Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

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.

Hey! Here's my review.

I began this book on audio. The narrator made mouth noises which were a bit distracting. He spoke quite clearly, but slowly enough that I drifted off easily. I went back to the library and picked up the paperback aswell so I could look back over the bits I missed more easily.

The story was a bit deeper than I was expecting for a YA fantasy. The world building, character development and plot was good. I enjoyed it, but wasn't drawn in enough to want to continue the series.

★★★

• Where: Borrowbox and Local library
• Format: audiobook and paperback

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