Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
I had heard wonderful things about this book and love fantasy. So, I was very excited to finally read this book. I ended up being a bit disappointed in the awkward dialogue and some of the characters.
I listened to this on audiobook and that may be part of the reason I wasn't really drawn into this story. The voices on the audiobook were a bit over characterized and goofy sounding at points. I am not sure if this is what made the dialogue between characters sound awkward or if that was just how it was written.
Finnikin of the Rock and Sir Topher have not been home to Lumatere for many years; no since their kingdom was overthrown and put under an evil curse. However, Finnikin is called to meet a young woman with special powers named Evanjalin. Upon meeting her, Finnikin finds that she claims that the heir to Lumatere, Balthazar, is still alive. This leads Finnikin on a quest to put together a group to find Balthazar and retake Lumatere. However, Evanjalin has some deep secrets of her own that may change everything.
This is a decent fantasy story, but it took quite a while for me to really get engaged and interested in it...like over half the book. I didn't really like the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin. Finnikin is too selfish, commanding, and his temper changes with lightning quickness. Evanjalin is too passive and secretive, with inconsistent flashes of stubbornness. I hate that Evanjalin expects everyone to trust her after she lies over and over again (granted she has good reason to lie), it was just so silly.
Finnikin's unwillingness to interpret the prophecy about the queen of Lumatere in any other way aside from the one he thought was right was strange and drove much of the storyline. Prophecies are notoriously vague and to think there is only one way to interpret them is incredibly conceited. Pretty much Evanjalins lying and Finnikins stubborness drove this whole plot. If they had been honest and understanding to each other there wouldnt have been much of a book here at all.
There were a number of side characters and they all lacked depth and really just werent that engaging. On top of that the plot was fairly predictable. There are a number of twists and turns thrown at the reader but none of them are all that surprising.
Overall most of this novel just fell flat for me. Its an okay fantasy with a mediocre plot and characters. Sure there is a very passionate and combative romance between Finnikin and Evanjalin. But I didn't really enjoy them as characters, the surrounding characters didn't have a whole lot of depth either, and the plot came across as contrived and a bit confusing at times. Needless to say I won't be reading anymore books in this series. Its an okay fantasy novel, but there are much better YA fantasy books out there.
I listened to this on audiobook and that may be part of the reason I wasn't really drawn into this story. The voices on the audiobook were a bit over characterized and goofy sounding at points. I am not sure if this is what made the dialogue between characters sound awkward or if that was just how it was written.
Finnikin of the Rock and Sir Topher have not been home to Lumatere for many years; no since their kingdom was overthrown and put under an evil curse. However, Finnikin is called to meet a young woman with special powers named Evanjalin. Upon meeting her, Finnikin finds that she claims that the heir to Lumatere, Balthazar, is still alive. This leads Finnikin on a quest to put together a group to find Balthazar and retake Lumatere. However, Evanjalin has some deep secrets of her own that may change everything.
This is a decent fantasy story, but it took quite a while for me to really get engaged and interested in it...like over half the book. I didn't really like the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin. Finnikin is too selfish, commanding, and his temper changes with lightning quickness. Evanjalin is too passive and secretive, with inconsistent flashes of stubbornness. I hate that Evanjalin expects everyone to trust her after she lies over and over again (granted she has good reason to lie), it was just so silly.
Finnikin's unwillingness to interpret the prophecy about the queen of Lumatere in any other way aside from the one he thought was right was strange and drove much of the storyline. Prophecies are notoriously vague and to think there is only one way to interpret them is incredibly conceited. Pretty much Evanjalins lying and Finnikins stubborness drove this whole plot. If they had been honest and understanding to each other there wouldnt have been much of a book here at all.
There were a number of side characters and they all lacked depth and really just werent that engaging. On top of that the plot was fairly predictable. There are a number of twists and turns thrown at the reader but none of them are all that surprising.
Overall most of this novel just fell flat for me. Its an okay fantasy with a mediocre plot and characters. Sure there is a very passionate and combative romance between Finnikin and Evanjalin. But I didn't really enjoy them as characters, the surrounding characters didn't have a whole lot of depth either, and the plot came across as contrived and a bit confusing at times. Needless to say I won't be reading anymore books in this series. Its an okay fantasy novel, but there are much better YA fantasy books out there.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK proves once and for all that Melina Marchetta can do no wrong. This high fantasy novel is Marchettas first foray outside of contemporary realism, but she writes in this genre as easily as the other. Finnikins tale will appeal to the wandering soul in search of the grandiose, miraculous, and larger-than-life.
Dana R. (signinghands) reviewed Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
What a fascinating book! There was action, intrigue, romance, angst...it had it all but was still a book I would let my teen read. The characters were very well written, and the descriptions were exquisite. I look forward to the next book.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by AdrienneBe for TeensReadToo.com
Finnikin has had the world on his shoulders since the age of nine. Although not yet men, Prince Balthazar, Lucien, and he promised to protect the royal family for the rest of their lives.
The boys are unaware that in a short time their world will be torn apart; the royal family murdered, and their country in despair.
In ten years time, Finnikin and Evanjalin, a novice of a Goddess, work towards ending the terrible rule over the people of Lumatere.
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is spoken through the hand of a true fantasy writer, Melina Marchetta. Validly, a world is created all on its own full of mystery, adventure, and both romantic and horrifying surprises.
From beginning to end, every character is cherished and their flaws and strengths are examined openly - especially in the prolonged development of the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin, when each reveal they want something more than companionship but believe the fate of the world is more important than happiness.
Finnikin has had the world on his shoulders since the age of nine. Although not yet men, Prince Balthazar, Lucien, and he promised to protect the royal family for the rest of their lives.
The boys are unaware that in a short time their world will be torn apart; the royal family murdered, and their country in despair.
In ten years time, Finnikin and Evanjalin, a novice of a Goddess, work towards ending the terrible rule over the people of Lumatere.
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK is spoken through the hand of a true fantasy writer, Melina Marchetta. Validly, a world is created all on its own full of mystery, adventure, and both romantic and horrifying surprises.
From beginning to end, every character is cherished and their flaws and strengths are examined openly - especially in the prolonged development of the relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin, when each reveal they want something more than companionship but believe the fate of the world is more important than happiness.
