Fire Review

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.
Taken from GoodReads.

Fire is a bit of a prequel/companion book to the all-too-amazing Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Set a mere 30 years before Graceling, Fire features only one crossover character, and proves to be a stand-alone and standout book in its own right.

Fire follows the story of Fire, a lone human-formed monster in a world where those around her are beautiful beasts with strange colours, gorgeous appearances, and a vast mistrust of Fire. Fire wants nothing more than to find herself and her own identity without the hatred and mistrust in the Dells. She happens upon a very handsome very young King Nash, whom she finds she might actually be able to trust. Unfortunately, Fire's gift of mind-reading and manipulation makes her a threat to everyone, and King Nash is fearful that other kingdoms will try to steal her for their own use.

Fire is an essential piece of the puzzle for those fighting King Nash for the control of the kingdom, and while King Nash wants to protect her, it's very possible that it's simply for his own means, as well. Fire is a threat to everyone because of her gift, and she finds that she has very few people she can trust. She experiences pain, loss, anguish, heartache, and betrayal - all of which Fire describes and details perfectly.

I was so impressed with Fire. Kristin Cashore created a world, once again, that's straight YA fantasy, yet you can still lose yourself in it. Every scene is important, and every imagine, person, and piece of the puzzle makes Fire impossible to put down. Half the time I just wanted to hug poor Fire because she had such a hard life. Though I waited forever to read this because I was afraid it wouldn't live up to Graceling, I shouldn't have worried. Fire is a vivid, stand-alone book that I should have read months ago.

I give Fire a very strong 4.5 out of 5, simply because I wish there had been more about what caused the people to become Monsters. I think it would have made for even more interesting details. That said, part of me wouldn't change a thing. I recommend this to all those who enjoy YA fantasy, or for those who loved Graceling.