SOLVED. possible 80s fantasy book, crystal ball or orb, woman with weaker/shriveled arm gaining power from crystal [s]

[Krystal]

I think this book was 80s or 90s - fantasy. All I vaguely remember is that there was some sort of crystal, a ball or orb or something, that the main heroine used to make her stronger or to give her some sort of power. She had one arm that was deformed or shriveled or weaker somehow and she used this crystal to make her more powerful.

I believe there was something about "rowen" - either a character name or a plot element or in the title.

That's all I remember, unfortunately, no plot or anything. Appreciate any help. :)

[Amanda]

This sounds a lot like The Power of the Rellard by Carol F. Logan. The Rellard is the orb, and Rowan is a winged man the children call on to gain the power behind it. It starts out as a game that the siblings of the injured girl make up to cheer her up and get her mind off her arm, but then things happen that make them believe that there is something real behind it.

[kvon]

I don't remember about a bad arm, but Evayne carries an orb made from part of her soul, that she uses as a crystal ball to see things. Her story starts in Hunter's Oath, although I would say she's an important secondary character.

[Krystal]

Not sure about either - my sister and I were both vaguely remembering the book; I'll check with her with your suggestions and get back to you. Thanks! :)

[Krystal]

Hooray, my sister has confirmed, it's The Power of the Rellard. She is very thrilled she now knows the title. Thanks everybody!

[Amanda]

Hooray! Glad it was the book you were looking for.