Bookverdict.com

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, ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In the Dells, across the mountains from the Seven Kingdoms (Graceling, rev. 11/08), there are no preternaturally gifted Gracelings, but there are monsters—magical, often dangerous versions of real creatures. The most dangerous of all are the human monsters, of which Fire is one. Raised by her guardian Lord Brocker to have a conscience, she shrinks from attention and covers the inhumanly red hair that marks her heritage. When Fire accompanies Brocker's son Archer to court, she is recruited, with her ability to read and cajole minds, to aid in roy...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

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 con...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Fire is a fully developed and sympathetic and engaging character. The psychological and social implications of Fire’s power are fascinating and fully explored. Her power seems natural and essential to the story, not just convenient or useful. Fire’s development of her power is gratifyi...Log In or Sign Up to Read More