Book Summary (goodreads):
In a world where people born with an extreme skill- called a Grace- are feared and exploited, Katsa carries with her the burden of a skill even she despises- the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.
When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.
She never expects to become Po’s friend.
She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace- or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away… a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
Cover: I absolutely love it. Whoever designs Cashore’s beautiful covers is a genius.
Before Reading: this was one of those books I picked up on a whim because it looked like a good fighting type of novel. I didn’t really expect much, but I was totally engrossed by the time I finished the first few pages.
My Thoughts
I could NOT stop reading Graceling. I just had to know what happened next. Seeing the characters grow and change was like watching the speeded-up version of a budding flower- it was breathtaking.
Kristin Cashore has a way with words that makes them shimmer and come together to form truly beautiful prose. I could practically see the story burst to life. For a debut author- astounding. Where did she learn to write like this?
Watching the MC Katsa grow from a mere tool of King Randa’s to an independent, strong young adult was the best thing of all. She was exactly the kind of MC I like to read about- strong and able to stand on her own and make decisions, however hard they might be. Po, the male lead, was just as good. He had this magnetic quality to him that showed me why Katsa liked him as much as she did.
And yes, there was a bit of a love triangle, but just barely. It was obvious that Katsa couldn’t care less for Giddon, the guy who’s in love with her. That made me kind of sad, because Giddon seemed perfectly fine to me. *sighs* oh well, I guess Po had more of a history. And a Grace you’ll be shocked to find out.
Bitterblue, the little princess Katsa and Po go out to rescue, had the beginnings of a real heroine. I was a little sceptical of the way she talked, though- no ten year old, however smart, is as dignified and perceptive. I guess Bitterblue is really special…?
Parting Thoughts: this is a world that’s so well-constructed you almost start thinking this really was how things used to be. Add that to a great MC, lots of action, and an amazing adventure- voila! You get a great novel.
Rating: 5/5. I liked this book a LOT. I don’t think this is a book for certain types of people- I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. Graceling is full of surprises. And badassery.
