Rowan is an unlikely hero, seen by the sturdy villagers of Rin as a shy weakling. Only Sheba, the unpredictable village wise woman, recognises his special qualities and brave heart. Over the course of the five books that make up the Rowan of Rin series, his bravery and inner strength emerge as he tries to decipher Sheba’s cryptic riddles and goes on many adventures with his friends where they brave frightening monsters, forbidden mountains and other trials. His dedication to his beloved bukshah and the way he rises to the challenges presented to him are inspirational. The titles in this book include: Rowan of Rin (1993); Rowan and the Travellers (1994); Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal (1996); Rowan and the Zebak (1999) and Rowan of the Bukshah (2003). The five quests in the series eventually reveal the truth about the village of Rin. It is wonderful that this fantastic fantasy series is now available in a single hard cover. My child felt as though she was reading a bigger book, a real achievement, and I also really enjoyed reading all the tales. ( )

Rowan of Rin: The Journey, all five books of the series in one hardcover.

It was to begin with an exciting book, but once you were into about the thrid book it became a little predictable. Everything always works out and never seems to go wrong for the main character, even when everything seems destined to fail. The books were enjoyable but they were not as exciting as entrancing as I expected them to be. ( )

I loved these when I was younger. My favorites were The Ice Kreepers and The Zebak and The Keeper. ( )