Finnikin has not been home to his beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was brutally murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then he is summoned to meet Evanjalin, an enigmatic young woman who claims the heir to the throne still lives. She is determined to return home and Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. But the truth will test Finnikin's faith in Evanjalin . . . and in himself. From internationally best-selling and award-winning author Melina Marchetta comes The Lumatere Chronicles, her dazzling epic fantasy series. 'A wonderful story full of hauntingly vivid characters and landscapes . . . this is addictive, highly recommended reading.' Sydney Morning Herald 'Dark and beautiful and utterly believable.' Kristin Cashore, author of Graceling, Fire and Bitterblue 'Magic, romance, intrigue, and adventure all play their parts as this dense, intricate epic unfolds, and flawed, memorable heroes fight for their kingdom's redemption.' Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'Finnikin is a ripping fantastical adventure. In a word: marvelous.' Herald Sun '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 'Filled with questions about the impact of exile and the human need to belong, this standout fantasy quickly reveals that its real magic lies in its accomplished writing.' Booklist starred review 'Innovative fantasy' Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred review 'A shining story of romance, adventure in all of its gritty realism, and high ideals.' School Library Journal starred review 'All the components of an epic fantasy novel. . . one of the best of the year.' Teenreads.com 'A wonderful, engrossing reading experience with strong characterizations and a rich, fully realized setting.' Bookpage 'This fantasy has it all - magic, intrigue, bloodshed, and romance. . . the plot and the characters are complex and truly believable.' Library Media Connection (starred review) 'A magical, memorable story that will not soon leave you. If you like your protagonists (both male and female) smart and strong, and you like your romance heart-stopping, this is the book for you.' Shelftalker blog - Publishers Weekly 'A narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm . . . While a measure of magic can be attributed to her careful pacing, the swoon factor is mostly because of her characters. They're rich, they're real, they're infinitely dimensional.' YA Highway blog 'Marchetta has created a complex and often dark world. The stakes are high-- And yet - love survives, and life, and happiness, and even hope . . . I love, love, love Finnikin of the Rock.' A Chair, a Fireplace & a Tea Cozy '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 Awards 1. Aurealis Award 2. ABIA Award 3. CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) Book of the Year for Older Readers, Short-listed 4. Western Australian Premier's Awards, Short-listed 5. ALA (American Library Association) Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults 6. ALA Best Fiction For Young Adults 7. School Library Journal Best Books of the Year List 8. Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year List 9. Booklist Top 10 Science Fiction for Youth 10. YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults