Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

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.

(summaries from goodreads.com) 

 

__________________________________________________ 

Another book that's been on my list forever and I LOVED it. Marchetta creates realistically flawed characters and I was swept up in their experiences and drama and heroism. This is a pure fantasy book - kingdoms and princesses and witches and curses. Alas, no dragons, but still a great read. I happened to read this at a very busy time and was extremely frustrated I could only get bits and pieces at a time - I wanted to run away and hide so I could hunker down for a few days with this book and it's sequels. With the ending it could almost stand on it's own. Hooray for no cliff hangers!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes; Profanity: yes; Sex: yes