A companion novel to "Graceling," this tale helps give the origin story to the evil bad buy in that book, while introducing a mystical realm not previously mentioned. Fire is a "monster" so beautiful men (and sometimes women) throw themselves at her, try to rape her, and want to possess her for her beauty, but also her mind reading and altering capabilities. Cashore deftly weaves a tale of redemption and "coming of age" for a characters that have their flaws, but are sympathetic and endearing none the less. A haunting and romantic fantasy. Can't wait to read Bitterblue.