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Title: Finnikin of the Rock
Author: Melina Marchetta
Series: Lumatere Chronicles
Genre: YA Fantasy
Content Warning: Some violence (not graphic), mild language, and sexuality
(5 / 5)
Blurb
Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive. Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father. But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin’s faith in her . . . but in himself. – GoodreadsThoughts
This is my third time reading this book, and I still love it just as much as I did the first time. In fact, maybe I love it a little more now than I did then, since I always seem to get something new out of it during a re-read. I love the characters. I love the world building. I love the promise of hope even during so much darkness and pain. I love the feminist angle I can actually get behind: Evanjalin is strong without Finnikin, but they are stronger together. I love how the book doesn’t sugarcoat any aspect of displacement or war, but still brings so much joy by focusing on healing and love and hope. I LOVE Finnikin of the Rock. I haven’t read the rest of this series, partly because I’m a little afraid I won’t love it as much as I love the first book. Trilogies usually disappoint me. But I’ve read other books by Marchetta and every single one of them is on my list of favorite books, so maybe it’s time I finished the series… Score: This will always, always be (5 / 5)
