Review of Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Title/Author: Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles #1) by Melina Marchetta
Publisher/Date published: Candlewick Press, first published September 29th 2008
How I got this book: gifted myself with it for finishing my research report :) (promising myself I could buy books helped much in speeding up the finishing of said report)

Goodreads summary: "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."

This book came recommended by bloggers I trust completely: Alex and Jess. And when I was gushing on Twitter about Witchlanders, Sarah J. Maas said I should definitely read Finnikin so of course I added it to my wish-list!
And can I say it totally lived up to my expectations? :D

I absolutely, completely LOVED this book! Finnikin is such a boy and I loved all sometimes clueless boyness of him! He really has a sense of purpose and loyalty and the moments between him and his father were heartbreaking. And he's smart, I love smart boys :) He is a natural leader and I didn't once question people following him even though he's still quite young.

The worldbuilding was amazing and I really enjoyed slowly getting to know the different cultures! And while the events surrounding the five days of the unspeakable had me a bit confused at first, I eventually figured it out and it was amazing!

Also, Evanjalin! Seriously, how can you NOT love her? She's complicated and has a fierce temper but is vulnerable all at the same time. Sometimes I wanted to hug her, sometimes I wanted to slap her, but most of all I wanted to be her friend and have good things happen to her.

But really, all the characters seemed to live and breathe right along with me as I was reading this book and it was just amazing! I really did not want to put down this book and if life hadn't gotten in the way I definitely wouldn't have! I got completely sucked into the world Marchetta has created with Finnikin of the Rock and I didn't want to leave!

I'm so excited to continue the journey of all these characters I've come to love in Froi of the Exiles, I'm sure it will be just as wonderful!
If you're into epic fantasy, you should definitely pick this one up!

My rating: 5 stars