Graceling by Kristen Cashore

I couldn't put Graceling down. Similar to Alison Croggan's Books of Pellinor, Graceling brings the story of the seven kingdoms to life. The setting is unique, thoughtful, detailed and believable. Each character comes to life through Cashore's detailed descriptions and distinct voices. They each become a friend, long after the book is finished. The story is a well-paced blend of internal struggle, history and culture of the kingdoms, storytelling, fight scenes, and adventuring.


Katsa is one of a special group of people born with a a grace--some special or unusual skill. Katsa's unusual talent puts her under the control of her uncle the king as little more than a thug. She comes to discover that she alone is responsible for her actions, and through this developes the personality the readers come to love.

The story of Katsa growing into and controlling her Grace is balanced with story of her growing friendship of the Lienid prince, Po.

This book is a story of self-discovery. The heroine journeys through good and evil as well as romance and ends up knowing exactly who she is and that she controls her life. I agree with http://hiplibrariansbookblog.blog-city.com/graceling.htm when she says Po is now vying alongside Marcus Flutie and Jacob Black for best boyfriend in YA fiction. The

Po is now vying alongside Marcus Flutie and Jacob Black for best boyfriend in YA fiction. I can't wait to read Fire, the prequel.