Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Dial Books
Page Count:  461 pages, Paperback
Date Published: October 5th 2009
Find it on Goodreads: Fire
Source: Purchased

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 had 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.

I absolutely love the way Cashore writes. Her incredibly strong yet complex female characters are one of my favourite things about these books... Cashore is not one to conform to the stereotypical fantasy worlds where men are everything and women are nothing. First of all, there's the fact that she does not avoid mentions of sex and menstrual cycles and hormones, because even if it's a fantasy series, these are still women. Cashore's books contain incredible dynamic characters and I'm blown away at her story-telling skills. Fire was different from Graceling in that the title character was not the physical warrior that Katsa was, but a bewitching yet vulnerable creature who was haunted by her father and by the fact that her world saw her as just that: a creature. I loved Fire's story and her relationship with Brigan, as well as all the other characters. There's many friendships involved which is always nice to see, as well as a bit of heartbreak and sadness. Whether you're a longtime fan of fantasy or just in want of a book with female characters who have depth, I'd strongly recommend this series.

Happy reading!

~Kristy