Title: Froi of the Exiles
Author: Melina Marchetta
First published October 3, 2011
593 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780670076086 (ISBN10: 0670076082)
Rating: 4.29
Overview
In Froi of the Exiles, Melina Marchetta delivers another thrilling tale of blood and loyalty. Froi, now a member of the Guard, is sent on a dangerous mission to the kingdom of Charyn.
What he finds there is beyond his wildest imagination. In a land filled with secrets and half-truths, Froi must navigate the treacherous terrain to uncover the truth about the damaged people he encounters.
As he delves deeper, Froi discovers a hidden power within himself that he never knew existed. Marchetta weaves complex characters and vivid landscapes in this stunning sequel to Finnikin of the Rock.
Fans of the series will be swept away by the gripping and intense story that unfolds.
About the Author
Sydney, Australia was the birthplace of Melina Marchetta. Her debut book, Looking For Alibrandi, received the Children’s Book Council of Australia award in 1993.
Her second novel, Saving Francesca, also won the same award in 2004. The former was adapted into a major film in 2000, wherein the author wrote the best adapted screenplay and won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Film.
Marchetta’s On the Jellicoe Road was published in 2006 and was awarded the US Printz Medal in 2009 for its excellence in Young Adult literature. Finnikin of the Rock, published in 2008, won the Aurealis Award for YA fantasy.
The Piper’s Son, released in 2010, was a finalist for the Qld Premier’s Lit Award, NSW Premier’s Lit Award, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, CBC awards, and was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Her subsequent books, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn, were published in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil, her most recent novel, is a crime novel for adults.
Editoral Review
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta is a captivating addition to the young adult fantasy genre. First published on October 3, 2011, this novel is the second installment in the Lumatere Chronicles series, following the acclaimed novel, Finnikin of the Rock.
Marchetta has a unique style of writing that is both poetic and insightful. The themes of Froi of the Exiles are tied to love, loyalty, and the search for identity.
The author adeptly weaves together the stories of the characters, their pasts, and their futures, immersing readers into the world she has created. The story is suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Froi of the Exiles is set in the fictional world of Lumatere, where people have been forced to leave due to a violent curse brought on by a madman. The protagonist, Froi, is a young orphan boy who has been transformed from a thief into a loyal servant of the people of Lumatere.
As he travels to a neighboring kingdom, Charyn, he is faced with the task of assassinating the Charynite regent, Isaboe’s father, in hopes of restoring Lumatere. However, he soon realizes that he has a deep connection to Charyn and its people, leading to an even greater internal conflict than the one he faced in Lumatere.
Marchetta’s vivid character development will keep readers engaged as they watch Froi grow and come to understand the complexities of the world. The author brilliantly portrays the intricate relationships between the characters, highlighting the deep bonds of love and friendship that span across kingdoms.
Throughout the novel, Marchetta subtly addresses universal themes like prejudice, hate, and mistrust. She weaves different perspectives on these issues into her storyline, allowing readers to draw parallels to current events.
The only limitation of this book is its pace, which may be slow for some readers, as the author devotes ample time to building the world, character, and relationships. But, the depth of this slow-burning narrative will reward patient readers.
Overall, Froi of the Exiles is a compelling and immersive read. With its complex characters, interwoven themes, and unique world-building, it is a must-read for fans of the genre.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8.
