Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Add to: Goodreads
Source: Library
Publisher: Dial Books
Format: Hardcover, 461 pages
Release Date: October 5, 2009

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.

With the same excellent plotting and concrete characters as her debut novel Graceling, Kristin Cashore has completely won me over with Fire.

I'm just going to come right out and say it: I loved Fire more than I did Graceling. And if you remember at all my feelings for the latter, that's saying quite a bit. Fire was a novel that I wanted to simultaneously stretch out for as long as possible and devour as quick as I could. It pulled emotions out of me for its characters and set my heart racing with the plot. Just... amazing.

Fire was a beautifully-done character. There was a palpable vulnerability to her that highlighted so many points of her character and I just genuinely liked her. She was an essentially good person fighting so many outside factors outside of her control and watching her journey as she comes to accept herself and her situation is gratifying.

Prince Brigan... ahh. I thought from the beginning of the novel that I knew exactly how the relationship between him and Fire would pan out but as the book carried on, I realized I had no idea the depth it would have. The things they said to each other and the way they treated each other was anything but superficial and I gladly cheered them on!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: fantasy is my favourite genre. The way that Cashore crafts her world is well thought-out and a pleasure to read. Fire is a lengthy read but I didn't feel bored or disinterested at any point. Whether through more physical adventures or just emotional journeys, Kristin Cashore keeps the plot moving at a steady pace.

Highly recommended.

5 Golden Crowns!

Cover Comments: I LOVE this cover! A bow and arrow gets me every time and the cover scheme is great for the story.