Graceling (Graceling Realm, 1)
Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore.
A New York Times bestseller * ALA Best Book for Young Adults * Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner * Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year
“Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (New York Times Book Review) with “a knee weakening romance” (Los Angeles Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world.
Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the Seven Kingdoms where selected people are born with a Grace, a special talent that can be anything at all. Katsa’s Grace is killing.
As the king’s niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his brutal enforcer. Until the day she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, and Katsa’s life begins 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.
And don’t miss the sequel, Fire, and companion, Bitterblue, both award-winning New York Times bestsellers featuring Kristin Cashore’s elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters.
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner
- Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Graceling follows Katsa, a young warrior graced with the skill of fighting as she traverses lies to save a kingdom from a tyrant.
Ultimately, Graceling was a bit underwhelming at times. With Katsa being the exception, many of the other characters were lackluster. Thankfully Katsa is the main character, so following her journey throughout the novel was entertaining.
A Good Story with Unfortunate Short Comings
Katsa is a fierce protagonist. Cashore invested in giving this character a strong voice and attitude. There are times when Katsa comes off as abrasive, but it is not off-putting given the scope of the narrative and the scene. It works to build up her character, making her more than just a character on a page. This is, in short, one cool chick. Katsa embodies strength, both physical and mental, highlighting just why she is the novel’s savior.
Unfortunately, the other characters fall short.
Po should be as engaging as Katsa, chiefly because he develops into the male lead and romantic interest. Unfortunately, there is not enough time devoted to him early on to make the reader invested in his journey. This ultimately ends up hurting the story because the reader should be invested in the romance bubbling up between them. However, that is not how it works. Honestly, the romance seemingly comes out of nowhere. On the bright side, it was not predictable. However, it felt out of place.
Graceling would not have felt any different if the romance was not there. The friendship was there, but it needed a stronger foundation to devote to the romance aspect. There was not enough devotion to the dynamics between the two and not enough devotion to bringing Po’s character to life to make the reader invested in him or them as a couple.
There were also some issues with transitions. It was not always clear when Katsa was reminiscing, making the story a little difficult to follow early on. However, this happens only a couple of times while Cashore world builds, but after that, the last half of the novel has a steady pace and clear writing.
Final Thoughts
Cashore wrote an unpredictable story. It is unclear where the story is going, but not in an off-putting way. There is enough detail there to create an air of mystery, keeping the reader engaged. Moreover, as mentioned above, Katsa is a strong enough, a well-written character that she makes up for all the story’s falterings.
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Graceling follows Katsa, a young warrior graced with the skill of fighting as she traverses lies to save a kingdom from a tyrant.
Ultimately, Graceling was a bit underwhelming at times. With Katsa being the exception, many of the other characters were lackluster. Thankfully Katsa is the main character, so following her journey throughout the novel was entertaining.
A Good Story with Unfortunate Short Comings
Katsa is a fierce protagonist. Cashore invested in giving this character a strong voice and attitude. There are times when Katsa comes off as abrasive, but it is not off-putting given the scope of the narrative and the scene. It works to build up her character, making her more than just a character on a page. This is, in short, one cool chick. Katsa embodies strength, both physical and mental, highlighting just why she is the novel’s savior.
Unfortunately, the other characters fall short.
Po should be as engaging as Katsa, chiefly because he develops into the male lead and romantic interest. Unfortunately, there is not enough time devoted to him early on to make the reader invested in his journey. This ultimately ends up hurting the story because the reader should be invested in the romance bubbling up between them. However, that is not how it works. Honestly, the romance seemingly comes out of nowhere. On the bright side, it was not predictable. However, it felt out of place.
Graceling would not have felt any different if the romance was not there. The friendship was there, but it needed a stronger foundation to devote to the romance aspect. There was not enough devotion to the dynamics between the two and not enough devotion to bringing Po’s character to life to make the reader invested in him or them as a couple.
There were also some issues with transitions. It was not always clear when Katsa was reminiscing, making the story a little difficult to follow early on. However, this happens only a couple of times while Cashore world builds, but after that, the last half of the novel has a steady pace and clear writing.
Final Thoughts
Cashore wrote an unpredictable story. It is unclear where the story is going, but not in an off-putting way. There is enough detail there to create an air of mystery, keeping the reader engaged. Moreover, as mentioned above, Katsa is a strong enough, a well-written character that she makes up for all the story’s falterings.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
I really liked this. The imagined setting (made-up kingdoms) reminded me a bit of Eragon, but the story was its own. I loved how the characters developed over time. For a fantasy, it felt very realistic; the struggles and triumphs, heartbreak and joy were universal, no matter the strange "Graces" that some characters possessed. I look forward to reading [b:Fire|7822784|Fire (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #2)|Kristin Cashore|http:photo.goodreads.com/books/1267828423s/7822784.jpg|6128277], and I hope there is a sequel to find out what happens with Katsa, Po, Bitterblue, and the rest!
It was a fun concept with well-written characters, which is important since it's a very character-driven story. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Po and Katsa, and Katsa was well developed as a YA femme protagonist.
The middle pacing was a bit slow and repetitive for my tastes, and the resolution felt long for the genre. Though, given the story is less plot and more character, it made sense.
All in all, a fun, quick read.
The middle pacing was a bit slow and repetitive for my tastes, and the resolution felt long for the genre. Though, given the story is less plot and more character, it made sense.
All in all, a fun, quick read.
Everyone always talks about Throne of Glass when they think of a woman assassin for a king, but this book is overlooked. While I know Maas was very young when she wrote it, I felt more compelled to feel for these characters that Kristin Cashore created.
It does not focus its plot around the romance but rather the other way around. It’s just a good enhancement to the story and the character’s arcs.
I hope more people read this book and that it gets the attention it deserves.
It does not focus its plot around the romance but rather the other way around. It’s just a good enhancement to the story and the character’s arcs.
I hope more people read this book and that it gets the attention it deserves.
So, one of my 7th graders has been on me to read this book since December. I started it in April when we went on a trip to Oregon for our anniversary, but had other things to read as well. Also family to see, food to eat, and animal-themed parades to observe. As a result, I didn't get very far. Since then, I've had very little time for reading. My excuses are gone, now, because summer break has hit. Thus, I am slogging my way through this book. I say slogging because I am. Even though the writing is easy and fast-paced, I am 80 pages in and not hooked yet.
Things I Don't Particularly Care For
1. So far, Katsa is highly unlikeable. I have yet to feel any kind of sympathy for her, despite the fact that I can I'm supposed to.
2. I don't understand how I'm supposed to feel about things except that I'm supposed to like Katsa and don't. I feel like there's romance coming from Raffin but he's her cousin, so I'm creeped out that I'm feeling that. I get that she doesn't like the king, but I still don't know how to take any of that whole relationship.
3. HIS NAME IS "PO"??? ARE YOU EVEN KIDDING ME? I mean, it was bad enough when Poe Dameron was named that (I think I am literally the only person who would rather be gagged by a beetroot than think the name Poe Dameron is any good). But just plain "Po"? Like the teletubby??? This is a situation that is so upsetting it calls for many, many incredulous question marks.
4. It took me 200 pages to be vaguely interested in this story. I still don't like the main character much and I still don't like the name "Po".
5. It feels like they're setting up a love interest between Katsa and Raffin...but he's her cousin. That creepy me out.
6. Wouldn't it be great it Raffin and Bann were gay lovers? I'm totally up for that.
7. Okay, so Katsa's never so much as kissed someone before and all of a sudden she and Po are going all the way? I just find that unbelievable.
8. Like every fantasy heroine, there are several things I find annoying about Katsa. 1.) She has no clue that she's beautiful and beloved. Sigh. 2.) She's oh so special. Oh wait! She's not just special, she's extra special because her skill isn't killing, it's SURVIVAL. So that means she's literally good at EVERYTHING. Gag me.
9. Alright, so Katsa killed Leck. Suddenly and without much struggle. There's still SIXTY PAGES LEFT. What on Earth is Cashore going to do with sixty pages?
10. Oh, sixty pages of vaguely boring falling action. Fun.
All in all, this book wasn't for me. I can respect some of the things it was going for. For example, the idea that you don't have to get married. You don't need boys to save you. I appreciate that. I didn't like that Katsa was practically invincible. I didn't like that Leck really wasn't much of a threat. His villainy wasn't really properly explained (plus, such rape-y undertones! Jesus!) and he was an unformed evil. Thus, I wasn't really scared of him and his subsequent death didn't carry much weight. I feel like I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop while I was reading this. And it wouldn't never drop quite like I thought or hoped it would. I don't think I'm going to spend my time on the sequels. I have too many other books to read. Thanks anyway.
Things I Don't Particularly Care For
1. So far, Katsa is highly unlikeable. I have yet to feel any kind of sympathy for her, despite the fact that I can I'm supposed to.
2. I don't understand how I'm supposed to feel about things except that I'm supposed to like Katsa and don't. I feel like there's romance coming from Raffin but he's her cousin, so I'm creeped out that I'm feeling that. I get that she doesn't like the king, but I still don't know how to take any of that whole relationship.
3. HIS NAME IS "PO"??? ARE YOU EVEN KIDDING ME? I mean, it was bad enough when Poe Dameron was named that (I think I am literally the only person who would rather be gagged by a beetroot than think the name Poe Dameron is any good). But just plain "Po"? Like the teletubby??? This is a situation that is so upsetting it calls for many, many incredulous question marks.
4. It took me 200 pages to be vaguely interested in this story. I still don't like the main character much and I still don't like the name "Po".
5. It feels like they're setting up a love interest between Katsa and Raffin...but he's her cousin. That creepy me out.
6. Wouldn't it be great it Raffin and Bann were gay lovers? I'm totally up for that.
7. Okay, so Katsa's never so much as kissed someone before and all of a sudden she and Po are going all the way? I just find that unbelievable.
8. Like every fantasy heroine, there are several things I find annoying about Katsa. 1.) She has no clue that she's beautiful and beloved. Sigh. 2.) She's oh so special. Oh wait! She's not just special, she's extra special because her skill isn't killing, it's SURVIVAL. So that means she's literally good at EVERYTHING. Gag me.
9. Alright, so Katsa killed Leck. Suddenly and without much struggle. There's still SIXTY PAGES LEFT. What on Earth is Cashore going to do with sixty pages?
10. Oh, sixty pages of vaguely boring falling action. Fun.
All in all, this book wasn't for me. I can respect some of the things it was going for. For example, the idea that you don't have to get married. You don't need boys to save you. I appreciate that. I didn't like that Katsa was practically invincible. I didn't like that Leck really wasn't much of a threat. His villainy wasn't really properly explained (plus, such rape-y undertones! Jesus!) and he was an unformed evil. Thus, I wasn't really scared of him and his subsequent death didn't carry much weight. I feel like I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop while I was reading this. And it wouldn't never drop quite like I thought or hoped it would. I don't think I'm going to spend my time on the sequels. I have too many other books to read. Thanks anyway.
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