Finnikin of the Rock by Melina MarchettaMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Goodreads Synopsis:
2008 Printz Award Winner Melina Marchetta crafts an epic fantasy of ancient magic, exile, feudal intrigue, and romance that rivets from the very beginning.
Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems—and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.
My Review:
This was a decent read. I liked how it started out, it reminded me of an infant A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. There is battles between kingdoms, murder, indications of rape, sexual promiscuity, it's just not in detail. Which was fine. It is nice to take a break from all that detailed shenanigans.
At first, the sexual tension between Evanjalin and Finnikin was nice, then it got tiresome, then became sweet. Then, it got old and I just couldn't wait for the book to be over.
Evanjalin changed, she wasn't the same person she was when traveling with Finnikin. I can understand his confusion and partial resentment, especially since she wasn't as likable. Finnikin slightly changed at the end, and for the better, unlike his counterpart.
The supporting characters worked well as just that, supporting characters. They brought depth to the story of Finnikin in an agreeable way. I wouldn't get rid of single one of them, although, none of which actually stood out above another.
At the end, I was confused as to how there could possibly be another book in this series, especially when I wanted this one to end so badly.
Although I appreciated the ending, I doubt I will continue on in this series - it was too cumbersome without enough satisfaction. I'm sure there are many out there who enjoy this series, but I am not one of them.
Favorite Quotes:
“Somehow, even in the worst of times, the tiniest fragments of good survive. It was the grip in which one held those fragments that counted.”
“Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best.”
“When one is silent, those around speak even more.”
“Never underestimate the value of knowing another's language. It can be far more powerful than swords and arrows.”
“There are worse things than a lie and there are better things than the truth!”
“Because without our language, we have lost ourselves. Who are we without our words?”
“Then I choose to drown. In hope. Rather than float into nothing.”
Read from May 04 to 22, 2015
Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy/High Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)
View all my reviews
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