Review: A Wonderful Follow Up, but Can Still Stand Alone!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
I was really looking forward to this book release.  I have a soft spot for fairy tale retellings and Ms. Jaegar's first bookThe Cold Kingtook me by storm and became one of my all time favorites.  I love her style and while the books do pull from fairytales they are different from anything else I have read.The Fire King, which is loosely based around Snow White has it all- an abused princess, an evil step mother, a group of friends to the rescue and a handsome, but very angry king.  I like how Jaegar builds the storyline.  Princess Kat is not your typical princess- she is independent, adventurous, and slightly tomboyish as she has learned to navigate the world outside of court, in the forest.  I have to say my favorite parts of the book were the conversations she had with Lian.  They were very witty or insightful really making me connect with the main characters.The love story is fun to read though it is also the reason I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.  Jaegar's storyline sucks you in from the beginning but I feel the ending on this one is slightly lack luster. Still satisfying but could have been built up more with a bit more of a dramatic ending for readers.  The last chapter which I had really high hopes for just fell slightly flat for me.  The Cold King had a similar flat ending but for some reason it bothered me a lot less for that book.Though this is the second book in the King series it can definitely be read as a stand alone.  I do hope there will be more books to follow as I think the author has a gift in this genre.  Throughout the Fire King there were hints of a Cinderella retelling so I will cross my fingers and hope that is what is next.