Saturday, January 16, 2016

Review: Fire


Title: Fire (Graceling Realm #2)
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Dial books
Year published: 2009
How I got this book: Got it through BookDepository (affiliate link)
My rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
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.

My thoughts:
I feel like you either love or hate this book. I read Graceling, the first book, about six months ago, and loved it. Finally, I was able to pick up this one, the second book in the companion series. I didn't have a lot of expectations to this, as I haven't read a lot of companion series and didn't know how I felt about them. Even though this is the second book in a series, I don't feel like you have the read the Graceling first. The story in Fire takes place before the story in Graceling, and therefore nothing will be spoiled. I've read that you should read Graceling before reading Bitterblue, since that takes place after Graceling.

Fire, the main character, is a "monster". Her hair is brightly coloured, and people have trouble behaving around her. Oh, and she has the power to control minds. This story takes place in a different part of the world than Graceling, and the people here have never heard of people having graces. I think Cashore's worldbuilding is wonderful, and I everything makes sense. The descriprions in this books gives me the ability to picture everything clearly in my head, without being boring or dragged out.


I think Fire is one of my favourite characters ever. I didn't always agree with her, but I really connected with her anyways. And, we both play the violin, so I might be a bit biased. As I said, I didn't always agree with her thoughts or actions, but I always understood why she did what she did. I felt like I could really connect with her, and I want more books with Fire.

We had a sort of love-triangle in this book, but it was in a new way and didn't bother me. We have Archer, who has been her friend forever. He sleeps around a lot, even though he wants to marry Fire. Fire however doesn't want to marry him, and is happy with their current relationship, which to me seemed like some sort of friends with benefits. Then Fire meets Brigan, who she eventually falls in love with. I don't have the warmest feelings toward Archer, as he came across as jealous and way too controlling. I did like Brigan, he seemed so nice, even though he also had his bad moments. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm not going to talk more about the story, but rather wrap it up.

I really liked this book, and would recommend it to most of my friends, if they like fantasy. Even though this is a hit or miss book, I think people should try it. Just because someone you know doesn't like it, doesn't mean that you won't. I didn't read any reviews for it before I bought it, and I'm glad I didn't. My expectations and enjoyment of the book would have been changed, with all the negativity. And I loved it! I can't wait to read Bitterblue, but I also want to wait so the series doesn't end yet.

Have you read Fire?

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
Bookdepository (Affiliate link, worldwide)
Adlibris (Norway)

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