In Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta, a curse has torn a kingdom apart. But when a lost prince is found, a quest for peace and love begins.
The book is a young-adult fantasy novel released in 2008. It follows the story of Finnikin and his guardian. They have been away from home for ten years after the royal family was killed. When he is told that the heir to the throne is still alive, they must follow a young woman, Evanjalin, in order to reach the prince.
Novel Synopsis
It was the best of times. The kingdom was safe, wealth was abundant, and the people were happy. At the age of nine, Finnikin sees this all torn away. The royal family is murdered. The forest people are slaughtered. Finnikin’s father is thrown into jail on accounts of treason, while his beloved wife is executed. Angered by the carnage, Seranonna of the Forest People proclaims a dark curse, trapping the people of Lumatere inside. All that remains are a pair of bloody little handprints on the kingdom’s door, presumably those of Bathalzar, the lost prince.
Ten years pass…
Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive.
Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance…and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father.
But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikan’s faith in her… but also in himself.
Does the Book Have Romance?
Yes, there is a romantic element. The main character, Finnikin, has a romantic relationship with another important character named Evanjalin. Their relationship develops throughout the story, and their love for each other plays a significant role in the plot.
However, the romantic aspect is not the sole focus of the book and is intertwined with the larger story of political intrigue and the quest to restore peace to the land.
Is Finnikin of the Rock a Series?
Yes, Finnikin of the Rock is the first book in a series called The Lumatere Chronicles written by Australian author Melina Marchetta. The series consists of three books: Finnikin of the Rock, Froi of the Exiles, and Quintana of Charyn. The books are set in a fictional world and follow the journey of a group of characters as they try to restore peace to their homeland after it was torn apart by a curse.