Described as a companion book to last year's New York Times bestselling novel, Graceling, Fire is a prequel of sorts, based 30 years beforehand. There is only one overlapping character, however, so the book stands alone extremely strongly.
Across the mountains from the Seven Kingdoms, in the wild Dells, monsters exist - though not in the form we may imagine them. While shaped like familiar creatures, monsters are gorgeously adorned in luscious colours and with the ability to control the mind of humans. Fire half-human, the last remaining monster in human form - exquisitely beautiful but feared above all others.
But, while Fire is a monster in body and in her ability to control human minds, she is also determined to make amends for the sins of her monster father and the damage he did to the royal family of the Dells.
Like Graceling there is a powerful romance at the heart of this teen-crossover but the heroine does not lose her identity or shift her life's purpose to suit her lover. This is a more mature romance, for older teens, and Fire is a very well drawn character. Fans of Tamora Pierce will be glad to find another writer to get very excited about.
Reviewed by Richard Bilkey, Booktopia Buzz Editor
Sometimes beauty is the most deadly danger of all . . .
A must-read title for all fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Trudi Canavan, FIRE is an exceptional fantasy novel. From the deft characterisation to the gripping story, the fast-paced action to the evocative prose, this is one of the strongest fantasy novels of the year.Set in a world of stunningly beautiful, exceptionally dangerous monsters, Fire is one of the most dangerous monsters of all - a human one. Marked out by her vivid red hair, she's more than attractive. Fire is mesmerising.But with this extraordinary beauty comes influence and power. People who are susceptible to her appeal will do anything for her attention and for her affection. They will turn away from their families, their work and their duties for her. They will forget their responsibilities to please her...and worse, crush nations, neglect kingdoms and abuse their power.Aware of her power and afraid of it, Fire lives in a corner of the world away from people and away from temptation. Until the day comes when she is needed - a day when, for her king, she has to stand against not only his enemies, but also against herself...
Industry Reviews
The quality of the characterisations makes this fantasy novel stand out from the crowd." - The Cairns Post
Cashore manages to give new twists to old stock fantasy characters [Graceling] is one of the best coming-of-age novels I ve ever read. - The Specusphere
A well-written fantasy novel. It has enough violence and harrowing ordeal to set it apart from the typical adventure/romance of the genre, while still providing enough of these traditional aspects to engage the fantasy fan. - Ticonderoga
Cashore has managed to create a fresh plot, interesting and endearing characters, and a rollicking and romantic read. Cashore has produced a terrific story of difference and power. With robust, well rounded characters whose journeys are tangled and challenging, Graceling is elegantly written with strong themes and a story that is new and outside the usual high fantasy fare, taking the genre to a new level. - ASif!
An enjoyable story with a young, strong female lead. Cashore has developed a complex world with a well thought-out history and satisfying characters An excellent debut. - Aurealis
Cashore creates a truly odious villain, whose influence is a subtle taint throughout the novel; the true depth and nature of his evil is skilfully masked. A great line-up of convincing, imperfect heroes will have you rapt until the end. A grand, heart-pumping adventure. - M
