Froi of the exiles by Melina Marchetta
Book Two of the Lumatere Chronicles. Penguin, 2011. ISBN:
978-0-670-07608-6.
After reading the first two books of the Lumatere Chronicles I have
discovered that the chronicles are much more than just books, both Finnikin
of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles are epic fantasies
of the kind that are rarely seen today. Both have, I believe, the
genius of something similar to The lord of the Rings and Harry
Potter. The only books I've read by Melina Marchetta have left
me with a hunger for more.
Froi of the Exiles follows three years after its predecessor
in the kingdom of Lumatere of Skuldenor. The curse of Lumatere has
been lifted and trade is just beginning between Lumatere and its
neighbours. But all is not well. The Mont valley suffers an
'infestation' of sorts; Charynite's have come to beg sanctuary from
their own. They bring with them wild talk of plague, curses and
plots to kill a king. In order for peace to return to the Valley
Froi is dispatched on a mysterious mission to Charyn; but what he
finds there amidst the anarchy will leave him questioning his home,
his heart and even his way of life.
This richly woven tale is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge
of their seat and while some concepts may be frightening and
confusing to readers younger then fourteen I would easily recommend
this novel to anyone with a thirst for fantasy. I have to add that I
thoroughly enjoyed every page of both books of Lumatere and I'm sure
we will soon be hearing of awards won by Froi of the Exiles.
The next instalment is expected in October this year, entitled Quintana
of Charyn.
Kayla Gaskell, (Student, 15)