“Fire” by Kristin Cashore
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Library
Other books: Graceling, Bitterblue, Cover Love
Summary from Goodreads:
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 has 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.
I have to say I’m immensely impressed with Miss Cashore. She is able to take a type of book that I struggle with and make it easy to read and highly enjoyable for me. I like fantasy books. I really do. I don’t get along with most high fantasy books for whatever reason. [I guess I’m more of a urban fantasy girl.] I’ve tried and tried and just don’t like them. Somehow, Cashore is able to make me love her version of high fantasy. Yes, I’m still a bit fuzzy about the different kings and why exactly they’re fighting but I’m also able to track the story pretty closely and be glued to the book.
Surprisingly enough, I actually enjoyed the romance aspect of the story. Much like Graceling, the romance(s) were a slow build so I grew to love the people like Fire did. I loved the lack of insta-love. I wasn’t a big fan of the soap opera aspect of the story. Don’t get me wrong. Jealousy, anger, surprise pregnancies, and secrets make for great story. I just wasn’t expecting that for this story.
Like Graceling, there was a good mix of action-y fun stuff and some slower paced story building stuff. They are intertwined nicely so I never felt overwhelmed with the action or bored with the story building.
I was a bit unsure of how I was going to like the fact that this is a companion to Graceling and not a sequel. I loved Graceling! I want to be with Katsa, Po, and Bitterblue again. Why are we going back in time? Ugh. Well, I’m just going to go ahead and bite my tongue because I don’t know what I’m talking about it. Silly Alison. The going back in time worked pretty well. My memory is a bit terrible but I’m pretty sure Fire helps explain some the history, kings and all that stuff going on during Graceling. It does introduce a character that I do remember is terrible from Graceling though. Maybe it would be better to read this book before Graceling? You should at least read them closer together so you’re not fuzzy on details like I am.
The bottom line? I didn’t love it as much as I loved Graceling but it’s still great story!
The Cheap Reader 
I didn’t love Fire as much as Graceling either but I think it was a good story that provided a lot of background for the world itself. I have to get on the list for Bitterblue at my library and re-visit this one.
Revisiting the book would be a good idea. It is possible to understand when you haven’t freshly read the book but things are definitely fuzzy.
Nice Review…I never read any book (Graceling or Fire) of Kristin Cashore.. But it looks like interesting..
I’ve included it in my wishlist :)..
Keep Reviewing.. Surely will visit your blog again..
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you pick up both books. I highly recommend them!
I’m reading Graceling right now and I’m absolutely in love with it!
Yay! I’m glad you’re loving it.
It is an interesting approach Cashore takes by making these companion books with all new stories and characters. I started out missing Katsa and Po a lot too and couldn’t imagine the book without them, but ended up falling for Fire even more. It’s been so long since I’ve read them though that I’m worried about keeping up with Bitterblue! Glad you enjoyed this high fantasy series even though it’s not your first love like urban fantasy. Nice review!
It’s definitely interesting. I don’t know of many series that do companion books. I can’t wait to see how Bitterblue works out.