Finnikin of the Rock (The Lumatere Chronicles, #1)

by Melina Marchetta

"Filled with questions about the impact of exile and the human need to belong, this standout fantasy reveals that its real magic lies in its writing." — Booklist (starred review)

Finnikin was a child when the royal family of Lumatere was brutally murdered and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain, and those who escaped roam surrounding lands persecuted, sick, and despairing. A boy on the cusp of manhood, Finnikin is compelled to join forces with a young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to regain Lumatere. But her behavior suggests she is not what she seems – and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith in everything he knows. In a narrative that crackles like a coming storm, Printz Award-winner Melina Marchetta crafts an epic fantasy that rivets from the first page.

• ISBN10: 1406356115
• ISBN13: 9781406356113
• Publish Date: 5 September 2013 (first published 9 February 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Walker Books Ltd
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Language: English

Reviews

[bumblingbookworm]

This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm

I was in the mood for a comfort read this week, and nothing says comfort read to me more than Melina Marchetta's books.  I've now read this 3 times in the last 6 months and I could just as easily pick it up and read it again tomorrow.  I adore this book and almost every character in it, the world of Skuldenore is so tangible and well developed it almost feels real to me.  Every time I reread this I pick up something new along the way that I'd previously missed, and I love it.

Much like Marchetta's contemporaries, this is a book is multi-generational and filled with characters that are richly developed and full of heart.  I especially adore Finnikin; the only thing that disappoints me about the latter books in this series is that there's not enough of Finnikin!  What I also love about this book is that it's quite self-contained  and without a cliffhanger at the end, but it still leaves you wanting more.  This book was captivating and enthralling, even on the 3rd read, and I highly recommend it - 5 stars.
Check out the rest of my review here!

[nannah]

I was really hoping Finnikin of the Rock would be a delicious high fantasy to really delve into. I mean, it’s even got maps in the beginning. That’s a definite sign you know you’re in for a big, thick story. Unfortunately, Finnikin’s world building fell a little flat, and its sexism made its world and characters unappealing.

I also feel like this book is for the older side of YA. There’s a lot of detailed description of sex, there’s some rape, and there’s very mature themes.

Content warnings:
In-book sexism
Rape attempt (and many mentions of rape)
Racism
Slavery

Representation:
Not sure here … there are lots of different skin colors in this world, but they’re not very well explained by the world or the prose

Finnikin and the late King’s First Man have been wandering the island of Skuldenore, taking note of their fellow exiles and trying to find the heir of their beloved lost Kingdom, Lumatere. Ten years ago their royal family was murdered, and a curse was placed over their land -- with an imposter king sitting on their throne. Now Finnikin meets Evanjalin, a girl who can walk through her sleep to experience other people’s memories. She claims she can lead Finnikin to the heir of Lumatere.

Diving right in here, the entire world of Finnikin of the Rock takes place on Skuldenore, an island that … I can’t decide if it’s large or not … and neither the map nor the prose gives me any idea of its dimension. What it does give me is the number of inhabitants: six thousand. That’s … a tiny number! There are a ton of different kingdoms, languages, faiths -- and most notably: different ethnicities here. It could be believable except there are also a ton of different skin colors and races, too? How? Skin color is based on how close the population is to the equator … nothing about this world makes sense (especially because there are also “natives” living here who are pale white → more on that later), unless there is a colonialism situation that the book never touched on.

So those “natives” … who are white. They’re portrayed as very stereotypical Native Americans. Maybe it’d be better to refer to them as indigenous people or an ethnic minority rather than “the natives” (like white ethnic minorities in Europe -- especially because like Melina Marchetta says in the acknowledgements, she wanted to take a lot of things and issues from real life). It just seems extremely disrespectful to separate culture from skin color in this current atmosphere [even ten years ago, when this book was written].

The treatment of the natives in this book is so stereotypically racist, it’s a little outrageous. They’re basically first seen as savages, firing upon Finnikin and co. They use broad iron arrowheads like one would for animal hunting, unlike the rest of Skuldenore, who use swords, throwing knives, shields, etc. They speak in “grunts and guttural sounds”, have spirit warriors that are never explained, and mystical places like the “old country” (also never expanded upon), where the “nocturnal world combined with the spirits of the past as they screeched and moaned and possessed the night”. Aka the way we white people just love to fetishize the heck out of Native American beliefs.

All I’m saying here is there’s a way to add indigenous cultures to a book respectfully, and I really don’t think this is it.

Besides the world building, there's our protagonist: Finnikin. The entire book has this Game-of-Thrones-like atmosphere (HBO version, of course), full of sexism and slavery and women being treated like literal things. Unfortunately, Finnikin is no exception. He’s a macho man who can’t let a woman be better than him at anything, can’t let a woman humiliate him, etc., kind of guy. Definitely someone I do not want to root for. In the prose, he has to tell us (when Evanjalin touches him) that “he was no stranger to women and had felt their hands on all parts of his body, but …” like thanks? Who cares, mr. Big Shot? He admits frustration at Evanjalin’s “inability to take orders” (like what, a servant?), he gets mad when she corrects his pronunciation in a language he doesn’t know, and -- best of all -- he can’t deal with the fact that when she’s Queen, she has to choose him to be King, not the other way around. It’s like the entire plot of the last section. He even admits it would be fine if it were the other way around! But then he’s okay with it because at least “I’ll be King to her.”
What an asshole. There were few times I liked him.

Okay, overall I kept wanting to love this book, because so many others do, and I’ve been wanting so badly to love a book for so long. The beginning was slow and madding: basically with Finnikin wandering around having sex and being manly and arguing with Evanjalin. The second half got really good (except for that last section). There was SO much I loved about that second half. There were people coming together, a real sense of hope, new women characters -- but it just couldn’t make up for the first half.

I also saw that the next book centers around Froi … the boy who attempted to rape Evanjalin … I’m not sure I’ll be reading on. I know Evanjalin herself accepted Froi’s character growth, and just will “never forget” what he did; however, I don’t know if I can do the same. An entire book about the character who did that to the protagonist? I’m sorry, my own trauma is screaming way too much for me to accept this. So … an okay fantasy book overall, but I just can’t stomach reading on.

[Ashley]

I stopped reading at 32%.

I think my biggest problem with the book was the pacing, and that in itself caused a few other problems for me. I felt like I was just thrown into the middle of this really unique world that was explained too quickly, and it left me drowning. Since it was thrown at me so fast, I never really got attached or invested (in the plot or characters).

Something about the presentation just didn't click with me. :( I was forcing myself to keep going. Although I was mildly interested in some of the ideas, I had no real attachment to the book and finally stopped when I realized I just wasn't enjoying it all that much. I'd rather be reading something else.

Bummer. :( :(

[Katie King]

Really disappointed. Thought this dragged quite a bit in several areas. Maybe it suffered from hype? I really wanted this to work. :(

[mary]

I heard such wonderful things about this book, but it fell short for me. First I shall start with the positives. The world building and characters were wonderful for a YA fantasy novel. The beginning cryptic prologue involving three boys and blood oaths really had me captivated from the start. At one point I could barely put this novel down while at work because the description of the land, the history of the people, and the puzzling characters had me so engrossed.

But then.... it just started to become uninteresting. Despite not much happening at times, I was still drawn to the story because a lot was being revealed throughout their journey. Yet despite all that, I still felt something was lacking. Maybe it didn't work for me near the end because I started reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson before finishing this novel. And I probably began to compare them. This story just stopped flowing for me somewhere in the middle and I began to lose interest in what happened to the people of Lumatare. So overall this was an enjoyable read. Just make sure you don't compare it to something as epic and fantastic as Mistborn because it will fall short. It did for me. This is a good YA fantasy novel though despite its shortcomings. I would start with this one if you would like to jump into YA fantasy.

[reveriesociety_]

There are no words.

Somehow, this author managed to excel in writing beautiful prose, conveying a powerful message, portraying so amazing characters and making me swoon with the romance. I didn't feel as though this book was solely focused on one thing, be it characters, plot, a love story, or action. It adressed each as it should, as if it was life.

At first, I wasn't sure this would make it to my favorites. I loved the prose, but it was a little slow for me. Maybe I just wasn't allowing myself to enjoy it... Meh.

But shit hit the fan pretty hard in part two and I completely changed my mind. Cannot wait to get my hands on Froi of the Exiles.

[KitsuneBae]

Reread

This review first appeared on my blog at Thoughts and Pens.

Finnikin of the Rock, you're one of those books that deserve a shrine! 3

Would you agree with me if I say that reading is a journey? That even if you’re already tired, you chose to go on hoping that along the way, you’ll find the next great (1M X) book. It has been so long since I’ve read one that rendered me in a state of immobility. The last time was when I finished reading HP 7. Ever since that day, I was constantly searching for the next great one…the one that would be worthy of my lack of sleep, tears, heartache and even my health. I was on the verge of giving up when at last, I found it.

Now guys, I don’t care if you call me lazy with this review. Words are inadequate to describe my Lumateran adventure together with Finnikin, Isaboe, Froi, Trevanion and Sir Topher. I wouldn’t risk tainting the reputation of Finnikin of the Rock with my very poor writing. Instead I am going to treat you to a GIF filled review.





Can I recover from this turmoil?



















If you love riding an emotional rollercoaster, then Finnikin of the Rock is a must read.

Melina Marchetta, you are the goddess complete.

[Rinn]

Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

THANK YOU PAOLA AND CHARLENE!!! 3



And I totally forgot to post my review up here, so here it is, 7 months later...

The bar was certainly set high for this one. Not only have Paola and Charlene been recommending it for a while, but I’ve read some fantastic Young Adult fantasy lately (Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series, Kristin Cashore’s Graceling series). So I was actually a little nervous that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as my friends, and be able to join in with all the fangirling – but it honestly exceeded my expectations!

From the beginning I loved the tone and flow of the story, and immediately felt this new fantasy world built up around me – but that is something I will go into more detail about towards the end of the month. Fantasy can be a difficult genre, with all those made-up names it can sometimes seem a little cheesy; Marchetta however, pulls it off wonderfully, with some fantastic character and place names, as well as back stories. Whilst a lot of this was conveyed to the reader through exposition, and telling rather than showing, I don’t feel like it made the story any less enjoyable. In fact I enjoyed listening to Topher or Trevanion tell the stories, imagining myself sat around a campfire with them, entranced by Lumatere’s past.

Not only does Marchetta exceed at building a fantasy world, but also at creating fantasy characters. Evanjalin, at first appearances meek and shy, is far more than she looks and completely takes the reader by surprise – and that moment is just the first of many. She is strong emotionally, which becomes more amazing as more of her past is revealed. As well as this she is also passionate, head-strong and logical, a driving force for Finnikin even when he doesn’t realise it. And speaking of Finnikin – I’ve not read many YA books with male main characters, so it made a nice change. The initial distrust between Finnikin and Evanjalin makes the blossoming relationship all the more interesting. The reader only ever knows as much about Evanjalin as Finnikin does, which is both frustrating and wonderful, when things are slowly revealed. There were also a couple of chapters told by Froi, a thief that ends up joining on the journey. He does not speak the same language as the others, but slowly learns, and his chapters reflect his language ability. They are told with much simpler language, with Froi describing something if he does not now how to say it, and a lack of dialogue. I thought this worked really well to portray a little understood character more effectively.

The plot progresses naturally, at a good pace. Finnikin et al are trying to reclaim their homeland by enacting a prophecy, and on the way encounter many problems and interesting characters. Friends are made, refound, lost. Enemies encountered, family rediscovered.

There was a battle scene towards the end that really could have done with more added to it – it felt like it almost skipped over the best bits, and was over far too quickly. However, that is the only complaint I can think of right now!

Finnikin of the Rock is more of a ‘realistic’ fantasy story, which I think is why it will appeal to many. The world in which it is set is not too different from our own about six hundred years ago, there is a distinct lack of mystical beings or creatures, and only a small amount of magic. But not only that, it is wonderfully written and has a fantastic cast of characters, as well as a story that has you continually rooting for them.

A definite recommendation for anyone who loves fantasy or fantastical tales.

Also, my favourite quote from the book:

“…the realisation of the prophecy spoken to him in the forest alongside a doomed princess, rejoiced that if he were to be king, he would make her his queen.” – page 238, Finnikin of the Rock

[Angie]

Finnikin of the Rock was one of those books that I was extremely nervous to pick up because everyone seems to love it. Well, I sadly don't understand the hype. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it for the most part, but honestly, a lot of it was boring. High Fantasy by nature tends to be slow, with a lot of build up, which I do enjoy, but in this case I had a hard time getting into it. I would say that I didn't became invested in the story until the three-quarter mark, which is a long time to wait for a plot to get going. I do think that part of my problem was that I didn't care for Finnikin at all. What really made this book for me was Evanjalin and I started to become fond of Froi also. Without them this would have been a pretty lame read.

Finnikin of the Rock is not just a fantasy, adventure novel. It's very much a tale about dealing with loss, reclaiming your present, and building a better future. The kingdom of Lumatere has gone thought a terrible ordeal where the entire royal family was slaughtered, an imposter king as taken the throne and is terrorizing the people, a curse has trapped many citizens within the city walls, while others are left as refugees, scattered throughout other kingdoms. Now rumors that the prince, and rightful heir, is still alive and Finnikin must find him and bring him back. The only one with the knowledge of his whereabouts is a novice of the goddess, who has taken a vow of silence and has the ability to "walk the sleep" of the people trapped in Lumatere.

Once Evanjalin breaks her vow and starts talking, I adored her! I wasn't sure if I should trust her at first, since she is not what she seems at all. Finnikin is suspicious of her as well after catching her in a few lies. However, I admired the way Evanjalin would do what needs to be done in order to move forward. She's smart, fiesty, cunning, and manipulative, which isn't always a bad thing. She doesn't take crap from anyone, and I was always interested in what she would do next. Like I said at the beginning, she is the best part of the entire book, and she's the one running things on the mission with Finnikin. Girl power!

Froi is another character that I came to really enjoy. I despised him the beginning. He was just another thief and does some pretty horrible things to Evanjalin. Eventually she puts him in his place though! She does some awful things to him in the process, but she always came back for him. As the book moved on Froi's loyalty to her cements and while he's still not the smartest or most likeable person, I still enjoyed him as a character. Our hero on the other hand...well, I don't know why but I just don't like Finnikin. He's stuck in the past and stubborn. Yes, he went through some awful things as a kid, but so did everyone else in the book! He just refuses to move on or accept his destiny.

The romance was also disappointing. It's not in the forefront at all. It is there, but beyond underdeveloped. It's not insta-love which makes its lack of page time worse. Finnikin is just all of a sudden in love with Evanjalin, which should come as no surprise since she's the only female character around. We don't even get to see their epic moment from Finnikin's POV. We see it through Froi's eyes, which was simultaneously interesting and disappointing. However, the last handful of pages were super adorable. I loved their little romantic banter.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but Finnikin of the Rock didn't turn out how I was expecting. It drags in many places, but there are action scenes scattered throughout. There's also some humor there which kept it from being too dark. While I couldn't bring myself to care for the title character, Evanjalin certainly steals the show, and her journey is definitely worth the time spent reading. It does end neatly and happily despite being part of a series, at least for Finnikin and Evanjalin. However, after finishing the final book, I actually ended up liking this one less. It feels very disconnected from the other two books, and feels more like an extended prologue. The only important bits to come from Finnikin of the Rock, in my mind, were meeting the characters and establishing the bond between Froi and Evanjalin. Neither of which required 400 pages.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[violetpeanut]

Meh. This book was a little disappointing. I had high hopes after reading [b:Saving Francesca|82434|Saving Francesca|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327865374s/82434.jpg|18042740] and [b:The Piper's Son|7417780|The Piper's Son|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333662548s/7417780.jpg|9362085] and this book just did not live up to them. Don't get me wrong - it was entertaining and I enjoyed it enough that I will probably check out the next in the series at some point. It just wasn't spectacular.

My main problem is with the plot itself. It seemed a little weak. None of the main plot scenes had enough detail to really make them real to me. Things move along almost too quickly and not a lot really happens. They wander around a lot, visit some exile camps, try to find the lost guardsmen and then go home. There's not much of a climax. The main battle scene was not much of a battle. In fact, there wasn't much resistance at all from any direction at any point in the plot. Other than the main characters getting in their own way there wasn't all that much conflict to keep things interesting. Parts of the story (dreamwalking, how they entered the kingdom, why there was so little resistance, the whole story of Beatriss's baby guiding Isaboe in the dreams) were not explained well enough to make sense or make them believable. Some parts were just outright confusing and convoluted.

On the other hand, I did like the characters. I became invested in them despite the frustrating plot weaknesses. None of the characters were cliche and all were flawed in one way or another which made them more believable.

All in all, I liked this book and would recommend it to fantasy fans but would definitely not recommend this for first time readers of this genre or author.