Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Book #: 1st of Trilogy


Publisher: Harcourt

Publish Date: October 1st 2008

Pages: 471

Format: Hardcover


Date Read (Throwback): November 11th 2012

Rating: ★★★★★  / out of 5

When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?

Summary:

In a world where people born with an extreme skill - called a Grace - are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the 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.
(Summary taken from Goodreads)

Review:

This book had a very Medieval feel. The way the characters talked, the settings, and the transportation! It was a very refreshing break from all the Sci-fi novels I have been reading.

The characters were amazing, as well! Every one was perfectly crafted, and many had witty personalities that kept me entertained. The romance between Po and Katsa, the friendship between Katsa and Raff, and the sister-like behavior of Bitterblue and Katsa, all left me heart-warmed and made it extremely relate-able. 

I was happy about the way the book started, thrilled by the way it progressed, and satisfied with the ending. I only hope the best for Katsa as she returns to Randa's castle to face him. I also wish that her and Po stay together, but not by marriage, of course. 

I know that the third book in this series is titled Bitterblue so I only assume that Bitterblue will be the center of attention in it. I was a bit disappointed when I found out that the series wouldn't be continuing from Katsa's point of view. But, at the same time, I loved Bitterblue's character just as much and cannot wait to learn more of her and the new characters in the second book. 

Overall, I love love this book. You must read it. 

Quotes:

"Katsa. Is it too much for you to understand that a man might be hungry after you've beaten him half to death?"

"Your eyes are beautiful."

"The notion of having a lover was to Katsa something like discovering a limb she'd never noticed before."

How absurd it was that in all seven kingdoms, the weakest and most vulnerable of people - girls, women - went unarmed and were taught nothing of fighting, while the strong were trained to the highest reaches of their skill.


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/405445009