Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)

by Kristin Cashore

In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are feared and exploited, Katsa carries 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 carry out his dirty work, punnishing and torturing anyone who displeases him. Breaking arms and cutting off fingers are her stock-in-trade. Finding life under his rule increasingly unbearable Katsa forms an underground Council, whose purpose is to combat the destructive behavior of the seven kings - after all, the Middluns is only one of the seven kingdoms, and each of them is ruled its own king with his own personal agenda for power. When the Council hears that the King of Liend's father has been kidnapped Katsa investigates ...and stumbles across a mystery. Who would want to kidnap him, and why? And who was the extraordinary Graced fighter who challenged her fighting skills, for the first time, as she and the Council rushed the old man to saftey? Something dark and deadly is rising in the north and creeping across the continent, and behind it all lurks the shadowy figure of a one eyed king ...

• ISBN10: 0547351275
• ISBN13: 9780547351278
• Publish Date: 7 September 2009 (first published 1 October 2008)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Clarion Books
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 480
• Language: English

Reviews

[Kelsenator]

For the full review, check out my blog Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf

A Graceling is a person who has a hightened ability, like they could be amazing at cooking, swimming, or even read the minds of those around them. They have two different coloured eyes, and others are sometimes frightened by them, depending on what their gift may be. Katsa’s seems to be killing, so most won’t look her in the eyes for fear of her.

Katsa is a very strong female character, who doesn’t want to be owned or controlled by anyone, who wants to make her own decisions and live on her terms. This is difficult for her however, as she is the King’s niece, and goes out to punish those who don’t do as he says. She hates doing this, and wonders if she could ever find a way out of it. She also has quite the temper, and sometimes has trouble controlling it for she might end up hurting someone by accident.

Then one day she meets a fighter, Po, who is like her, a Graceling. She is drawn to him, and as they practice fighting they become closer, they become friends, something Katsa doesn’t have too many of. Now one thing about Katsa, is she doesn’t want to be tied down to a man, so she will never marry or have kids. I was kind of wondering if she would change her mind, but she doesn’t, and still manages to be with someone in a way.

As for the rest of the story, there are lots of fights, journeying, some danger and people who would wish them harm along the path they choose to go. I won’t give it away, but Bitterblue is so awesome, even though she’s young I just really liked her, how she tried to handle everything. Katsa’s fighting is so cool, and I loved Po’s Grace in this. The ending wrapped up well, but it was still a bit sad at one point, so be warned. One thing I’m thankful for, is the map included in the physical copy of the book, I find I reference them quite a bit sometimes and it really helps!

This is a great fantasy novel, with action and adventures and some romance. Try it out, and let me know what you think!

[Amanda]

Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2012/06/04/review-graceling-kristin-cashore/

From listening to Kristin talk about her work, I figured I would probably end up enjoying her books. So far so good. My only concern about Graceling going into it was that a few people said that they weren’t fond of Katsa. I needn’t worry. I did not have any issues with Katsa. I think her character was true to form. There’s nothing soft and huggable about Katsa. And with her Grace, that’s the way it should be.

The pacing of Graceling surprised me. I’m not really sure why. I went into this without preconceived notions (I barely even read the synopsis), but I think what threw me was how the romance progressed. For some reason, I expect the romance to proceed right along with the plot, and the getting together part happening at the very end. It didn’t happen that way here. But I still loved the romance (and Po). And I hope that we can revisit both Katsa and Po in future stories.

Kristin Cashore really has a way with telling stories. I loved the concept of Graces, of Katsa struggling with her Grace, and finding herself. Because I started this book after both Fire and Bitterblue have released, I was really intrigued and captivated by Bitterblue, knowing that she has her own story. And I wanted to skip Fire and head straight into Bitterblue after finishing Graceling (I didn’t, and I won’t, but I wanted to). I definitely want to immerse myself in this world more. I do remember Kristin saying at her signing that she wish she would have spent more time on world building in this book, so I’m hoping with Fire and Bitterblue, I get an even better sense of the world.

If you’re a fan of fantasy and kick ass heroines, Graceling is a book you want to look out for. Though this is probably more of an older YA book (think like Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder), I can see it appealing to a broad range of ages.

[bookishzelda]

Some great world building in this book, I would find myself trying to map out the seven kingdoms in my head. I’m horrible with directions and I think it’s possible that I might even be able to find my way from Randa’s realm to Ror’s kingdom. It was very descriptive about the kingdom terrains and the culture. To me I thought it was so fascinating and I wanted to hear more about all the kingdoms. This book is really about the characters. In a way it’s 3 books..Katsa’s story, Po’s story and Bitterblue’s story and how the three affect one another and kind of merge together.
I found Katsa to be a really intriguing character. Even though she’s killed or severely injured gobs of men, she was still innocent. She seemed almost robotic at the beginning of the book, just functioning how she was told to function in part because she believed herself to be a trained killer and nothing more. Though you do see that she actually does care about people and the world around her, it takes the saying “actions speak louder than words” to heart. Even though we never see her really embrace being a girl, we see her change as the book progresses and especially when she meets Po. I didn’t mind that she is set on the fact that she doesn’t want to get married. I don’t think it has anything to do with hating men. The way I saw it, is that the way the world she’s in works is that your husband has the ability to make your decisions for you. This is what has happened to her for her whole life. She felt like that Randa had control over her and there was nothing she could do about. For her not marrying someone does not mean she doesn’t love them but she is afraid of being trapped.
Po is a great character. For some reason he reminds me of the pirate Peter Blood from the book Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini. He has that witty sarcastic charm about him. He radiates a laid back and care free persona even though you can tell he is kind, caring and would do anything for the ones he loves.
I also really enjoyed Bitterblue, which makes me excited to read the book dedicated to her. Her character definitely stands out.
Of course there is a love story. It’s sweet and strange all at the same time. It actually seemed more comfortable than anything else. The progression of it was natural and it didn’t come slap you in the face. I loved Katsa’s reaction to it when she realized what was going on because she really had not thought of anyone in that way before. Very cute.
The plot was good, like I said the book is more about world building and the characters. It’s like the plot revolves around the characters rather than the characters revolving around the plot. I thought it was well done though. There were points when I was wondering how they were going to get themselves out of the mess that they were in. I was good with the ending it just felt right.
Definitely an enjoyable read.

[nitzan_schwarz]

JUST POSTED ON MY BLOG!

I really cannot even describe the amount of love I have for this book. Can you shout BLEW MY MIND AWAY loud enough?!

This book came to me in the midst of a reading slump. All the books I read seemed to be alright, but none of them were great. They were interesting, but they didn't hold my interest. I didn't hate them, but I didn't love them either. I was starting to despair.

And then came Graceling, a book I've been thinking of reading for a while. I found it in my local bookstore to my great surprise, and with such a beautiful cover I couldn't resist getting it (and its sequel).

What I found when I opened this book is an amazing, incredible adventure like nothing I've read before. One that sucks you in so deeply that you cannot put it away, because it is as if your life hangs in the balance.

Tired of main characters who are just plain useless? who are pathetic and petty and exist only in their tiny little worlds? Whose biggest concern is which guy to chose - Sweet A or Bad Boy B? Well, you're in luck, because Katsa is nothing like that. 

Katsa is, in one word, phenomenal. It's important you understand this. She is strong. She is brave. She is goodhearted and kind. She tortures herself because of her abilities and powers. She is afraid of her own anger and keeps a tight leash on it. And she is very, very human. And, to me, very beautiful.

Quite frankly, Katsa is the kind of character that makes me proud to be a woman. 

Next to such an incredible woman has to be an equally incredible man. And Po is just that. It's been almost four years since I read this book (and I desperately want to re-read it), and the guy is still at the top of my top-ten-book-boyfriend list. 

He is kind. He is good. He is strong. He is brave. And... he's not without his share of dark secrets. Everything about Po drew me in - from the way he converses, to the way he stand, sits, walks, laughs... It was the first time(since Harry Potter) a book made me see a character so clearly in my head, like he was right there in front of me.

And the romance between these two... *dreamy sigh*. Let's just say it's befitting to two such incredible people. 

Next to Katsa and Po are a wide range of characters, all wonderful (even the villain is wonderfully atrocious and evil). I feel like every supporting character could easily have their own story--and I'm sure I would gobble it up.

The one I feel compelled to mention though is Bitterblue, a young princess at the age of ten. She was so adorable, and strong beyond her years. In a way, she was both like a child to Po and Katsa and a mother to them as well. 

This intense novel has, to me, a perfect ending. It's not a completely happy one, and it definitely leaves you with a taste for more. But at the same time, you know all you really need to know. And the choices which were made were 100% fitting and right for the characters, even if personally I would like something different for them.

And at the end of the day, all you can really ask from an author is to be true to the character he or she created.#IApprove

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OLD VERSION
To read this review organized and full, go to my blog Drugs Called Books

I cannot describe the amount of love I have for this book.

Let me start with this: My new book crush is officially Po!

This book had been something of a blessing for me. I have been struggling for the past few months with books which were good, but not great. Books which were interesting, but didn't make me grip my chair in suspense, gritting my teeth and wanting to know more, and more, and more. And there came Graceling.
Graceling was on my to-read-list for a long while now. I had not read it because I did not find it in my local bookstore, and while the summery did interest me, it didn't make me want to read it right away. I feel genuinely sorry for that, now, for it is an incredible book.
I simply couldn't put the book down once I started. Kristin Cashore waved this incredible universe, in a way I didn't get lost. It felt as if I was reading of something as natural as the "real world", rather than a fictional novel. The details were so alive, so vivid, that I could see it in my mind. I could see, and believe, even though this is set in a world that doesn't exist.
Let me start with Katsa. Katsa, the main character of this book, is phenomenal. She is strong, brave and good heartened. She is kind, but doesn't perceive herself such. She is tortured by her own abilities and powers, and fears her own anger, but never lets it control her. She is extremely believable, extremely human and extremely beautiful in my eyes.
Po, as I said before, is my new crush. I want a Po, if you get what I mean. His personality just drew me in so much, the way he converse and the way he's described standing, laughing, walking... I just don't have the words to describe how much I love him.
Bitterblue, who now has her own book, was an adorable character to have. Small, but strong and caring--almost mothering toward her much older companions, at times (especially toward the end). She brought out sides in Katsa I don't even think our lovely heroine realizes she has.
The supportive characters were also beautifully executed, such as they didn't feel too dull or too irrelevant or plain meaningless. No, they were all the kind that kept me wondering when we were going to hear of them again.
The ending was wonderful, as well. It left a taste for more, no doubt, and more we shall get - because Katsa and Po (3) will make appearances in Bitterblue, which I can't wait to read.

Conclusion: I just loved this book so very much. I recommend it for everyone and am so very glad I decided to pick it up in the book store when I saw it!


To read this review organized and full, go to my blog Drugs Called Books

[Hixxup]

really good book, I thought the set up was good the plot was good, but I'm not quite sure on how I feel on the ending. it seems like it sets you up for a continuation of katsa and po's adventures but it doesn't unfortunately

[celinenyx]

I don't know why I didn't really get into Graceling. The premise sounded interesting, and this book has been on my TBR since forever. Yet now I read it, it doesn't feel like I will remember this book for long.

Katsa is Graced. Marked with two differently coloured eyes, she has the ability to fight a whole army with her bare hands, and come out of the fray alive. Since her Grace has manifested, she is being used by her king as a political pawn. She is sent on missions to carry out his law, even though he can be cruel and petty in his judgements.

I think my main problem with this book is the heroine, Katsa. A great deal of this book focusses on her relationship with the romantic interest Po. However, Katsa seems to be completely oblivious to all signs of affection, making me want to face-palm at multiple events. When she finally did understand Po actually cares for her, she keeps pushing him away, repeating her "I won't marry" mantra.

The thing is, I could understand the not-marrying thing, if Katsa had a truly good reason for it. However, this reason is never fully explored. I guess it could have something to do with her dominating uncle, but that still doesn't explain her extreme fear of commitment. She hasn't been abused by men. She has no bad experiences with her parents' marriage, because she never had parents.

I have seen some people calling Katsa "feminist" in their reviews, but I would never use that term in this context. Katsa is no feminist. She only pushes people away, not because she doesn't need them, but because she is afraid to be close to anyone. She has very few friends, and the tiny handful she has, are all people she needs in her quest to protect the commons from the King. I wouldn't call this trait a strenght, but a flaw.

Because I didn't react well to the heroine, I was kind of counting on the plot to carry me through the book. Not so lucky for me, the plot is not that strong. There is some minor mystery, and some nice action and a stir of tension, but nothing that keeps you turning the pages. The main focus of Graceling is truly Katsa's transformation. I am glad she did transform a bit in the end, or this wouldn't have been a 3-star rating.

Graceling has a delightful sidecast which make me curious of the other two books in the series. Especially Bitterblue, the tiny princess, seems like an interesting character that I would love to read some more about.

If I wasn't reading this book for a challenge, I probably wouldn't have finished it. I'm not sure if the ending makes the effort worth it, but in my opinion it was probably the best part of the book. If you're looking for a captivating young-adult high-fantasy, I would not recommend Graceling. If you can overcome and even start to love Katsa's personality, you will enjoy this book quite a lot.

[elysium]

When Katsa was 8 year old she accidently kills her cousin and she learns that she has the Grace of killing. Her uncle King Randa uses her to punish everyone who displeases him and Katsa learns to hate him for this. Katsa organizes a Council that tries to help people and it is the Coucil’s job to rescue the King of Lienid’s father whe he’s kidnapped. While on the rescue Katsa meets another Graceling with matching fighting skill who turns out to be Prince Po of Lienid and looking for his missing grandfather.

I have some mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed it but I’m still having problems writing my feelings about it.

I liked Katsa, she was tough and nice but I felt that I was supposed to be more scared of her than I was. And at times she was more childish than 10 year old Bitterblue who acts much older than her age. And if you can’t feel pain then why make such a huge thing about hairpins digging into scalp?

But I liked Po (what kind of name is that?) and Raffin. Po was so cute and fun and loved the way he understood Katsa.

It wasn’t bad and I liked it but guess I was again expecting something more. I have Fire also so I’m curious to see how that one goes.

[Linda]

Such a different story! I love Kat, and Ruffin and Bann and Po. They are all wonderful! And I love how Kat realizes that she can change things and what she has to do to be a better person. I definitely recommend this book to all my friends!

[rakesandrogues]

Took me longer than I would have liked to really get into the story. By the end of the book, it astonished me how I really came to like Po.

[ladygrey]

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. The title is great, the premise was interesting but never fully developed. Katsa was written more as a boy than an actual heroine. Which was disappointing because I wanted to see her wrestle with living at court and being a lady while being treated like a thug. The author never shows any side to her but the thug, never delving into the interesting places where that would clash with her femininity. There were so many complexities Katsa could have had, with her role in her uncle's court, her wrestling with her identity and how the things that happen along the way affect her. But the author never ventured into any of that territory. Ultimately, I found Katsa both unlikable and unbelievable.
Only when she was surrounded by the other characters (specifically Po and Raffin) was the story interesting.

The romance is well developed, but eventually flatlines and becomes uninteresting, descending into disappointment with the ending.

The worst part, I think, is that I would never recommend this book to anyone. I don't think an older audience would enjoy it. And I would never recommend it to a younger girl because I dislike so much of what the author is saying about relationships and love and being a strong woman while maintaining your femininity. which is what I thought the book was sort of going to be about.