In a world where people born with an extreme skill---called 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 execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.
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 oculd destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
Review:
I loved this book! It reminded me a LOT of The Hunger Games, so much so that I looked the publication dates of both books up to see if Graceling was a "rip-off" of The Hunger Games. Graceling came out less than one month after The Hunger Games, therefore I have concluded that the similarities are coincidental.
If you liked The Hunger Games, you will like Graceling too. It is an excellent read and I'm looking forward to reading more from Kristin Cashore!
Just One Gripe:
Katsa's refusal to commit.
The Best Thing About This Book:
The originality.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes, although there are a couple of PG-13 scenes.
Score:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Setting/Imagery: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Total Score: 24/25
Also Recommended:
I loved this one too! The characters were so likable and refreshing. Po was awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been curious about this book since I first read the summary. Unfortunately can't decide whether I'll like it from your review since I've never read the Hunger Games as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteHere from the CEP.
Cool review! The format of your review is actually pretty unique! Great job on that! It's also a little shorter so it's good for people who don't want to be bombarded with loads of text! Great job!
ReplyDeleteReggie =)
Here from CEP! Keep up the good work!
i agree!! when i read this book i thought wow it reminds me a lot of the hunger games! and good point there that annoyed me about her to felt she was totally playing them both
ReplyDeleteThis is on my to read list great review!
ReplyDeleteJami---I am totally team Po. I love Po!
ReplyDeleteKah---I'm sorry my review was so short. If you like YA fantasy, you'll like Graceling. It reads like The Mortal Instruments series, if that helps.
Thank you Reggie---sometimes I get overwhelmed by a long review so I try to keep them concise. However, sometimes I break that rule when I have a whole lot to say! Like on Spirit Bound...
BlueIceGal---I know, she was kind of a player there for a little while. :)
Cari---come back and let us know what you thought of it! You need to help me convince Natalie to read this one!