Teenage Fire’s beauty is mesmerizing, but the cruelty of her monster father, whose powers enabled him to manipulate and murder with ease, has shadowed her life. Being a monster is what makes Fire so irresistible, and also so hated. Now the royal family has asked that she use the powers that she loathes—for fear of what she might become—to help the kingdom. The Dells is under the leadership of a young king striving to stabilize the land with the support (and often leadership) of his siblings. Being invited into the royal family’s circle of trust is both tantalizing and frightening for Fire, especially since Prince Brigan, head of the army, seems to have nothing but contempt for her. Fans of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling (Harcourt, 2008) will relish this companion story, which is set in an earlier time and a neighboring kingdom. Many readers new to this author’s work will seek out that first book after reading Fire , which again features an original premise, a strong female protagonist, stellar storytelling, and a satisfying love story that unfolds amidst action and political intrigue. (Age 13 and older)