Speculating on SpecFic

Read the full review here.Froi begins a wonderful journey of self discovery as he sets off to Lumatere’s neighbouring kingdom, Charyn, and quickly finds out that there something mysterious and magical going on. As in Finnikin of the Rock, the magic in this book is understated and permeates the book without taking over the plot. Melina Marchetta proves, once again, that she is the master of stories involving exploration and understanding of self, and uses the magic of the fantastical world she has created as a vehicle for this. The Princess of Charyn is borderline insane for most of the book, and I thought she was pretty pathetic for a while, before her bravery and selflessness was revealed. Marchetta does a wonderful job of writing through a male point of view, and I’ve realised I like it a lot when the story is told this way. Froi is a great character who I found it easy to identify with, and his growth is slow, bumbling and realistic in a way that is rare on young adult fiction these days. My main disappointment in this book is the end. Finnikin of the Rock is a self contained story with a wonderful conclusion, while this book is very obviously sets up a sequel story. Many questions go unanswered and the epilogue tore my heart out. I need to read the next book as quickly as possible! This book is as unique and mesmerising as its predecessor, and I must point out that while it would be desirable, it is not necessary to have read Finnikin of the Rock to follow and understand Froi of the Exiles. Gripping, complex and wondrous all at once, Froi of the Exiles is a book that should not be missed by young adult readers. If you haven’t read a lot of fantasy, then Melina Marchetta’s Chronicles of Lumatere are a great place to start.