"Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best." At the age of nine, Finnikin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh in order to save the royal house of his homeland, Lumatere. And so he stands on the rock of three wonders with his childhood friend Prince Balthazar and the prince's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood. And Lumatere is safe. Until the 'five days of the unspeakable', when the King and Queen and their children are slaughtered in the palace. And an imposter king takes the throne. And a curse is put on Lumatere, which traps those caught inside and forces thousands of others to roam the land as exiles, dying of fever and persecution in foreign camps. But ten years later Finnikin is led to another rock to meet the young novice, Evanjalin. A girl plagued by dark dreams, who holds the key to their return to the Land of light... “…a hauntingly beautiful fantasy allegory…a daring departure from Marchetta’s previous books, and it works brilliantly…” Ronni Phillips, The Canberra Times "Finnikin of the Rock is made all the more enjoyable by its tough, sensual, flawed, brutal passionate and compassionate characters." Chris Thompson, Viewpoint Magazine “ Magic, romance, intrigue, and adventure all play their parts as this dense, intricate epic unfolds, and flawed, memorable heroes fight for theirkingdom’s redemption.” Publishers Weekly (starred review) “ A shining story of romance, adventure in all its gritty realism, and high ideals.” School Library Journal (starred review) “ This standout fantasy quickly reveals that its real magic lies in its accomplished writing.” Booklist (starred review) “ Even readers who tend to avoid fantasy will find themselves fully engrossed in this harrowing tale.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “A rousing and complex plot filled with political intrigue.” — Kirkus Reviews “ Marchetta is a marvelous storyteller. . . . Finnikin of the Rock has all the makings of a classic.” Bookpage Finnikin is a ripping fantastical adventure. In a word: marvelous." Herald Sun 2011 YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults 2011 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year List 2011 Publishers Weekly Best YA Books of the Year List | 
