Synopsis: It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. -Goodreads

Review: I think I loved this book even more in reading it for the second time. Such a great read. If you’ve only read Graceling so far, this is the same world but different. There are no Graced in The Dells, but instead there are Monsters everywhere, and they are insanely cool. I mean it, you should read this book.

Fire is a fantastic character that it is so easy to get behind. Her father played an important (albeit negative) roll in her countries history so she grew up privileged despite her being a Monster (literally- stunningly beautiful) but is determined to do things for herself. The story really starts when Fire is given the chance to redeem her family by using her abilities to help the political situation.

I think it is the combination of cool characters, unusual magic systems and politics that makes Kristin Cashore’s books so addicting. One person can have an important role to play in changing things without needing to be any kind of chosen one. Love it!

One thing I thought was really interesting, is that there is actually some controversy around this book that I had no idea about. In reading some of the other reviews on Goodreads, a lot of people found it offensive that what they considered “casual” sex was included in a YA title. First off, Kristin Cashore wrote a great book, where the publishers, bookstores etc. decided to put the book isn’t on her. At all. Secondly, who cares. Fire was hardly sleeping around by any stretch of the imagination. She took precautions not to get pregnant and I didn’t think there were any negative messages about sex in this story. Those that disagree should just skip this one, or not let their children read it. This book isn’t for you. Getting angry that this book exists and mentions you disagree with is just silly. I realize I am waaaayy too late to chime in on this, but I wanted to say it anyways. Needless to say, I think this book is great!

I haven’t read Bitterblue yet, but I can’t wait. Ahh! I wish there were more series like this (and am open to recommendations) where the world building stays the same, more or less, but each story is complete in its own right. Everything we love about standalone novels without ever really having to leave a world that we love. Perfect!

Buy the book @Amazon (US) @Amazon (CAN)

Rating:

Second Opinions:
@Strange Horizons
@The Book Smugglers
@The Compulsive Reader