Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Series: 1st book in the Seven Kingdoms Trilogy
Publisher: Harcourt Chlidren's Books
Language: English
Print length: 481 pages
Read in e-book format: 1038 KB
In most of the kingdoms those with one iris of a different colour than the other (heterochromia iridis), also called Graced or Gracelings, are the property of the monarch. They are people of extraordinary abilities, some more useful than others, such as a talent for baking, swordplay, singing or mind reading. Lady Katsa of the Middluns is Graced with the ability to kill. She is the worst nightmare of any who opposes her. There are no one in the seven kingdoms who can hope to best her in battle. Her social skills, however, could use some work. Katsa struggles with controlling her violent Grace and how her uncle, the King of the Middluns, forces her to use it to his political benefit. Katsa will have to cnfron her cruel bully of an uncle and discover the truth of why the old Prince of Lienid was kidnapped. A journey that leads her to discover new truths about herself and her Grace.
Katsa is one of my favorite characters of all I have ever read. She is tough, straightforward and stubborn. Most importantly: she kicks ass! What intrigued me most about her is that she struggles with the most basic aspects of social interaction. In some ways she reminds me of Dr. Brennan in the TV-series "Bones", except Katsa uses her strength and exceptional fighting skills as a shield in stead of science. The confidence Katsa has in her abilities is impossible not to like. She is unbeatable. She knows it and everybody else knows it, period.
Plenty of the young adult novels I have read have a protagonist writhing in teen angst, indecision and some boy she has a crush on. I am not saying that there is on teen angst in this book, simply that Cashore presents it very differently than other authors. Struggles are important, but some authors dwell far to long on one struggle. It is refreshing to read about a girl who dares to stand by her decisions, and trust the people around her to be true to their character.
Cashore's prose is to the point and packed with action. I can honestly say that there was not any part of the story that I found lacking or boring. Katsa's struggle to be good, her can-do attitude and her explorations into what love means are thrilling and captivating aspects of the plot. The fact that the book does not end on a cliffhanger, even though there are more books to come connected to this one, is a huge plus in my book.I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy, but also those who like a strong heroine. However, in my opinion, this book is most suitable for readers of around 15 and up. Simply because I believe you need some maturity to appreciate this book to its fullest.
In a later post I hope to come back to the companion novel "Fire". Very much worth reading as well.
Happy reading!
