This book has an intriguing plot and does a good job of keeping suspense regarding the mysterious event that occurred to create the pretense for the books plot. It's an interesting blend of earthly medieval fantasy politics and the magical realm. It starts with a young male protagonist looking to reform a lost kingdom. Predictibly it is a young girl with mysterious powers that is the key to doing so. This book has violence and killing but is probably okay for middle teen audience and up. The perspective jumps back and forth from a male and female POV. It also has a lot of world building and the plot might get too convoluted for the average younger teen reader. ( )

I liked this up to the point when the 'secret identity' was revealed, after that everything seemed silly and everything that had happened before, pointless. ( )

I just couldn't get into it. ( )

Finnikin of the Rock was friends with Prince Balthazar, heir to the throne of Lumatere in the land of Skuldenore before the “five days of the unspeakable” when the entire royal family was brutally murdered and the kingdom was taken over by an imposter king, who happened to be the king’s cousin. Most of the inhabitants fled and lived in exile but those who remained were cursed and bound to the kingdom. Finnikin left the kingdom with the king’s first man, Sir Topher. He and Sir Topher go to the cloister of Lagrami, one of their religion’s goddesses, to collect a young novice, Evanjalin. She claims she can walk through the dreams of others and has revealed that Balthazar is still alive. Much to Finnikin’s chagrin, he, Sir Topher, and Evanjalin embark on a quest to find Balthazar and restore him to the throne and return all of Lumatere’s exiles to the kingdom. The slow start picks up speed and excitement with many twists and turns as Finnikin struggles with whether he can trust Evanjalin or not and the reunion with his beloved father. The character development is strong with many likable people and surprises along the way to keep the pages turning. ( )

A solid and very readable fantasy novel. The world the author creates is interesting and well built and the story of a people divided and in turmoil is well done. I found many of the characters compelling and the book kept my interest throughout.

However, this book does deal heavily with the nastier side of humanity and includes many scenes of and mentions of abuse and sexual assault. Im just sick of fantasyland sexism I guess, and fantasyland racism too for that matter. I understand the point of addressing these topics when telling a story centered around refugees as this book was, but disagree with how the author goes about doing that. ( )