Book Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book Review:  Fire by Kristin Cashore


Continuing the tradition of reading books my kids are interested in is paying off in some interesting ways.

This is the second novel in a YA trilogy by Kristin Cashore, although it is actually a prequel to the novel Graceling. 

Three Things I Like About Fire:
1.  Monsters:  The monsters are counterparts to the "natural" creatures in the world, and this concept is both wonderful and imaginative.  The idea of creatures that are amped up in terms of their beauty, ferocity, giftedness, danger and intrigue is captivating and drives much of the story. The concept also begs the question what makes a monster monstrous?  Such an idea kept me interested in how this characterization would play out.

2.  Morality:  Morality plays a large role in this novel.  When is it moral to murder?  What is the moral thing to do about an unplanned pregnancy?  Is it moral to co-opt someone's free will under dire circumstances?  Is morality even relevant?  Heavy thoughts for YA readers, but important conversations to be had.

3.  Agency:  I absolutely love the agency Fire commands in the story.  Although she concedes that it is her father who grants her that agency initially, there are numerous moments in the story when Fire presumes and demands agency.  Her strength and determination are commendable.

Three Things I Liked Less about Fire:
1.  Blending of Storylines:  As a prequel to Graceling, I was hoping for a more meaningful and seamless blending of the storylines of Fire and Graceling.  The glints offered about Leck's role in both stories left me with a lot of unanswered questions.  Perhaps Bitterblue will fill in those gaps...

2.  Final Battle Scene:  Without spoiling anything, the final battle scene was confusing:  Was it Leck's interference that turned the scene?  Was it simply espionage and treachery?  Too many unanswered questions that were not addressed left me wanting more clarity.

3.  Ending:  I like an ambiguous ending sometimes, but since this is a prequel, I expected a less "sterile" ending.  There is a touch of happily-ever-after at work here, and it is unsettling because, having read Graceling first, I know that is an illusion.  This illusion leaves too many questions.

I'm hoping that Bitterblue will fill in the gaps that Fire widened in the story arcs...

Source:
Cashore, Kristin.  Fire.  New York:  Dial Books, 2009.  Print.