Caroline's Reviews > Rowan of Rin

I found this book in a book swap library and decided to take it with me to later read since I had started reading another book series, the Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda and I remembered this series when I was a kid but never read.

(view spoiler)[My Review
This is a coming-of-age story about Rowan of Rin, whose labeled as weak and cowardly compared to other members of the small village he lives with shame knowing that his father died saving the lives of his mother, sister and while his father was saving Rowan's life, tragically lost his own life.

So for several years, Rowan had been living with survival guilt. He was already quiet, introverted, and happier with the animals than with people (other than his close relationship with his mother and younger sister) though he constantly deals with bullying and the village's stereotypes to the point several of the villagers publicly shame Rowan (who is a CHILD mind you for being cowardly, weak and constantly comparing his personality and behavior to his father!)

For Pete's sake! Rowan is a CHILD, struggling with PTSD, and survivor's guilt and was already a shy and quiet kid the villagers value the strong over the weak, you think adults would know some common sense and know better, but sadly, pack mentality and traditionalists is a sad reflection of our history throughout many cultures.

World Building
This story is set within a fictional world and this book begins in the small village of Rin, an isolated valley that rests at the foot of the forbidden Mountain a mission is begun to solve the mystery and find a solution to fix the mountain's water supply that is threatening to stop and cut of Rin's supplies and livelihood.

There are other mentions of other civilizations the Travelers and the Maris but the Rin are isolated and stick to themselves only venturing out for trading purposes.

Overall
It was enjoyable though predictable but nice to see Rowan have a metamorphosis and find his inner strength and courage, realizing that he had this along.

I think t younger readers would find this more enjoyable and thrilling. I like the themes that were brought up and would make great discussions with family and friends about the issues of bullying, ostracization, and feelings of dealing what other people's perceptions of you and how to deal with stereotypes and despite the odds you can overcome anything you set your mind to it through patience, kindness, and love. (hide spoiler)]