Graceling: A Thrilling Fantasy Adventure About Power, Secrets, and Forbidden Love (Graceling Realm Book 1)

You can find this review and many others on my blog The Dancing Nerd Writes Again.Initial Thoughts:I had heard so many good things about this book, along with the ever present one or two negative reviews, and realized I was far behind the young adult genre world in discovering Graceling. I finally decided to get this book off my TBR list and I'm so glad I did. I wasn't really sure what this book would be about but I was excited to learn more about Katsa's `Grace' and her relationship with the seemingly mysterious Prince Po.Spoilers!I finished this book late last night and I'm still reeling over the ending, but more on that later. I would like people who haven't yet read this book to know that the next two books in the series (Fire and Bitterblue) do not follow the story of Katsa and Po (or at least that's my understanding). While reading Graceling I was so sure that this was just the beginning of Katsa and Po's journey that I think I took it for granted It was a huge blow finding out that this was their one and only story (for now at least).Sad part over, now onto the review.From the first chapter, I loved it! Simple as that. I was immediately swept up into this world of adventure, hate, power, greed, lust, and magic, but not in the usual sense. In so many ways it reminded me of Christopher Paolini's Eragon series. The feel of the characters, the pace of the novel, and of course the action had me turning pages faster than I even thought possible.I forgot how much I truly missed this genre of young adult fiction and need to go back to it immediately. I've been so swept up in the dystopian, love triangle, whatever else trend that's happening in YA that I've been missing my true love of fantasy fiction. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the other genres as well, but fantasy fiction is such easy reading for me while some other books feel like work.Not only do I consider this book a gem, but Katsa is a true gem herself. She may be controlled by her uncle, who happens to be the King, but she was never weak. She could hold her own, and her true discovery is learning that she has a choice in her actions. Po is the one who helps her to see this and he essentially turns Katsa into the person she was always meant to be.I so enjoyed the way Po was described with his eyes and accessories. Actually, I loved the way everything was described. I can't remember the last time I had such vivid images swirling around my head while reading a book. I could picture Lienid, I could picture Katsa sitting up in the mast of the ship, I could picture the mountain pass, and every description became a clear image in my mind.I love the idea of having a Grace. It was similar to the special abilities of the outsiders in Under The Never Sky (by Veronica Rossi), but what I loved even more were the relationships in the novel. Katsa and Po's relationship grew in a genuine way and their love for one another was undeniable. The sacrifices they made for each other clearly showed the depth of their relationship just as much if not more than the occasional make out scene. However, I think my favorite relationship was between Katsa and Bitterblue, Po's cousin.Many people seem to disagree or dislike the fact that Katsa refuses to marry. I bring this up only because I want to argue a point. Okay, maybe you personally don't agree with a woman not wanting to marry, but Katsa is a girl who has been controlled by a man (the King) her entire life. All she wants is the freedom to do what she chooses when she chooses and to not be stuck in her husband's house serving his guests. I totally get this concept and I think Kristin Cashore did a great justice by showing that side to her character especially given the world this story is set in. Bravo.But the ending. That was a hard one to swallow. Don't get all freaked out yet, nothing bad happens, it just made me a little sad. For one reason or another certain characters `part ways' in hopes that they will return to each other again. This wouldn't have been so hard to comprehend if there was going to be a follow up novel! Instead, I'll have to use my imagination and unite the characters together, happily ever after, myself.Conclusion:If you couldn't tell from this extremely long review, I've discovered yet another book I'm obsessed with. I'm nervous to read Fire and Bitterblue knowing that they won't be as interrelated as I would've liked, but come on, Kristin Cashore's writing has me coming back for more, without question.I am so glad I picked this novel from my TBR list. I think it was the perfect timing, a vacation from the overwhelming majority of dystopian novels I've been consumed with. Graceling has reminded me that I need to get back to my reader roots. My true comfort zone when it comes to any genre is fantasy or adventure, I just eat it up.I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read Christopher Paolini's work or Veronica Rossi's books or anyone who is missing a little fantasy and adventure in their life. You definitely won't be disappointed.Rating: 5/5 Stars

This book a great read!!The slow pace in the beginning is the only reason I would give it four stars. However I was elated and very satisfied when I finished reading the book.In Katsa's universe, along with the normal people live people who possess a 'Grace'. A Grace is an ability or talent that the regular people lack. Katsa's grace is killing. A child with a killing Grace? Katsa was not welcomed in society once this ability was discovered. People maintained a distance from her. But the cunning ruler of her world however decided to hone her ability for his own questionable purposes and so a highly trained Katsa begins to heed the beck and call of her King.In the midst of this, Katsa realizes her king is not always justified and forms a council with her friends who secretly help the suffering and the distressed. On one of these missions she meets Prince Po, a Graceling prince while rescuing none other than his grandfather!Soon Po finds himself in her castle and they begin to form a heartwarming friendship. Burdened with the secret of his own grace, Po finds that he can truly understand Katsa. With his help, Katsa begins to fight her own inner demons and tries to come to terms with her inner being. She is afraid of turning into a monster. Soon she defies her King and leaves his court, showing everyone what she is truly made of and what she stands for.Po and Katsa leave the castle and begin searching for the truth behind his grandfather's kidnapping. The rest of the story is what happens on this journey. Does Katsa come to terms with her emotional issues? Can she find peace within? Does she open her heart to Po like he opens up to her? Can she face her fears and find the mettle to overcome them? Does she find her true place in her world? And can she bring justice to Po's grandfather and help the innocent people who are suffering?This book is a captivating read with an excellent plot and the right twists and turns. It really picks up pace in the latter half and is hard to put down. Katsa is a very well developed character and a strong inspiring protagonist. Her relationship with Po is perfectly balanced and is just what the doctor ordered for her. The author's ability to convey the manner in which Katsa deals with her emotional issues is truly noteworthy. It is believable and realistic and you will feel every emotion Katsa feels. The only one thing I wish it would have had is some kind of a physical weakness for Katsa. Making her a super human killing and survival machine was stretching it a bit too far. I mean every super hero has some weakness. Katsa had no Achille's heal whatsoever and is pretty much indestructible, physically I mean. Overall, it's a book I cherish and will definitely recommend to others.

This is one of the best books I have ever read, it, honest to god, made me cry. So beautiful and the story is really good, amazing writing by the way. I did nor loose track of the trama at any point in the story.It has deapth.It has relatable characters.But most importantly, it is one hell of a story.15/10If you liked this book I definitely recommend that you absolutely read Red Queen and/or Renegades.

Libro molto bello e avvincente. Scorre piacevolmente ma deve perciò piacere il genere. Storia fantastica secondo me che ti fa immergere piacevolmente nella lettura con una trama per niente scontanta e ottima descrizione di personaggi e ambienti

When I first read this book I was a bit unsettled by the main character. And as I got older, I realised it was because she reminded me of myself.This book is honestly one of my favourites. It's well written, the story is intriguing, and the romance isn't offsetting. It balances the nuances of its genre well and established a strong identity and characteristics to it's world. I would definitely recommend Graceling to anyone who enjoys well written and emotionally involved YA fantasy.

A strong female lead and so many other amazing characters. It was a little confusing trying to figure out all the relevant realms and kingdoms but it did not take away from the story. It takes you to a far away land, transporting you with ease to a new world, with plenty of action and excitement. It is definitely a world that I will want to visit again.

*I would give 5000 stars if I could*Lemme just say that I. Freaking. Loved. It.This books has elements of fantasy, mystery, thriller, magic, epic romance; has a strong female character (I know I just had anti-feminists triggered), a satisfying ending, lovable characters, beautiful world building, heart wrenching relationships and an OP bad guy.In this world, Graces work like superpowers, but only in one exclusive domain, and our protagonist Katsa's Grace is of killing. She is used as a knife by her Uncle (hence the representation in the cover) to carry out his bullying. But being the amazing person she is, Katsa has secretly been working against the tyranny of the 7 kings.She meets Po, who is a graced fighter and totally a sweetheart. They don't have a soppy mushy romance which ruins most books for me. It has a mytery element to it so this all I'm going to say about the plot.I will mention that I may have a certain bias for this book as I love the characters and the writing so much.