I recommend Finnikin of the Rock. 
 ***** 
 POWERFUL. 
 Marchetta's stories are never easy, but I love them nonetheless. And Finnikin of the Rock ousted (On the) Jellicoe Road as my top Marchetta favorite! This is because I am more inclined to fantasy than contemporary. Not to mention Marchetta knows how to make me grin so wide and squeal so loud with Finnikin's and Evanjalin's not-so-easy relationship. *sigh* However, I was heavily disappointed with how the Lumaterans dealt with the impostor king and his men. Yes, Finnikin, I am with you on this, too. And for that, marry me instead of her! =) 
 Finnikin is the ultimate leader: skilled in fighting, fluent in several languages, compassionate with his fellow exiles. Hardened by their ten-year-exile, he refused to be coerced by a novice into believing the heir to the throne, Balthazar, is still alive. He cannot have hope and have it crushed again. His convictions are pretty much my convictions. His beliefs are my beliefs. And so naturally I felt when he started to fall for Evanjalin... She confused me. She's so unpredictable that I love her one minute, then I hate her the next. Those several tug-of-wars between Evanjalin and Finnikin was like a damp towel that I do not need. But her intelligence, iron will and determination... I want them! The guile and strength on such a fragile girl is enough to earn my respect. Other notable characters are Trevanion, Perri the Savage, and the thief. I cannot wait to read your story, thief. =) 
 The story is unbelievable. Can you imagine Marchetta wrote contemporaries before this book? I can't; it's a whole different ball game and still, her writing worked. But there are tiny holes in the plot. You might not notice them at first read, but it is there. The only bad thing I cannot let go is how the impostor king and his men ended up. It went against what Finnikin believed and I totally agree with him. It is not a strategic move of a good monarch; it is an indulgent action of a vengeful orphan. Tsk. Tsk. I really did not like that. 
 Finnikin of the Rock's story is undeniable. You should definitely read it. Marchetta's definition of fantasy is delightfully soaked in blood. =)