Finnikin of the Rock by Melina MarchettaMy rating: 5 of 5 teacups
Whenever I write a review of a Melina Marchetta book, I risk sounding like the same old broken record... but, whatever, it's not my fault if she constantly manages to deliver the stuff I love! I'm not sure what'll happen if I ever dislike one of her novels, probably the sky will fall in and the world will end. Don't you know what to expect from Marchetta by now? If not, then I'll fill you in briefly: interesting, memorable and the very opposite of cliched characters, flawless writing, a plot that is gripping even though it isn't about supernatural creatures taking over the world (yet - but I'm actually curious to see how she'd handle that genre)... I feel confident enough to say that she is one of the very best modern writers (in any genre).
Okay... so Finnikin.
Let's just say that this year - well, the past few months - has completely changed the way I view traditional fantasy. The kind with made up worlds and magical realms, that sort of thing. In the past I just haven't cared. The Lord of the Rings? Wake me up when it's over. Kushiel's Dart? A steaming pile of WTF. I was actually afraid to start this book a few months ago because I didn't want to face the disappointment of reading a Marchetta book that did nothing for me. But then my opinion was forever changed by Megan Whalen Turner and her wonderful Queen's Thief series. This sudden change in my opinion of the fantasy genre was only solidified by reading Finnikin of the Rock.
It's difficult to pick a favourite character when they are all so well developed, and also difficult to pick a favourite part of the novel when it's full of some of the best-written action, adventure and romance scenes. The women kick ass and even the toughest of men have their weaknesses that only serve to endear us to them more. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll be saying it again: Melina Marchetta never ever wastes characters. They are all important to the novel, nobody is a throwaway.
There is no such thing as a perfect novel and certain parts could have been slightly improved - like the climax - but this is about as close as it gets. I'm even more of a Marchetta fan after reading this than I was before. Now I just have to sit and sulk until I get my hands on Froi of the Exiles.
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