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| Read from June 11 - 12, 2014 |
Publication Date: September 26, 2012
Publisher: Viking Australia
Number of Pages: 516
Genre/s: Young Adult, Medieval Fantasy
Source: Bought
Source: Bought
There's a babe in my belly that whispers the valley, Froi. I follow the whispers and come to the road . . .
Separated from the girl he loves and has sworn to protect, Froi must travel through Charyn to search for Quintana, the mother of Charyn's unborn king, and protect her against those who will do anything to gain power. But what happens when loyalty to family and country conflict?
When the forces marshalled in Charyn's war gather and threaten to involve the whole of the land, including Lumatere, only Froi can set things right, with the help of those he loves. - (source)
This review does not contain any spoilers for this book and the rest of the series. Hurrah!
Melina Marchetta never fails to break my heart into smithereens. Reading the Lumatere Chronicles has been a tremendous experience. She made everything seemed tangible to me. The anguish coming from Froi was also the same anguish coming from me, the trust between Phaedra and Lucian, the love between Isaboe and Finnikin, the protectiveness Quintana has for her King baby, they were gushing out from me too. She made my heart swell past its size that I became stretched too thin and wrung out from all these feelings coursing through me. It was emotionally exhausting, but it was worth it. Seeing everything fall into place felt like a satisfying compensation for all the pains the characters have to endure.
As always with a Marchetta novel, you know you're going to get a good story. For me though, it will be the characters that would initially entice me in and would refuse to let go. This power is much more potent here because we've been with these people since Book 1. We shared their tragedies, torments, and losses as well as their camaraderie, love, and triumphs. They have burrowed themselves into my heart like real people and my affection for them is just all-consuming. I am heartbroken to have reached the story's end but I am also glad to know that they are in a better place now.
It's admirable how Marchetta has the command not only of her readers' attentions, but also their hearts. Marchetta might have broken my heart countless of times but she constantly put the pieces back together again despite making it more fragile than ever before. She's a masterful storyteller and a genius creator of this world and its characters.
And I'll never forget them, Melina Marchetta. Never.
Cupid's Verdict:
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| 4 1/2 Cupids |
OH MY GOD Sarah. I'm so so glad you loved this one. Finnikin and Froi (and any other MM book for that matter) completely blew me away and it's great to hear that this will be no different.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I have yet to get my copy because it's so dang expensive for a paperback, although I'm def. planning on grabbing one eventually because I need my Marchetta fix. Beautiful review!
Dea! You have to read this soon so I can have someone to talk to. I NEED to talk to someone or else I would explode from all these feels. It is expensive, Dea. My wallet is still crying.
DeleteOh gawd. Marchetta again lol. I hadn't exactly heard of her until last month and suddenly everyone is reading her, praising her and showing her books and praises to them down my throat lol. I promise I shall read something by her soon-ish! Aw, I love emotionally exhausting books actually. YAYYY!!! I adore coming almost one with the characters and so good to hear that you loved them so much. LOL @ your last line! Gorgeous review, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteMarchetta's characters are everything! You have to read something by her, Siiri. YOU JUST HAVE TO! *shakes you*
DeleteMelina Marchetta is a much raved about author and she does really well, I've read Looking for Alibrandi and Jellicoe Road and both were amazing. I haven't had the chance to pick up this one, but I love the sound of it in a fantasy setting. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThanksies, Jeann. I think Looking for Alibrandi is the only book I've yet to read by her. You must try the Lumatere Chronicles whenever you feel like reading fantasy and I hope you'll like it!
DeleteI love an emotionally draining read, and from your review I gather that Quintana of Charyn delivered that in spades! I just finished listening to a tear jerker though, so I'm going to hold off for a couple of weeks until I have recovered. Hehe I loved your review!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, one must recover first from severe heart bruising before dabbling in another emotionally exhausting book. ;) Thanks, Carmel. I'll be here when you need reminding to start this series.
DeleteHow ridiculous is it that I've only read ONE book by Melina Marchetta? THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE SARAH!!! I need to read this series for sure, I've heard only good things about it, and there's nothing I love more than having my heart ripped out and put back together. That sounds messed up, but as a book lover yourself I think you know what I mean:)
ReplyDeleteTHAT IS UNACCEPTABLE, Jenny. You must start with this series, quick! All book readers want to experience something while reading especially of the heart-masochistic variety. :)
DeleteI love it when a book can bring on the emotions, giving us the ups and downs the same as the characters. This sounds like an amazing series, one that many seem to love, and I'm glad you loved it as well. Really wonderful review!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim! Melina Marchetta is a genius when it comes to giving so much emotions to her readers. That's why she's one of my fave authors.
DeleteWow, your review is so beautiful...This is the first review I've read this this book (b/c third in the series and I haven't read the first one) but I can say it is the best one ;) Especially love this:
ReplyDeleteShe made my heart swell past its size that I became stretched too thin and wrung out from all these feelings coursing through me.
How can you have wrote that?? You should be an author; I would read you! :) I was meaning to read this series but I'm kinda in 2014 published books marathon. xd Fab review, Sarah, and so glad to hear this is such a good series. ^^
Awww, that is the best thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much, Lola. I hope you get around to reading this soon. If you find a way to squeeze this series in on your 2014 reading marathon, I have a good feeling the books will end up on your favorite shelves.
DeleteTo be honest, I love books that are emotionally exhausting; because then I know the book is doing something right. xD This definitely sounds like something that would be up my alley, so I'll definitely consider giving it a try. Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
ReplyDelete~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
I've heard so many fantastic things about this series, so I'm really excited to start it! I really enjoy the sound of all the emotion this brings to the table because that really shows you that the author is doing something right! ;) Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
ReplyDelete~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
Thank you, Zoe. Melina Marchetta is really good that way. Did you have any problem submitting up your comment? Anyhow, I published them both. :)
Delete*whispers to herself: Tanja keep calm and don't cry!* cause really I'll never forget this either. I'm so glad that this series broke your heart too. I'm not cruel but it's so wonderful that I'd allow it anytime. Melina for sure have mine heart and is welcomed to crushed whenever she feels like it. Great review, Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteYes. I think readers crave being heartbroken by a good book. *sniffs* Now I feel like crying again. Thank you so much, Tanja!
DeleteThis series sounds like just my type! I've always wanted to read more medieval fantasy, and this just sounds like the perfect series for me. Ah, the awesomeness of authors breaking readers' hearts. *swoons* The emotions, the characters, the writing! Everything just sounds so fluffy and gorgeous. You've got me hooked with your beautiful review, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle. My job here is done then. *winks* I hope you'll love this as much as I did and I promise I'll be here to hold you when you feel like bursting from all the feels. :)
DeleteSounds like you enjoyed this one! I haven't read this series but I remember my friend reading them and absolutely loving them :p
ReplyDeleteGreat review! :)