Fire by Kristin Cashore
(Graceling Realm, #2)
Genre: Fantasy
Format: paperback
Read: 5/19/2012 — 5/20/2012
In Six Words: I’m falling under the Cashore spell.
Links
Kristin Cashore – Website/Blog | Twitter | Graceling Realm Website
Amazon — Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
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Book Order
1. Graceling
2. Fire
3. Bitterblue
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 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.
-from Goodreads
Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict
After reading (and loving) Graceling, I knew I had to continue with the Graceling realm books. I stifled my urge to skip Fire and go straight to Bitterblue (because Bitterblue plays a pivotal role in Graceling, I was ready to jump into her story), and I am glad I did. Fire is nothing and everything like Graceling (yes, I mean it exactly like that), and it really grew my appreciation for Cashore’s story telling. I am now looking forward to getting to Bitterblue.
My Thoughts
When I finished Fire and began reflecting on the book, I began to draw parallels between it and Graceling. On the surface level, these are very different stories. In many ways, Fire is nothing like Katsa. Fire is a human monster, and though she has a power, it’s not a Grace, and it seems to more trouble than it’s worth. As much as Katsa was feared, Fire is hated as much as she is loved, and with the hatred comes people wanting to see her existence erased. It is certainly not an easy life, but like Katsa, Fire does have a few people in her circle.
Though romance plays a part in Fire (and in Graceling), I would not call it a traditional romance, and it takes a backseat to the rest of the story. I don’t know if I can quite put into words my feelings here, but there is something about the romance that makes it seem non-essential to Fire’s life. It adds to her life rather than completes it. Cashore has created some very strong female leads, and these characters can — and very often do — stand on their own two feet for what they believe in. There were plenty of times where Fire’s love interest was not even in the story. And, as a side note, there were some things in this story (romance/sex wise) that makes me wonder if YA is really the best classification for these books. New Adult might be a better designation?
What I ended up really really REALLY liking about Fire was the underlying message about who we are. We cannot control certain aspects of ourselves. Fire couldn’t change being a human monster. Katsa couldn’t turn off her Grace. Essentially, you have been dealt certain cards in life that you stuck with. But how you choose to use those cards is entirely up to you. Fire and Katsa both spend time afraid of themselves and their power. What if Fire turns into her father? What if Katsa becomes a remorseless killer? Whatever traits or characteristics you have been given in life, they do not define you. You define you. Just as anything can be twisted into something negative, so too can you twist it into something positive.
And, quite frankly, Kristin Cashore just knows how to tell a good story. There is a specific character we learned of in Graceling that plays a role in Fire, and I was definitely very interested by him. The world is very complex, but fascinating and intriguing to the point it makes you want to be there with the characters. Even if you choose not to search out a deeper meaning in Fire, it is an enjoyable book, and I now fully understand why Kristin Cashore has so many loyal fans. And count myself among them.
Tanya Patrice June 18, 2012 at 6:46 am
Loved it too and agree with all your observations. I didn’t mind that it wasn’t a “direct” follow-up to Graceling and Chasore’s character development is so out of this World!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 8:42 am
I appreciated Fire even more after reading Bitterblue, since that book actually ties both worlds together.
Jenny June 18, 2012 at 10:06 am
I have yet to read any book in this series. I suck. I love that she writes such strong heroines, and one of these days I’m seriously going to make time to pick these books up! While I usually like the romance to be pretty prevalent in the book I’m reading, I do like that Fire is strong and independent on her own. I do LOVE though that you said it’s something that adds to her life rather than something that makes her whole. Beautiful review Amanda!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 10:18 am
I think if you go into the story knowing that the romance isn’t going to play a large role, you’ll be okay. And, really, the strong heroines really make up for it. These books are THEIR stories, not their love interests’.
Mandi Kaye June 18, 2012 at 10:11 am
I had fully intended to skip Fire and go straight to Bitterblue… but after reading this, I don’t think I’ll be able to do that.
Thanks for such a great review!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 10:20 am
Fire actually gives us additional information that is nice to have when reading Bitterblue. It’s not essential to understand anything, but I think you’ll appreciate having read Fire first. :)
Felicia June 18, 2012 at 12:15 pm
I plan on reading Graceling in August! I am glad to see that the series keeps you interested and changes so your expectations can be met but still keep you on your toes!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 5:03 pm
I’m glad you’re going to give these books a chance, Felicia! They’re definitely not your traditional YA. :)
Mary @ Book Swarm June 18, 2012 at 1:46 pm
I loved how the two books connected…but didn’t really. And, like you, I really appreciated the underlying message of dealing with who you are no matter what you’ve been dealt. Cashore’s writing completely sucks me into the world.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Yes! It was cool seeing how they really do connect in Bitterblue, and I hope that means there is a lot more to come in this Graceling realm. :)
Rummanah June 18, 2012 at 10:20 pm
YAY! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed “Fire”. It was definitely much different from “Graceling” and I know not many people liked this one. I love how Cashore weaves her story along with hard lessons of being okay to identify yourself in a certain way, especially for girls.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 19, 2012 at 6:21 am
Yes! Honestly, those lessons are a big part of why I love these books as much as I do. Learning to be okay with who you are is so incredibly important.
Hanna @ Booking in Heels June 19, 2012 at 6:42 am
I read both Graceling and Fire years ago, but Gollancz sent me a copy of Bitterblue to review last month. Now I’m suddenly desperate to reread the first two books again!
I can’t really remember Fire that well for some reason, but I remember noticing the same message that you did. I thought it was a nice touch :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 19, 2012 at 10:18 am
I know a couple people who are looking to reread Graceling and/or Fire. Perhaps there needs to be some kind of read-along!
More books need messages like this one, I think. :)
Laura Ashlee June 20, 2012 at 6:40 pm
I read this book a while ago and I just have to say this is a really great review. Love it!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 21, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Thank you! :)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 21, 2012 at 7:10 pm
This is another reminder to me to read Graceling as soon as All Series, All Summer ends.
*bows to Amanda*
You’re getting me excited about this series!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 21, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Just wait until Bitterblue next week! Though honestly, I don’t even remember what my review says. It will be a surprise!
Amy @bookgoonie June 22, 2012 at 10:22 am
Excellente review of Fire. You said so many things that I felt. They are similar, yet different. Cashore has a real gift. Great women. Great male counter-parts. Complex, yet you couldn’t imagine it any different than how it is laid out there for you by her. Bitterblue is up next for me after City of Lost Souls. Can’t wait to see how she makes this book its own unique tale.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 22, 2012 at 1:12 pm
I loooooove Cashore’s characters. :)
Smash Attack June 24, 2012 at 10:00 am
YOU DEFINE YOU. I love you for pointing out this very important piece of the story. *huggles*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 24, 2012 at 10:30 am
The concept of you defining yourself has been HUGELY important to me, and once I latched onto it in my very early 20s, I become so much happier with myself and life in general. The fact that this book has that message just makes me love it more.
Smash Attack June 24, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Amen to that, sista. It’s something I try and teach my young clients all the time!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 24, 2012 at 1:46 pm
It’s a tough lesson to learn. I think many grown ups still struggle with it. Kudos to you for trying to pass the lesson along earlier!
Smash Attack June 24, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Agreed, and I try.
P.S. I’m finally installing the comment reply notification thing. Yes, I’m a follower.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Trying is better than nothing.
lol. Yay! One thing to do is if you have JetPack installed, turn off those comment subscription options. Then it won’t be so confusing (like I just have one option for being notified of comments).