The main characters are Leech, Koko, Scirye, and Bayang. Despite their differences they have one huge similarity: the four of them do not fit in with those around them. They want revenge on Roland, one who has hurt and killed friends and family. This drives the four of them closer together and makes them more persistent. They track Roland to Houlani, an island in Hawaii, where they befriend the Goddess of Volcanoes. Even with her help they may not be able to stop Roland before he gains the five treasures of Emperor Yu.

This book was incredible from the first paragraph. City of Fire arouses curiosity that makes you want to keep reading. I really liked how Yep showed the different thoughts of the main characters, he did this by dividing it into the chapters. The story ended very nicely, while still leaving a good opening for the next book in the series. I did not like that Roland had no real reason for being evil. He was just evil. Still I loved this book, so I give City of Fire five stars.

Laurence Yep is a two-time Newbery Honor Award winner. This latest trilogy takes place in an alternate version of the world, in the mid nineteenth century, with griffins, dragons, and a power hunger villain. I think this book is suitable for ages 10 and up.

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