Sunday, August 23, 2015

Review Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta


Judul: Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)
Penulis: Melina Marchetta
Tanggal Terbit: August 2011
Penerbit: Ufuk Press
Halaman: 580
Bahasa: Indonesia
ISBN: 9786029159486

Finnikin dan pembimbingnya, Sir Topher, sudah sepuluh tahun tidak pulang ke Lumatere yang sekian lama diselimuti kutukan dan pembantaian.

Sepupu Raja yang kejam telah menyatakan dirinya sendiri sebagai penguasa baru. Suatu hari, Finnikin mendapat perintah untuk bertemu dengan Evanjalin, seorang perempuan muda yang menyatakan kalau Pangeran Balthazar, sang pewaris takhta Lumatere, masih hidup. Evanjalin harus pulang ke Lumatere karena dialah satu-satunya orang yang bisa membawa mereka kepada sang pewaris takhta.

Dalam perjalanan mereka menuju Lumatere, Finnikin terpesona oleh semangat dan keangkuhan perempuan itu. Lalu, mampukah mereka membebaskan Pangeran Balthazar dan orang-orang yang terperangkap di dalam kerajaan itu? Dan, mampukah Finnikin melepaskan ayahnya yang telah dijebloskan ke penjara dan mengembalikan kedamaian di negerinya?

Have a high hope about this, because Kat said this is one of her best fantasy books. But, alas. We're not meant to be.

If I have no idea that Kat like this book, it's a slim chance that I will grab it. Look at the cover, please. Man, not my style indeed. I am not really digging book with human's face on it, feel awkward...

Move along, the size of the book is not too big (paperback) and not really heavy. So, quite easy to read it. The font's type and size also pretty enjoyable, good for you my eyes! There are no prominent misspelling or grammatical error either.

Now, let's take a deep look into the story. It has a good premise of adventure and epic journey. But, I'm not quite sure whether it lost in translation or what, I can't feel anything from this book. The connection that pull the reader into the story--being in the story--it don't exist.

The characters, their action, the reason why the did it, I don't get it. The story don't have a sense of urgency. It feels like a picnic story. Ah---right, it don't has emotion.

2 stars for this. It's an okay book.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Review Barkbelly by Cat Weatherill


Judul: Barkbelly
Penulis: Cat Weatherill
Tanggal Terbit: April 2006
Penerbit: Puffin
Halaman: 352
Bahasa:English
ISBN: 9780141318745

Well, actually I bought this book because of an...unplanned book buying on its sequel, Snowbone. I didn't realize until later that I need to buy the first book. So, this happened. Well, didn't I regret it.
This book is so bland, I had to force myself to finish it. Seems like this is not my cup of tea. Usually it does! Feel quite disappointed because I was so sure that I am gonna like this.
The story is entertaining but I don't feel anything for the characters. I don't even like Barkbelly for some reason.
But, the story is full of adventures and exciting moments. So you gotta try it to know.