Product Description

Rowan and his mother have been called to Maris to choose the new Keeper of the seaside village's precious Crystal, a dangerous task Rowan's family has been bound to for generations.

But this time, something goes terribly wrong. Rowan's mother is poisoned and near death, and Rowan must find the antidote, outwit a deadly sea serpent, and pick a new Keeper -- before it's too late.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #379580 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-01
• Released on: 2004-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Back for a third installment in Emily Rodda's Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, the hero faces his greatest challenge yet when the poisoning of his mother thrusts him into the role of selecting a new "keeper of the crystal" as he also attempts to find a life-saving antidote for his mother.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-In this third book in the series, Rowan and his mother journey to the Maris folk on the coast so that she can choose the new Keeper of the Crystal, who will lead the Maris when the old Keeper dies. His mother knows that death is a distinct possibility but must fulfill her duty or else the Crystal will die and the Maris will no longer be protected against attack from the Zebak. When she is poisoned, Rowan breaks a 1000-year-old tradition by refusing to choose a candidate using the customary tests. He insists that the three candidates accompany him to an island to get the rare ingredients for an antidote to the poison. With their reluctant aid, he gathers what he needs, though it means plunging into one peril after another. Having survived both savage beasts and deadly political intrigues, he has one more test in store, for at the last possible instant, he realizes that the newly chosen Keeper has been bespelled by the Zebak. In this suspenseful, clever story, Rodda gives her young hero a generous supply of courage and wit, which proves helpful when he is faced with a series of catastrophes. Rowan's inner, if not outer, stature grows in each individual episode of this well-written, entertaining series.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 3-6. This third book in the Rowan of Rin series finds the young hero accompanying his mother to the seaside village of Maris so that she can perform her ancestral task of choosing the new Keeper of the Crystal. When she is poisoned and falls into a deathlike sleep, Rowan must assume her duties, even as he works to create the antidote that he hopes will save her life. Accompanied by three of the fishlike Maris Candidates for Keeper, Rowan journeys to the far side of the island where they battle a deadly sea serpent and solve a mysterious riddle. As always, Rodda's story teems with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing about the outcome. Those children who have read the previous titles will appreciate seeing Rowan's evolution from a small, shy, insecure boy in the first book to a confident hero, able to listen carefully, make hard choices, and take a brave stand against the enemy. This first-rate fantasy can stand alone, but it will be most appreciated by followers of the series. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
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.

The perfect continuation from the previous book!!!
Rowan vainly tries to make himself strong and witty, but can't and won't not with his weak body and pale, thin face.In this particular book, Rowan's mother must find all keepers of crystal before the original one dies.If the original dies before a new keeper is found, Zebak, vicious and cruel warriors who love to kill will take over the lands.

When Rowan's mother falls sick at her destination, it is up to Rowan, and Rowan alone, to choose the next keeper.Will Rowan be able to find the next keeper before the Zebak take over the territory?Read this wonderful story of the third book in the Rowan of Rin series!It's another of Rodda's classic!

Rodda's Masterpiece
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.