I really enjoyed reading Fire; I couldn't help but to get caught up in Brigan's character. His emotions really struck me, and you never got enough of him to satisfy, it was very well done. For the first several chapters I actually thought Brigan was a bad guy. It helps that his name sounds like brigand.
So the story is actually about Fire, who possesses powers that are rare and surprising. Everyone knows who she is and has a strong reaction to her- hatred, or adoration. She is asked to assist the king in discovering the origins of a certain spy, and gets involved in matters at the court. Of course there are lots of things that happen there, you'll just have to read those for yourself.
Pros:
*I really enjoyed the love story. It was a bit anti-climatic, but that allowed for more believability.
*I love kids, and so the presence of a well-written child makes me like a book more. (The princess is Graceling even moreso)
*Imperfect royal family.
*Plot progression. Yes, it's slower than most books, but if you like the way Robin McKinley's books read, then you'll be okay with Fire.
*I couldn't stop reading, which is always an enjoyable experience.
Cons:
*I'm putting slow-moving plot as a con as well, because for most people it would be a negative aspect.
*Fire's father Cansrel. You can't do everything right, and while I feel that the idea of having a 'bad' father who was capable of kindness is a good thing to reach for, I just couldn't buy it. Something was missing from Cansrel's part in the story.
*I couldn't help but think that if Fire is the last human monster, everyone would have an opinion about whether or not she should have children, and everyone would tell her of their opinion.
*Like Graceling, I wouldn't recommend this to a young reader. There's less description of sex scenes than in Graceling, but they are still present. Also, confoundingly present is the use of abortive birth control. This upsets me.