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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” (The New York Times Book Review) with “a knee weakening romance” (LA 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.
Awards: Winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature, winner of the SIBA Book Award/YA, Indies Choice Book Award Honor Book, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 2008 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, 2008 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Amazon.com’s Best Books of 2008, 2008 Booklist Editors’ Choice, Booklist’s 2008 Top Ten First Novels for Youth, 2009 Amelia Bloomer List, BCCB 2009 Blue Ribbon List
And don’t miss the sequel Fire and companion Bitterblue, both award-winning, New York Times bestsellers, and full of Kristin Cashore’s elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters.
Readers are in love with Graceling:
‘The love I have for this series is so never-ending. In summary: this book honestly still has me by the throat in 2020, and is one of my favourite books of all time‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘I am in love with Katsa! She is an awesome inspiration for women warriors in a book. She kicks arse and takes names . . . I am so glad I finally got to read this book, it is sooooo awesome!‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘I loved loved loved the storytelling. It was very immersive to me. As well as the world building. This book was an adventure full of peril and friendship. I really loved Katsa’s journey – both physical and spiritual – through the whole book and the way she grew’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘I LOVED this book; fast-paced, strong heroine, engaging love interest, character delivered through action’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘Reading this was like a breath of fresh air. The pacing’s just right. The character building was great. Cashore is as of now enlisted as one of my favourite authors’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘YAY for all of the messages about women and girls defending ourselves and not bowing to control and emotional manipulation! So smart’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Reviews
A major strength of the writing is the imagery presented throughout the novel. The book is filled with very vivid descriptions of almost everything from castles, landscapes, courts, and the journeys that the characters go on. Kristin Cashore's 'Graceling' is a great start by a developing writer and I definitely look forward to seeing this writer grow with future novels as she shows tremendous potential.
The story flows at a decent pace with a story that gradually builds in intensity and a mystery that unravels at just the right speed to keep things interesting. Cashore knows what makes a good spectacle and, even though you know that Katsa absolutely has to win through, writes set piece scenes that buzz with excitement and action.
Graceling really does have something to offer everyone. An adventurous and enjoyable read.
'Cashore creates believable characters with enough depth, subtlety, and experience to satisfy older readers . . . An impressive first novel.
Cashore's prose is smooth and unobtrusive. But for all its lightness of tone, Graceling is not a simple novel. indeed it deals with some very difficult subject matter. Its inevitable love story is sweetly unconventional and unabashedly feminist. Katsa herself is a rich character. The growth of her trust and self-esteem is the understated heart of the novel. This is always Katsa's story and enjoyable fast paced it is too. An immensely fun, good-hearted read.
It's a great debut novel that will suit those who like their Fantasy unabashedly romantic.
