Five starred reviews—raves from readers—the prequel to the bestsellingGraceling!It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praisedGracelinghas an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don't need to have readGracelingto loveFire. But if you haven't, you'll be dying to read it next.This edition includes an article by and an interview with Kristin Cashore, as well as a sneak peek at her next book,Bitterblue!Kristin Cashore(kristincashore.blogspot.com) has worked as a dog runner, a packer in a candy factory, an editorial assistant, a legal assistant, and a freelance writer. She has lived in many places (including Sydney, New York City, Boston, London, Austin, and Jacksonville, Florida), and she currently lives in the Boston area. Her first novel, theNew York TimesbestsellingGraceling, has received multiple starred reviews; its awards and citations include being named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an Andre Norton Award Finalist, aPublishers WeeklyBest Book of the Year, and aBooklistEditors' Choice.★ "Cashore's prose has matured, growing piercing and elegant . . . This stand-alone prequel surpasses Cashore's debut and paves the way for further exploration of a world in which readers will happily immerse themselves."-The Horn Book, starred review★ "Fire . . . tentatively, tenderly, passionately falls in love with a family, a city, a kingdom, with the very contradictions that make them human-and, at the last, with her own place among them. Fresh, hopeful, tragic and glorious."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "[R]eaders can enjoy this novel without having readGraceling. . . . and enjoy it they will, with its vivid storytelling, strongly realized alternate world, well-drawn characters, convincing fantasy elements, gripping adventure scenes, and memorable love story."-Booklist, starred review★ "[R]eaders will fall in love with [Fire]. . . . More adult in tone thanGraceling, this marvelous prequel will appeal to older teens, who will not only devour it, but will also love talking about it."-School Library Journal, starred review★ "[I]ts themes-embracing your talents and moving out of your parents' shadow-are similar [to those ofGraceling], as is the absorbing quality of Cashore's prose . . . Many twists propel the action . . . tension that keeps the pages turning."-Publishers Weekly, starred review★ "There aren't enough words to describe how awesome this book is."-Romantic Times, Top Pick/Gold Star