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2008 Printz Award Winner Melina Marchetta crafts an epic fantasy of ancient magic, exile, feudal intrigue, and romance that rivets from the first page.
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.
"A tremendous achievement; a wonderful story full of vivid characters and landscapes. . . .Spellbinding and fantastic." — SYDNEY MORNING HERALD — Quote
"A hauntingly beautiful fantasy allegory. . . . A daring departure from Marchetta’s previous books, and it works brilliantly." — THE CANEBERRA TIMES — Quote
stellernightair
Posted April 10, 2010
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Although not in her usual genre, Finnickin of the Rock is a hauntingly beautiful and artfully crafted work of fantasy. Marchetta's poetic style will break your heart and then carefully patch it back together ten times better than it was before. In an interview Marchetta stated that she wanted to write about a group of people struggling with a loss of cultural identity; to represent tragic real situations subtly occurring in our own world. We enter the story naiive and with a certain innocence, but the story leaves us with a profound sense of self awareness and compels one to question his/her own identity. There is something so sad about this story and yet through it all we never lose hope. Hope that the world will be better, that the situation will change, that the characters within it will find peace. And that is what makes this epic so damn good!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Finnikin of the Rock has been traveling with his mentor, Sir Topher, for nearly ten years. Finnikin's father and mother died, along with most of the Lumeratens during the five days of unspeakable, when the Lumeraten country was taken over by an imposter king. Finnikin and Sir Topher believe the heir to the throne, Balthazaar, is dead until Finnikin is visited in his dreams by a goddess, who calls Finnikin to find her. The goddess gives Finnikin the novice Evanjalin, a silent girl with a bald head who claims that the heir of Lumatere is alive - and that she can take them to him. Loyal to his country but annoyed by this strange girl who won't speak to him, Finnikin and Sir Topher set off on a journey to find the heir and bring their country back together.
I don't really know how I feel about this book. For certain aspects, I love it. For others...not so much. It was strange, but when I put it down, I felt that it could have been epic, but part of its epicness was overshadowed. By what? Well, I'll start with the bad, and end with the good.
Bad: For one, there were several sexual implications or references. Some were obvious; some had hidden meanings. They were scattered all throughout the book. On top of that, I felt a bit lost, especially toward the beginning. While the book was written excellently, at times I felt there was too much information, and at others I felt there was too little. I found myself skimming over certain parts with little interest and then would read the scenes that had huge impact on the story, or I found interesting.
On the other hand, we have the good of this story: Melina Marchetta definitely has a talent when it comes to forming her sentences, and her characters. The characters had strong quirks or "handles" that made them singular. But the one thing about this book that struck me most was the culture, the desperateness of a people ruined and lost. The countries and peoples were fell formed and described. I was deeply moved by the plight of the Lumeratens, the scenes of Finnikin carrying a dead baby to its dead mother, of men and women fighting for all that they have lived for - all that their fathers, brothers, mothers, and sisters have died for. It was these things, as well as the powerful love story, that gave the book a mood and a feel to it that most books long for.
So whether or not you want to read it is your choice. While I can't really point you in either direction, I wish I could. And I hope there's a sequel that will be exactly what this one could have been - epic.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Finnikin has had the world on his shoulders since the age of nine. Although not yet men, Prince Balthazar, Lucien, and he promised to protect the royal family for the rest of their lives.
The boys are unaware that in a short time their world will be torn apart; the royal family murdered, and their country in despair.
In ten years time, Finnikin and Evanjalin, a novice of a Goddess, work towards ending the terrible rule over the people of Lumatere.
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is spoken through the hand of a true fantasy writer, Melina Marchetta. Validly, a world is created all on its own full of mystery, adventure, and both romantic and horrifying surprises.
From beginning to end, every character is cherished and their flaws and strengths are examined openly - especially in the prolonged development of the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin, when each reveal they want something more than companionship but believe the fate of the world is more important than happiness.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.You know when you see something truly breathtaking and your in awe over how beautiful it is, well I think that is the right thing to say about Finnikin of the Rock. It is everything that makes a story perfect, but the book talks about a dystopian world. Melina Marchetta creates a story that has hauntingly real imagery, with words that flow nicely like a calm lake. She gives enough description to easily understand the situation and the word, and won't have readers falling asleep. The maps in the book are easy to follow, and I found myself looking at it quite a few times. The world is well built and it's easy to picture, it is also unique in the fact that you can see the cultural difference between each land as the characters travel through it. The emotion is strong and well put and will have readers at lost for words. The readers can really feel sad, angry and horrified as they read about the exile and fever camps, and hear of the five days of the unspeakable. But you will also feel hope that maybe, by the end of the book the people will regain hold of Lumatere. The characters are developed nicely, in a way that will have you make a soft spot for each one of them in your heart. Evanjalin and Froi were probably my favorite two characters. Evanjalin was such a strong, passionate and hopeful women/girl in the story. Anybody would envy that, and I certainly was proud to read about a strong women lead. Froi was someone who you hate at first, but then after hearing his POV you really feel for him. He's just a mischievous s little boy who envies people around him and wants to belong. Something that anyone can relate to. A lot of the situations were truthful, and how they were dealt with was faithful to how I can imagine them being laid out. Example of this is Trevanion's & Lady Beatriss relationship.
The story's narration, which was from different characters POV, was amazingly well crafted. The romance in the story (between Evanjalin & Finnikin) was really well developed. Probably the first real romance that I truly enjoyed the development of. It wasn't to slow and it wasn't to fast, it was just right. It felt honest and good.
Some of the plot twists were a bit obvious. What I would of liked to seen developed more was more knowledge of the impostor king. Who was he? I also think the battle to regain Lumatere should of been more descriptive and longer. It was a bit short, and was sort of a downer as it was what the whole book was leading up to.
Usually I don't read fantasy, I find it to confusing. I enjoyed Eragon but found it confusing. It might of been because I was young when I read it. But this novel wasn't confusing and probably the first fantasy I actually really enjoyed. I really hope there is a sequel, though this book does work as a stand-alone to. So when I was reading the author's bio, I was very surprised to find that this was her first fantasy: "I was told often that I couldn't write fantasy unless I had read all the greats and knew the conventions well, but I think the first step to writing good fantasy is knowing this world we live in well. I wanted to look closely at that---where loss of faith, loss of homeland and identity, displacement of spirit, and breakdown of community are common--- because these are the scenes in today's media that affect me most. In this sense, the book is a search for identity in the same way that my other novels are." -Melina Marchetta. You wouldn't think after reading this book,
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Miss-K
Posted February 4, 2010
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This is a great, easy read for those who love fantasy/adventure stories with some romance
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It's a rare day when a book leaves me truly speechless but somehow Finnikin of the Rock. I received the book for review and thought to myself, "I've heard of this book before," and I'm pretty sure I chose not to read it then. A mistake on my part. This novel captures the essence of a true fantasy, from the intricate world of Lumatere and the surrounding countries to form the Land of Skuldenore, to the depth and range of characters, all of which acted as major players in the story. My only regret is that I finished it and don't have book #2 (Froi of the Exiles) at hand.
When I first read the back cover blurb, I mentally placed Finnikin in the realm of middle-grade boys' stories. Although I'll read anything with a good story, I lean toward strong heroines and didn't see that in this book. Guess it just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover (or synopsis). Finnikin is a cross between a tortured soul and firm believer in the future. His strength comes from his continuous optimism for the future of his cursed kingdom, while being shadowed by his fears of the role he may have to play for it to survive and his own wants. Together, it gives his character a balance that's constantly on the rocks. Finnikin is no more perfect than you or I, and neither is his "partner in crime." What starts out as distaste for the novice Evanjalin quickly turns into a friendship to rival the trio from Harry Potter or Frodo and Sam from Lord of the Rings. Evanjalin, like Finnikin, possesses secrets that haunt her each day, with little to relieve the pain from the terror that afflicted her family. She brings to the table the stubbornness and snark I'm more familiar with in a leading lady (although I don't know if some would describe her as a "lady").
Here is where I get to the story. If I picked it apart, I'd say that the novel is more character-driven, as each decision is hinged not so much circumstance as what the characters feel is right. The storyline is full of emotion and rash choices, raw and unpredictable. It's relation to a person's decisions in life makes it that much easier to follow. I enjoyed reading through the other "supporting" characters points of view as well, but my only real critique of this book would be that I wanted more of Finnikin, and maybe Evanjalin. I'll be the first to admit I was literary-crushing on Marchetta's leading man. But that aside, the romance element of this book really blew my mind. Since the love triangle has plagued the young adult genre of late, I've been finding myself more and more put-off by it. Does Finnikin have a love triangle? Hell no. I actually experienced the relationship growth between Finnikin and Evanjalin. Yes, I expected it to happen once I got into the story but I didn't expect to live it. And it's toned down enough that readers who aren't big fans of romance in their fantasy adventures would still enjoy the story for everything else it has to offer.
I finished this book less than ten minutes before writing this review and I'm already feeling the pang of loss one experiences after leaving a fantastic literary world (I think the image I posted earlier today sums it up). This book is for all ages, all genders, and fans of all genres (except maybe horror, but that's a different story). I recommend this to anyone looking of an adventure of what happens when a kingdom is cursed and only you and your friends can save it. What a wild and emotional ride. I can't wait to go on another with the sequel.
Anonymous
Posted March 21, 2013
I found this to be okay, but lacking that special something to make it great. I needed more character development and less mudling throygh the woods. Entertaining, just not a must-read or a new favorite for me.
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Posted January 22, 2013
An amazing series! Melina Marchetta is the BEST author.
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Posted December 27, 2012
The story is engrossing and well-written. It's a book I didn't want to end.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.If you like books like Graceline then you will absolutely love this book. It starts out with a broken kingdom and broken people and how unexpectedly they come back together. Such a great book!
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Posted September 8, 2012
Great read! I couldn't put the book down.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.pam5804
Posted July 18, 2012
Ms. Marchetta has done what it seems few people try to do. She has woven together a complex, beautiful, tension filled story with no profanity, sex scenes, or vulgarity. She was not in any way limited by this. An amazing story for adults and children. I hope to read more of her books.
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Posted July 17, 2012
This book showed up on my Goodreads recommendations, and I really enjoyed it. It started a little slow, but I liked the ending.
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Posted July 14, 2012
A beautifully crafted story with intriguing characters, epic journeys, a kingdom with very little hope and a love that will touch you. Truly one of the best woven tales I've ever had the pleasure to journey through. An adventure you must make.
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Posted June 28, 2012
This was a REALLY fun and entertaining read. I like the way Melina Marchetta writes. What an imagination she has! She really brought the characters to life, and I liked the chemistry between all of them. There is a lot information and people in the book, so you definitely have to pay attention so you won't miss who is who. I would recommend.
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Posted June 24, 2012
Great book.
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Posted June 21, 2012
This book was good from start to finish, so glad I took a chance and read it! Anyone who reads this book will love it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 20, 2012
Finnikin of the rock was not my favorite book. I found it hard to understand. I normallly go through books pretty fast, but this one took me a while to finish. I found myself trudging through it and waiting for it to be over. Something that I don't normally experience in a lot of books. And I have read a lot of books.
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Posted May 18, 2012
This is one of those books where you have no idea what is going on and you have to wait until almost the very end for everything to fall into place. There were some parts that were very predictable, and others that were pretty hard to understand. What I did like what the wide variety of characters who I found to be well developed. That is what kept me reading until the end. I would recommend it, but I would not read it again.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Excellent read.
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Overview
2008 Printz Award Winner Melina Marchetta crafts an epic fantasy of ancient magic, exile, feudal intrigue, and romance that rivets from the first page.
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 ...