In Australia, Emily Rodda is one of the most renowned children's authors. She has written many fantasy books for children/ young adults and this amaizing book is just one example.
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal is a book in the Rowan series. It has the same feel and quality as all the other books. Rowan, a boy with special powers, is brought to decide who will be the Keeper of the Crystal. He journeys with them to learn their attitude, personality and abilities. But one of those that he journeys with desires the Crystal for evil. The unique story will possess you.
Once you have finishes this book, it is safe to say you will read it again but be pleased that Emily Rodda has written so many books. I can also guarantee this will not be the last of her books you will read. This book encourages you to read the rest of the famous Rowan books, or the very extensive and popular Deltora Quest series.
Maybe you havn't read any books like this before, but once you have read one, you will most likely read one after another. So add this to your reading list, and you will understand why young adult fantasy is so popular.

The "Rowan of Rin" series is one of the best book series out there for the who are not yet ready for the Prydain Chronicles or "The Hobbit." In the third story, "Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal," we get more of a glimpse of this beautiful and dangerous world and the diverse people who inhabit it.

Rowan is stunned when the fishlike Maris folk summon his mother Jiller to the Cavern of the Crystal, there to choose a new Keeper. For reasons too complex to summarize, the Maris clans require an outsider to choose their Keeper, who helps protect them from the savage Zebak warriors. Jiller is the latest in a long line of Choosers, and Rowan will be her successor.

But upon arriving at the Cavern, Jiller is mysteriously poisoned. But after Rowan is appointed the new Chooser, he refuses to choose any of the three candidates until they help him find the ingredients for the antidote. The three set off on their quest -- but Rowan begins to wonder which of the three poisoned Jiller, and what motives are behind it.

As in the previous two books, Emily Rodda creates a believable world without the usual fantasy trappings like elves and wizards. The mystery surrounding Jiller's poisoning and the question of who would be chosen to be Keeper -- and why -- remains a question until the penultimate chapter, and events near them hint at the fourth book. The writing is beautifully descriptive without being too much so, and the dialogue is growing more realistic with every new book.

Rowan shows some personal growth since the first book, where he was outstandingly timid; here he is more self-assertive and confident, even when surrounded by strangers, and even defies the Keeper in an effort to save his mother. Jiller and Jonn (now formally engaged) are fairly nebulous. The three candidates are sufficiently defined that they don't blend together, especially Doss, who has a secret; Seaborn, who inexplicably doesn't like being a candidate; and Asha, who adheres viciously to how she thinks the world should work.

"Keeper of the Crystal" is an excellent young kids' fantasy, something for them either to read themselves or be read to at bedtime. Excellent second sequel.

I thought this book was almost as good as the first Rowan story (on the mountain). I liked this story because it had things that happened when I least expected it. It had riddles, which i really like. It gave me a good reason to stay up late! It took me about a week to read. My brother and I both think Rowan is a great series.

Following up on the sweet "Rowan of Rin," a fantasy for younger readers, Emily Rodda produces a sequel that is actually better than the first book. With an intricate plot, unlikely hero and intriguing mystery, this will captivate kids not ready for "Hobbit" or "Harry Potter."

In the aftermath of "Rowan of Rin," the boy Rowan is a hero to his village. Now growing a crop of succulent Mountain berries, the villagers have settled back into their normal routine -- until the Travellers come. The nomadic tribe has a history of friction-filled cooperation with the people of Rin, and their mockery of Rowan's triumph shows that nothing has changed. Several of the villagers also suspect that the Travellers are plotting to steal the Mountain berries.

Then the Travellers vanish, and villagers begin lapsing, one by one, into comas. The old wise woman Sheba utters another prophecy, and rails insanely out of fear of something that is coming -- an old "enemy." Only Rowan and the half-Traveller Allun are able to escape, and they rejoin the Travellers, who claim to have no knowledge of what is happening to Rin. They are planning to go back to the Pit of Unrin, to find a legendary golden city that was mysteriously destroyed. But when Rowan agrees to come, he will find something lurking that is too terrifying to imagine.

This book can probably stand on its own; references are made to the previous book, but no plot elements lean too heavily. The dialogue is never pretentious, a little stilted in places, but overall good. The descriptions -- especially chilling ones -- are even better, in such scenes as the one with the carnivorous trees with flexible roots, and Sheba's ranting. The only problem is that the cause of the villagers' affliction is pretty obvious from the beginning. Rodda makes up for this, however, with several twists to that plot device.

Rowan has grown since the previous tale, as we see him standing up to Sheba when she rails at and insults him. He even stands up against Ogden, something that no one would have expected at the beginning of the previous book. Allun is also expanded as a character, further from the person we saw in "Rowan of Rin"; in this one, he refuses to believe that the Travellers could have cursed the inhabitants of Rin. Traveller leader Ogden is convincing, though it might have improved the latter half of the book if he had been on the adventure and not his adopted daughter Zeel.

A good sequel to a good book, and one that young fantasy fans will undoubtedly enjoy a great deal.

After his unlikey heroism in Rowan of Rin, Rowan is still very much the weak boy he once was. However he has more tests in front of him. When the nomadic tribe, the Travelers, come to their village many of the townspeople are not amused. Just after their arrival a second mysterious threat to his isolated village prompts the humble herd boy introduced in Rowan to gather up all his courage. When the sleeping sickness takes over his village an all that is left standing is Rown and half-traverler-Allun they must work together to find the hidden enemy. At first they suspect the Travelers, but the travelers seem just as puzzled as they are. While attempting to find the travelers he finds himself in the company of Zeel, a hated Zebak invader raised as a Traveler, attempting to enter the fabled Valley of Gold by passing through its only entrance, the ill-reputed Pit of Unrin. He must pass many challenges before he can save his people. Will his courage stand up to the evil forces again?

Emily Rodda does it again by making Rowan one of the most unlikely heros of our times!

I am Rowan Quinain, Jr. I am 8+ years old in third grade.

I read the latest Rowan book for my fiction report at school. Every month, we have to read a book, then do a written report or make a project of the book we read.

My mom suggested, that I read Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal because she reads the review and she told me that it was a very interesting book.

We had difficulty getting the book through bookstores. My mom was told that it will be available this summer yet.So, my dad went to amazon.com and he was able to order it from amazon.

I like the story because the main character has the same name as me and my dad. Also, the story is about a boy's courage, his love for his mom, and his adventures. Rowan is an intelligent boy, because being a chooser of the Keeper of the Crystal is a difficult task. I also learned team-work among the candidates.

My best friend introduced me to Deltora Quest a few months ago. Quickly attracted by the book I bought the rest of the Quest series the next day. I now read the books over and over. I heard of the new Deltora Shadowlands trilogy, and went to find out more.
A few questions came into my mind.
1.Is this just a cheap copy of the Quest series?
2.Is it going to be as action-packed and wit-burning as Quest?
3.Is the book going to have new or same characters?
I wanted to find out. But, not having access to interviews and technology, I bought and read the book. Two words. WOW!
I loved the book. It flowed and still had the same characters. It had new beasts and new challenges. And was definitely not a cheap copy. And it WAS action-packed. I mean, sword-flying, fists-swinging action. And yet, there was a sense of plan, and wits.
Many side characters were also interesting. Like Glock. Who was a strong warrior and just as stubborn to the end. And Jinks, the plump, stupid man who cares only for himself. And the Goblins. They were very good side characters. Their song still rings through my ears.
Above our land the tumult rages
Struggle echoes throught the ages
There the strife may never cease
But here below we dwell in peace
Where timeless tides swamp memory
Our sunless prison makes us free
The gem-glow lights our rocky walls
And dragons guard our shining halls.
Wonderful. And still the same old loved characters from before. Lief, the new king who is pressured to be safe and silent yet, he is still the reckless adventurer he always was. Barda, the big man who's brain was just as stong as his arms (and my favorite character). Jasmine, the witty, wise-cracking, quick jungle girl. Kree, the loyal raven. And Filli, the small gray fluff always on Jasmine's shoulder.
So, I guess I'm saying that the book is wonderful. I loved it and I hope you do too. It had many funny, exciting, and dangerous parts, and I loved it.

The Shadowlands series picks up where the Deltora Quest series left off. The same characters experience more adventure, excitement and danger as they are faced with another quest of good vs. evil. I really enjoyed the first series and am thrilled to see that Emily Rodda continued the captivating storyline.

Deltora may now be free of the Shadowlord, but there are thousands of their people trapped in the Shadowlands. The people left in Deltora are demanding a rescue mission, but King Lief knows that it is a suicide mission. The only hope of success lies in the magic of the Pirran Pipe - but the Pipe is long forgotten and is believed to be myth. Lief and his companions must face many new dangers and challenges if they are to free the lost people from the Shadowlands - but the Shadowlords has plans to stop them from succeeding.....

This first book in the new Deltora Shadowlands trilogy was excellent and had to be read in one sitting. Sometimes a second series is a bit boring because it's the same idea in a different place - that doesn't happen with this book! You have Lief and Jasmine from the other Deltora books, but there are other characters to meet too.

Like the first series, this series will appeal to boys and girls of all ages - including their parents. If you like magic, adventure, and danger then you will enjoy these books. It is best if you have read the Deltora Quest series first though - it will help explain the first part of this book.

Lief, Barda and Jasmine left the city of rats in flames, they have to go to the Shifting Sands. I liked it because the gradian is with them at all times. The Gery Guards fellow them in to The Shfiting Sands. Lief most be brave to risk his life for Del.

This series of books not only made my 4th grader who loves to read disappear into it's pages for days on end by also entranced my 5th grader who thinks comic books are real books. The most wonderful part of this series is it's complete lack of that boy/girl mushy stuff that quite frankly my kids don't need yet another dose of!

Lief, Barda, and Jasmine have left the City of the Rats behind. Now they trek across the endless, barren plain outside the city, determined to find a village so they can obtain the food and supplies needed to travel on to their next destination - the Shifting Sands. They are lucky enough to find a village - but Rithmere is a very strange village. There, the three companions enter a contest in the hopes of winning money to purchase supplies - unknowing that they have entered a brutal fighting match. Even if they emerge triumphant, they will have to evade capture by the evil Shadow Lord's Gray Guards, and, worst of all, face the terrible danger found in the Shifting Sands. The thrilling Deltora Quest fantasy series continues with this exciting book. I can't wait to read the next story, which will take Lief, Barda, and Jasmine to Dread Mountain, where the fifth gem of the Belt of Deltora will be found. I reccomend this book to all readers who enjoyed the first three books in the series.

Six gems weigh down the Belt of Deltora. Now the three must persue the final challenge, the Valley of the Lost. They know that the great Diamond awaits them. When they arrive, many people who are little more then shadows are there, many from the city they hoped hid the heir - Tora, sister city to Del. Inside, fighting monsters is not their challenge. Instead, several mind games do. Jasmine wishes to take the Diamond by force, but Lief knows better. As they figure out the last puzzle just as their time is gone, they are given permission to take the diamond. But the Guardian had switched the diamond for a different one. They realize that the woman who had followed them and pretended to leave had stolen it. They are told to go get it, so finally the Belt is complete. The Valley of the Lost disappears, and the people within are returned to normal. Now they must find the heir.

Valley of the Lost has been the best of the Deltora Quest books, because it more than the others encourages readers to solve plot puzzles before the characters do.
For instance, when Barda, Jasmine and Leif reach the guardian's abode of the seventh and final gem, they must undergo certain trials to gain the jewel. Further, each part of answer to the challenge question is another enigma all in itself. Some puzzles I figured out before the book gave them up, others stumped me. I believe even children in junior high would find this a delicious read.
Some very important series-broad plot lines are revealed in this book about Tora's link to Del; don't miss this one!
Plus: Doom's true identity is finally revealed!

This series of books not only made my 4th grader who loves to read disappear into it's pages for days on end by also entranced my 5th grader who thinks comic books are real books. The most wonderful part of this series is it's complete lack of that boy/girl mushy stuff that quite frankly my kids don't need yet another dose of!

When a humungus beast sent by the Zebak steals Rowans' little sister, Rowan, fe eling responsible, most go after it and get his sister back. Excellently written, with an emotional crisis as well- one of the Travelers, Zebak by birth, has returned with Rowan to help find his little sister. What will she do when she gets to Zebak?
This book was excellent. I really like the way Emily Rodda wrote it, and the way she portrayed the ishkin.

The story starts when Rowan's sister gets kidnapped by a flying lizard right after Jonn and Jiller get married. The people of the village are so upset that the Travelers, a Maris who is staying in Rin, and Rowan set up a daring plan to rescue her from the monster.
The people of Rin somehow know that the lizard was from the dangerous land of the Zebak, who have been the enemies of the folk for centuries. They go to Sheba, the wise woman, for help but she only gives them a small package.
The rescue party of Rowan, Zeel, Allun the Baker, and Perlain the Maris decide that Perlain will get a boat and Zeel and the other traveler Forerunners will fly Rowan and Allun to the ocean on their great kites.
The boat ride is long and hard to the land of the Zebak, but when they arrive at the Wastelands they find that stepping on the plain clay will make you fall into the tunnels of the Ishkin, terribe creatures who are used to scare Zebak children and can easily kill people and animals. On this terrible journey, Zeel begins to remember her past as a Zebak. Here they open Sheba's package and find that inside are a few sticks that can tell them how to deal with the hardships that come their way.
Finally, they near a city, but some how they fall into a maze, where they hide in a water hole to escape soliders.
What happens next, i can not tell, because it would spoil this great story that is worth reading!!

As a child growing up at the palace, Jarred was servant, companion, and only friend to the young prince, Endon. And as a teenager, Jarred was the only one who suspected the truth behind the sudden deaths of the king and queen. But Endon, now king, ignored Jarred's warnings, and allowed his advisors to banish Jarred. Several years later, Jarred discovers his worst fears were all true - Endon's closest advisor was a traitor, orchestrating behind the king's back the takeover by the evil Shadow Lord of the kingdom of Deltora. With Jarred's help, Endon and his wife, who is pregnant with the heir to the throne, flee, with Jarred vowing to someday return them to their rightful throne. Years later, on his sixteenth birthday, Jarred's son Lief learns the task to free Deltora from the Shadow Lord's power has fallen into his hands. Now it's up to one young boy to save an entire world. Is Lief strong enough for the enormous task that lies ahead? This book was the thrilling beginning to an eight-part fantasy saga. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

My 8 yo daughter started reading the series on a recommendation from a friend and nagged me to read them also. I am glad she did.

Emily Rodda packs a lot of action in each book, and each book explores a different landscapes with new challenges. While borrowing a bit from Lord of the Rings the books demonstrate an amazing imagination at work.

The books describe troubled times in the land of Deltora, so there is some violence in each book. To her credit, the author does not dwell on gruesome details. Most of the story concentrates on the friendship and trust that forms between the main players, and this is the overriding theme. For those with daughters: the book's main female character is very strong, independent and intelligent.

Deltora Quest's first book, "The Forests of Silence" is a very intense and suspenseful book. The Deltora Belt that protects the land of Del has been broken. The seven stones that power the belt have been scattered across the land in places that no one would even try to find them. Lief and his not so happy companion Barda fight their way to the topaz stone with the help of their new friend, Jasmine. Lief, Barda, and Jasmine are the only hope to rid the land of the Shadow Lord. It is up to them to return the Belt back to the King. You will be at the edge of your seat as you read about Lief and Barda getting jumped by ugly Wenns that sting and paralyze you. You will be shocked as you read about Lief and Barda fighting an evil knight and escaping from scary, mystical creatures. I think that this book is exciting, thrilling, suspenseful, and good for all ages. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fantasy.

You have to read this book! Almost better than Harry Potter. This is a great series and I could not put the books down. I read for at least an hour every night. This is a mind twisting adventure and the best one in the series.

It's really fun to read. The story was very exciting, and I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.

I loved this book! I just couldn't put it down!UH!I'm a complete Fantasy-Action freak! Lord of the Rings,Sign of the Dove,Unicorn Chronicles, Narnia Chronicles,Midnight Magic,blah! See what I mean?
This book had everything I needed and was to good to finish. Please!!!!!! I need to get the third book!!!!!!!!!!

Deltora Quest 3:City Of the Rats is a pretty good book. Leif, Barda and Jasmine,venture again to find the opal,and meet the Ra Karchaz,Tom,some carnivore rats,and a giant snake named Reeah. It is a cool book,with a vairety of action and adventure.

It is a great book. It is a book about a magic world caLled Deltora where Lief, Jasman.and Barda fight monsters, and make friends and foes. Will they survive long enough to fight in the city of the rats? Will they find the ancient gem the Topaz?

"CAN THEY RESTORE THE BELT OF DELTORA"

Lief, Barda, and Jasmine have survived the treacherous Lake of Tears. Now, they must journey on to the City of the Rats, where the third gem of the Belt of Deltora is hidden. Along the way, they run into trouble and are captured by the inhabitants of a mysterious city called Noradz. In a place with so many strange rules and customs, it's only a matter of time before the three companions make a mistake and are punished. They escape and make their way out of the city, but ahead of them lies their goal - the horrifying City of the Rats. Long ago, the city was overrun by evil, and the few surviving inhabitants fled. Now, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine must survive the brutal onslaught of rats at the city's entrance, and if they make it through, they must face the horrible Guardian of the city. I reccomend this book to all readers who enjoyed the first two books in the Deltora Quest series.

You guys who wrote really great reviews, don't hate me, and Emily Rodda, don't hate me either. Please don't take me wrong, I think that this Series was extrodinary,I absolutely loved them, all except this one...Okay, you guys, before you get into raging fits on me, just listen.
First of all, since Leif was Jealous of Dain admiring Jasmine, how come nothing ever happens after that with Jasmine and Lief? Sorry you guys who hate Romance in a novel (And I know what you're going to say that this book shouldn't have that because it's for kids.) But I think that a little love in a book makes it fun to read. I was hoping that maybe Leif and Jasmine would end up married, maybe with some kids of their own. Second of All: I was really hoping that Jasmine would be the heir. Why does it always have to be the boy that is the hero? Why not Jas for a change, she is awesome, perfectly capable of dealing with the shadow lord herself, even if she is a little opinionated sometimes. Then She could be Queen, and since she would fall in love with Lief, then he would get to be king anyway! I think that this would have been a better ending.
Third of All: How come everything is so surprising, and everything is changed? I think that it is cool that Doom turns out to be Jas's dad, I even cried when he was remembering her. But Why does Lief have to be the heir, and Doom instead of being Endon, turn out to be Jarred? I thought that He should've stayed Endon, then Jasmine could be the Heir.

And Remember guys, This is my personal opinion, and I'm sure that you think different, so please don't hate my reviews from now on, I'm sure you're all really nice people, and if you like this series, I think that it would be fun to be friends, I have yet to meet someone who loves thee like I do.
Anyway, I only think that This #8 is lacking, I absolutely would give the others 5 stars, all of them. But if your life is the written word, like mine, You could find that This was a bit dissappointing. Though I do envy Emily, she is an amazing writer, and I hope that you don't think that I'm crazy or stupid or I write awful reviews. I loved the other 7, really I do!!

This is a GREAT searies. I have ALL of the books exept this one witch is on its way in the mail right now. I loved the rest of the books and they keep getting better at they go. All my friends want to read the books from me so that just tells you how good they are lol. I cant wait for the next great book to come out I love the series SO much I cant belive its almost over. Along with this book here are some other books to look at. The Dark is Riseing, The Seventh thower series by garth nix (anouther one all my friends and I love), Hatchit, and Transall Saga, and Ever World. These are GREAT books and realy fun readers. I like books in seires like most of these are. but its fun to branch out and try some new things every now and again.

I am a seven year old boy and my mom read the Deltora Quest series to me and every night my 11-year old brother came in to listen too- he also loved them. I think they are great!! The best part about these books is that there are clues to figure out along the way. This is the best series I have ever read. "Return to Del" is my favorite of the series because it's the most exciting and a lot of mysteries are revealed in this last book.