“Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Bought
Other posts: Fire, Bitterblue, Cover Love
Summary from Goodreads:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
Oh boy, where do I begin with this book. Cashore creates a wonderful story with such ease. I was drawn in almost right away. I wanted nothing more than to get lost with Katsa, Po, and Bitterblue.
Can we talk about how much I loved Katsa? I love strong heroines. Not to mention she’s totally able to take care of herself. Most of all, I appreciated her approach to romance. She’s not one of those girls who falls in insta-love. (YAY) She’s actually pretty hesitant about falling for Po. She almost doesn’t want it and is scared about being with him. It’s one of the most true to life interactions I’ve read. Being that open and honest with anyone is terrifying. She’s got a good head on her shoulders and she’s not afraid to be honest about what she wants (or rather what she doesn’t want). Po was just wonderful as well. I don’t normally get wrapped up or swooned by fictional guys but he definitely won my heart.
The story was a bit long and complex. The story was paced pretty well. It is long but I never felt like it was dragging. The story moved perfectly along for my taste. Cashore was able to mix the action and the “feelings” pretty well. I never felt like I was overwhelmed with either one. I’m still a bit fuzzy about everything that happened and the circumstances surrounding the story. I enjoyed the idea of being Graced. I know there probably aren’t “rules” to it but I would have liked to know more about it. What exactly is it? What can you be Graced with? Where does it come from? Why is it such a bad thing? I need more information!
The bottom line? I loved this book. You should pick it up ASAP if you haven’t already read it.
The Cheap Reader 
Graceling was one of my favorite books of 2010 for sure. Fire is a bit more bizarre, but still a good read. I am also looking forward to Bitterblue!
Ooooo! This book sounds so good. I can’t wait to read it.
I can’t wait until Bitterblue. I am so excited that it is FINALLY coming out!
Great review! I love Graceling by Kristin Cashore (I even reviewed it on my blog!), but I had to read it a couple of times to understand more of the rules. Maybe you should read it a couple of times. I guarantee you’ll learn something new each time you read it.
Good to know! It’s definitely a book I’d re-read.
Awesome review, Alison. I liked Graceling a lot too, and Fire even more! Guess the time is right for a re-read before Bitterblue.
Oh, now I’m even more excited for Fire knowing you liked it even more than Graceling!
Alison, Fire is an excellent book! I still like Graceling better, but that’s just me. I should have a review on Fire up next week, actually.
Great, Carrie! I look forward to reading your review. 🙂
Great review 😉 I loved Graceling as well. ❤ so extremely amazing. I just want more and more and more and more 🙂
Thank you for commenting on my Top Ten. ❤
Love, Carina @ Carina’s Books
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