Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; People with Abilities

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: 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. When she first meets Prince Po, 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.

This is Kristin Cashore’s first novel, and it’s a page turner. It is set up in a fantasy world where some people are graced with an ability. It can be anything from an increased sense of hearing to the ability to kill. I truly enjoyed the main character. Her struggle with her grace and how she tries to make up for what she is ordered to do. The world in which the story takes place is compelling. Prince Po is a brilliant character that has his own growth throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading Fire.

Publisher: Graphia

ISBN: 0547258305

Pages: 480

Series: Graceling Realm

Volume: 1