Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on
A Graceling is identified by their two colored eyes and a special talent or "grace" they possess. Katsa, our kick-ass heroine, possesses a grace that allows her to be an outstanding fighter. However, she is claimed by her uncle, the king, to do his dirty work. This troubles Katsa, so she puts together and leads a council to help protect the people of the seven kingdoms.
The mystery unfolds while on one of these council missions. Enter Po, a prince and a graceling, and the love story begins.
What is so great about this book? Katsa -- she is a strong, female lead, who strives to control her grace and her life in a time when women were expected to bear children, sew and throw parties. Katsa is a well crafted character, who is strong, but still has a sense of femininity. Although Katsa denies such womanly wants, you see her growing throughout the story -- becoming a little softer when it comes to Po and Bitterblue. Then, there is Po. His adoration for Katsa and his real desires are always obvious. I hope to see this play out to a greater extent in the next book.
The author delivers a solid story, with a solid plot and paints a beautiful picturesque background for us to enjoy.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 17 July, 2014: Finished reading
- 17 July, 2014: Reviewed