Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

 

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

 

 

Paperback, 593 pages

               Published October 3rd 2011 by Viking Australia

Rating: 5 Snowflakes

Blurb from Goodreads

Blood sings to blood, Froi . . .
Those born last will make the first . . .
For Charyn will be barren no more.

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home... Or so he believes...

Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds. Here he encounters a damaged people who are not who they seem, and must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad Princess.

And in this barren and mysterious place, he will discover that there is a song sleeping in his blood, and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

Gripping and intense, complex and richly imagined, Froi of the Exiles is a dazzling sequel to Finnikin of the Rock, from the internationally best-selling and multi-award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, On the Jellicoe Road and The Piper's Son

  My thoughts

Melina Marchetta has once again left me with an overwhelming feeling of reverence. I don't know how she does it. My first read by Marchetta, was Finnikin of the Rock. Once I discovered the magic of her writing, I just knew I would be a life long fan.

This 600+ page masterpiece has rightfully reserved it's spot next to the other greats. The Lumatere Chronicles, is a paragon of perfection. Written with so much depth and vehemence, this will leave a lasting mark in your heart. The Lumatere Chronicles, is a MUST READ.

Froi of the Exiles, is the second book to the Lumatere Chronicles and is based on our boy, Froi. Set 3 years after Lumatere was taken back over by Queen Isaboe and Finnikin. This is told in multiple pov's. It touches not just on Froi, but also our other beloved characters whom we fell in love with in FOTR. There are also new characters that are introduced and play a vital role in the outcome of this story. I swear, I would be so hooked on one pov and then she switches it up to another pov and I would be hooked and it started all over again. But never once was I disappointed because it was so easy to fall right back into that piece of the story.

I was blindsided by the growth and maturity of Froi's character. He showed so much strength and courage. I was amazed at the transformation and the outcome of his emotions and decisions because he faced many decisions he made with great emotion.

I just want to say a few things quickly about Quintana. Not only was she intriguing, but to be able to maniputate her inner demons to deal with certain situations was fascinating. There was such a raw and powerful performance amongst all the characters, I could never choose a favorite.

"This rock reminds me of the boy I was and being with you in the palace reminds me of the man I want to be" (Finnikin to Isaboe)

There are so many memorable moments throughout this book but the one that was to most touching and heart shattering was on page 577. It was a turning point that was written so beautifully and left a big impresstion on me.

This is yet again, another outstanding written performance by Melina Marchetta. Do yourself a service and read the Lumatere Chronicles. It will be one you will never forget.