Beautiful book. Do not think I will ever tire of reading it. In fact, I haven't yet. 
 Fire's character, whilst not strong in body is strong in mind, which she does so much with. She has flaws but she has so many strengths. I love her character; and thankfully I've been finding MC's over the years that I actually like and not just put up with. 
 Brigan *swoon* enough said. The romance between Fire and Brigan is slow [thank the gods!] and builds up to heartfelt, real, touching romance. I love it! Compared drastically to many YA books that are out there nowadays. 
 Supportive characters: loved them all. Period. I loved everyone in this book! Except of course, Leck 'cause he's a...freak. In a bad way. 
 The world-building is wonderful, along with the descriptions of certain places. But the castle. Had such issues picturing it, minus the black walls, greenhouse and the stables. I adore Cashore's writing; her prose. She is talented when it comes to writing, creating characters, the politics. Can definitely tell where her strength is in her novel writing. 
 Alright, this review is crap. Considering I've read this book three times shy of a dozen, I can't write a proper review. 
 Oh, another note: Fire's character is so much different to Katsa and the two should NOT be compared. They're strengths are different. Along with their weaknesses. Also, Fire wanted to have children and her and Brigan will most likely marry. Katsa didn't. I do not see how people find these books are anti-marriage and all that other stuff. 
 And did I mention I named my horse after one of the characters? Brigan. And he's as noble and strong willed as the character in the book.