Was this supposed to be a children's book? I seriously wasn't expecting it to be one, despite all those literary awards under this book's belt. 
 I've always thought Marchetta was a writer of contemporary YA fiction. I've read Saving Francesa, and I must admit that I didn't really like the style of writing, although it was refreshing. So when I chanced upon this book, I wasn't expecting fantasy at all. So initially I did find myself wondering, where's the mention of a cellphone? The Sydney Opera House? Hugh Jackman? 
 Which brings me the biggest surprise I had for this book. Either I've wrongly assumed that the term "children" simply did not include (supposedly) mature, 20 year olds, or the fact that I am unaware of the rise of a younger generation of Shakesphere-s in our next generation. Because for this book, I literally had to concentrate to understand what the book was taking about (but trust me, this book was definitely worth the effort). I don't remember paying even my homework that much amount of attention. Because this book was deep. Mind-boggling. 
 Frankly, for this book, I didn't like that the author came up with a whole barrage of foreign names and terms for her characters, nations and ceremonies. My god, it was like sitting for a history lesson all over again! I certainly had trouble remembering who was who, what was what, what the characters were supposed to do next etc. I blame my inferior memory on bad genes. Maybe the limitations of the low-tech healthcare system to diagnose the possible symptoms of dyslexia or ADHD in me. Or the failure of the education system for cultivating my memory or enhance my IQ (if any) to a better level. Perhaps even the flaw in the evolution of mankind when it comes to passing down intelligence to the next generation (Uh, maybe, just maybe, it would be slightly easier to blame myself...). You think Finnikin had a hard time living as an exile for 10 years? Try wading through a sea of words that paint no sensible, rational, comprehesible picture in your mind and imagination (oh, alright, maybe Finnikin had a harder time than I did.) Bravo to those who could follow the story with ease, really, it wasn't an easy feat for me. 
 Well, I continued reading this book with questions of "Who", "Where", "When" and "Why" left unanswered. But then, I pretended that I knew the answers to these questions (trust me, I am good at assuming I know everything ha), and guess what? I actually enjoyed this book. Very, very much. This book has a few huge, mega twists that fail to keep those with low brain-capacity like myself from being entertained. The surprises in this book will make rereading this book a different journey from the previous one altogether. The plot is fantastic and well-developed, and I must say, Marchetta has an imagination that any author could envy. How she came up with such an unworldly, brillianty intricate plot, I will never understand. 
 I loved the characters in book. They have a certain depth in themselves, and Marchetta certainly moulded them into survivors of a 10-year war really beautifully. Certainly unlike those characters that cram the books of the Young Adult Literature. Here, the theme of war rings hollow in this book. As if this book could let its young readers learn about the perils of life that most of us would almost never experience first-hand (touch wood). Most of all, I loved the main characters Finnikin and Evangeline. They were stoic, perseverant and most of all, forever faithful to what and whom they loved. I think they would certainly be good role-models for children (look at me, going on as if this book were Winnie the Pooh and Friends). 
 I think that Marchetta could have done better with the romance and with more explanations on the plot settings and development. And I still have no idea how this book, with such depth and breadth, could be catered to the younger generation. (On an lighter note, this book did have some very subtle hints regarding the subject of, erhem, puberty that... surely only more mature readers should understand?) But no matter. This book was lovely, despite my initial reluctance to start on it, despite not understanding half the plot, and coming up with my own theories for the other half of it. Just imagine if I actually understood everything that the book was trying to say. I think this book could have easily blown my mind. 
 I'll take my chances for Froi of the Exiles. 
 Afterthoughts: 
 (view spoiler)[There is one very minor excerpt in this book that I wish to highlight (I've shortened it a bit): 
 (Before I start, I would like to mention the setting. On the river, Finnikin and gang are ambushed, and they are forced to abandon ship.) 
 ' Finnikin crawled back to the crates, grabbing Froi out first. "Can you swim?" he shouted. 
 "No!" The thief look horrified. 
 Finnikin grabbed him by the hair and pulled him out to see what was happening around them. Bodies litterd the cog, while those crewmen who were still alive moaned and writhed in pain. 
 "Would you prefer to stay?" Finnikin growled. Froi growled back as Finnikin helped him over the side, holding the boy by the scruff of his neck before letting go. He turned his attention to Evangeline, who looked gray. 
 "I can't swim", she whispered. 
 "Hold your breath and act as if you're pushing the water out of the way with your hands. Like this", he said, showing her. "Once you get to the bank, keep hidden. Do you understand?" 
 She nodded, looking miserable. 
 "Just do as I say for once", he said, feeling the tremble of her hands as they touched his face. He grabbed one and pressed his mouth to her palm, and then Sir Topher was there, helping her over the side. ' 
 I'm not sure if Marchetta had the intended effect bestowed upon myself as I read this part of the story, but I found this part extremely hilarious. Oh, Finnikin, what a double-standard, lovesick puppy! I wonder what I would have interpreted out of this had I been a younger, more innocent reader? Well, the first thought that came to my mind was a first step towards the emancipation of women. Don't you think? ;) (hide spoiler)]