The Forests of Silence by Emily Rodda ★★★☆☆

A Solid Adventure

Fiction – Juvenile - High Fantasy

Age Level: 8 - 12 

131 pages

Publication Date: 2002

Deltora Quest #1

Literary Awards:  West Australian Young Readers' Book Award (WAYRBA) for Younger Readers (2002)

Only the jeweled Belt of Deltora can stop the plans of the dastardly Shadow Lord, but the gems were stolen long ago and hid around the land.  Who will have the courage to face overwhelming obstacles and make the belt whole once again?

While this book didn’t move me like Rowan of Rin it still was a fun adventure story and opens up the reader to the elaborate world of Deltora.  Ms. Rodda as always is a master world builder, with lovely visuals, interesting characters and a land full of wonder. 

Ms. Rodda’s writing effortless writing and quick pace kept my attention and wanting to know what happens next.  I like that the backstory started far enough back for the reader to really understand what was at stake and how easily woven it was into the first few pages.  The backstory also helps set a dramatic, pivotal point setting the stage for change and conquest.  Also, having the story on the shorter side will help it appeal to younger readers with shorter attention spans.

 Another great thing about this book is that it is a bit older so its’ series is finished along with a couple of others revolving around the same characters.

Rowan and the Travelers by Emily Rodda ★★★★☆

Lessons Learned

Fiction – Juvenile – High Fantasy

192 pages

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 and up

Publication Date:  1994

Rowan of Rin #2

In book two of the series Rowan, must face unknown dangers and save his people from a strange sleeping sickness overcoming the village.  His only help comes from the roaming Travelers, but they may be the very enemy Rowan is looking to defeat.  With time running out and lives in the balance can Rowan unmask the true enemy and save his people before it is too late?

With the same high caliber writing I expected after reading book one, Ms. Rodda effortlessly weaves together a mystery I was eager to see Rowan solve.  To save his family and the other people of Rin from the sleeping sickness Rowan must use the lessons he learned from the journey up the mountain and overcome his own prejudices to overcome the enemy.  And while there is always plenty of action like the first one, Ms. Rodda’s stories are still really about the characters.  Rowan learns and adapts, but still manages to stay true to his real strengths an open loving heart.  While the people of Rin are reminded that even the Travelers live differently than them they are still their allies and each group can learn a lot from the other.

Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda ★★★★☆

A Tale of Courage

Juvenile Epic Fantasy

Age Level: 8 and up Grade Level: 3 and up

160 pages

Publication Date: February 17, 2004

Rowan of Rin #1

literary awards:  Children's Book Council of Australia Award for Book of the Year: Younger Readers (1994)

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 others 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!