvenile fiction
Fantasy novel
Publisher Omnibus Books
Published1993-2003
Media typePrint (hardcover and paperback) and audio-CD [1] [2]

Rowan of Rin is a series of five children's fantasy novels by an Australian author Emily Rodda. It follows the adventures of a shy village boy, Rowan. The series was first published in Australia in 1993 by Omnibus Books, a corporate division of Scholastic. [3] When Scholastic released Emily Rodda's Star of Deltora fantasy series, the Rowan of Rin series was revealed to be part of the world of Deltora, and the lands mentioned in the books are islands located to the west of Deltora. This makes Rowan of Rin the fourth series set in the world of Deltora, sixth if you count the collective Deltora Quest series as three separate series. The other series are Deltora Quest (Deltora Quest, Deltora Quest 2 and Deltora Quest 3), the Three Doors trilogy and Star of Deltora. [4] [5]

Contents

World

The Rowan stories take place in a fictional world, on an island known as Maris. Each book always begins in the small village of Rin, in an isolated valley that rests at the foot of the forbidden Mountain. West of the Mountain is an unnavigable wasteland, and east of Rin lies a river that runs into the sea. On the coast is the larger, more populous city of Maris, home to the fish-like Maris people. Maris is the only point on the coast where ships can land safely, as north and south of Maris the coast is lined by hazardous rocks and steep cliffs. Across the sea, to the east, lies the Land of the Zebak; the Zebak territory is a desert, its city reunited in steel walls and protected from land threats by the desolate, hazard-ridden Wastelands. Further east, across the Silver Sea, lies the continent of Deltora.

History

Long before the time of humans, the bukshah travelled up the Mountain every winter to feast on a grey fungus produced by the ice creepers. The bukshah were sustained for the winter, and the heat from the river of molten gold at Mountain Heart radiated into the ice creepers' cavern, maintaining a balance that controlled the population of the ice creepers and subdued the elemental rage in Mountain Heart. The valley behind the Mountain was eventually settled, and named the Valley of Gold. The people of this Valley learned the secrets of Mountain Heart, and deliberately prevented the bukshah from traveling up there; the fungus, uneaten, caused the river to flow with greater pressure, giving the people of the Valley more gold and riches. However, this also made the ice creepers more populous, causing the first Cold Time. The people eventually allowed the Bukshah to climb the mountain again, and the balance was restored - but they never told their Traveller friends the Mountain's secret. Many years later, the people of the Valley of Gold discovered the mountain berries, but that winter, before the berries completed their life-cycle, the Zebak took a foothold in Maris and messengers were sent to the Valley asking for reinforcements. The people of the Valley left for the coast, but the keeper of the bukshah remained with the keeper of the silks, and soon one warrior returned - the people of the Valley had been captured by the Zebak before they'd even reached the coast. When the Bukshah left the Valley for Mountain Heart, the three companions followed them, hiding in the cave after the beasts had left. As the snow receded, the Mountain berries in the Valley spread, and overnight the abandoned Valley was overrun by the devil trees, transformed into the abhorred Pit of Unrin. The Mountain wall, undermined by the roots of the trees, collapsed, and Mountain Heart was blocked, sealing the companions inside. The people of the Valley of Gold, enslaved by the Zebak, founded the first village of Rin behind the walls of the Zebak city. Above their abandoned home, the companions lay dying and the Bukshah were kept from Mountain Heart, leaving the creepers to breed and multiply.

Hundreds of years later, the Zebak took the strongest of the Rin slaves as warriors to fight against the Travellers and the Maris-folk. The cunning works of the Keeper of the Crystal of Maris led to the Rin slaves turning against their Zebak masters, defeating the invaders. The Rin people then headed west and settled at the foot of the Mountain. Minds wiped by the Zebak, they remained unaware that half of their kinsmen were still enslaved across the sea, keeping their sad history recorded on silk paintings, as the people of the Valley of Gold had done also.

Three hundred years later, the Zebak devise a plan to invade Rin via the air, using flying creatures called grach, then taking the Travellers and Maris-folk by surprise through a land attack. Rowan of Rin travels to the Zebak city to find his sister, and returns with Norris and Shaaran as well, the last two descendants of the original Rin slaves. Shaaran brings the silks with her to the new Rin, causing the leader of the Travellers, Ogden, to suspect that the people of Rin and the people of the Valley of Gold are one and the same. When the cold time hits Rin and the ice creepers come down from the mountain 4 follow the bukshah and go through many challenges before reaching the top where they find more ancient silks from the others that came with the bukshah before them, leading them to the conclusion that the people of the valley of gold and Rin were the one and the same.

Books in the series

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal

Rowan and his mother must travel to the beaches where the Maris civilisation dwell all in order to choose the next Keeper of the Crystal. Rowan suspects nothing until his mother is poisoned and he must take her place, but Rowan refuses to elect the new Keeper, deciding that he needs the antidote to save his mother. He and the three candidates battling to be the next Keeper must go to find the antidote to save his mother.

Rowan and the Zebak

Everything seems to be very well and usual in the valley of Rin. But, somehow, Rowan, Perlain and Ogden all sense danger in the land. Rowan knows he must do something, but he doesn't want to disturb the wedding of Jiller, his mom, and Jonn, his step father. Unexpectedly, before the wedding ceremony ended, Annad is snatched by a flying creature known as the Zebak grach. With guilt and despair Rowan sets off for his journey to rescue Annad. Accompanied by his three companions and Sheba's prophecies, Rowan must travel to the land of his ancient enemy - the Zebak. But what if the Zebak find them, and what danger is waiting for them in the land of the Zebak?

Rowan of the Bukshah

(Retitled to Rowan and the Ice Creepers in North America) An endless winter has begun in the land of Rin. The Rin folk have fled to the Maris and only a few remain in the village, but Rowan must still embark on a deadly quest. He journeys up the mountain in his beloved bukshah's wake to cease the endless frost and ice, but doing so may endanger not only himself, but his loved ones as well.

Critical reception

Rowan of Rin has been praised by critics for its worldbuilding and pacing with Kirkus Reviews stating that Rowan and the Zebak "flows smoothly with threatening episodes paced to keep the plot moving." [6] Another reviewer stated that Rowan and the Travellers was "beautifully constructed." [7] The series was also praised by critics for its "gentle and exciting introduction to traditional fantasy" that is "perfect for any child." [8] However, Rowan and the Travellers was also criticized for its story, with one reviewer stating that "thanks to plenty of heavy hints, readers will have solved the riddle long before Rowan." [9] Rowan of the Bukshah was also criticized for plot conveniences and lack of a sense of danger; however, it was praised for its "genuinely creepy creatures." [10]

Related Research Articles

Jennifer June Rowe,, is an Australian author. Her crime fiction for adults is published under her own name, while her children's fiction is published under the pseudonyms Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson.

Deltora Quest 3 is a series of children's fantasy books, written by Australian author Emily Rodda. It follows the adventures of three companions, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine, as they journey across the magical land of Deltora to awaken the last seven dragons and destroy the Four Sisters. It comprises four books which were first published in Australia in 2004 and 2005 in the United States by Scholastic. The Dragons of Deltora series is preceded by two other series that take place in the same fictional world and feature the same characters and continues the story. These series are Deltora Quest and Deltora Quest 2. Collectively, these three series are known as the Deltora Quest series or the Deltora series.

<i>Rowan of Rin</i> (novel) Novel by Jennifer Rowe

Rowan of Rin is a children's fantasy novel by Australian author Emily Rodda. It is the first in the five-book series of the same name. It was first published in 1993 and re-released in 2003 with the fifth and final novel in the series: Rowan of the Bukshah. In 1994, the novel won the Children's Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers.

<i>Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal</i> Book by Jennifer Rowe

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal is a 1996 children's fantasy novel by Australian author Emily Rodda. It is the third book in the Rowan of Rin series.

<i>Rowan and the Zebak</i> Book by Jennifer Rowe

Rowan and the Zebak is a 1999 children's fantasy novel by Australian author Emily Rodda. It is the fourth book in the Rowan of Rin series.

<i>Rowan of the Bukshah</i> Novel by Jennifer Rowe

Rowan of the Bukshah is a 2003 children's fantasy novel by Australian author Emily Rodda. It is the fifth and final book in the Rowan of Rin series.

<i>The Valley of the Lost</i> 2002 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Valley of the Lost is the seventh book in the Deltora Quest novel series written by Emily Rodda. The final gem from the Belt of Deltora is in the mysterious Valley of the Lost with its guardian only known as the Guardian. To retrieve the gem, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine must play his game. If they win, they get the gem. If they lose they will stay trapped inside the Valley of the Lost forever.

<i>The Maze of the Beast</i> 2001 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Maze of the Beast is the sixth book in the Deltora Quest novel series, written by Emily Rodda. It was published in 2001 by Scholastic.

Deltora Quest is the collective title for three distinct series of children's fantasy books, written by Australian author Emily Rodda. It follows the adventures of three companions as they journey across the fictitious land of Deltora, endeavouring to recover the seven gems stolen from the magical Belt of Deltora and defeat allies of the evil Shadow Lord. The series was first published in Australia in 2000 and has since been published in more than 30 countries. The series has sold over 18 million copies worldwide, including over 2 million in Australia. It is published by Scholastic in Australia and the United States. In most countries, the series is illustrated by Marc McBride.

<i>Deltora Quest</i> (TV series) Japanese anime series

Deltora Quest is a Japanese anime television series based on the series of children's books of the same name, written by Australian author Emily Rodda. It was announced by Rodda herself at Sydney's Book Council of Australia Conference and at an ABC Kids convention. The series was produced by Genco and SKY Perfect Well Think. It was broadcast for 65 episodes on TV Aichi from January 2007 to March 2008. It began airing on Cartoon Network Australia and New Zealand in May 2010. It premiered in the United States on The Hub on October 10, 2010.

<i>The Lake of Tears</i> 2001 childrens fantasy novel by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Lake of Tears is the second book in the eight-volume Deltora Quest series written by Emily Rodda. It continues after the events of The Forests of Silence, as the three protagonists brave various dangers on their journey to find the seven missing gems of Deltora. The book was first published in 2001 by Scholastic.

Deltora Quest is a children's fantasy novel series written by Emily Rodda. It was first published between 2000 and 2002 in Australia by Scholastic Press. There are eight books in this series: The Forests of Silence, The Lake of Tears, City of the Rats, The Shifting Sands, Dread Mountain, The Maze of the Beast, The Valley of the Lost and Return to Del in that order. These books are followed by two other series set in the same universe: Deltora Quest 2, Deltora Quest 3. Together, these three series are collectively also referred to as the Deltora Quest series, and occasionally the Deltora series by some fans.

<i>City of the Rats</i> 2001 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

City of the Rats is the third novel in the eight-volume fantasy series Deltora Quest, written by Australian author Emily Rodda. The novel was first published by Scholastic in 2000, and later released in the United States in 2001. The novel continues Lief, Barda, and Jasmines journey to find the seven missing gems of Deltora, braving dangers and guardians in each book.

<i>The Shifting Sands</i> 2001 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Shifting Sands is the fourth book in the eight-volume Deltora Quest fantasy novel series written by Emily Rodda. It continues the trio's journey to find the seven missing gems of Deltora, braving dangers and Guardians in each book. The novel was first published in 2000 by Scholastic Australia.

<i>The Isle of Illusion</i> 2002 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Isle of Illusion is a children's fantasy book by Emily Rodda. It was published in 2002 by Scholastic. It is the second book in the Deltora Quest 2 series, the second series in the collective Deltora Quest series. It is preceded by Cavern of the Fear and followed by The Shadowlands.

<i>Isle of the Dead</i> (Rodda novel) 2004 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

Isle of the Dead is a children's fantasy book by the English-speaking Australian writer Emily Rodda. It is the third book in the third series of the Deltora series called Dragons of Deltora, also known as Deltora Quest 3 and, in Australia, Deltora III. It was released in 2005. It is published by Scholastic.

<i>The Sister of the South</i> 2004 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

The Sister of the South is a children's fantasy book written by Emily Rodda. The book is the fourth and final book in the Dragons of Deltora series, the third in the Deltora series. It was released in 2005 and is published by Scholastic Press.

<i>Cavern of the Fear</i> 2002 Book by Jennifer Rowe (as Emily Rodda)

Cavern of The Fear is the first book in the Deltora Quest 2 series written by Emily Rodda. It was published by Scholastic in 2002. The story follows the adventures of Lief, Jasmine, and Barda.

<i>Rowan and the Travellers</i> Book by Jennifer Rowe

Rowan and the Travellers is a fantasy novel written by Australian author Emily Rodda and the second novel in the Rowan of Rin series. The plot follows Rowan and his experience with the Travellers who are suspected of carrying a dangerous sickness that causes the people of Rin to fall into a deep and heavy sleep.

The Star of Deltora is a series of four novels by Emily Rodda, set in the same world as the series Deltora Quest, The Three Doors, and Rowan of Rin. At the center of the series are the adventures of Britta, a Deltoran trader, and three other traders. They travel aboard the titular ship and compete in a quest for the Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship.

References

  1. ↑ "Rowan Of Rin - CD by Emily Rodda - 9780642561633 - QBD Books". www.qbd.com.au. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  2. ↑ "Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda". www.fictiondb.com. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  3. ↑ Rodda, Emily (2003). Rowan of Rin. Rowan series. Norwood, S. Aust: An Omnibus Book from Scholastic Australia. ISBN   978-1-86291-535-0.
  4. ↑ "Teachers' Notes: Star of Deltora Book 2: Two Moons" (PDF). Scholastic resources. p. 3. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  5. ↑ Guardian Staff (2020-08-17). "Emily Rodda: Deltora Quest, Fairy Realm and Finders Keepers author is here to answer your questions". the Guardian. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  6. ↑ ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK | Kirkus Reviews.
  7. ↑ skyebjenner (2017-09-07). "Rowan and the Travellers by Emily Rodda". Earth and Skye. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  8. ↑ "Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda". www.readings.com.au. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  9. ↑ ROWAN AND THE TRAVELERS | Kirkus Reviews.
  10. ↑ ROWAN AND THE ICE CREEPERS | Kirkus Reviews.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.