Fire
"Fire lives in the Dells, where the forests are filled with spies and thieves, and where rebel lords plot against the young King Nash. Irresistible and wild in appearance, Fire is the last remaining human monster. She is equally hated and adored for her unique ability to control minds. But she guards this power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many secrets of her own. Then Prince Brigan comes for her. The royal family needs her help. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she has ever dreamed. And more to dream than she has ever allowed herself."
Fire by Kristen Cashore is the (technical) second installment of the Graceling series. After some research, I have found that one can read the books in any order. However, the suggested order is Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue, Winterkeep, and then Seasparrow. So far, I have found this order to be faithful. One can most certainly approach this series from any angle, but there are certain understandings in reading it in the written order.
After Graceling, I thought that the written world was already built for me from the first installment of the series. However, Fire, takes place in a strange land on the other side of a deadly mountain range. A world where there are normal animals and humans, and then monster versions of them. These monsters have the ability to manipulate the mind and seduce with their spectacular beauty.
This has created incredibly guarded minds in some of the human people.
I am coming to understand that the beginnings of these novels are meant for building. They give the reader ample time to understand the politics, locations, and general lively details of the given world before really accelerating the plot.
This plot did indeed accelerate at the point of the climax. I was on the edge of my seat and putting off sleep in favor of reading once the plots revealed themselves.
This is a tale of self-discovery, proving that one does not have to become their parents. Humanity is not infallible, even among the most morale of their ranks. This is a brief tale of war, but mostly purpose.
I loved this installment and found myself empathizing with Fire. I found myself becoming proud and happy for her as she developed into a person all of her own.
I look forward to reading Bitterblue next!