Fire

Fire by Kristin Cashore

"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 whens 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."

Originality (5/5): The entire concept of this book was beyond brilliant. I've read tons of books where the girl saves the kingdom--including Graceling, Kristin Cashore's debut novel--but this one put the rest to shame. The world created for this girl to live in was so complex and well thought out. "The Dells", the country where Fire lives, is believable, even with bright-colored monster animals running around. But by far the best idea of this book was the concept of an impossibly beautiful human monster. I'll get into this more in the character section, but just know that you will probably never read a book quite like this one.

Plot (5/5): As I had previously mentioned, this book is obviously a well-crafted masterpiece. The plot is quick-paced and has the perfect amount of twists and turns to keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning (in my case, 6:00 AM!). There are multiple plotlines that are seemingly separate at first, but then fluidly tie together to make for a wonderful read.

Characters (5/5): Where to start...Fire, obviously. This girl has to be one of my favorite book heroines of all time. And that's saying something. Fire is beyond gorgeous, with hair that goes well beyond flame-red, and a face and body to die for. Equally as amazing, Fire, more so than all other monsters, has the power to influence people's minds. At first, I thought Kristin Cashore would have a difficult time crafting a believable heroine that encompassed this amount of beauty. My doubts dissipated after reading the very first page. You would expect Fire to be a vain, self-absorbed woman who uses her power to her advantage. After all, she is a monster. Wrong. Fire is a strong woman, but behind that mask of strength she is full of self-doubt and self-hatred. She is ashamed and embarrassed of who she is, and especially feels a deep sense of shame for the actions of her nefarious father, Cansrel.

Cansrel's character was actually one of the most interesting in the entire novel, even though he's never physically present in any of the scenes. The most beautiful man on earth, Cansrel utilized his powers for manipulation and acts of cruelty, which accounts for Fire's deeply set belief that her powers should never be used on others except in cases of self-defense. Cansrel is obviously the villain of the novel, but like all well-developed characters, he is more than two-dimensional. In the political world, he is conniving, ruthless, and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his place at the king's side. He shamelessly manipulates King Nax (the current King Nash's father) and eventually drives the poor king to his death. But his love for his daughter is something not quite endearing, but definitely warming. He dotes on Fire and treats her like a prized possession. And despite all else, Fire loves him, for whatever he does, he is, and always will be, her father.

Fire's transformation throughout the novel is heartwarming and captivating; at the end of the book, you are left with a distinct love for the beautiful monster-woman. In fact, I actually ended up sort of idolizing her (I even considered dying my hair red!).

Archer is one of Fire's love interests. Handsome and mischievous, he is your typical noble playboy who beds pretty much every woman in sight, but holds Fire above all others. Childhood friends, they grew up together, and when their relationship became more than "just friends", they become lovers. Archer knows Fire best, and vice versa. He loves her (more than she loves him, sadly), and has an inconsolable, possessive jealousy that threatens to destroy their relationship.

Brigan is the last main character of the book. He is described as being plain-looking, but it is his personality that makes him handsomer than all the rest. He is young, only twenty-two, but already is the military commander of the King's Army, and a brilliant one at that. He has a boyish obsession with horses--oh, boys and their toys. But beyond all this, he has a deeply embedded hatred for the man who caused his father's death--Cansrel. And, as a result, Fire herself. The first meeting between Brigan and Fire is practically crackling with tension (and I don't just mean sexual!). He loathes her for what--and who--she is, and she only feels more ashamed because of it. As the story progresses, these two seemingly polar opposite people find themselves more and more attracted to each other...yum.

Some minor characters that I love: King Nash (Major stud. Has an unrequited love for Fire), Garan (wise-cracking prince), and Musa (blatant "tells it like it is" guard--gotta love honesty).

Romance (5/5): The book practically sizzles with unresolved tension. Need I say more? The love triangle (square perhaps?) is just too good. Each prospective love interest is equally as good as the next. Though there was a clear-cut pick at the end, I found that I ended up wishing she could just have them all!

Writing (5/5): Perfect.

Cover (5/5): Beautiful cover art. These colors are exactly what I pictured to be in Fire's hair.

Overall (30/30): 100%!!

Favorite Quote: "Her scarf slipped off and released the shimmering prism of her hair: sunrise, poppy, copper, fuchsia, flame. Red, brighter than the blood soaking the pathway." (p. 24)