Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

From master storyteller Melina Marchetta comes an exhilarating new fantasy springing from her celebrated epic, Finnikin of the Rock. Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home . . . or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior's discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place. It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood . . . and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

This was seriously amazing. I wish I could give it all the stars in the world.

reread jan, 26, 2023 3rd time reading and feeling a spectrum of emotions, be still my heart.

Second time reading this and it still managed to amaze me like the first time.

This book gave me all the feels. It's everything i want - the excellent plot, the world building and the complex characterization.

Finnikin of the Rock was great in its own. But what makes the second installment my favorite is Froi. The author did a wonderful job at displaying both his good qualities as well as his flaws which made him a very memorable protagonist. The side characters are no less vivid or complex than the protagonist, every character is distinct and serve purpose. I'm in awe at the way Melina Marchetta writes her characters. All of them were flawed and deeply human.

This book completely mesmerized me. The story was compelling with plot twists and shocking revelations. The writing and the detailed description of the world are just perfect.
The growth Froi goes through in this book still fascinates me and the heartbreaking romance of Froi and Quintana still haunts me. These two will forever have a part of my heart.

I also like to address the family bonds in this book. The themes of found family and family by blood are very well done. The dynamics were funny, heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time. Just like everything in this book; they were unforgettable.

I don't think words can do justice to summarize my feelings for this book or how good it was, i will just suffice by saying that it put me on a spectrum of emotions. It broke my heart in million pieces.