2 stars 
 As I read Finnikin of the Rock, I recognized its strengths - excellent writing, strong characterization, stellar world-building - but I never found myself truly engaged with the story. I ended up deciding to go with a lower rating that reflected my general reading experience, even though the novel contained some solid aspects of storytelling. 
 While I read, it was like I was watching everything from a distance, rather than experiencing it with the characters. I was never worried when the characters were in danger, I didn't feel sad when tragic backstories were revealed, and my overall reaction when I finished was indifference. The story was quite confusing at times as well, and not in a mysterious sort of way. When I went back to reread scenes (multiple times), I didn't find many answers, so it felt more of a miscommunication problem than anything else. 
 While this book definitely wasn't for me, I know it will still appeal to a particular audience group. It's very character-driven, to the point where you focus almost entirely on the characters' personalities and their growth rather than the actual plot described on the back of the book. There was hardly an action, except for the last one hundred pages; the author spent a lot more time explaining the cultural backstories and oral tales of the lands/kingdoms. When they traveled through different cities, it would focus on their conversations and interactions with the natives rather than describing the characters' surroundings. Because of this, I personally had a hard time visualizing the locations throughout the novel. If you prefer oral stories over descriptions, and if you like people-oriented and character-driven novels, then you will enjoy Finnikin of the Rock. 
 I've heard the second novel in this trilogy is much better than the first, but at this point, I'm not sure that I will continue on with the series.