Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles #1) by Melina Marchetta

Sep 20, 2011 Tatiana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Kristin Cashore, Megan Whalen Turner

Shelves: fantasy, 2010, ya, ala-ya-2011, series-in-progress-still-like, aus-nz, 2011, favorites, b

As seen on The Readventurer

My second reading of Finnikin of the Rock and I am changing my mind - 5 stars!

Now, when I have more fantasy under my belt to compare this book to, I am pretty confident it offers something that many others in the genre don't. This is a fantasy that is not drowned in clunky, 1000-pages long world-building, this is a book about people. People whose country is torn into pieces, people exiled from their homeland, lost, damaged, abused men, women and children. As a story of...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Nataliya rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Nataliya by: Many, many, oh so many overwhelmingly positive GR reviews

Shelves: 2012-reads, first-in-a-series

Dear Finnikin of the Rock, what happened? You and I were supposed to be enjoying the beginning of a beautiful friendship, walking into the sunset together.

Alas, no walking into the sunset was meant for us. Instead, our date ended with me awkwardly fumbling for keys and muttering, "Well, I'll call you sometime, I guess", knowing very well that you also acutely felt the absence of that proverbial chemistry, that necessary spark, and that none of us would be reaching for the phone any time soon.

De...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, down-under, boy-crush, good-grief, gorgeous-prose, just-been-cutting-onions, my-favourites, of-epic-proportions, oh-how-we-laugh, you-got-a-friend-in-me, when-can-i-move-in, soul-sister-heroine, e

This is not a review. This is a ~~badly written~~ poem.

“Then I choose to drown,” Finnikin said. “In hope. Rather than float into nothing.”

Since I was a nipper I have come to the conclusion
That when it comes to fantasy: I am strongly opposed.
When I read a book with long, confusing names
And swords and maps, its pages remain closed.
So imagine my surprise when I finished this one
(In the early hours of this morning, I feel I should note)
That my stomach was rumbling (I had no time to eat!)
And my heart...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Lora rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of YA fantasy and/or Melina Marchetta

Shelves: aussies-rock-my-world, fantasy, lib-read, favorites, quality-ya-fic

Often times, when an author is highly talented in their genre, they don't do as well when trying their hand at another. Especially when the two genres in question are as dissimilar as realism and fantasy. Naturally, this sort of thing isn't a problem for an author like Melina Marchetta. As if being the fan proclaimed Queen of YA realistic fiction wasn't enough, she had to go and write Finnikin of the Rock and prove to her fans and critics alike that labels and genres mean nothing to her, that sh...more Often times, when an author is highly talented in their genre, they don't do as well when trying their hand at another. Especially when the two genres in question are as dissimilar as realism and fantasy. Naturally, this sort of thing isn't a problem for an author like Melina Marchetta. As if being the fan proclaimed Queen of YA realistic fiction wasn't enough, she had to go and write Finnikin of the Rock and prove to her fans and critics alike that labels and genres mean nothing to her, that she's in the top tier no matter what the task calls for. Bravo, Marchetta. Bravo.

In the land of Skuldenore, there is a kingdom called Lumatere. Like all kingdoms, there is a King and Queen who rule over its people. These people and their rulers were happy until the day when a neighboring kingdom's rulers decided to use Lumatere as the means to eventually take over another kingdom, Belegonia. This leads to the slaughter of the King and Queen and their heirs, and soon after they are replaced by an imposter king and the majority of Lumatere's people become exiles. This is the ground work for what promises to be an epic fantasy saga.

I can't say that I expected anything less than a remarkable male lead from Marchetta (especially after recently meeting Jonah Griggs in another one of Marchetta's masterpieces, Jellicoe Road), but Finnikin still took me by surprise. I imagine it is very different and probably much more difficult to write a character in a fantasy world than in the real world, and for this reason I was curious to see how Finnikin would compare to Marchetta's other male characters. It turns
out that he is just as brilliantly crafted as his competition. He feels envy, lust, and rage, just as any human does. But those emotions are equally matched by his level of compassion, endurance, and love for his father, his homeland, and one lucky lady.
And what a lady Evanjalin is! She stirs the blood of the hopeless exiles and gets them on their feet and fighting. She carries a heavy burden, of which is unbeknownst to the reader for most of the novel, but she is resolute in her quest to restore the kingdom of Lumatere. I always appreciate characters who make you want to stand up and right the wrongs in the world, and Evanjalin's fierce determination did just that for me.

Because of her fabulous and utterly realistic portrayals of human life, Marchetta has garnered a legion of the most devoted fans an author could ask for. And I am proud to say that I'm among them. I'll be perilously balanced on the edge of my seat until the release of Froi of the Exiles.

P.S. If you'd like some snippets of info on Froi's book to tide you over until its release, check out this and this.(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Steph Sinclair rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Steph by: Kat Kennedy

Shelves: fantasy, aussie, 2-am-or-later, 2012-favs, 2012-reads, action-packed, ass-kickin-heroine, awesome, beautiful-prose, best-relationships, best-characters, deserves-every-one-of-those-stars, didn-t-disappoint, epic, all-time-favorites, high-fantasy, i-loved-it, i-really-enjoyed-it, i-need-to-buy-this-book, male-pov, mind-blowing-good, original-and-creative, oh-yeah-baby, pure-win, so-glad-i-read-this, superb-world-building, surprised-me, to-buy-soon, yeah-baby-5-stars, young-adult, girls-rule-and-boys-drool

Whew. So much WIN I can hardly stand it!

\(^o^)/

Girls rule and boys drool!

Oh my sweet... just gimme the next book now!

First, a cavet: This review will probably be the most unhelpful review you might ever read because nothing I say will do the book justice. I'll just use this space to ramble and hopefully it makes some sort of coherency.

I remember the first time I heard about Melina Marchetta and her special fragrance of awesome she regularly emits whenever she publishes a novel. I had seen review...more

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Mar 12, 2012 The Holy Terror rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: color-blue, color-red, young-adult, fantasy, borrowed, epic-fantasy, made-me-cry, australian-authors, forgot-to-drink-the-kool-aid, awful-worldbuilding, 2011

I think this is the point where Marchetta and I go our separate ways. I read Saving Francesca and didn't enjoy it, and thought maybe it was just my aversion to realistic/contemporary fiction that was keeping me from riding the Marchetta love-train. After this second attempt I think she's just not for me. There isn't one thing I can point out that makes me say "this" is why I don't like her books, but there are numerous problems I can draw attention to.

My biggest gripe is that the plot hinges on...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Jillian -always aspiring- rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who's willing to let a story creep inside their hearts

Shelves: best-characters, best-endings, writing-to-which-i-aspire, fab-writing, couldn-t-stop-reading-it, will-love-it-until-i-die, amazing-storytelling, wowed-me, ultimate-favorites, heroes-i-love-and-respect, wish-i-could-write-a-book-like-this, i-am-not-worthy, 2010-reads, prose-envy, writer-crush, reviewed

(First read: March 1, 2010)

Let me warn you right now: this is a gushing review. I have no qualms in saying I loved this book. There's just no way around it: I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

Now that that's out of the way -- on to the actual review.

For those of you who don’t want to read a long review, let me summarize it this way: If you like stories that draw on things like Shakespearean works (Macbeth and Hamlet came to mind), classic fantasy (such as The Lord of the Rings, particularly The Return of the...more

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Oct 12, 2010 Arlene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Graceling and Fire

Recommended to Arlene by: Gift from Alexa - Thank you!!

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, read-2010, ya-fantasy, aussie-books, gifted-to-me, young-adult

“Finn, listen!” Trevanion (Finnikin’s father) said, his voice raw. “I prayed to see you one more time. It’s all I prayed for. Nothing more. And my prayers were answered. Go east, I’ll lead them west.”

“We have a dilemma, then,” Finnikin said fiercely. “Because I prayed that you would grow old and hold my children in your arms as you held me. My prayers have not been answered yet, Trevanion. So whose prayer is more worthy? Yours or mine?”

Melina Marchetta fan club??? Sign me up now! If she has mo...more “Finn, listen!” Trevanion (Finnikin’s father) said, his voice raw. “I prayed to see you one more time. It’s all I prayed for. Nothing more. And my prayers were answered. Go east, I’ll lead them west.”

“We have a dilemma, then,” Finnikin said fiercely. “Because I prayed that you would grow old and hold my children in your arms as you held me. My prayers have not been answered yet, Trevanion. So whose prayer is more worthy? Yours or mine?”

Melina Marchetta fan club??? Sign me up now! If she has more Finnikin of the Rock type books up her sleeve, my pocketbook is in a world of hurt because OMG this book blew my mind away and tugged at my heart the entire time! I haven’t taken this type of fantastical journey since Cashore’s Graceling and Fire.

Marchetta’s writing is magical, flawless and top tier in her genre. She has a seamless ability to catapult her readers into an undefined time that feels both medieval and mythical with a hint of realism that keeps you grounded to the here and now.. Her characters are witty with just the right amount of snark, which is my preferred method of communication. I loved Finnikin and Evanjelin. Their journey through The Land of Skuldendore was filled with intrigue and most of all hope for the people of Lumatere.

About the book: At the age of nine, Finnikin received a prophecy from the gods that warned him about the destruction of his homeland Lumatere. So Finnikin, Prince Balthazar, and the prince’s cousin Lucian, bonded together at the rock to make a blood sacrifice to keep their home safe. Despite their plea to the gods, the ‘five days of the unspeakable’ occurred and Lumatere was destroyed and the royal family was slaughtered. After ten years in exile, Finnikin is led once again to a rock to meet a novice, Evanjalin, who is plagued by dreams of those held behind the walls of Lumatere waiting for someone to rescue them and return their land of light.

This book makes me feel quite conflicted because as I rage on and blast authors that can’t seem to write a stand-alone book now-a-days. However, Finnikin of the Rock is one that I feel is worthy of sequels because simply put, I ♥ Finn. What a great book that deserves to be read NOW and continue on for quite some time. I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for more of Marchetta’s fictional magic.
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Sep 16, 2011 Janina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult-fiction, read-in-2010, from-down-under, favourite-characters, beautiful-writing, on-my-shelf, want-to-go-there, male-pov, favourites, romance, made-me-cry, read-in-2011, re-read, series-in-progress

Initially, I rated Finnikin of the Rock four stars. Honestly, I do not remember why. So this is the official upgrade of my rating! I enjoyed every single minute of my re-read and am now really looking forward to Froi of the Exiles. I am pondering ordering it from Australia. Should I? My book budget says no …

I am really glad one of my favourite authors ventured into a completely new genre. I love fantasy, and I am very happy to say that Marchetta excels in it – did I really expect anything else?...more Initially, I rated Finnikin of the Rock four stars. Honestly, I do not remember why. So this is the official upgrade of my rating! I enjoyed every single minute of my re-read and am now really looking forward to Froi of the Exiles. I am pondering ordering it from Australia. Should I? My book budget says no …

I am really glad one of my favourite authors ventured into a completely new genre. I love fantasy, and I am very happy to say that Marchetta excels in it – did I really expect anything else?

I would consider Finnikin of the Rock light fantasy – it is not as complex in world building as other epic fantasy I've read, but it is definitely unique and fascinating. Most of all, it lives off its engaging cast of characters – characters that became very dear to me during their long journey to reclaim a homeland believed forever damned. I loved the tales from the Book of Lumatere, told in whispers and with tears in the eyes, of lost family and lost friends, of a country wiped of the map, plunged into darkness, of a people suffering – under the gruesome reign of an impostor king or in fever-plagued exile camps, in a world where no one wants to be responsible for them.
As Marchetta herself writes, this is a story about a world "where loss of faith, loss of homeland and identity, displacement of spirit, and breakdown of community are common", a world where death and illness, violence and apathy reign. But it is also a novel about hope and a new beginning – a hope slowly building up as the story progresses, a hope delivered by a novice and the apprentice of the king's First Man. Evanjalin and Finnikin. Oh, how I loved the two of them together! Evanjalin is proud and not an easy character to love. I sometimes found myself questioning her motives, unsure of her decisions. Still, I respected her. I think it takes a lot to do what she did, to live with the pain she has suffered and continues to suffer and not break under it. But Finnikin, I loved right from the start. Not in a I-have-a-crush-on-you, but more in a I-want-to-be-friends-with-you kind of way. Finnikin is as lost as all the other characters in this book, desperately looking for a new piece of land, for a way to reunite the people of Lumatere. At the beginning, he banishes all hopes of a return home in fear of disappointment. He tries to be rational, to be hard, but you can see that he wants nothing more than to tell the tales of his land, speak its language and be together with his people. He is not a saint, and he can be a little bit of an arrogant prick, but in a really cute way. I adored his relationship with Trevanion and with Sir Topher, and I am with Evanjalin when she says that Finnikin is lucky to have two fathers who love him so much.

I can't tell you how many times I found myself tearing up reading about the loss and pain so many of the characters had to endure and found it remarkable that they fought on nevertheless, that they never gave up hope.

This book needs a few pages to build momentum – on my first read, the first few chapters really had me confused – but develops into a story full of twists and turns, dark and light, fine humour and love. The ending could be considered a bit anticlimactic, but I loved it! It really shows that the epic fight is in fact not the end of a story. Most of the work has to be done afterwards. I have to admit, though, I could have done without the last two or three pages. They were a bit too sappy for my taste.

Needless to say, I vehemently recommend this book. It has been blurbed by Kristin Cashore and compared to her work, but for me, it is already on an even higher level than her novels Graceling and Fire.(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Reynje rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian, fantasy, young-adult, read-2010, read-2012

I recently came to a realisation about my book and film tastes that, while obvious in hindsight, was a bit of a 'Eureka!’ moment for me. It happened while watching some action movie with a friend, and by watching I mean spending two hours scratching my nail polish off because I was bored to tears. It hit me that no amount of blowing things up or chasing things on screen or on the page will hold my interest if the characterisation isn’t there. For me, stories are about the characters, above all.

T...more
I recently came to a realisation about my book and film tastes that, while obvious in hindsight, was a bit of a 'Eureka!’ moment for me. It happened while watching some action movie with a friend, and by watching I mean spending two hours scratching my nail polish off because I was bored to tears. It hit me that no amount of blowing things up or chasing things on screen or on the page will hold my interest if the characterisation isn’t there. For me, stories are about the characters, above all.

The first time I read Finnikin of the Rock I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I wasn’t a big reader of fantasy and I had a sort of deep, emotional attachment to Marchetta’s contemporary novels. I grew up reading Looking for Alibrandi in the school library. I found comfort and empathy for my own experiences in Saving Francesca. I cried ugly tears over On The Jellicoe Road (and I do mean ugly).

Then I read Finnikin and I felt as if someone had pulled that nice, comfortable, contemporary carpet out from under me. I’m probably a classic example of something Marchetta has spoken about openly: the way the US audience initially embraced her fantasy novels more readily, while her Australian readers were more reticent, clutching their copies of Alibrandi and giving Finnikin the side-eye for a while.

On reading Finnikin of the Rock for the second time, however, it finally clicked for me that rather than just writing “contemporary” and “fantasy” novels, Marchetta writes about people. Whether her setting is Sydney’s western suburbs or the imagined Land of Skuldenore, whether her plot incorporates bridesmaid dress shopping or a blood curse, the stories are first and foremost about the characters: who they are, what they want, what drives them.

For that reason, I think this subsequent reading really solidified in my mind what a strong novel Finnikin is. Because all of these characters feel like real people. They are fully formed and vital on the page. They are engaging and relatable. And their stories resonate. Fantasy setting aside, the conflicts and relationships with which Marchetta fleshes out the novel are relevant and familiar, and they transcend the parameters of a single genre. This time around I felt I had a better handle on the world, and it was the relationships that struck me, the bonds between the characters that Marchetta carefully constructs and grows as the story progresses.

Without discrediting the intricacies of the plot and world building, which are considerable, if I could reduce my summary of the novel down to a few words, it would be that this is a book about displacement and hope. A people removed from their homeland and families, subjected to atrocities at the hands of enemies and prolonged exile – and how this affects them both collectively and individually. How they respond when they are broken down, scattered, compelled to live as fugitives or refugees. How language and culture unite a people. And how the struggle between hope and fear plays out in a people divided, dispersed and grieving.

It’s probably fair to say that my appreciation of this novel has increased on rereading it. Whether that’s because I just paid more attention this time, or I’m simply more used to the concept of “Marchetta-fantasy” now, I don’t really know. But I do understand now what a strong, complex book it is, and why its widespread love is deserved.

* * * * *
This is actually a re-read, but I removed it from my "Read" shelf so I count it in 2012.

It is not cheating!(less)

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Mar 30, 2012 Emily May rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya-na, 2011, fave-ya

Whenever I write a review of a Melina Marchetta book, I risk sounding like the same old broken record... but, whatever, it's not my fault if she constantly manages to deliver the stuff I love! I'm not sure what'll happen if I ever dislike one of her novels, probably the sky will fall in and the world will end. Don't you know what to expect from Marchetta by now? If not, then I'll fill you in briefly: interesting, memorable and the very opposite of cliched characters, flawless writing, a plot th...more

Whenever I write a review of a Melina Marchetta book, I risk sounding like the same old broken record... but, whatever, it's not my fault if she constantly manages to deliver the stuff I love! I'm not sure what'll happen if I ever dislike one of her novels, probably the sky will fall in and the world will end. Don't you know what to expect from Marchetta by now? If not, then I'll fill you in briefly: interesting, memorable and the very opposite of cliched characters, flawless writing, a plot that is gripping even though it isn't about supernatural creatures taking over the world (yet - but I'm actually curious to see how she'd handle that genre)... I feel confident enough to say that she is one of the very best modern writers (in any genre).

Okay... so Finnikin.

Let's just say that this year - well, the past few months - has completely changed the way I view traditional fantasy. The kind with made up worlds and magical realms, that sort of thing. In the past I just haven't cared. The Lord of the Rings? Wake me up when it's over. Kushiel's Dart? A steaming pile of WTF. I was actually afraid to start this book a few months ago because I didn't want to face the disappointment of reading a Marchetta book that did nothing for me. But then my opinion was forever changed by Megan Whalen Turner and her wonderful Queen's Thief series. This sudden change in my opinion of the fantasy genre was only solidified by reading Finnikin of the Rock.

It's difficult to pick a favourite character when they are all so well developed, and also difficult to pick a favourite part of the novel when it's full of some of the best-written action, adventure and romance scenes. The women kick ass and even the toughest of men have their weaknesses that only serve to endear us to them more. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll be saying it again: Melina Marchetta never ever wastes characters. They are all important to the novel, nobody is a throwaway.

There is no such thing as a perfect novel and certain parts could have been slightly improved - like the climax - but this is about as close as it gets. I'm even more of a Marchetta fan after reading this than I was before. Now I just have to sit and sulk until I get my hands on Froi of the Exiles.
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Mar 12, 2012 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA Fantasy Readers esp. if one enjoys books like Graceling

Recommended to Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* by: My love of Melina Marchetta's work

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, author-melina-marchetta, reviewed, aussie-ooohh-yeeeeaahhh

5 Stars

The five days of the unspeakable…

When the King and Queen of Lumatere and their children were slaughtered in the palace...and an imposter king seized the throne.

"And then the dark forces of the curse entombed the kingdom, separating the people in two. This is the story, as told to those of us who were born to see such days, recorded here in the Book of Lumatere so we will never forget.

The story of those trapped inside the kingdom, never to be heard from again, and those who escaped but we

...more

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Nov 18, 2010 ~Tina~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, read-2010, favorites, fantasy, young-adult, treasured

~jumps up and down~ WowwowowowowowoW!

I've read Melina Marchetta other books, and I liked them just fine, but this is the kind of book that just seeps under my skin and doesn't let go.
Marchetta was born to write high fantasy!!

"Be prepared for the worse, my love, for it lives next door to the best."

A kingdom cursed. It's people trapped, traded or exiled. Separated by wars and madness. Prophecy destined and the hums that flickers in the hearts of hope.

Finnikin of the Rock is a sensational read!!!
S...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Bonnie marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya, aussie, re-read

2.5 stars

Well shit.

Everyone loved this and unfortunately I ended up being the odd man out.

I seem to have an aversion to fantasy in general and I’m thinking that could be the reason for my disinterest in the novel as a whole. I wish I could say I liked it more because I was really looking forward to this one for a very long time.

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Feb 18, 2012 Cortney rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorite-author, read-in-2012, young-adult, badass-male, badass-female, multiple-povs, issues-death, what-would-you-do, made-me-cry, made-me-laugh, 2012-favorites, magic, disturbing, pure-awesomeness, romance, all-time-favorites, issues-rape, issues-religion, tragic-love-story, favorite-series

“It’s against the rules of humanity to believe there is nothing we can do.” -Evanjalin

So I just added another Marchetta book to my collection. It’s sad really. I don’t even know why I bother checking them out from the library first. I always end up buying them after I read them. Once again Marchetta has brought me to tears and made me fall in love with all her characters. It’s like she takes you to the darkest place possible, breaking your heart into a million tiny pieces, and then slowly puts i...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, formidable-women, kings-queens-n-fools, teens-tweens-and-ya, touched-the-soul, power-games

I loved this book.

On a purely mechanical level, the prose is fluid and elegant, and the author's style is very distinctive. But what makes this book worth reading is the story and message behind the words.

On the macro level, FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is about a kingdom and its people who've lost their identity. At the beginning of the book, we see three children of Lumatere making three vows right before an usurper invades and overthrows the monarchy. Minority groups are hunted and killed, the tyra...more I loved this book.

On a purely mechanical level, the prose is fluid and elegant, and the author's style is very distinctive. But what makes this book worth reading is the story and message behind the words.

On the macro level, FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is about a kingdom and its people who've lost their identity. At the beginning of the book, we see three children of Lumatere making three vows right before an usurper invades and overthrows the monarchy. Minority groups are hunted and killed, the tyrant king establishes martial law, and exiles flood out to wander homelessly at the fringes of foreign lands. As the years pass, the vows that the three children made echo hauntingly in the background as the Lumaterans struggle to reclaim their homes and identity.

On the micro level, this is also a story of Finnikin. The son of the former King's guard, Finnikin is tough, impulsive, and fiercely dedicated to his people. He's a wonderfully likable, fleshed out character. His foil is a mysterious girl named Evanjelin, who walks the dreams of her people. Together, the two try lead their people back to Lumatere and mature into wise adults in the process.

Melina Marchetta seamlessly weaves the two scenarios above together, and what results is a nostalgic story of great depth that condemns violence, abuse, and persecution but also hails the inner strength of people who try to put an end to conflict and persecution.

Truth be told, I don't know how she even planned this story out. All of the elements of this story somehow fit so coherently that nothing really seems contrived. Even the budding romance between Finnikin and Evanjelin felt natural and, while subtle, was a powerfully moving force of the story. In terms of predictability, I think I guessed the conclusion and how some plot twists would play out. But still, the path she made me walk to reach those conclusions makes me awed at her storytelling prowess.

Definitely give this book a shot. This is a book that does deal with serious issues, but in a respectful and digestible way.

Major props to Melina Marchetta for this book. I am solidly impressed, and I definitely will be picking up Froi of the Exiles.

4.5 to 5 stars and very highly recommended!(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Victoria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of high fantasy and adventure

Recommended to Victoria by: Goodreads

Shelves: cover-i-love, so-much-hype, action-adventure, fantasy, best-characters, sad-depressing-books, made-the-hype-worth-it, annoying-main-characters, best-endings, books-that-i-love, favorites, heartfelt-and-inspirational, heroes-i-admire-and-respect, heroines-i-love-and-respect, series-to-continue-still-like, treasure-keeps, young-adult, books-reviewed, shattered-my-heart, 2012-favorites, ya-sc-2012, kick-ass-heroines

Finnikin of the Rock is an epic, fantasy novel that truly stands out in front of many fantasy novels. Finnikin of the Rock explores depression, terror, chaos, hope, love, and redemption. It explores real-life problems that so many people face and provides hope for the future even if the world is already lost to save it. The characters journey together to save their world that has been face with so many crimes, loss, heartbreak, chaos, and together everyone travels across lands and countries to h...more Finnikin of the Rock is an epic, fantasy novel that truly stands out in front of many fantasy novels. Finnikin of the Rock explores depression, terror, chaos, hope, love, and redemption. It explores real-life problems that so many people face and provides hope for the future even if the world is already lost to save it. The characters journey together to save their world that has been face with so many crimes, loss, heartbreak, chaos, and together everyone travels across lands and countries to help save the innocents and tries to bring hope and repair their world.

The character are well-developed, amazing, unforgettable, and so realistic. Finnikin is a heroic character whom feels loss, anger, sadness, and pain just like any typical guy would. Though he has face a horrible past, he promise to never give up on saving his country and keeps fighting until the very end. He's strong, mighty, and well-developed. I love his attitude, kindness to his people, and vulnerability. I love the strong father-son bond between him and Trevanion. Even though his father, Trevanion, has been in prison for treason for such a long time, their relationship is still real and perfect. I love the moments when they spend time together and the parts where they fights/duels.

After 10 years, he journeys with the novice Evanjalin to find the prince or so he thought so. She's not what she seems and has a mysterious side to her. As I progress more into the story, I suddenly understand what Evanjalin's purpose into the story. Sure, she lies, schemes, and manipulates people into doing what she wants, but she has done that for a very good reason. I must admit--I was a bit annoyed and skeptical with Evanjalin for the lies, secrets, and her distrust/loyalty. But I begin to understand her and what's her reason for doing so. She understand what all the poor, innocents had faced over the years, but still continue to finds redemption, restore the glory of Lumatere, and makes sure that her plans for the future will work. I admire that in a heroine! I also would have never guess her real identity. (view spoiler)

The writing is superb and amazing! Melina Marchetta did a brilliant job with the storytelling, action, and characters! This book is a LEGEND and deserve every one of those stars!

Finnkin of the Rock is EPIC! The action is amazing, characters are strong, and the storytelling is superb. This is the story that I'm probably going to revisit in the future and will be staying with me forever.

-Just go and read it. You won't regret it. And plus, a box of tissues would be helpful to bring with you to read this book.
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Feb 19, 2012 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: great-books, favorites, adventure, magic, series, aussie, once-upon-a-time, beloved, rereading-material, best-of

Wonderful, amazing, beautiful, absolutely brilliant... I need more stars! ★★★★★★★★★★

"Because without our language, we have lost ourselves.
Who are we without our words?"

This was such a powerful story that got straight to my heart. After finishing it I was left speechless - Melina Marchetta has this effect on people. The characters are so well defined, the story is so complex... All that I've felt while reading Jellicoe Road I felt again while reading this book, and these 2 stories are nothing...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's not too often that I can say I'm impressed with a female author writing a boy's point of view. A lot of authors make the mistake of writing their heroes too sappy or too apathetic. However, Finnikin was just perfectly written in this book. You can see his manliness from a young boy to a young man, his incredible fighting skills, his wit and the devotion and sacrifice he is willing to make for others. But you can also see his softer side from his love for his blood brothers, father and other...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Wendy F rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, melina-marchetta, young-adult, fantasy, 2012, favorites

THIRD READ 10/3/2012 -

Third read through and still feel as strongly about this book as I did the first time I read it. The writing is breathtaking.

This is one reader who willingly gives up her hard earned money for anything this author writes. Genius.

SECOND READ 11/2/2011 -

3 Amazing aspects of Finnikin

I've always seemed to have a powerful reaction to story archs that contain strong loving fathers. I really love reading stories about amazing dads. Trevanian is an amazing dad. The intensity of...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Mayomi rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: aussie-challenge, recommended, ya, unforgettable

*****1/2

Cannot. believe. I’ve. finished. this. book. already. Finishing this book felt like I’ve been dragged back to a place called earth but all I want to do is crawl back to place called Lumatere just as I’ve been for the past two days; to forget myself and allow myself to be totally consumed by a world created by Melina Marchetta.

OK, enough with the melodramatics already.

Gosh!! I find it hard to describe in words what I feel for a book I love so much. But here goes.

Finnikin of the Rock, a...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Dija rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008, read-in-2012, could-have-been-sooo-much-better, great-disappointment, meh, my-reviews, waste-of-anticipation-energy, wtf-abkjkad, ya, everyone-loved-but-dija, first-in-series

I haven't felt this baffled after reading a book since I read Twilight and realized I was the only girl in my entire high school who hated it. But unlike with the Twilight Saga, I was pretty sure I would love Finnikin of the Rock; firstly because it's been entirely too long since I've read a true fantasy novel, and secondly because Marchetta is one of the most popular authors on GR and many reliable reviewers seem to adore her. But if Finnikin of the Rock is any indication, I won't be jumping o...more

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view all 34 comments

rameau Kat wrote: "Mostly, it is that if you thought the writing was boring for Finnikin, then Froi is a much BIGGER novel so - that is something to consider...more
Mar 30, 2012 09:20pm

Dija @Kat: Excellent point, Kat. I wasn't planning on reading Froi any time soon anyway and I might not even get around to it considering all the other boo...more
Mar 31, 2012 11:51pm

Sep 25, 2011 Kayt rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Finnikin has dreams from gods he may or may not believe in and when he was nine years old did silly nine-year-old things that everyone is convinced has affected THE DESTINY OF EVERYONE, although there's not a lot of evidence this is true.

There are nameless evil people doing evil things, but a girl with whose parents were obviously illiterate ("Evanjalin") manipulates everyone she comes in contact with to fix them, dragging Finn and other unwitting accomplices along. Then everyone pretends it all...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, fantasy, ya, ala-s-best-books

Marchetta’s seqway into the fantasy genre is seamless. Her talent translates. Reiminisent of childhood favorite Robin McKinley and newcomer Kristin Cashore, Marchetta reminds me of why I love this genre. I enjoyed my time spent with Finnikin of the Rock. The world was imaginative and complex without being elusive. The characters were multi-deminsional and the magic was present, but didn’t bombard the text. With that said, there were a few flaws that prohibited me from giving it a high rating.

Spo...more Marchetta’s seqway into the fantasy genre is seamless. Her talent translates. Reiminisent of childhood favorite Robin McKinley and newcomer Kristin Cashore, Marchetta reminds me of why I love this genre. I enjoyed my time spent with Finnikin of the Rock. The world was imaginative and complex without being elusive. The characters were multi-deminsional and the magic was present, but didn’t bombard the text. With that said, there were a few flaws that prohibited me from giving it a high rating.

Spoilers ahead….
While I will never say that this book is poorly written, I will say that much of it was unnecessary and defied logic. I know, I know, it’s a fantasy, but it’s a fantasy containing human characters and there were times these characters behaved as something other than human. I’m referring mainly to the characters treatment of Evanjaline and she them. Evanjaline/Isaboe is a detestable character. I just know I’m going to get flack from my fellow readers for saying that, as many people seemed to love her, but, well, I thought she was an arrogant asshole. And yet Finnikin fell in love with her. How? She betrays him, lies to him throughout the story, and yet he pines for her. Bullshit. If someone threw me in prison, regardless of their well intented albeit secret, agenda, and left me to rot, there isn’t a chance in hell I’d like them, much less love them. Finnikin spends the entire book doubting and distrusting Evanjaline, and rightfully so, and yet we are to believe he loves her. Were there is no trust, there can be no love. Its that simple. Lust, sure, but love, I think not. If Evanjaline had simply been crafty, I would have liked her. There is no denying she is the epitome of a strong, resourceful female, and she outbests all the men, I should have loved that. But her character was off putting. You can’t treat people as she did, with so little regard and get pissy when they don’t like or trust you. But I digress, what irked me more than Evanjaline’s deplorable character was the simple fact that I couldn’t fathom why she needed to hide who she was to Finnikin, Sir Topher and Travanion. Why didn’t she tell them? I didn’t make any sense. She made things harder than they needed to be by not telling them who she was, and they would have done exactly what she had wanted if she had trusted them with the truth and yet she lies, repeatidly. Why? The only reason I can think of is that more than half this story wouldn’t have occurred without the lie, and therin lies my issue. While I enjoyed the ride, when I wasn’t gritting my teeth, there really wasn’t nearly 400 pages worth of story here, more like 150.

The words flowed, I even enjoyed a majority of the characters. The world Marchetta built was captivating, but at the end of the day, the plot had a huge gaping hole in Evanjaline, one that I couldn’t look past.
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Mar 26, 2012 Mitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

I don't know how else to describe this book except that it's incredibly heavy almost the entire way through. From the prologue until well into Part Three, there's this incredible sense of loss that actually made my heart feel like a lead weight in my chest. But even when I didn't think I could continue through the aching yet subdued reminiscings of happier times, the despairing talk of the future, and the agonizing descriptions of suffering by the refugees of Lumatere forced out of their kingdom...more I don't know how else to describe this book except that it's incredibly heavy almost the entire way through. From the prologue until well into Part Three, there's this incredible sense of loss that actually made my heart feel like a lead weight in my chest. But even when I didn't think I could continue through the aching yet subdued reminiscings of happier times, the despairing talk of the future, and the agonizing descriptions of suffering by the refugees of Lumatere forced out of their kingdom and separated from their land and their families, somehow Finnikin's struggle to redeem his people just dragged me back in. And the weight got heavier and heavier as Finnikin got closer and closer to returning to Lumatere, until I took a breath and finally couldn’t feel it anymore about three quarters of the way in, when I just knew he was going to get the Lumaterans home. Unless that’d been my lunch the entire time, this book’s pretty powerful.

I’ll admit, though, I really didn’t like any of the characters at first, though they really grew on me. Don't get me wrong, even at the beginning Finnikin isn't a bad character at all, I could easily see he's loyal to the people of Lumatere and his heart's in the right place despite everything that he's seen and been through. But he really doesn't seem to have a choice or a voice at first, he's being pushed along by Evanjalin’s actions. The others, Sir Topher and Finnikan's father, like almost every other survivor of Lumatere, are even more passive, the kind of people who's seen and been through too much and are already beaten. Froi, the thief the group acquires along the way, is too hardened and bitter to relatable, sympathetic sure, but not relatable. And Evanjalin, the only one seemingly undeterred by the mass melancholia, sets Finnikin's quest in motion and rouses the other characters out of their despair, but she does it in a way that, while necessary, makes her seem like a cold mastermind.

But then character development sets in. Evanjalin’s motives are revealed and completely changes her character from master manipulator to tough survivor. Froi shows he’s more than just a messed up street rat. And Finnikan and the other survivors of Lumatere actually grow spines and show some initiative in some pretty effective scenes.

In retrospect, I’m glad the author chose to develop the characters this way. It makes the first two parts more hauntingly memorable, and the conclusion so much more satisfying. I would’ve loved to give this book five stars, but there are a couple of parts which I wish had been done differently, that really hold me back. The first is the wall of exposition in the first few chapters; I feel Sir Topher’s drunken rant which sets up the back story could have been broken up a little more, maybe with more reactions from him, Finnikin, and Evanjalin, because I didn’t really get into this book until after I read past that. The second is that since this book is in the third person, sometimes it has the distracting tendency to shift between focusing on one person to another in the middle of the action. And finally, I think the return to Lumatere (of course the good guys win, the fun is in the how) could’ve been handled a little better - I question the necessity of a couple of scenes that kind of drag on between the opening the gates and that great ending. Still, I give this book a solid 4 stars.(less)

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Sep 25, 2012 Paula Weston rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, my-favourites

I absolutely loved this book. It's one I've been meaning to read for about a year and all the talk about the third book in the series (Quintana of Charyn) finally prompted me to buy it.

I am in awe of Melina Marchetta. For someone as skilled as she is at writing funny, sharp and profound young adult novels to also be a master fantasy storyteller is quite astounding.

Finnikin of the Rock is one of the most well-crafted, beautifully told stories I've ever read. The world building is meticulous. The...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Alkyoni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Alkyoni by: Tatiana's review

Shelves: never-never-land, if-i-were-stuck-on-a-desert-island, dreamcatcher, say-anything, series-ongoing

There was a time that Lumatere had been a blessed kingdom. From the mountains to the river, from the forest to the rocks, people worked the land next to their friends and neighbors under the gaze of their beloved King and Queen, whose older daughters had beauty that could not be matched, and their younger brother would one day become a fair king in his father’s place. The commerce business was thriving, the Royal Guard was protecting the people from hostile invaders and the Goddess was smiling b...more
There was a time that Lumatere had been a blessed kingdom. From the mountains to the river, from the forest to the rocks, people worked the land next to their friends and neighbors under the gaze of their beloved King and Queen, whose older daughters had beauty that could not be matched, and their younger brother would one day become a fair king in his father’s place. The commerce business was thriving, the Royal Guard was protecting the people from hostile invaders and the Goddess was smiling because her children were content.

But that was before the five days of the unspeakable; before the floors of the Palace were painted red with the Royal Couple’s blood; before the bodies of the beautiful princesses were found broken; before the young Prince disappeared leaving a trace of blood behind him; before the captain of the Guard was imprisoned and his beautiful wife sentenced to death for treason; before the Curse trapped the people inside the kingdom within its walls and kept the ones outside unable to enter it, condemning them to exile in hostile lands.

Lumatere is a ghost of kingdom now, forgotten to all outside its walls, except to the ones that left it behind. These are the ones that now live as strangers in strange lands, suffering in fever camps, treated like animals and chased away with swords. Their only hope is that the Prince will return with the help of the Royal Guard and lead them back home, but a young man among them does not dare to hope. He travels in search for a piece of land that will serve as a new home for his people. In his travels he will meet a girl full of mystery, with eyes dark as the night, and that will be the beginning of everything.

You know, if I had a penny every time that someone said what an amazing author Melina Marchetta is, Greece would be out of the crisis by now. It’s a good thing that I didn’t bet against them, because they were obviously right.

Finnikin of the Rock is filled with gorgeous writing, unforgettable characters and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Had I known more about the plot before I picked it up, I probably would not have read it. Many characters in this book have suffered severe abuse, some since their childhood, others later in life. This is a subject that I always try to avoid both in literature and the movies; it’s something that I just don’t have the stomach for. I am grateful that Marchetta didn’t get into any graphic details and used her writing skills to imply the suffering that they had gone through. I’m even more grateful to her for making them strong, for not breaking them and for creating some of the most remarkable characters that I’ve ever encountered in fiction.

The men are strong, both physically and in spirit; but the women are even stronger, working in mysterious ways that leave the males both frustrated and in awe.

I can’t imagine how a plot with these characters would unfold in the hands of another author but in Marchetta’s hands, it felt like traveling into a dense forest with warm rays of sunshine breaking through the leaves. A father’s love for his son; a Guard’s loyalty to its captain; a lost boy becoming a man; a young love; and the hope that against all odds there will still be a way for all of them to return home.
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Dec 18, 2011 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-books, aussie-ya-reading-challege-2011, books-i-own, favorites

This was an amazing story of restoration, redemption, and of hope. It's the kind of story that just fills your heart to the brim with so many emotions, and has you riveted to find out what happens next.

Finnikin of the Rock is from the kingdom of Lumatere, a beautiful, thriving kingdom until "the five days of the unspeakable" happen. In this time, the king and queen as well as their children are all murdered and the kingdom comes under the rule of an imposter king. Finnikin's father, Trevanion i...more This was an amazing story of restoration, redemption, and of hope. It's the kind of story that just fills your heart to the brim with so many emotions, and has you riveted to find out what happens next.

Finnikin of the Rock is from the kingdom of Lumatere, a beautiful, thriving kingdom until "the five days of the unspeakable" happen. In this time, the king and queen as well as their children are all murdered and the kingdom comes under the rule of an imposter king. Finnikin's father, Trevanion is the head of the King's Guard and refuses to bow to the imposter king. For this, and also for false accusations of collusion with the assassins, Trevanion is imprisoned. The kingdom is put under a curse, shut off and impenetrable, and all the Lumaterans are scattered. Finnikin is basically orphaned at this point and is taken under the care of his mentor, Sir Topher. Sir Topher and Finnikin for the last ten years have undertaken the task of locating refugee camps of their people, and recording their names so that when they secure another piece of land they may all gather together as a people again.

This all changes when they are called by a priestess of the Temple of Lagrami, one of the Lumateran goddesses. In the temple resides a novice, Evanjalin, who claims to have been called by Balthazar, one of the lost princes, to have Finnikin take their people home. She claims that Balthazar is not dead, and he is trapped inside the walls of cursed Lumatere. If this is true, Balthazar would be the rightful heir to the Lumateran kingdom. So Sir Topher, Finnikin, and Evanjalin set off for the kingdom of Sorel, where Evanjalin claims there are answers. Thus begins the journey!

I'm sure my description does not do this story any kind of justice. But rest assured this is an amazing story. There are plot twists you don't see coming. There is swoon-worthy romance! One of my favorite quotes:

"Then I chose to drown," Finnikin said. "In hope. Rather than float into nothing. Maybe you are right, Trevanion," he said, turning back to his father. "But it is her hope that bewitches me, and that hope I may never get out of my system, no matter how many times she's to be GOTTEN. Can you not see it burning in her eyes? Her hope fills me with…..something other than this dull weight I wake with each morning."

There is danger, betrayal, heart-break, laughter, hope and so much more! The amazing story Graceling, feels a little similar to this. I completely LOVED this story! For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of reading a novel by Melina Marchetta, you are missing out! She is a fabulous Australian author that should not be overlooked.

This is number four in my Australian YA 2011 reading challenge. So glad I'm participating!
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Jan 20, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, fantasy-mythology, recommendations, read-2011, favorites

This is one of those books you want to read in just one sitting and on the other hand you want to take it slow, because you are loving it so much that you don't want it to end. I love everything about this book; the writing, the characters, the emotions, the details, the humorous dialogues, the imagination of the author, the plot and the no-cliffhanger ending.
The beginning is a little bit confusing, because you get bombarded with names of Kingdoms and people and....it's too much, but when you g...more This is one of those books you want to read in just one sitting and on the other hand you want to take it slow, because you are loving it so much that you don't want it to end. I love everything about this book; the writing, the characters, the emotions, the details, the humorous dialogues, the imagination of the author, the plot and the no-cliffhanger ending.
The beginning is a little bit confusing, because you get bombarded with names of Kingdoms and people and....it's too much, but when you get passed that it's all good and the maps that are included in the book are very helpful. I highly recommend this book!

The story reads like a fairytale and is about people that lose their Kingdom Lumatere during the 'five days of the unspeakable' when the Kingdom is attacked/destroyed with only a few survivors. The Kingdom gets cursed and disappears in a thick mist. Some are trapped on the inside and others become exiles that live under very poor circumstances. There maybe death, pain and disaster, but the book is also filled with love (for a nation and between people) and hope (for a better future).

Ten years after the 'five days of the unspeakable' Finnikin is searching for his father, his best friend and a piece of land where all exiles can start a new nation together. Faith brings him the stubborn, arrogant, strong and mysterious Evanjalin on his path. She, the personification of hope, persuades him to lead the exiles back home to Lumatere. Finnikin and Evanjalin, become close, but when Finnikin finds out that she has been omitting information and she's not the person he thought she was things change.

The sequel is mainly about Froi and he also plays a part in this book. We don't know much about him except that he's alone, a thief and gets saved by Finnikin and Evanjalin. He comes originally from Lumatere, but doesn't have a bond with the Kingdom, because most of his life he lived elsewhere. Lumatere offers him new chances, a new life and I hope it's going to be a good one. We'll see in March of 2012 when the second installment will be released. Can't wait!

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May 01, 2012 Jami rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, total-faves, aussie-lit

Now as you may or may not know, I am a devoted fan of Melina Marchetta. That being said, I was a little hesitant to read her first attempt at a fantasy novel. Fantasy is kind of a hit-and-miss genre for me anyway, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I do hope Ms. Marchetta will accept my sincere apologies for ever doubting her, though, because this book was just beautiful. And as different as it was from her contemporary novels, it was so interesting to sense Marchetta's underlying style and especi...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
SHSU Library Scie...: World Building	3	15	Apr 21, 2013 05:18pm
SHSU Library Scie...: FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK (General Discussion)	2	11	Apr 21, 2013 04:52pm
fever-- spoilers	3	20	Apr 08, 2013 10:19am
The contrast between Marchetta's fantasy and everyday life stories!!!	2	27	Dec 08, 2012 09:51am
Oh, schnapps! It'...: * General Discussion/Questions	1	15	Jul 01, 2012 05:45pm
Wild Things: YA G...: June 2012- Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta	8	50	Jun 27, 2012 10:47pm

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