Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

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fantasy, graceling, graceling read along, kristin cashore, Penguin Teen, Reviews, The Dial Press, Young Adult

Graceling 

by Kristin Cashore 

Huge thanks to PenguinTeen for these copies.  

Publisher: Dial Books
Publish Date: first published October 1, 2008
Paperback
512 Pages
Series: Graceling Realm #1
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

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.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

My Review:

I have been missing this genre so when Penguin Teen decided to do the #GracelingReadAlong.... how could I say no?!  Real talk: I've had older copies of Graceling and Fire on my shelves for YEARS.  My cousin gifted me those copies because she really liked the first two books.  WHY did it take so long for me to finally get to them? Well, let's not discuss my laziness or propensity of pushing books aside when I shouldn't. *cough* 

Let's talk about the Graceling Realm.  I adore Katsa!  What a spunky young woman who doesn't want to get married, doesn't want kids and will be nobody's "dog"/controlled person.  But when she meets Po... who can not only actually fight against her physically, soon he affects her emotionally as well. SO NOW WHAT.  I mean, look....  this gives me what fantasy gives.. and that is a world build, where we have those special people who are gifted with Grace... running from being a damn good cook, to be a fighter no one can beat to even  having a bit of mind control.  A protagonist who goes against the grain.  A first love.  Fights, banter, the question of using gifts for good and/or evil.  

I admit that certain scenes felt very soap opera-ish to me.  It's probably just the mood I'm in and I say that with a lot of love.  I just always find it amusing when it gets so dramatic.  *I don't want to love him? But do I? OH my god, WHY? I will NOT answer to anyone.* Haha - listen, I know what to expect and I got it and for that I am happy.  I do think that the further I go into this series, the better I will like it.  And I'm definitely interested in seeing where this realm takes me. I'll be diving right into Fire.  Settling in and getting comfy as I continue this journey.

★★★★

fantasy, graceling, graceling read along, kristin cashore, Penguin Teen, Reviews, The Dial Press, Young Adult

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