Rowan and the Zebak (Rowan of Rin, 4) [Paperback]

Emily Rodda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2004 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

When a flying monster kidnaps Rowan's little sister, Annad, Rowan fears the warlike Zebak people have attacked his village of Rin. And Annad's capture is only the beginning.

Now Rowan and his companions must make the treacherous journey into Zebak territory, fighting the monsters that guard its city and the enemy people within it. If they fail, Annad will be lost -- and so will all hope for the survival of Rin.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6 In his fourth adventure, Rowan comes face to face with the dreaded Zebak tribe. Generations earlier, the people of Rin had been its warrior slaves, and had fought to earn their freedom. On what should be the happiest of days, Rowan keeps receiving warnings of danger, but decides to keep quiet until after his mother marries Strong Jonn. Unfortunately, before he can tell anyone, his little sister is snatched by a fanged, flying grach. With the help of friends from previous outings-and of course a few magical poems courtesy of Rin's always cranky wise woman, Sheba-Rowan makes his way across the sea and through the Wastelands, to the fortress of steel that is the Zebak's stronghold. There, mysteries of the past are revealed, new friends are made, and Annad is rescued. Rowan is not the flashiest of heroes, but in each story he grows a little more confident. He has become a quiet but able leader, one who listens and learns and inspires his followers to do their best. This story, like its predecessors, is filled with mystery, magic, and plenty of twists and turns. Fans of the series will rejoice and newcomers will want to go back to the beginning and read about Rowan's earlier adventures. -Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 3-6. This new installment in the Rowan of Rin series will not disappoint fantasy-adventure fans. When Rowan keeps quiet about his premonition of disaster and his younger sister, Annad, is kidnapped and whisked away to the land of the Zebak by a fanged, flying grach, Rowan feels responsible. He decides to attempt a rescue. After receiving a mysterious packet and a set of instructions in the form of a riddle from Sheba, the community witch, he sets off, accompanied by Perlain, one of the fishlike Maris creatures; Zeel, a Zebak who has been raised by Travelers; and Allun, a resident of Rin with a Traveler father. His comrades become essential to the quest. As in previous books in the series, Rowan's adventures are riveting, with plot twists sufficient to keep the outcome in doubt until the final pages. Rodda's alien landscapes and imaginative creatures will intrigue young audiences, but it's the characters, who seem fully human, that are the strength of the book. On a subtler level Rodda says much about the importance of recognizing and celebrating an individual's strengths. This book easily stands alone, but since the others in the series are so good, why not enjoy them all? Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (May 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060560746
• ISBN-13: 978-0060560744
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #655,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving the Past and the Future, May 20, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Rowan and the Zebak (Rowan of Rin, 4) (Paperback)

Across the sea lies the enemy. Unfortunately, so is Rowan's kidnapped sister. Rowan is forced to go and save his sister in the midst of his mother's marriage to Strong John of the orchard. He brings a group of oddities, among which is Zeel, the Traveler/Zebak girl, and the Maris/ fish-man Perlain, to the wastelands of the Zebak lands (My personal favorite character is Zeel because of her dark past and her approach to life). I loved this book because of it's fast pace and it's great plot intertwined with Rowan's lessons of bravery. I did not like the slower beginning, but once you get past that, it is a great book.

Rowan and the Zebak, written by Emily Rodda, is a fast paced, 3rd person limited book perfect for readers from the ages of 9 to about 14. It is the 4th book in the action genre that is the Rowan of Rin series (consisting of Rowan and the Travelers and Rowan and Keeper of the Crystal). There's nothing really "questionable" about the book, except Sheba's past.

Will Rowan save his sister? What will he find in the land of the Zebak? Read and find out.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Childhood Favorite, May 20, 2007

By 

Riney "A Reader" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rowan and the Zebak (Rowan of Rin, 4) (Paperback)

I can't tell you how much i loved these series from about the age of 8 to 13! For the younger audience, this is really an exciting series, just read them!

5.0 out of 5 stars Rowan of Rin #4 Rowan and the Zebak, January 18, 2007

By 

R. Fry - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rowan and the Zebak (Rowan of Rin, 4) (Paperback)

I originally purchased the Rowan of Rin series for my daughter but soon found myself wrapped up in the story of young Rowan and looked forward to bedtime so we could read some more! We both enjoyed the books and hope Emily Rodda plans to continue the series.