"He thought of Lucian of the Monts and how he would warn him that what was taking place in the Citavita would bring danger to the valley and Lucian"He thought of Lucian of the Monts and how he would warn him that what was taking place in the Citavita would bring danger to the valley and Lucian's mountain. He thought of Finnikin and Isaboe and the priest-king and he thought of Tesadora with her Seker eyes. Which made him think of Lirah, and Lirah made him think of Gargarin, and Gargarin made him think of Arjuro. And then all he could think of was her. Princess Indignant. Quintana the ice maiden. Quintana the savage. The abomination. The curse maker. The whore. The last born. The girl who could make rabbits appear on walls. And before Froi could change his mind, he turned and walked back up to the Citavita, sensing in his deepest core that he would not be returning to Lumatere for some time."
This book, guys. This book. I can't help but quote Emily May. Froi of the Exiles to Finnikin of the Rock is what The Queen of Attolia is to The Thief. A perfect, perfect comparison. However, the first Lumatere book was amazing, so imagine how great this one is. Yes. It's that good.
Let's talk Froi. Froi's a character more complex than Finnikin. Period. He's got depth to his personality. He has a dark past, a hot temper and a sharp tongue. He's been a fucking ragged thief, for fuck's sake. He gets his hands dirty. He's a man of action. AND HE'S A SWEET CINNAMON ROLL I LOVE HIM. But I hate the fact that he can't acknowledge his feelings?? He's sooo bad at it.
"I don't mean to give offense, Froi," Olivier said, "But she's not an easy person to like. One doesn't always warm to her." "There's more to her," Froi said, not denying either of them. He wanted to explain it, hoping they'd understand. "Until three years ago, I couldn't read and write, I couldn't ride a horse or shoot an arrow and didn't know the difference between a turnip seed and grain. The men who have taught me everything back home, they often say to me, "Froi, what if all your talents were left undiscovered? He looked up at them. "It's the same with her. Imagine who she would be if we unleashed her onto the world. I think she would rip the breath from all of us."
While the first book was centered around the city of Lumatere, the second instalment is mostly set in Charyn, the city of drama, stone and blood. A curse, suspicious parentage, an oracle, war, conspirations, lies and secrets. Just like Finnikin of the Rock :D. I love how Melina Marchetta can place layers and layers of secrets and then graciously uncover everything she's built. The plot is so thick (and sometimes confusing, to be honest) that you don't really get to understand anything until the last half of the book or so, and I'm really happy about it.
"Arjuro was your lover, but you had a wife who bore you a son?" Froi accused. "No," the provinicaro said. "I've not had a wife. It's far more complicated and tragic than you'd imagine." "Everything in Charyn seems far more complicate and tragic."
And now, the i-only-have-one-more-book-in-the-series depression settled in. I'm going to die after I finish Quintana of Charyn. Wish me luck. ...more
"The princesses were always going to be sacrificed for the kingdom."
*clears throat* *sobs* So, uh, I never heard of this se-series. I never heard "The princesses were always going to be sacrificed for the kingdom."
*clears throat* *sobs* So, uh, I never heard of this se-series. I never heard of Melina Marchetta. Lit-literally never. Then a friend recommended me to give this book a go, after I told her I wanted books similar to Captive Prince. The title didn't seem promising, and it actually was the last on my recently made to-read list. But then I read the synopsis. And then I fell in love with the book. And then I read the book. And then I fell in love with the book again.
The members of the royal family of Lumatere were slaughtered in a gruesome act of treason, and the freshly appointed king banished all supporters of the previous queen from the realm. Friend of Balthazar, the heir to the throne, Finnikin of the Rock is summoned to meet a woman with a bold claim. At first, no one believes her when she says that Balthazar is alive, but then, her admittedly genuine words start making sense. Now, Finnikin and his group start their journey of finding the heir and regaining their honour and lands.
"The captain will not let any harm come to his son." "Sometimes fathers can't protect their children, Evanjalin. Did yours save you from harm?" Sir Topher asked, knowing the question was cruel. "No," she responded fiercely. "But my father would warn, 'Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best.' And for that I thank him each day of my life."
However, what truly made this book great is the complexity of the characters. Finnikin wasn't born to rule, he always makes that clear to his friends. He was going to let Balthazar be king, and be Captain of the Royal Guard himself. He used to envy his friend, that's true, but he was not made for power. The man may have a thing for young girls, and he might also have some self sufficiency problems, but that's what makes him real. Heroes have issues the world won't remember them by. What they are is less important than what they do with the power, authority and influence they posses.
"Never underestimate the value of knowing another's language. It can be far more powerful than swords and arrows, Captain. I've listened to them long enough to understand a little."
Evanjalin, on the other hand, is a mystery. A novice with supernatural powers, a woman with ridiculous claims, a scarred person filled with angst and anger. She faked her death, wounding herself with an arrow in order to not get stabbed by invaders. She walks in Lumaterans' dreams, she feels their sorrow and their agony, and she won't turn away from her purpose for anything in the world. She is by far my favourite character.
"Most nights she is restless. There are too many people to worry about, and she wonders how she will be able to make things right. How can she be someone other than Beatriss the Beautiful or Beatriss the Beloved? But then, just when she's about to lose hope, she remembers what you would whisper to her, Captain Trevanion. That she was Beatriss the Bold. Beatriss the Brave. To all other she was a fragile flower, but you would not let her be."
The writing style is unique, that's all there is to be said about it. It felt like the author puts the reader in a desert and tells him stories of her past. The words seem... quiet, or as quiet as words can get. Simple, yet intricate. Beautiful, in the end.
Tears of joy still flow on my cheeks as I'm writing this, because that ending was so beautifully written, graciouslly put together, so fulfilling and even relieving. I can't gather my thought any further. Finnikin of the Rock is now in my top 10 favourite books. You should read it, then spread the hype and make everyone you know read it. You should. ...more
I will forgive the fact that there was almost NO Eugenides / Irene in this book just because that ending was amazing and made me want to read the nextI will forgive the fact that there was almost NO Eugenides / Irene in this book just because that ending was amazing and made me want to read the next volume so, so hard, even though I'll probably be 50 years old when that'll happen.
I didn't actually like Sophos in the first volume, but as of right now he is one of my favourite characters, and this doesn't usually happen to me when I'm reading series.
My only wish is to find out what's the release date for the fifth book....more
Oh god oh god oh god oh god. Why do I have to ship Gen and Costis so hard? Why? It's not even feasible.
This book didn't have an interesting plot, in Oh god oh god oh god oh god. Why do I have to ship Gen and Costis so hard? Why? It's not even feasible.
This book didn't have an interesting plot, in my opinion. Does it matter? Nah. Did I still enjoy the hell out of it? Yup. Am I dying to read the last volume? Absolutely.
"Let me arrest him, and I will drag the proof out of him." The queen shook her head. "Why not?" Teleus asked helplessly. "Because the king will not quit, Teleus," said Ornon as he joined them. "You must have noticed," he said. "He whines, he complains, he ducks out of the most obvious responsibility. He is vain, petty, and maddening, but he doesn't ever quit." Ornon shrugged. "Ever."...more
"There are a lot of things that a person with two hands couldn't steal," Eddis said. "So?" "Surely if it's impossible to steal them with two hands, i"There are a lot of things that a person with two hands couldn't steal," Eddis said. "So?" "Surely if it's impossible to steal them with two hands, it's no more impossible to steal them with one. Steal peace, Eugenides. Steal me some time."
Oh Lord. Thank you, Megan Whalen Turner, for writing this epic sequel. I almost didn't read it, because The Thief was a bit of a disappointment. (it's still a good book! I guess it just wasn't for me) However, The Queen of Attolia has everything the previous novel lacked. Character development, a (way) more interesting plot, and, in my honest opinion, a better writing style.
I hope the next two books will be just as good as this one. And ohmygod, I ship Eugenides and Attolia so, so hard.
"Did your grandfather know?" "He knew I was fascinated by her. She's like a prisoner inside stone walls, and every day the walls get a little thicker, the doorway narrower." ...... "How can she know?" asked Eddis. "She is not in the habit of trusting people. Why should she suddenly believe anything you say? You might unlock the door for her; you can't make her walk through."...more
I liked this book. I enjoyed it. I read it in one sitting. I got caught in the story.
But sometimes this just isn't quRATING: 3.5/5 stars (sorry Sara)
I liked this book. I enjoyed it. I read it in one sitting. I got caught in the story.
But sometimes this just isn't quite enough. The characters were okay (well, a bit more than okay), the plot was interesting, but I just don't feel like giving this more than 3.5 stars. It may deserve them, but not in my opinion. I'll still read the next volume because I FUCKING LOVE HOW "QUEEN OF ATTOLIA" SOUNDS....more
This is a collection of prequels, each telling a story about the main characters of 'Fables'. Flycatcher, Frau TotenkindeBeautiful. Charming. Superb.
This is a collection of prequels, each telling a story about the main characters of 'Fables'. Flycatcher, Frau Totenkinder, the Big Bad Wolf, even Snow White and Rose Red. Every chapter is creatd by a different artist, making it the most beautiful Fables-related book I've read so far.
Up to this point, my favourite character has to be Frau Totenkinder, with Cinderella being the second. The old witch's life is full of grief, agony and rage, and she's such a complex character that I can't have enough of her. I hope she'll have an even more vital role in the volumes to come. ...more
I just can't take this much action. I was used to some volumes being utterly amazing and some of them being incredibly dull, but this time, there's a I just can't take this much action. I was used to some volumes being utterly amazing and some of them being incredibly dull, but this time, there's a whole different thing. There are NO more boring issues. None. I'm enjoying the hell out of these graphic novels. ...more
This was one hell of a volume, especially that last issue. If it wasn't for the numerous different art styles, I'd have given it 5 stars, but lots of This was one hell of a volume, especially that last issue. If it wasn't for the numerous different art styles, I'd have given it 5 stars, but lots of artists' input is really not my favourite thing these comics could achieve. Some illustrations were clumsy at best, and others couldn't even handle making the characters resemble Bill Willingham's versions. On the bright side, i liked the story, even if there wasn't too much action. You can never have enough of Hansel and Frau Totenkinder. ...more
Such an awesome battle! I missed such action-packed war scenes, and this one was almost as good as 'All Out War' from The Walking Dead.
Fables is only Such an awesome battle! I missed such action-packed war scenes, and this one was almost as good as 'All Out War' from The Walking Dead.
Fables is only getting better and better. Plain evil witches, wooden soldiers, the Adversary's spies and main characters dying. What else can I ask for? A solid 5/5 stars....more
This is a god damn good fucking volume. I mean it. I'm impressed.
Homelands. Geppetto. The Adversary. Snow Queen. Boy Blue. D'Jinns. Foreshadowing to AThis is a god damn good fucking volume. I mean it. I'm impressed.
Homelands. Geppetto. The Adversary. Snow Queen. Boy Blue. D'Jinns. Foreshadowing to Aladin and Ali Baba. And that random mention of Lugoj and Timisoara, Romanian cities. This. This was the best volume so far. I pray to God that all the next books will be just as good, or even better. ...more
This was great, if it isn't compared to the first volume. I enjoyed the hell out of it, but it was missing something, that something that m3.5/5 stars
This was great, if it isn't compared to the first volume. I enjoyed the hell out of it, but it was missing something, that something that made the story whole. This is the best I can explain it.
Finally, Goldilocks was dealt with. I've been waiting for this moment since 'Animal Farm', but I didn't even hope for such a gruesome, gory ending. Also, I thought this volume contains 10 issues, not 8, so I got a bit of a sneak peek on Red Riding Hood, and I'm HYPED for the next volume. ...more
"A Vinchen warrior was balanced in all aspects, at one with his surroundings and at peace with himseRATING: yep, that's right. This is a solid 5/5.
"A Vinchen warrior was balanced in all aspects, at one with his surroundings and at peace with himself. When things became faster on the outside, he became quieter on the inside. He remained in the current moment, undistracted by memories of the past or thoughts of the future. Bleak Hope was none of those things."
Oh thank you, Jon Skovron, for getting me out of my reading slump with a great book.
"Her blade gleamed red in the moonlight. This was the first blood she had ever spilled. She had expected to feel something. Satisfaction. Regret. But all she felt was the same old darkness. Except now it did not frighten her. It strengthened her.
This is a story about an orphaned girl, who also happens to be(come) a disciplined, sword-wielding lethal warrior/assassin, a boy who wants to be the greatest thief in the world, some evil biomancers who won't give up on anything in order to develop their studies, and also lots of cursing.
If you ever want to read this, get ready for Throne of Glass vibes, Shades of Magic (especially A Gathering of Shadows) vibes, even some A Song of Ice and Fire vibes, and then some more awesome vibes.
Also cursing. And cursing. Piss'ell.
Oh, I forgot. GREAT CHARACTERS. Bye.
"Teacher, not again." Her eyes filled with tears. "Please, don't make me be the one to survive again." He placed his withered hand on her cheek and smiled sadly. "I am sorry, my child. You must endure."...more
Alright, Negan is amazing. Sick and twisted. Cruel, but reasonable. I hope he'll just join Rick's forces. I really hope so. Alright, Negan is amazing. Sick and twisted. Cruel, but reasonable. I hope he'll just join Rick's forces. I really hope so. ...more
GOD WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED IM DEAD IM DEAD I'M SO FUCKING DEAD FUCKING WHISPERERS
On the bright side, I absolutely love the time gap. There's just GOD WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED IM DEAD IM DEAD I'M SO FUCKING DEAD FUCKING WHISPERERS
On the bright side, I absolutely love the time gap. There's just so much progress that, if it were shown, it would have probably turned into Show Hershel's Farm. And we don't want that. I am so hyped for this I'd just read all the other volumes in one night. ...more
Get ready for some cheesy romance in this volume. Carl finally finds someone his age to talk with, and his choice wasn't so bad. Long may whatever theGet ready for some cheesy romance in this volume. Carl finally finds someone his age to talk with, and his choice wasn't so bad. Long may whatever they have together last.
I'm happy we didn't get to see much of Rick in this one, but they're exaggerating with not showing Michonne for 2 volumes straight. Probably she'll be there in the 24th volume, or at least I hope so....more
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