Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire was a monster, a mutant that had extraordinary powers that attracted those like her, who wanted to destroy her. Her powers made her valuable to those in power who wished to use them for their purposes. This story encompasses her acceptance of both her powers and herself in concert with those she grows to love and respect. This is a tale of battle and conflict, high emotions and frightening consequences.

Fire was impossible not to like. Her introspection and self depreciation enhanced her vulnerability and made you want to protect her. Cashore’s descriptions illuminated Fire’s beauty and depicted the depravity and desperation that surrounded her. I thought Cashore did a masterful portray of human foibles with Fire gradually coming to the realization that her perceived inability to aspire to perfection was reflected in that same inability for perfection in all whom she met. Fires confrontation with amoral sociopathic behavior was a catharsis of dynamic magnitude for her self image. The dialogue and scene painting were well done. Cashore’s description provided the raw material that enabled me to envision the environment in which Fire survived. I was particularly touched by Fire’s love for Small, her horse. I found myself saddened by Fire’s inability to understand why her guards became her friends. The self sacrificing nature Fire exhibited was subtly depicted with understanding and pathos.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I will be getting “Graceling” which came out before this book. “Fire” is the prequel to “Graceling”. This may only be Kristin Cashore’s second book but if her quality is maintained at this level, she is going to be a force in the Fantasy genre to be reckoned with; up there with Elizabeth Moon and Mercedes Lackey, she is that good!

I don’t just recommend this book, I insist that if you enjoy fantasy and astoundingly good character depiction, you must get this book!

Body of work of Kristin Cashore

Review: http://sarahmillerbooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/fire-by-kristin-cashore.html

Web site: http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/