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.
When she first meets Prince Po, 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 could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone
Note: Not suitable for Younger Readers
Source: Bought
My Thoughts:
Sometimes you don't where exactly a book fits in the specific genre. Graceling is one of those books. This is not your typical young adult novel in which there's a guy and a girl and they live happily ever after. This is also not a book for people who have a strong pro-marriage stance.
The heroine in this book should actually be called the HERO. Because this "WOMAN" deserves it. I've read lots of books and Katsa has to be one of the most strongest and most stubborn woman I have read about. She is the embodiment of strong. She can beat up people who are stronger and better at fighting than her and she can do it without flinching. The best part about her is that she is not a robot. She feels everything and over the years she has become strong enough emotionally to deal with what she is capable of but she hasn't resigned herself to her fate. Katsa rebels against the stifling authority in any way she can.
Enter Po , In many ways he is the opposite of Katsa personality wise but he's someone who is fascinated and understands Katsa as well .I love Po he is an amazing friend and a wonderful character. It's very hard not to love him.Sometimes I just wanted to whack Katsa on the head and be all "Be nice to him Katsa!"
The story is fascinating and so different. I might have been saying that in my recent reviews quite a bit but I guess I have been reviewing quite a lot of different books recently. Basically this is the story that I expected out of Throne of Glass but didn't get. I think it's safe to classify Graceling as fantasy with romance and loads of adventure. The fantasy element does not take a backseat in this book and the main character does talk about her feelings but not all the time.
My Rating:
4.5/5
I totally agree with you, except that I really enjoyed Throne of Glass as well. Katsa was one of the strongest heroines I've ever met and the fantasy aspect was written very well too. :)
ReplyDeleteDaphne @ Reading Until Dawn
I totally agree with you! Katsa is one of the strongest characters I have read ! I love books that have kick-ass heroines and this book is one of them! If you loved Graceling I am sure you would love the next book in the series too!
ReplyDelete- Gayatri @ Notorious Writer.
I'm one of the rare people who didn't enjoy this one as much. I mean I like the idea but Katsa was really annoying to me, for some reason. I'm glad you enjoyed this one though. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteGRACELING is one of my favorites :). Actually, anything of Kristin Cashore's is like that for me. And it's also like you what said: very hard to classify. I've seen it pubbed in other countries as adult, actually, so I understand the 'not suitable for younger readers' tag, though since it's so good, I wish everyone would try it out!
ReplyDeleteGraceling! It is definitely not like the typical YA fantasies, I agree. I absolutely loved Katsa and Po and how different they were. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI loved this one too although I was a bit disappointed by how everything was kind of left up in the air with Po and Katsa.
ReplyDelete