Fire by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis:
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair 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.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover a plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she wasn't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

My rating: 9/10

My Thoughts:
After reading Graceling, I wasn't entirely interested in reading a book that didn't involve Po and Katsa, but I'm glad I did because I LOVED IT. It was way different than I expected after reading the inside flap, but different in a good way. The characters were awesome and some of the small problems I had with Graceling, probably due it it being a first novel, were not present with Fire. Plus there was an interesting take on Beauty which give you something to think about. Now I can't wait for Kristen Cashore's next novel!

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Synopsis:
Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the region in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people. The woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom. And Anluan himself has been crippled by a childhood illness.

Then the young scribe Catrin appears in Anluan's garden, admiring the rare plant known as heart's blood. Retained to sort through entangled family documents, Caitrin brings about unexpected changes in the household, casting a hopeful light against the despairing shadows.

But even as Caitrin brings solace to Anluan, and the promise of something more between them, he remains in thrall to the darkness surrounding Whistling Tor. To free Anluan's burdened soul, Caitrin must unravel the web of sorcery woven by his ancestors before it claims his life-- and their love.

My Rating: 8/10

My Thoughts:
This book seemed to me different from Juliet Marillier's other novels. Though rich in historical detail, the conflict seemed much more localized with this book than say Sevenwaters or the Bridei novels. Instead, much of the plot revolved around personal demons rather than physical ones. This book starts off with a bang dropping us right in the middle of nowhere. Caitrin is running from an unspecificied past which we learn about slowly through out the novel. This is also different for Juliet, for she usually started off introducing us to the main characters when they are young and we get to watch them grow up. In the middle, the book slows down a bit and gets kind of preachy about the importance of hope, but picks up again at the end. Overall I enjoyed it, however, Juliet has yet to top the Sevenwaters books.