Finnikin of the (Party) Rock

Synopsis (Goodreads): At the age of nine, Finnikin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh to save his kingdom. He stands on the rock of the three wonders with his friend Prince Balthazar and Balthazar's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood to safeguard Lumatere.

But all safety is shattered during the five days of the unspeakable, when the king and queen and their children are brutally murdered in the palace. An impostor seizes the throne, a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere's walls, and those who escape are left to roam the land as exiles, dying by the thousands in fever camps.

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. This arrogant young woman claims she'll lead Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, to the prince. Instead, her leadership points them perilously toward home. Does Finnikin dare believe that Lumatere might one day rise united? Evanjalin is not what she seems, and the startling truth will test Finnikin's faith not only in her but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

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I honestly don't know where to start because I am suddenly at a loss for words.  Okay...not really. I just don't know how I'll be able to piece my thoughts together to form coherent sentences. But let me back up just a bit and show you what I mean...

This is my brain on a regular day:  

Ah, books! I love you books! Tra La La... Good day to you, sir. *gallant bow* Milady.

(Um, so apparently my mind is a chivalrous English gentleman...)

Now this is my brain on Melina Marchetta:  

WHAT??!! NOOOOO!!!??? *flails arms violently* SQUEEEEE *flails arms sensually* asldsajkdfh!!!!!!! *sobs* YEEEESSSS!!! *more sobs* Buh...buh...buuuut *SWOONS* JONAHMOTHEREFFINGGRIGGS!!!!! *clutches book to chest and never lets go...

except to shower*

I went into this novel expecting something along those lines. What I got, instead, was so much more!! Finnikin of the Rock was the very definition of fantastically enchanting storytelling!

To start, Melina Marchetta introduces us to a magical realm and a brand new set of characters. These wonderful, vibrant and perfectly imperfect individuals become our guides as we discover and explore the land of Lumatere, a battered kingdom plagued by death and deception. 

Like Marchetta's contemporary work, it doesn't take long before we start to unravel the intricacies and well-kept secrets of Lumatere and its exiles. Everyone has got a story to tell and, as always, no one is going down without a fight. In true Marchetta fashion, every thread unfolds beautifully. Each twist and turn leaving me spinning, yearning and begging for more.

I wish I could describe the connection I felt to these characters, but it's definitely something you have to experience on your own. It's indescribable how Marchetta will make you feel. Yes, I fell in love with our main protagonist Finnikin, but I fell even deeper in love with Evanjalin. She became the resident heroine in my eyes. I thought I'd be rooting for her as the underdog, but she surprised me with her strength and undeniable courage. While her story was oh so heart-breaking, it was her light and hope that really pulled me through the novel.

Finnikin on the other hand was just...GAH!! A stubborn male if there ever was one! Despite being completely frustrating at times, he worked his way into my heart and stayed there. I fought and grew with him. Ever the quick-witted hero, I began to fall in love with his charming sensitivity. By the end of the book, I was smitten.

The character that surprised me most, however, was Trevanion. Marchetta distanced herself from typical gender roles and it was refreshing to see a very tough soldier make bold and unexpected choices. To me, Trevanion's devotion to Finnikin and his love for Beatris became a bigger determinant of "manhood" than his role as Captain of the King's guard.

In all honesty, I am still in awe. For those of you who are unfamiliar with my obsessio- er...strong, lovey feelings towards Melina and her novels, please know that this book just further solidifies those emotions. Melina is still my goddess and as much as I loved her before, now I love her even more! The woman can do no wrong!

Finnikin of the Rock (and my heart) is such a fantastic tale! Gripping, powerful and quite reflective of modern times, this adventure managed to blow me away and definitely set a standard for high fantasy.

I recently finished Froi of the Exiles and I can't wait to share that review with you guys!! Again, the woman can do no wrong.

** In case you missed the post, I was lucky enough to meet Melina Marchetta at an author event here in New York City.  I didn't burst into fugly tears (thank heavens!) and I was able to tell her just how much her novels meant to me. Uh...I also may or may not (may) have told her (and everyone in attendance) that she was my goddess. 

#YoLo