Finnikin of the Rock: The Lumatere Chronicles ~ Melina Marchetta

Author: Melina Marchetta
Pages: 399
Published: Candlewick Press 2008

From the Back of the Book ~

 

At the age of nine, Finnikin stands on the rock of the three wonders with his friends Prince Balthazar and Balthazar's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood to safeguard Lumatere.  But their world is shattered during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family is brutally murdered, an imposter seizes the throne, and a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere's walls.  Those who escape are left to roam as exiles.  Ten years later, Finnikin is summoned to another rock - to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, heir to the throne of Lumatere, is alive, and she can lead Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, to the prince.  Even as he suspects this arrogant young woman, Finnikin also begins to believe that Lumatere might one day rise united.

 

 

My Thoughts ~

 

To be honest, it took me about 190 pages to really get involved in this story.  The beginning is very slow pace, yet very thorough.  Marchetta really has a way of painting the scenes in order to give the reader a clear picture of the historical background and timeline of the characters.  Once the scene was set, the story pace picked up and I became entranced.  The chemistry between Finnikin and Evanjalin becomes pivotal to the amazing reveal at the end.  If you are debating on whether or not to read this book or if you have picked it up but just couldn't get in to it, please, pick it back up.  I believe you will find that it is worth it.