Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Dark Quetzal is a story of self discovery, strength, courage, and the value of friendship. It is a story of overcoming evil through the use of these attributes. Katherine Roberts has once again crafted a tale of suspense and adventure. This book, the third in the Echorium sequence, brings the Singers of the Isle of Echoes very existence into question.

The evil Khizpriest, Frazhin, returns bent on revenge, planning the destruction of the Echorium. Using the power of the black Khiz-crystal to cloud minds and hide memories, he enchants human and half-creature alike. Pitting human against human and half-creature against half-creature he moves to reshape history itself.

It is only through the strength and courage of a magical half-creature, called Dark Quetzal, that Frazhin’s plan comes to the attention of the singers and alerts them of their peril. In doing so, this boy-bird’s courage is put to the test as he faces the wrath of the dark wizard.

The combined forces of the Singers, Horselords, and forest people are needed to stop Frazhin’s disastrous plan. But, it is the efforts of Dark Quetzal and Kyarra, a novice singer, that are crucial in overcoming Frazhin.

Through the trials she faces, Kyarra, a young girl of eleven with a past clouded in mystery, learns the value of friendship and the strength of the bonds between mother and daughter. Torn between her desire to believe her father’s promises and her need to save her mother, Kyarra finds her true self. She learns the meaning of struggle, sacrifice, and reward. In her struggles she discovers that past wrongs have a price which must be paid and the rewards for remaining true to what is good and right.

The author has masterfully created an entertaining story. Each chapter drawing the reader to the next as the suspense mounts. From the beginning the characters are engaging and their plight intriguing making this book enjoyable and captivating to the end. This is indeed a fitting climax to this trilogy.

— H. B. Starkey, Member SCBWI

The Crystal Mask (Book Two - 2003)
(Scholastic)
by Katherine Roberts

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

It is a time and place where the magic of songs maintain balance between the forces of good and evil. The masters of these magic powers, the Singers of the Echorium, are faced with the return of the evil Khiz priest and the dark magic of his crystal mask. Only the defeat of the evil priest will return peace and harmony to the land. The peaceful coexistence of human and half-creature hangs in the balance in this magical land. But only the joint efforts of a young apprentice singer and a wild girl raised by Centaurs can defeat these evil forces.

In this Song Quest sequel, Katherine Roberts has sent this unlikely duo on a quest in search of their identities. Each searching for, and yet denying his and her true self. Renn, an eighth year apprentice singer, appears self assured and somewhat arrogant, but is actually unsure of his talents. Shaiala, a young girl raised by half creatures, Centaurs, is constantly trying to prove herself worthy as a Centaur, denying her humanity. By recognizing that they can prevail only through the combined use of their unique talents do they find themselves.

The tension created by the conflict between Renn and Shaiala and the well-paced development of these characters maintains an air of uncertainty that is captivating to the end. The mystery of this tale is as much about whether these two will come to grips with their true selves and resolve their differences as it is the defeat of the forces of the evil priest.

Those who enjoyed reading Song Quest will find this book a good companion volume.

— H. B. Starkey, Member SCBWI

Song Quest (Book One - 2002)
(Scholastic)
by Katherine Roberts

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

The Echorium referred to in the title is an order of healers/peace keepers, which resides on the remote Isle of Echoes. Members of the blue-haired order are known as Singers, and they inspire awe and respect when they venture to the mainland. From a young age, promising children are trained in the five songs that comprise the Echorium Anthem. They are songs that can induce healing sleep, laughter, tears, pain, and death.

Song Quest is a straight-forward fantasy adventure. It focuses on three Singer trainees who are in their final year. It is a year where many are weeded out and assigned to more menial positions within the Echorium — particularly boys whose voices crack. Rialle is the head of her class; her best friend, Frenn, is showing signs of a cracking voice; and Kherron is a talented yet rebellious boy who wants nothing more than to escape the Echorium.

An unnatural storm and a shipwreck are the impetus for an adventure to the dangerous mainland, encounters with two species of half-creatures, and a confrontation with a power that wants to destroy the Singers. This is a swift-paced, entertaining read.

— KB SHAW, Publisher, Spectrum - Member SCBWI