This book in 6 words : can’t believe waited to read this
I put off reading Fire by Kristin Cashore. I LOVED Graceling and believe I was hesitant out of fear that it wouldn’t live up to the first book and would cause Graceling to lose some of its magic. I was wrong. It only made me love the world Cashore created even more. If I had to pick a favorite between the two I’m not sure that I could. I will say that although others have said that you could read these out of order, I believe it’s best to read Graceling first and then Fire.
With wild, irresistable appearance and hair like the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has 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. – inside book cover
Fire is set in the same world as Graceling but across the mountains in a kingdom called the Dells and years earlier. The Dells doesn’t have native Gracelings, however they do have monsters. Beautiful, colorful, mind-stealing monsters of all kinds. Fire is the last human monster. The kingdom around her is in the middle of an internal battle and Fire must find her place in the war.
This book is much more adult than Graceling. There is plenty of action, but most of the conflict is emotional. It is also darker and more complex. There are more characters, but I never felt confused. I will say that I cried more than I expected. I think I realized how talented Cashore really is when I came across a twist in the story that was kind of obvious, but I had completely overlooked it because I was so entranced by the story.
THANK YOU to everyone who voted for this and got me to finally read it!! I highly recommend this to everyone, but again I must insist that you read Graceling first. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, Bitterblue, to come out! I’m now suffering from severe PABD 
— Wait, you don’t know what PABD is? Well then head over here and see if you have it and how to live with it.
I am so glad you loved it!! I can’t wait to read it now! I agree that sometimes you don’t want to spoil the first book you loved if the second isn’t as good. I am reading “Her Fearful Symmetry” at the moment but kept putting it off for that very reason.. because The Time Traveler’s Wife was so good.. I don’t want Niffenegger ruined if this isn’t brilliant too.. but we will see how it goes, only 30 or so pages in.
I’m glad I waited a little bit between the two, but it doesn’t take away from Graceling at all.
I couldn’t get into “Her Fearful Symmetry”. Interested to see what you think of it!
I told you it was even better than Graceling. I guess you weren’t reading my blog back then.
I did read your review! It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you… I just didn’t know how it could be better without taking away from Graceling, but she totally pulled it off
You recommended Graceling to me a couple of years ago, I didn‘t read it at the time but now I have and loved it. So much so that I read Fire straight after.