Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Candlewick (2011), Edition: Reprint, 416 pages
Description
Now on the cusp of manhood, Finnikin, who was a child when the royal family of Lumatere was brutally murdered and replaced by an imposter, reluctantly joins forces with an enigmatic young novice and fellow-exile, who claims that her dark dreams will lead them to a surviving royal child and a way to regain the throne of Lumatere.
User reviews
LibraryThing member shell70
Wow what a story! Love this book. Although it is fantasy it will appeal to all because of the fabulous story content. It could also be used to parallel the holocaust.
LibraryThing member monsterofbooks
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
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, that this was her first fantasy. And if this review doesn't intrigue you enough, well then take it from Kristin Cashore: "The world of this book is dark and beautiful and utterly believable; and, as I’ve come to expect of Marchetta’s work, the characters are wonderfully complex. Here is an author who writes fantasy as well as she writes realism — and in the case of Melina Marchetta, that’s high praise, indeed!"
The last thing I want to talk about is the ending. BEST ENDING EVER. I mean I've read endings that are satisfying and good, but never really the best. This ending is the first that I really enjoyed and couldn't stop thinking about afterwords. It was romantic, funny and ends the book in a way that wants me to give it 10 stars. The last impression I had of this book, was brilliant. And I know my review probably won't sum up how amazing this book was, but I hope everyone gives this one a try.
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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, that this was her first fantasy. And if this review doesn't intrigue you enough, well then take it from Kristin Cashore: "The world of this book is dark and beautiful and utterly believable; and, as I’ve come to expect of Marchetta’s work, the characters are wonderfully complex. Here is an author who writes fantasy as well as she writes realism — and in the case of Melina Marchetta, that’s high praise, indeed!"
The last thing I want to talk about is the ending. BEST ENDING EVER. I mean I've read endings that are satisfying and good, but never really the best. This ending is the first that I really enjoyed and couldn't stop thinking about afterwords. It was romantic, funny and ends the book in a way that wants me to give it 10 stars. The last impression I had of this book, was brilliant. And I know my review probably won't sum up how amazing this book was, but I hope everyone gives this one a try.
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LibraryThing member Aerrin99
A truly excellent and heartbreaking novel about a people exiled from their home nation and the fight of a young man and a mysterious girl to help return them a decade later.
Lumatere had once been prosperous and stable, with a bevy of Princesses and a Prince set to ensure the continuation of the
Those outside Lumatere at the time have been left homeless for the past decade. They are poverty-stricken, outcasts, plagued by fever and death and despair.
Finnikin's father was the captain of the guard and he grew up with the royal family. In the ten years since the exile, he has traveled with Sir Topher in an effort to ease the plight of displaced Lumatereans and, perhaps, to find them a new home.
Early in the story they pick up a mysterious girl named Evanjalin, a novice of the Goddess who can walk in dreams and claims that the prince Balthazar is still alive and will be able to break the curse. Thus starts what could be a predictable and safe tale of overcoming odds to restore the kingdom of Lumatere - but Marchetta deftly saves it from both.
She writes with a heart-breaking beauty that tackles everything from a growing romance that both parties are wary of to the very real cruelties experienced by the characters in her book. There are dark places here - the exiles of Lumatere do not feel fantastical. They feel very, very real, and your heart aches with every story of illness, homelessness, poverty, violence, and rape. More than any other book, this one has made me think about displaced people in our own world, which I think is a triumph for any fantasy tome.
The politics and magic of her world are both complicated and interesting, but the real shine here are her characters. Finnikin is nineteen at the book's beginning, Evanjalin is younger, and both are struggling with being thrust into leadership roles that they aren't sure they want, but that they know are completely necessary. They doubt each other, they doubt their advisors, they doubt themselves. Their choices are difficult, and the reader feels the weight of that. It is simply impossible not to cheer for them.
Finnikin of the Rock is one of those books that is surprising in its loveliness and almost shocking in its depth. I did not expect it to be what it is, and I did not expect it to linger in my mind like it did - it was a very, very welcome surprise.
Lumatere had once been prosperous and stable, with a bevy of Princesses and a Prince set to ensure the continuation of the
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royal line. But a betrayal ended with a massacred royal family, and the violence done to the people who lived in the forests of Lumatere in the aftermath led to a curse that locked the kingdom away from the rest of the world by an impenetrable barrier.Those outside Lumatere at the time have been left homeless for the past decade. They are poverty-stricken, outcasts, plagued by fever and death and despair.
Finnikin's father was the captain of the guard and he grew up with the royal family. In the ten years since the exile, he has traveled with Sir Topher in an effort to ease the plight of displaced Lumatereans and, perhaps, to find them a new home.
Early in the story they pick up a mysterious girl named Evanjalin, a novice of the Goddess who can walk in dreams and claims that the prince Balthazar is still alive and will be able to break the curse. Thus starts what could be a predictable and safe tale of overcoming odds to restore the kingdom of Lumatere - but Marchetta deftly saves it from both.
She writes with a heart-breaking beauty that tackles everything from a growing romance that both parties are wary of to the very real cruelties experienced by the characters in her book. There are dark places here - the exiles of Lumatere do not feel fantastical. They feel very, very real, and your heart aches with every story of illness, homelessness, poverty, violence, and rape. More than any other book, this one has made me think about displaced people in our own world, which I think is a triumph for any fantasy tome.
The politics and magic of her world are both complicated and interesting, but the real shine here are her characters. Finnikin is nineteen at the book's beginning, Evanjalin is younger, and both are struggling with being thrust into leadership roles that they aren't sure they want, but that they know are completely necessary. They doubt each other, they doubt their advisors, they doubt themselves. Their choices are difficult, and the reader feels the weight of that. It is simply impossible not to cheer for them.
Finnikin of the Rock is one of those books that is surprising in its loveliness and almost shocking in its depth. I did not expect it to be what it is, and I did not expect it to linger in my mind like it did - it was a very, very welcome surprise.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
I had heard wonderful things about this book and love fantasy. So, I was very excited to finally read this book. I ended up being a bit disappointed in the awkward dialogue and some of the characters.
I listened to this on audiobook and that may be part of the reason I wasn't really drawn into this
Finnikin of the Rock and Sir Topher have not been home to Lumatere for many years; no since their kingdom was overthrown and put under an evil curse. However, Finnikin is called to meet a young woman with special powers named Evanjalin. Upon meeting her, Finnikin finds that she claims that the heir to Lumatere, Balthazar, is still alive. This leads Finnikin on a quest to put together a group to find Balthazar and retake Lumatere. However, Evanjalin has some deep secrets of her own that may change everything.
This is a decent fantasy story, but it took quite a while for me to really get engaged and interested in it...like over half the book. I didn't really like the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin. Finnikin is too selfish, commanding, and his temper changes with lightning quickness. Evanjalin is too passive and secretive, with inconsistent flashes of stubbornness. I hate that Evanjalin expects everyone to trust her after she lies over and over again (granted she has good reason to lie), it was just so silly.
Finnikin's unwillingness to interpret the prophecy about the queen of Lumatere in any other way aside from the one he thought was right was strange and drove much of the storyline. Prophecies are notoriously vague and to think there is only one way to interpret them is incredibly conceited. Pretty much Evanjalin’s lying and Finnikin’s stubborness drove this whole plot. If they had been honest and understanding to each other there wouldn’t have been much of a book here at all.
There were a number of side characters and they all lacked depth and really just weren’t that engaging. On top of that the plot was fairly predictable. There are a number of twists and turns thrown at the reader but none of them are all that surprising.
Overall most of this novel just fell flat for me. It’s an okay fantasy with a mediocre plot and characters. Sure there is a very passionate and combative romance between Finnikin and Evanjalin. But I didn't really enjoy them as characters, the surrounding characters didn't have a whole lot of depth either, and the plot came across as contrived and a bit confusing at times. Needless to say I won't be reading anymore books in this series. It’s an okay fantasy novel, but there are much better YA fantasy books out there.
I listened to this on audiobook and that may be part of the reason I wasn't really drawn into this
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story. The voices on the audiobook were a bit over characterized and goofy sounding at points. I am not sure if this is what made the dialogue between characters sound awkward or if that was just how it was written.Finnikin of the Rock and Sir Topher have not been home to Lumatere for many years; no since their kingdom was overthrown and put under an evil curse. However, Finnikin is called to meet a young woman with special powers named Evanjalin. Upon meeting her, Finnikin finds that she claims that the heir to Lumatere, Balthazar, is still alive. This leads Finnikin on a quest to put together a group to find Balthazar and retake Lumatere. However, Evanjalin has some deep secrets of her own that may change everything.
This is a decent fantasy story, but it took quite a while for me to really get engaged and interested in it...like over half the book. I didn't really like the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin. Finnikin is too selfish, commanding, and his temper changes with lightning quickness. Evanjalin is too passive and secretive, with inconsistent flashes of stubbornness. I hate that Evanjalin expects everyone to trust her after she lies over and over again (granted she has good reason to lie), it was just so silly.
Finnikin's unwillingness to interpret the prophecy about the queen of Lumatere in any other way aside from the one he thought was right was strange and drove much of the storyline. Prophecies are notoriously vague and to think there is only one way to interpret them is incredibly conceited. Pretty much Evanjalin’s lying and Finnikin’s stubborness drove this whole plot. If they had been honest and understanding to each other there wouldn’t have been much of a book here at all.
There were a number of side characters and they all lacked depth and really just weren’t that engaging. On top of that the plot was fairly predictable. There are a number of twists and turns thrown at the reader but none of them are all that surprising.
Overall most of this novel just fell flat for me. It’s an okay fantasy with a mediocre plot and characters. Sure there is a very passionate and combative romance between Finnikin and Evanjalin. But I didn't really enjoy them as characters, the surrounding characters didn't have a whole lot of depth either, and the plot came across as contrived and a bit confusing at times. Needless to say I won't be reading anymore books in this series. It’s an okay fantasy novel, but there are much better YA fantasy books out there.
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LibraryThing member A_Reader_of_Fictions
If you blog YA books, you can't avoid hearing about Melina Marchetta. I've had almost all of her books on my to-read list for years, just because of how good I've heard her writing is, but this is my first venture into her fiction. Finnikin of the Rock was not the book I was expecting it to be in a
Usually I start with all the good stuff, but today I'm going to start with the flaw: the beginning of Finnikin of the Rock is slow and boring, at least if you're a character reader like me. There's a lot of journeying, vignettes of travel and the political situation of these realms with very little characterization. If you get off on world building, then the first hundred pages might be fascinating, but until I care about the characters I don't give much of a shit about the world, so it's just something to be got through. Of course, this is super common in epic and high fantasy, which do have a lot of world building to do, but the characterization in Finnikin felt like it moved especially slowly.
Though I never got super feelsy about Finnikin, Evanjelin, Froi, and the rest, they did grow on me. Only at the very end did I have any feels whatsoever, in that last chapter of awesome. Marchetta never really did go super character-focused, but the bits and pieces slowly added up into people that I cared about. Finnikin of the Rock is a book that gets better with every single page, and, from what I've heard, the whole series continues that. I much prefer a book to be a slow starter and a strong finisher than vice versa.
What Melina Marchetta does best is darkness. There are creepy and intense things that go down in this book starting on the first page, in which children cut chunks of flesh from their legs to swear an oath. So, yeah, intense. The people of Lumatere were attacked, cursed, and thrown out of their kingdom, left to the mercy of their neighbors, most of whom aren't merciful. The people of Lumatere are hardened, without hope, and ravaged by their experiences. Every single Lumateran still alive is a survivor in the truest sense of the world; they've all been through hardships and are scarred one, mentally and/or physically. Even the heroes and heroines of Finnikin of the Rock are not pure and perfect: they lie, they kill, one even attempts a rape.
It is into this bleak landscape that the reader arrives. Finnikin has been called to pick up a novice from a far temple. This novice, Evanjalin, claims that she has walked the dreams of Balthazar, who would be king if he truly lived. Finnikin and Topher, the right hand man of the king that was, escort Evanjalin on a mission to rebuild Lumatere, slowly assembling the people and preparing to make war on the imposter king who took the throne. As hope grows, the people come out of their shells and the characterization picks up.
[Let's sidebar briefly and talk about how dark the book is. You may notice that I've tagged this review adult, rather than young adult, because Finnikin of the Rock really doesn't read like a young adult book to me. This is not because of the intense subject matter (I think teens can handle way more than we generally give them credit for), but because nothing in the book really seems to delve into issues of being a teenager. Though Finnikin and Evanjalin may be teenagers (I'm honestly not sure just how old they are), they are adults in their world, mature and responsible for their own lives. Of course, defining young adult fiction is pretty much impossible, but I felt I should mention it, because I found the YA designation puzzling; if you have insights, I'd be happy to discuss them.]
Despite all the darkness, there is a thin vein of humor and lightness. Much of it is the sort of humor that men of war will engage in, a sort of gallows humor and ribbing of compatriots. The romance too is a source of humor and light, as both parties pretend disinterest while fooling absolutely no one. Marchetta keeps the romance very low key, but still manages to convey a powerful sense of longing and a strong connection, even if it does initially seem to burgeon out of nowhere.
The last chapter of Finnikin of the Rock was just about the most adorable thing ever. If I could write up the whole thing for my favorite quote, I WOULD. After the darkness of the book, it's fluffy and light and full of banter and just the most adorable thing in the world. I LOVE it. Also, I gather that Finnikin and company will be big players in book two, but that it will follow Froi as the main character, which sounds super awesome.
Though I'm not sure if Finnikin of the Rock is the ideal first Marchetta experience, it's well worth reading for a patient reader. By the end, I want nothing more than to read the next one, though that will have to wait a few weeks.
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lot of ways, because I went in hoping for it to be the perfect book for me, and it wasn't. However, it's also a well-written book that sort of sneaks up on you, so that I went from being bored to grinning like an idiot at the end.Usually I start with all the good stuff, but today I'm going to start with the flaw: the beginning of Finnikin of the Rock is slow and boring, at least if you're a character reader like me. There's a lot of journeying, vignettes of travel and the political situation of these realms with very little characterization. If you get off on world building, then the first hundred pages might be fascinating, but until I care about the characters I don't give much of a shit about the world, so it's just something to be got through. Of course, this is super common in epic and high fantasy, which do have a lot of world building to do, but the characterization in Finnikin felt like it moved especially slowly.
Though I never got super feelsy about Finnikin, Evanjelin, Froi, and the rest, they did grow on me. Only at the very end did I have any feels whatsoever, in that last chapter of awesome. Marchetta never really did go super character-focused, but the bits and pieces slowly added up into people that I cared about. Finnikin of the Rock is a book that gets better with every single page, and, from what I've heard, the whole series continues that. I much prefer a book to be a slow starter and a strong finisher than vice versa.
What Melina Marchetta does best is darkness. There are creepy and intense things that go down in this book starting on the first page, in which children cut chunks of flesh from their legs to swear an oath. So, yeah, intense. The people of Lumatere were attacked, cursed, and thrown out of their kingdom, left to the mercy of their neighbors, most of whom aren't merciful. The people of Lumatere are hardened, without hope, and ravaged by their experiences. Every single Lumateran still alive is a survivor in the truest sense of the world; they've all been through hardships and are scarred one, mentally and/or physically. Even the heroes and heroines of Finnikin of the Rock are not pure and perfect: they lie, they kill, one even attempts a rape.
It is into this bleak landscape that the reader arrives. Finnikin has been called to pick up a novice from a far temple. This novice, Evanjalin, claims that she has walked the dreams of Balthazar, who would be king if he truly lived. Finnikin and Topher, the right hand man of the king that was, escort Evanjalin on a mission to rebuild Lumatere, slowly assembling the people and preparing to make war on the imposter king who took the throne. As hope grows, the people come out of their shells and the characterization picks up.
[Let's sidebar briefly and talk about how dark the book is. You may notice that I've tagged this review adult, rather than young adult, because Finnikin of the Rock really doesn't read like a young adult book to me. This is not because of the intense subject matter (I think teens can handle way more than we generally give them credit for), but because nothing in the book really seems to delve into issues of being a teenager. Though Finnikin and Evanjalin may be teenagers (I'm honestly not sure just how old they are), they are adults in their world, mature and responsible for their own lives. Of course, defining young adult fiction is pretty much impossible, but I felt I should mention it, because I found the YA designation puzzling; if you have insights, I'd be happy to discuss them.]
Despite all the darkness, there is a thin vein of humor and lightness. Much of it is the sort of humor that men of war will engage in, a sort of gallows humor and ribbing of compatriots. The romance too is a source of humor and light, as both parties pretend disinterest while fooling absolutely no one. Marchetta keeps the romance very low key, but still manages to convey a powerful sense of longing and a strong connection, even if it does initially seem to burgeon out of nowhere.
The last chapter of Finnikin of the Rock was just about the most adorable thing ever. If I could write up the whole thing for my favorite quote, I WOULD. After the darkness of the book, it's fluffy and light and full of banter and just the most adorable thing in the world. I LOVE it. Also, I gather that Finnikin and company will be big players in book two, but that it will follow Froi as the main character, which sounds super awesome.
Though I'm not sure if Finnikin of the Rock is the ideal first Marchetta experience, it's well worth reading for a patient reader. By the end, I want nothing more than to read the next one, though that will have to wait a few weeks.
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LibraryThing member ericajsc
Everyone who enjoys reading should read this book. Seriously. Even if you’re shying away from it because it’s fantasy and you’re not into fantasy, it doesn’t matter. Yes, it has all the elements of fantasy that might be off-putting: a fictional land with strange-sounding kingdoms and tales
The book begins with a prologue that recounts the pledge Finnikin made with Balthazar and Lucian and the events that came swiftly after. The story is a little confusing at first, with talk that Evangeline has a mysterious gift and is believed to have a strange connection to the rightful heir to the Lumateran throne. But it didn’t take long for me to become fully immersed in the story. Finnikin’s crew takes a circuitous journey across the many kingdoms of the land, and there are surprises and revelations that kept me guessing at what would happen next.
Melina Marchetta’s writing is absolutely brilliant. She doesn’t rely on flowery language or flashy gimmicks to create a good story. Instead, she artfully crafts a solid, mesmerizing tale through the use of superb character development and brilliant plotting.
If you decide to pick up this book, even though fantasy isn’t your thing, I urge you not to give up on it you don’t get it at first. Read at least the first quarter of the story (approximately the end of Chapter Eight). I was hooked long before that, but I genuinely believe that you’ll want to finish the book by the time you make it to that point in the story.
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of war and goddesses and prophesies. But within that frame, Marchetta tells a beautiful story about a boy, his journey to his people, and the renewed hope of a people who endured hardships that are the makings of nightmares.The book begins with a prologue that recounts the pledge Finnikin made with Balthazar and Lucian and the events that came swiftly after. The story is a little confusing at first, with talk that Evangeline has a mysterious gift and is believed to have a strange connection to the rightful heir to the Lumateran throne. But it didn’t take long for me to become fully immersed in the story. Finnikin’s crew takes a circuitous journey across the many kingdoms of the land, and there are surprises and revelations that kept me guessing at what would happen next.
Melina Marchetta’s writing is absolutely brilliant. She doesn’t rely on flowery language or flashy gimmicks to create a good story. Instead, she artfully crafts a solid, mesmerizing tale through the use of superb character development and brilliant plotting.
If you decide to pick up this book, even though fantasy isn’t your thing, I urge you not to give up on it you don’t get it at first. Read at least the first quarter of the story (approximately the end of Chapter Eight). I was hooked long before that, but I genuinely believe that you’ll want to finish the book by the time you make it to that point in the story.
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LibraryThing member les121
Finnikin of the Rock is a sweet love story with traditional, fairytale elements - a kingdom, a curse, an oath, a king. Despite repeated info-dumps, I was completely drawn into the characters’ struggles. I felt their pain acutely and even cried towards the end. I also love how the story addresses
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the issue of patriarchy and the hardships of living as a refugee in a foreign county. Although the explanations of the curse and the prophecy about Finnikin aren’t completely satisfying, I still liked the way the story was ultimately resolved. I highly recommend Finnikin of the Rock for readers of romantic fantasy. Show Less
LibraryThing member shardin85
This is why I love Melina Marchetta. As I did with Jellicoe Road and Saving Francesca, I did not start out particularaly liking the characters. However, whether you like them or not, you feel so drawn and captivated by them that by the end of the story you love them. I've read a few reviews where
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people were upset by some of Finnikin's behaviors (i.e. visiting a whore). But this is the beautiful thing about Marchetta's writing - she does not give you characters who are all good. This is why even her fantasy is still realistic, because no human is purely hero or heroine. She brings them fully to life, and to do that, she has to display their short-comings. Marchetta's books always leave me thinking and dreaming about them for days. Finnikin of the Rock now has a special place in my heart right along side Jellicoe Road. Show Less
LibraryThing member NickF.
Finnikin is on the cusp of his manhood while being apprentice to Sir Topher. For the past 10 years Finninkin and Sir Topher have been traveling the lands that surrond their cursed kingdom. Before a massacre of the roayal family, Finninik, Lucian, and Balhatazr make a pledge on "Three Wonders Rock".
My own opinion of this is great. Melina Marchetta has proven that she is a great writer. This book blew my mind away, their are some parts that are for mature readers only but it's still good. A part I don't like about this book is that Finninik's father Captain of the Guard is in a mine prison in Sarlen. But they plow on through the book and it's a best seller honestly. Overall its a 5/5.
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People are trapped in their cursed kingdom while Finninik and Sir Topher are traveling the kingdoms surronding theirs learning the languages and trying to help exiles.My own opinion of this is great. Melina Marchetta has proven that she is a great writer. This book blew my mind away, their are some parts that are for mature readers only but it's still good. A part I don't like about this book is that Finninik's father Captain of the Guard is in a mine prison in Sarlen. But they plow on through the book and it's a best seller honestly. Overall its a 5/5.
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK proves once and for all that Melina Marchetta can do no wrong. This high fantasy novel is Marchetta’s first foray outside of contemporary realism, but she writes in this genre as easily as the other. Finnikin’s tale will appeal to the wandering soul in search of the
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grandiose, miraculous, and larger-than-life. Show Less
LibraryThing member brainlair
Now on the cusp of manhood, Finnikin, who was a child when the royal family of Lumatere was brutally murdered and replaced by an imposter, reluctantly joins forces with an enigmatic young novice and fellow-exile, who claims that her dark dreams will lead them to a surviving royal child and a way to
I was excited when Finnikin and Sir Topher picked up Evanjalin. She knew things she shouldn't and she wasn't afraid to use the information she needed. I was disappointed when they picked up the thief. He was unnecessary. I was excited when Evanjalin helped Finnikin "break" into the prison. Disappointed when the thief tried to rape her. That's how this book was for me; alternating between exciting and disappointing. While enjoyed the book, small parts were disappointing. Overall I loved the twists and turns and the not completely resolved issues. The idea of trying to bring a kingdom that been torn apart back together. To start over in a place they no longer knew. That's intriguing. People have their memories. They aren't all good or all bad. But the same story is remembered differently based on who you are and who you've been. Finnikin wanted things the way they were but you can't really go back home. In this case both home and Finnikin had changed.
Still not sure what I think about this one. It's definitely one to add to the library and will be a great discussion book. But I wanted more from this book. Maybe a second read is necessary...
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regain the throne of Lumatere.I was excited when Finnikin and Sir Topher picked up Evanjalin. She knew things she shouldn't and she wasn't afraid to use the information she needed. I was disappointed when they picked up the thief. He was unnecessary. I was excited when Evanjalin helped Finnikin "break" into the prison. Disappointed when the thief tried to rape her. That's how this book was for me; alternating between exciting and disappointing. While enjoyed the book, small parts were disappointing. Overall I loved the twists and turns and the not completely resolved issues. The idea of trying to bring a kingdom that been torn apart back together. To start over in a place they no longer knew. That's intriguing. People have their memories. They aren't all good or all bad. But the same story is remembered differently based on who you are and who you've been. Finnikin wanted things the way they were but you can't really go back home. In this case both home and Finnikin had changed.
Still not sure what I think about this one. It's definitely one to add to the library and will be a great discussion book. But I wanted more from this book. Maybe a second read is necessary...
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LibraryThing member jenniferthomp75
Excellent tale of love, longing and returning to one's home.
A dark spell has been cast over Finnikin's homeland of Lumatere after the royal family was murdered.
Traveling across the world with his mentor, Finnikin meets a strange girl named Evanjalin who claims she can enter people's sleep and also
Wonderfully paced with thoughtful, intelligent characters, this book is a must-read. Marchetta, a former Printz winner, has found a new genre for her writing. I hope she writes more fantasy because this was wonderful! Definitely a Mock Printz consideration.
A dark spell has been cast over Finnikin's homeland of Lumatere after the royal family was murdered.
Traveling across the world with his mentor, Finnikin meets a strange girl named Evanjalin who claims she can enter people's sleep and also
Show More
claims to know that one of the prince's from the royal family is still alive.Wonderfully paced with thoughtful, intelligent characters, this book is a must-read. Marchetta, a former Printz winner, has found a new genre for her writing. I hope she writes more fantasy because this was wonderful! Definitely a Mock Printz consideration.
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LibraryThing member Squishy133
I really wanted this book to be better than it was. I had heard so much hype about it that I thought, ‘great, something that’s really going to capture my attention’, but I found it sadly lacking.
This isn’t to say that it was a bad book. It was well written and had some nice description. At
I didn’t really connect with the characters, and that was my main reason, I think, for not liking the book. I thought Evanjalin was a bit of a cow really, especially towards the end of the book, so she just annoyed me. I didn’t like Finnikin’s dad, and I found Finnikin only ‘OK’. The only character I really liked was Froi, and there were only a few times when we got to hear his point of view, and for me, they were the highlights of the story.
I do however, love the cover. Which is irrelevant to the story or my rating, but it was very captivating. I just like to stare at it sometimes…
There were some alright twists in the book, but I felt sometimes things could have been better explained. When I finished I still wasn’t exactly sure why the dark days occurred and what exactly happened. It was all very vague if you ask me.
Nonetheless, I don’t want to make this book sound like utter torment, because it wasn’t. It had its charms and its good parts, but it just wasn’t my piece of cake. I really don’t know what the hype was about.
This isn’t to say that it was a bad book. It was well written and had some nice description. At
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times it was very engaging and I wanted to know what was going to happen next, but there were parts of this book that I just didn’t like.I didn’t really connect with the characters, and that was my main reason, I think, for not liking the book. I thought Evanjalin was a bit of a cow really, especially towards the end of the book, so she just annoyed me. I didn’t like Finnikin’s dad, and I found Finnikin only ‘OK’. The only character I really liked was Froi, and there were only a few times when we got to hear his point of view, and for me, they were the highlights of the story.
I do however, love the cover. Which is irrelevant to the story or my rating, but it was very captivating. I just like to stare at it sometimes…
There were some alright twists in the book, but I felt sometimes things could have been better explained. When I finished I still wasn’t exactly sure why the dark days occurred and what exactly happened. It was all very vague if you ask me.
Nonetheless, I don’t want to make this book sound like utter torment, because it wasn’t. It had its charms and its good parts, but it just wasn’t my piece of cake. I really don’t know what the hype was about.
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LibraryThing member shanesuzanne
This is an amazing, beautifully written book that allows you to escape into a mesmerizing world full of love, adventure, tears, sadness, pride, honor and victory. Marchetta's writing was SPECTACULAR; it was vivid and simply brilliant!
This was a page turner that I couldn't put down. If you enjoy
This was a page turner that I couldn't put down. If you enjoy
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reading, this is a MUST READ! Show Less
LibraryThing member lilibrarian
Finnikin was a child when his homeland was conquered and cursed. Now he is on his way back with a strange girl who claims to walk the streets of their home in her dreams.
LibraryThing member wsquared
Finnikin of the Rock, an epic fantasy tale, is a marked departure from Melina Marchetta's usual contemporary realistic fiction, but she has crafted a rich, complex world full of intriguing and mysterious characters. The strong socio-political undercurrents have parallels to our own world, but they
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don't overwhelm the core story about Finnikin's search for a homeland for his displaced kingdom and his acceptance of his destiny to become king. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
When Finnikin was young, the royal family was brutally murdered and overthrown, and his family was forced into exile. With a usurper now on the throne of Finnikin's homeland, Finnkin has been training as under Sir Topher in hopes to one day put his skills to go use. When rumors begin to circulate
With such an interesting setup, it's hard to believe that Finnikin of the Rock could ever be boring -that, however, isn't quite true. The book starts off a little slow as author Marchetta introduces her complex, thoroughly-developed world, complete with slang and fairly unique mechanics. Though the story does get a little bogged down under all the explanation and vivid world detail, it picks up once the the exposition is taken care of and just doesn't let go. Filled with exciting intrigue, unexpected twists and fun characters, Finnikin of the Rock is an exciting and enjoyable adventure for readers of all ages.
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that Balthazar, legitimate heir to the throne, may have somehow survived, Finnikin teams up with a novice named Evanjalin, who has the ability to enter people's dreams. Together, the pair set out to find Balthazar and bring their people out of exile.With such an interesting setup, it's hard to believe that Finnikin of the Rock could ever be boring -that, however, isn't quite true. The book starts off a little slow as author Marchetta introduces her complex, thoroughly-developed world, complete with slang and fairly unique mechanics. Though the story does get a little bogged down under all the explanation and vivid world detail, it picks up once the the exposition is taken care of and just doesn't let go. Filled with exciting intrigue, unexpected twists and fun characters, Finnikin of the Rock is an exciting and enjoyable adventure for readers of all ages.
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LibraryThing member Wombat
Lady Wombat says:
Marchetta's first work of fantasy packs in far too much -- plot, backstory, number of characters -- to be as entirely compelling as her more self-contained YA realism books. If I had been Marchetta's editor, I would have asked her to extend this into a trilogy, to give her the time
The first 1/4 of the book felt awfully rushed and unsatisfying, putting out too much information even while leaving too many questions about characters and about the world of Skuldenore unanswered. But once the plot starts to kick in (after Finnikin is captured and imprisoned in the mines), a compelling quest narrative takes hold and keeps you reading.
On the back flap copy, Marchetta writes that "I think the first step to writing good fantasy is knowing this world we live in well." The fantasy world of Skuldenore certainly contains echoes of Australia's racial history. It did seem a bit of a cop-out, to make the oppressor group in Lumatere subject to even worse oppression by those from an entire other country -- the message about needing to forgive oneself for one's oppression of others almost disappears in the face of the need to rid Lumatere of the evil Charynites. That Marchetta shows us nothing from the Charynites' point of view makes it easy for readers to demonize them -- does Marchetta want us to feel that some oppressive countries, or simply some oppressive regimes, are evil and should not be at all open to our sympathy? Lots to think about here.
Marchetta's first work of fantasy packs in far too much -- plot, backstory, number of characters -- to be as entirely compelling as her more self-contained YA realism books. If I had been Marchetta's editor, I would have asked her to extend this into a trilogy, to give her the time
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to do the worldbuilding a novel of this ambition requires, and for her to give more space to the stories of some of the secondary characters, those whose stories feel thematically important but aren't given the space for their thematic resonances to be fully explored. The first 1/4 of the book felt awfully rushed and unsatisfying, putting out too much information even while leaving too many questions about characters and about the world of Skuldenore unanswered. But once the plot starts to kick in (after Finnikin is captured and imprisoned in the mines), a compelling quest narrative takes hold and keeps you reading.
On the back flap copy, Marchetta writes that "I think the first step to writing good fantasy is knowing this world we live in well." The fantasy world of Skuldenore certainly contains echoes of Australia's racial history. It did seem a bit of a cop-out, to make the oppressor group in Lumatere subject to even worse oppression by those from an entire other country -- the message about needing to forgive oneself for one's oppression of others almost disappears in the face of the need to rid Lumatere of the evil Charynites. That Marchetta shows us nothing from the Charynites' point of view makes it easy for readers to demonize them -- does Marchetta want us to feel that some oppressive countries, or simply some oppressive regimes, are evil and should not be at all open to our sympathy? Lots to think about here.
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LibraryThing member Tatiana_G
Knowing and admiring Melina Marchetta for her excellent contemporary YA novels, I was reluctant to read her first fantasy effort. I shouldn't have hesitated - this book is a success. Actually, I even found myself amused by the fact that it was blurbed by Kristin Cashore, an American YA fantasy
This novel offers everything that a good fantasy story should offer: a well established world (with maps! love those), an interesting political intrigue, magic, a quest to save one's homeland, a love story, and a cast of memorable character with compelling back stories. On top of it, Finnikin of the Rock is a story about uniting a country torn by an invasion and dark magic, and about a man who struggles to accept his destiny.
The strength of the book undoubtedly lies in the way Marchetta depicts interpersonal relationships and human nature - this is something that is so well done in her contemporary novels (Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, Jellicoe Road). Her characters are real, their struggles are real.
The weakest part of the story is pacing. I think the novel is a little too long. It's not that it gets boring, but the length of the Finnikin's quest seems to lose momentum and when the climax of the story finally comes, it is rather understated. All Marchetta's books are a little anti-climatic, but it is more noticeable in this fantasy novel, because this is the genre where you expect a story to end with a bang.
However, as a whole, Finnikin of the Rock is a satisfying, thought provoking work. According to Melina Marchetta, her intent was to create a story about a world "where loss of faith, loss of homeland and identity, displacement of spirit, and breakdown of community are common." That she definitely accomplished.
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writer, because clearly Marchetta is much better at it even though she had never written a fantasy before.This novel offers everything that a good fantasy story should offer: a well established world (with maps! love those), an interesting political intrigue, magic, a quest to save one's homeland, a love story, and a cast of memorable character with compelling back stories. On top of it, Finnikin of the Rock is a story about uniting a country torn by an invasion and dark magic, and about a man who struggles to accept his destiny.
The strength of the book undoubtedly lies in the way Marchetta depicts interpersonal relationships and human nature - this is something that is so well done in her contemporary novels (Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, Jellicoe Road). Her characters are real, their struggles are real.
The weakest part of the story is pacing. I think the novel is a little too long. It's not that it gets boring, but the length of the Finnikin's quest seems to lose momentum and when the climax of the story finally comes, it is rather understated. All Marchetta's books are a little anti-climatic, but it is more noticeable in this fantasy novel, because this is the genre where you expect a story to end with a bang.
However, as a whole, Finnikin of the Rock is a satisfying, thought provoking work. According to Melina Marchetta, her intent was to create a story about a world "where loss of faith, loss of homeland and identity, displacement of spirit, and breakdown of community are common." That she definitely accomplished.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
Marchetta, Melina. (2010). Finnikin of the Rock. Boston: Candlewick. 416 pp. ISBN 978-0-7636-4361-4 (Hard Cover); $18.99.
Finnikin is from a cursed kingdom that prevents its citizens from returning home. When Evanjalin, a strange and mysterious dreamer, comes into Finnikin’s life, she convinces
Marchetta, the Printz-winning author of Jellicoe Road, has created a fantasy world so real, readers feel the creepy mist on the back of their necks. Her characters, even minor characters, grow in complexity until the very last pages. What makes Finnikin truly shine is the pacing of this novel. Evanjalin is able to enter dreams of others and she convinces a reluctant Finnikin to follow along. She does this by introducing just enough doubt that Finnikin comes to believe he has a chance to save his father and then maybe break the curse hanging over their country. However, just when we begin to trust Evanjalin, she shocks us. And she continues to shock and surprise us throughout the book. The gradual unfolding of the plot is skillfully mastered. What makes this book rise above others is the way in which the plot twists subtly match the changes in character growth. Marchetta has characters torn between self-preservation, love of family, and patriotism. Is lying ever justified? Can we learn to live in and love another country, another way of life? How much should we trust our government? Can we ever trust those from different countries? These are questions that characters in Finnikin of the Rock confront; careful student readers will see that these same questions are ones we all should examine regularly. Purchase this one for high school readers and advanced middle school readers, especially those who love fantasy.
Finnikin is from a cursed kingdom that prevents its citizens from returning home. When Evanjalin, a strange and mysterious dreamer, comes into Finnikin’s life, she convinces
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him that the heir to the throne may still be alive and that he has chosen Finnikin to lead his people home—but at what cost?Marchetta, the Printz-winning author of Jellicoe Road, has created a fantasy world so real, readers feel the creepy mist on the back of their necks. Her characters, even minor characters, grow in complexity until the very last pages. What makes Finnikin truly shine is the pacing of this novel. Evanjalin is able to enter dreams of others and she convinces a reluctant Finnikin to follow along. She does this by introducing just enough doubt that Finnikin comes to believe he has a chance to save his father and then maybe break the curse hanging over their country. However, just when we begin to trust Evanjalin, she shocks us. And she continues to shock and surprise us throughout the book. The gradual unfolding of the plot is skillfully mastered. What makes this book rise above others is the way in which the plot twists subtly match the changes in character growth. Marchetta has characters torn between self-preservation, love of family, and patriotism. Is lying ever justified? Can we learn to live in and love another country, another way of life? How much should we trust our government? Can we ever trust those from different countries? These are questions that characters in Finnikin of the Rock confront; careful student readers will see that these same questions are ones we all should examine regularly. Purchase this one for high school readers and advanced middle school readers, especially those who love fantasy.
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LibraryThing member Herenya
Firstly, Finnikin of the Rock is different from Melina Marchetta's other books, (which I'm very familiar with.) It's third person. Male protagonist point of view (although it does shift to a couple of others' points of view at times, they are both guys.) Fantasy. (I imagine this is the one that
And in some ways, it is not so different. It's about families and identity and belonging. It is about people.
Finnikin has not seen Lumatere for 10 years - not since the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family were assassinated, when the Forest Dwellers were burnt in their homes and an impostor king installed himself on the throne, when the matriarch of the Forest Dwellers cursed the land as she was burnt at a stake, and all those who could fled, before Lumatere was rendered impenetrable by magic.
Finnikin, and his mentor and guardian Sir Topher, have travelled from country to country, doing what they can for camps of Lumatere exiles - exiles who have been victims of disease, despair and massacre - and recording the names of the dead. Finnikin's father, the former Captain of the King's Guard, is imprisoned by foreign forces and the King's Guard have vanished, and his childhood friends are believed to be dead.
And then he meets a young woman from Lumatere with an incredible claim - that the heir to the throne still lives. While Finnikin is irritated by Evanjalin's secrets, her refusal to obey him and her habit of manipulating events to her own ends, he is also drawn by her determination and hope... He begins to hope that the people of Lumatere might be able to return home and be reunited. But Evanjalin's secrets go deeper than he suspects.
On one level this story is about the plight of refugees, about those who do not have hope and do not have a home. About the horror and atrocity which confront people in war, when they are exiles, prisoners and slaves. About what it is to live with guilt, with grief, with shame and regrets.
But it is also about trust and betrayal, the bond between father and son, making sacrifices for one's people and accepting one's responsibilities and place in the world. And it's about hope.
I can understand why Finnikin is the main character, why the story is from his perspective rather than Evanjalin's, because he is the one struggling to come to terms with a lot of things (and not because if the reader knew all of Evanjalin's secrets from the beginning, that's half the suspense out the window.) And possibly Evanjalin's story is darker than his - more depressing. But she is a strong, likable, admirable character, and I was not bothered that I didn't get to hear her side of the story through her eyes.
Which is not to say I disliked Finnikin! I certainly didn't agree with everything he did, but he's a teenage boy and that is hardly surprising. And I understood him, and sympathised with him.
The story drew me in, captivated my attention to the point where I spent all morning reading and didn't have breakfast until after 1pm. I wondered at the mysteries, I was touched by some of the tales which unfolded, I was entertained by the banter between companions and families to the point of giggling aloud, and I felt for the characters - characters who felt real to the point where I want to say "I felt for these people". It is a character driven story, and I thought the worldbuilding was clever - enough was explained so the story wasn't confusing, without overdoing the information dump and thus becoming confusing by the sheer volume of detail.
I didn't like all the darkness, the violence, and the element of ... coarseness, but that didn't interfere with my overall impressions of the story. It is a moving, powerful one - and I have to say, better than Saving Francesca and On the Jellicoe Road. (And I love the latter books. A lot.)
There was something I formed a theory of very early on (basically before there was any evidence for it at all), but it didn't spoil the story for me. I wasn't taken by surprise by certain revelations, but I did have the satisfaction of being right.
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which might stop a lot of people - from reading, from enjoying it. That it is set in a different world, with different cultures and values, with magic and prophecies. I'm lucky - I'm a fantasy fan.) It is bleaker, and much, much darker.And in some ways, it is not so different. It's about families and identity and belonging. It is about people.
Finnikin has not seen Lumatere for 10 years - not since the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family were assassinated, when the Forest Dwellers were burnt in their homes and an impostor king installed himself on the throne, when the matriarch of the Forest Dwellers cursed the land as she was burnt at a stake, and all those who could fled, before Lumatere was rendered impenetrable by magic.
Finnikin, and his mentor and guardian Sir Topher, have travelled from country to country, doing what they can for camps of Lumatere exiles - exiles who have been victims of disease, despair and massacre - and recording the names of the dead. Finnikin's father, the former Captain of the King's Guard, is imprisoned by foreign forces and the King's Guard have vanished, and his childhood friends are believed to be dead.
And then he meets a young woman from Lumatere with an incredible claim - that the heir to the throne still lives. While Finnikin is irritated by Evanjalin's secrets, her refusal to obey him and her habit of manipulating events to her own ends, he is also drawn by her determination and hope... He begins to hope that the people of Lumatere might be able to return home and be reunited. But Evanjalin's secrets go deeper than he suspects.
On one level this story is about the plight of refugees, about those who do not have hope and do not have a home. About the horror and atrocity which confront people in war, when they are exiles, prisoners and slaves. About what it is to live with guilt, with grief, with shame and regrets.
But it is also about trust and betrayal, the bond between father and son, making sacrifices for one's people and accepting one's responsibilities and place in the world. And it's about hope.
I can understand why Finnikin is the main character, why the story is from his perspective rather than Evanjalin's, because he is the one struggling to come to terms with a lot of things (and not because if the reader knew all of Evanjalin's secrets from the beginning, that's half the suspense out the window.) And possibly Evanjalin's story is darker than his - more depressing. But she is a strong, likable, admirable character, and I was not bothered that I didn't get to hear her side of the story through her eyes.
Which is not to say I disliked Finnikin! I certainly didn't agree with everything he did, but he's a teenage boy and that is hardly surprising. And I understood him, and sympathised with him.
The story drew me in, captivated my attention to the point where I spent all morning reading and didn't have breakfast until after 1pm. I wondered at the mysteries, I was touched by some of the tales which unfolded, I was entertained by the banter between companions and families to the point of giggling aloud, and I felt for the characters - characters who felt real to the point where I want to say "I felt for these people". It is a character driven story, and I thought the worldbuilding was clever - enough was explained so the story wasn't confusing, without overdoing the information dump and thus becoming confusing by the sheer volume of detail.
I didn't like all the darkness, the violence, and the element of ... coarseness, but that didn't interfere with my overall impressions of the story. It is a moving, powerful one - and I have to say, better than Saving Francesca and On the Jellicoe Road. (And I love the latter books. A lot.)
There was something I formed a theory of very early on (basically before there was any evidence for it at all), but it didn't spoil the story for me. I wasn't taken by surprise by certain revelations, but I did have the satisfaction of being right.
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LibraryThing member Suzanne520
This is the kind of book you read when you want to fall in love with more than just a story. I fell in love with everything about this book. The characters, especially Finnikin, Evanjalin and Trevanion, had so much heart, courage, and strength. I loved the setting of this story as well, and the
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author writes so beautifully and descriptively that when you put the book down, it takes more than a few moments to fully come out of the world she created. The story itself was so interesting and great! It truly was original and it often surprised me, which is rare for me! Basically, I loved this book and highly recommend it! Show Less
LibraryThing member allureofbooks
I have wanted to read this book for a very long time. Kristin Cashore recommended it on her blog when it was first released in Australia, and I kept meaning to order it via the Internet and never got around to it. Now it is finally out here in the US, and I checked it out from the library.
It was
There are several twists and turns through the story, and fairly early on I thought I had things figured out. I did, in my defense, figure out the biggest plot twist way in advance (of course I'm sure a lot of people did), but the thought that I knew everything that would happen? What a joke. Melina Marchetta would cackle at the thought.
There were lots of different countries and races of people that had me pretty confused throughout, but I was intrigued enough by it all that I didn't find it annoying.
The characters were all fantastic. Marchetta has a way of making you want to be on their side before you even have a chance to get to know them. I loved the relationships Finnikin had with his father, his mentor and Evanjalin.
If you like YA fantasy, you definitely have to do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
It was
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definitely worth all the waiting and anticipation. This is a fantastic story...characters, plot, world-building and all.There are several twists and turns through the story, and fairly early on I thought I had things figured out. I did, in my defense, figure out the biggest plot twist way in advance (of course I'm sure a lot of people did), but the thought that I knew everything that would happen? What a joke. Melina Marchetta would cackle at the thought.
There were lots of different countries and races of people that had me pretty confused throughout, but I was intrigued enough by it all that I didn't find it annoying.
The characters were all fantastic. Marchetta has a way of making you want to be on their side before you even have a chance to get to know them. I loved the relationships Finnikin had with his father, his mentor and Evanjalin.
If you like YA fantasy, you definitely have to do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
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LibraryThing member ashooles
This book was a beautifully, written, well told story of a fantasy land which had been attacked and destroyed. The characters were well chosen and well described and the Evanjalin/Isaboe part made me very interested.
In some parts, I became a little confused, but really, this book was really good. I
In some parts, I became a little confused, but really, this book was really good. I
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couldn't put it down. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjsnooks
Probably my favourite book ever. This is one of the very few books I have reread again straight after finishing because it moved me so much. Whilst Fantasy, this novel is firmly based on both the evils and beauty of human nature.
Awards
Soaring Eagle Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
Aurealis Award (Winner — 2008)
Oregon Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards (Nominee — 2012)
CBCA Book of the Year (Notable Book — Older Readers — 2009)
Blue Hen Book Award (Winner — 2012)
The White Ravens (2009)
Australian Book Industry Awards (Shortlist — 2009)
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers (Nominee — 2012)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2011)
CCBC Choices (2011)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Teens (Fiction — 2010)
Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2011)
OYAN Book Rave (2011)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-09-29
Physical description
9 inches
ISBN
076365292X / 9780763652920
Similar in this library
DDC/MDS
| 813.54 |