Fire by Kristin Cashore [Review]

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

   

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Series: Graceling Realm #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: October 5, 2009

Hardcover: 461 Pages

Publisher: Dial Books

My Copy: Purchased

Reviewer: Shannon

Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

 
Shannon's Thoughts:

Fire is a companion novel to Graceling.  It takes place several years before the events of Graceling in another country called The Dells.  Instead of people with Graces, some people (and animals) are Monsters and have mind abilities.  They are also irresistible and can drive people mad.  I didn’t go into Fire expecting to love it.  I wanted to continue to live in Graceling’s world and wasn’t sure if I was interested in a completely new setting with new characters.  But, happily, I was wrong!  I really enjoyed the new kingdom and the new characters, especially Fire and Brigan.  Fire really struggles with her father’s legacy.  Her father was a very twisted and evil man and she continually comes up against it.  Topped with the fact that the very sight of her drives men (and some women) into a frenzy and she is constantly being attacked by Monster animals who thirst for her blood.  (It is a lot less silly than it sounds).  I found Fire to be remarkably level headed considering all she’s up against.  And the relationship that develops between her and Brigan is very swoon-worthy.  

I thought long and hard if I wanted to address the most common complaint against Kristin Cashore’s books but if you read any other number of reviews you will run across it.  I know some people feel she an anti-marriage, pro-sex agenda.  I can’t say I necessarily agree with that.  I think the characters offer a different viewpoint than the status quo. I personally don’t have a problem with that.  Many of the negative reviews I read really seem revolve around this point.  I think it either bothers you or it doesn’t.  And if it bothers you it will probably affect your feelings towards Kristin Cashore’s books. So, proceed with caution, I guess?

But like I said, I didn't have a problems reading this book. I loved Graceling and thoroughly enjoyed  Fire as well.

Books in the series:
1. Graceling
2. Fire
3. Bitterblue