Starred Review for Publishers Weekly

This prequel to <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Graceling, Cashore's smashing debut, may initially frustrate readers wanting more about Katsa and Po. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Fire takes place long before Katsa's birth in an adjacent kingdom called the Dells and shares only one character. But its themes—embracing your talents and moving out of your parents' shadow—are similar, as is the absorbing quality of Cashore's prose. The Dells do not have gracelings; they have beautiful creatures called monsters that are like normal animals except for their exquisite coloration. Seventeen-year-old Fire, who can read and control minds, is the last human monster. Her father, a corrupt adviser to a debased king, recognizes the dangers of her powers and exiles her to the hills, where she is raised by an out-of-favor military commander and befriended by his son, Archer. Many twists propel the action, and although astute readers will suspect who the eventual lovers will be from their first hateful meeting, the buildup to their romance provides tension that keeps the pages turning. Cashore's conclusion satisfies, but readers will clamor for a sequel to the prequel—a book bridging the gap between this one and <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Graceling. Ages 14–up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Oct.)

Voice of Youth Advocates

Across the mountains from the scene of CashoreÆs first novel, Graceling (Harcourt, 2008/VOYA October 2008), King Nash of The Dells clings to his throne through the skill of his military commander, younger brother Brigan. The Dells are home to creatures called monsters, which resemble normal animals but for their brilliant coloration and their ability to enter othersÆ minds. The last human monster is Fire, named by her father Cansrel for her startling red hair. Advisor to King NashÆs father, Cansrel was widely feared and hated before his death, and Fire is glad to grow up quietly, far from the capital. But war is about to engulf Fire as the desperate king, beset by rivals, enlists her mind-controlling skills in his kingdomÆs defense. Complicating matters are the jealous protectiveness of FireÆs old friend and lover Archer and her attraction to cool, selfcontained Prince Brigan. In the background, somehow influencing events, stands a strange boy with two different-colored eyes and an ominous ability to cloud othersÆ minds. This prequel and companion to Graceling can be read independently. The only crossover character is the boy, whom readers of the previous book will recognize as the future King Leck of Monsea. There is plenty of action, but the focus is on FireÆs internal struggle to define herself. Like Graceling heroine Katsa, Fire is a complicated, independent woman with a matter-of-fact attitude toward sex. Older readers will appreciate her difficult path to maturity and look forward to CashoreÆs projected third book, Bitterblue.ùKathleen Beck.

Horn Book

The most dangerous monsters in the Dells are the human monsters. Fire, with her ability to cajole minds, is one--though raised to have a conscience. Fire's complicated relationships provide an emotional drive to match the story's abundant political machinations and inventive world-building. Rounded out by the chilling backstory of Graceling's villain, this stand-alone prequel paves the way for further exploration.

School Library Journal Starred Review

Gr 9 Up-This fantasy, shot through with romance and suspense, is set in the same world as Graceling (Dial, 2008), but on the far side of the mountain barrier in the kingdom of the Dells. Here there are monsters, enhanced and exceptionally beautiful versions of various animal species. Fire is a human monster, so beautiful that she has to hide her hair for fear of attack by both raptor monsters and human men. She is able to enter other people's minds and exert power over them. It is a tumultuous time in the kingdom, as various lords are preparing to overthrow the king, and Fire is drawn into the fray. With a larger cast and a more complex canvas than Graceling , the story begins slowly and takes its time establishing itself. Fire's path is not immediately clear, and although full of action, her quest is largely internal. While the plotting is well done, there are a few quibbles about Cashore's world-building and about the role of a major character from Graceling , Leck. But, this is Fire's story, and readers will fall in love with her as she struggles with her pivotal role in the war effort as well as her complex relationships with her oldest friend and lover, Archer; with Prince Brigan, whose mind is closed to her and who becomes central to her life; and with her monster father's fearsome legacy. More adult in tone than Graceling , this marvelous prequel will appeal to older teens, who will not only devour it, but will also love talking about it. Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review This prequel to Graceling (2008) introduces Fire, a monster-woman with the fundamental elements of her kind: a breathtaking beauty that inspires nearly irresistible sexual attraction and the dual powers of reading thoughts and bending another's will to her purposes. Though her father used his monster powers to control the kingdom for his own evil purposes, Fire struggles to use hers only for good. Her growing regard for the king, his brothers, and his sister leads to some uncomfortable dilemmas and decisions as well as, eventually, the revelation of old secrets. Drawn in to tip the delicate balance of forces struggling over the realm, she begins to trust herself to act on behalf of the royal family, though in doing so she violates a long-held principle that has held her considerable powers in check. Like its predecessor, this novel focuses on a young woman who thinks for herself, wields considerable powers, and acts courageously. While the two stories take place in adjoining lands and one character appears in both books, readers can enjoy this novel without having read Graceling. And enjoy it they will, with its vivid storytelling, strongly realized alternate world, well-drawn characters, convincing fantasy elements, gripping adventure scenes, and memorable love story.

Kirkus Reviews

A jewel-toned companion to Graceling (2008) inverts the trope of the exotic, gifted, irresistible fantasy heroine. Every species in the Dells has its impossibly attractive "monster" counterpart. Fire, last of the human monsters, must constantly use her mind-altering abilities to protect herself from the frenzied desire and resentful distrust of man and beast alike. Though her father used his powers to corrupt the kingdom, political tumult leads the ruling family to seek her aid, dispatching the one member strong enough to shield his thoughts. But the subtle intrigues of palace plots and even the sickening horrors of open warfare are vehicles to total immersion into Fire's character, and her experiences of crippling pain, guilt, fear, grief and—even more devastating—the fragile unfurling of trust, friendship and love. For this is a love story, not just a romance (although that as well, surpassingly sweet). As Fire journeys from her isolated home to slowly integrate herself into a wider community, she tentatively, tenderly, passionately falls in love with a family, a city, a kingdom, with the very contradictions that make them human—and, at the last, with her own place among them. Fresh, hopeful, tragic and glorious. (Fantasy. YA)