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Fire is about a young woman named Fire, one of the last human monsters alive. She constantly must cover her flame-colored hair to avoid being attacked by raptors and other monsters of the sky and land. She has the ability to control minds...and lives with the fear of turning into her father, Cansrel.
Meanwhile, Immiker, a boy with one gray eye and one red one, is born to a man named Larch, and has the remarkable ability to control people simply by speaking. When the king finds out about him, he convinces his father to take him away so that he cannot be found. Immiker learns more about his power and slowly discovers the art of manipulation, changing his name to one that will later strike fear into people's hearts: Leck.
And so begins the prequel to Graceling.
The book is full of deep messages and tells a powerful story. It takes place in a fantastical world where colorful monsters roam and raptors fly across the sky. The characters are wonderfully made - Fire is a strong character, filled with conflicting emotions about the morality of her power. She resides with her friend Archer in a relatively calm time, until a poacher mistakes her for a deer and shoots her with his arrow. This sets off a chain reaction of suspense-filled events and the mystery of an archer with an intent to harm.
When the king of King's City, Nash, hears about Fire's ability to read and control minds, he summons her to identify a man who was found within the city. Fire leaves the safety of her home to go to King's City, accompanied by the hostile yet charming Brigan and the King's Army. When she arrives, Fire struggles to fit in when her beauty makes her an outcast, and solve the mystery of the unknown archer and the political tension between the kingdoms.
Fire weaves a powerful story filled with suspense, drama, romance, and an intriguing young woman who must learn to deal with herself and who she really is. ]]>
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Ever since I saw the cover, I absolutely fell in love with this book. The cover is so bright and colorful, I couldn't help but being immediately drawn into it. Hats off to you, Jason Chan!
Eyes Like Stars is about Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, who, along with one of the coolest names ever, has Cobalt blue hair. She's an orphan who lives at the Theatre Illuminata, a magical theater where all the plays of the world are acted out. Of course, I couldn't help but adore her four little fairy friends, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed, and Peaseblossom, who add a touch of humor to the story. Bertie is wonderfully written--Lisa Mantchev has created a bold, witty character who can stand up for herself. When Bertie is on the brink of losing her beloved home for good, she has to find a way to make herself invaluable so the Theater Manager can't kick her out. Bertie has to become a Director and restage Hamlet in Ancient Egypt.
Lisa Mantchev weaves a unique, remarkable tale that left me breathless for more. It was so intriguing to read about Nate, a pirate from The Little Mermaid, and Ariel, an air elemental from The Tempest, who plays the role of the antagonist. The idea of someone living in a magical theater shocked me at first, and it was difficult to wrap my brain around in the beginning. But as soon as I understood, I was whirled away on an intense, dramatic journey of Bertie and her struggle to hold on to the things and people that she love most, and at the same time discover the truth about her heritage.
Congratulations on your spectacular new novel, Lisa. Don't leave me waiting for the sequel! ]]>