Review: Fire (Graceling Realm #2) by Kristin Cashore

Fire (Graceling Realm #2)
by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: January 25th 2011 by Firebird
Format: Paperback, 528 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter

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 love Graceling and was excited to read Fire. The book was set up earlier than Graceling in a world where monsters and humans mixed with Fire as the last human monster who had the power to control minds. Although Fire was a prequel to Graceling, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

I love Fire. She was strong, a bit stubborn and insecure about her power. It was good to see her character development. I enjoyed the story, although, the story did confuse me a bit at the beginning. The author did a really great job with writing world of monsters. There were a few twists that I didn't expect to see and shocking secrets between the characters. What I didn't really like about the book was the casual sex between the characters. In my opinion, there were just too much. Kinda makes me wonder why the book was targeted for young adults. 

But still, Fire was a great companion to Graceling. I have to admit that I love Graceling more than Fire, but they're both great stories with great heroine.

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)
by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: 2008
Format: Paperback, 471 pages
Author:  Website, Twitter

Deadly Grace

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graces as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away..

I was really excited to read Graceling by Kristin Cashore since it was recommended by a friend. She wanted me to read Bitterblue, but I think it would be better if I read the series from the beginning. 

As a Graceling, Katsa had a gift, a skill which able to kill a man with bare hands. Her life slowly changed when she met Po, a Graced fighter. She began to learn more of her Grace and her capabilities. Katsa, the heroine of Graceling was one of my favorite heroines of all time. She was strong, fierce, and independent and she got a bit of humor in her. I love the other characters as well, although at first, Po’s name reminded me of that Teletubbies.

Graceling have lots of slow parts. I think I started to really enjoy the book when Katsa and Po had an encounter with King Leck and led them to meet Bitterblue. But still, it was written beautifully. I love the romance between Katsa and Po. Although the ending makes me a little bit sad. It was beautiful, but sad.

Overall, Graceling was a book packed with romance, action and bits of humor. I would definitely recommend Graceling to anyone who loves strong, independent heroine. I cannot wait to read more of Graceling Realm—Fire and Bitterblue.