And reaching the end explains why the sequel to Graceling is set in the past! These books link together in that some of the last thoughts and questions of the book lead to the next. Though as the next book is eight years after the first ( which was more than 10 years after the second), I'm left wondering why it left these guys so long to act! 
 I was worried for a time that the female leads of this book and Graceling were too similar, not wanting children or to be married, having/wishing for short hair etc, having come across series that are basically the same character outlines with different dressing, but in the end they seemed different enough and here's hoping they all meet! 
 Sorta wishing I hadnt picked up these books from my pile when I did, as the last instalment is so close, but at the same time so glad I read them. 
 I only finished Graceling a few days ago and launched right into Fire, but Fire makes me want to read Graceling again.