Fire

Reader: Frances W
Age: 12
Title: Fire
Author: Kristen Cashore
Publisher: Dial Books
Pub Date: 9/?/o9
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Trouble is upon Fire, the most beautiful and powerful woman in the Dells. War is coming, something is fogging the minds around her, and she is having trouble living down her deceased evil father's legacy. She must do something—but what?
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It was a big adventure book and it showed you the downsides to being beautiful. I really liked Fire and all her friends—her mind reading really gave you insight to all the characters. This gives them a lot of depth. Fire's multiple enemies and the danger she faces are thrilling, while her kindness made me really really hope she would be okay.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most interesting part would probably be Fire herself. She has so much depth, and her flashbacks just add to that. Her kindness and love make her one of my favorite characters of all time.
Did you finish: Yes
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents: It did tempt me to pick it up. Not just because it's the prequel to Graceling—although that made me want to read it even more. I liked that you couldn't see Fire's face because that way you can picture her for yourself—the most beautiful woman in the world.
Age Range: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18 up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal