At the age of nine, Finnikin's world is shattered by the five days of the unspeakable: the royal family of Lumatere is brutally murdered, an imposter seizes the throne, and a curse binds all who remain inside the kingdom's walls. Those who escape are left to roam as exiles.
Ten years later, Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, are summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, the heir to the throne of Lumatere and Finnikin's childhood friend, is alive, and she can lead Finnikin to him. Even as he suspects this arrogant young woman, Finnikin also begins to believe that Lumatere might one day be raised.
My thoughts:
Hype. Yes hype. Everyone told me that this was the best book ever. So was it? Nope, it was good, I could enjoy it, but nowhere near best ever. Best fantasy ever, HA, no. Best YA fantasy? Not even that.
I also felt like it did not know where to stand. Shall I be YA, or try to be adult? SO SO much rape. But almost no violence, before you say anything, stop, I say almost no violence for a book with that much talk about rape.
And that last big fight scene, the book's war. Omg, pathetic. 2 pages where nothing was described. Give me a war, give me death, blood destruction, make me feel. Now it felt like they rode in and in a second everyone won.
And then there was more talk about rape.
Finnikin, well him I could like. He felt the hardship, he wanted more for their people. But what to do.
Evanjelin, omg, I did not like her. Arrogant and unlikable.
And then there was more talk about rape.
It was a journey book. They went on a journey, and then the book ended and everyone was happy for now.
A leader should be kind, and yes ruthless at times. But still nope, I can't see that person as a ruler. Not as a good ruler.
Conclusion:
It was good, simple, but omg so much rape talk. I get it, you all suffered! But give me some brutality against men too then.
Read more? Sure I could, but please not another 400 page rape book. And there are better fantasy books there, so book 2 can wait. Also, please no win a war in 2 pages *eye roll*
Cover
Meh
Paperback, 401 pages
Published August 9th 2011 by Candlewick Press (first published September 29th 2008)
Lumatere Chronicles #1
Fantasy YA
Own