Book Summery: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. -Book Cover
Book Trailer:
Book Review:
Words cannot express how much I loved this book. Cashore has created an enchanting world, where the unexpected arises. The main character, Katsa, is a beautifully written heroin. She is fierce, loyal, brave, and kind, as well as compelling. Po, her male counterpart is an equally lovely character. He compliments Katsa well, and adds more to character, rather than detracts. Bitterblue is a wonderful surprise. I enjoyed watching her character evolve very much. Dear Raffin is another wonderful supporting character as well. I hope we learn more about him, as well as Bitterblue in the upcoming third novel, named after the very character Bitterblue. The world that holds these characters is equally spellbinding. Cashore wrote of the atmosphere so vividly, I almost wish I could see it for myself! I will definitely re-read this book in the futures, something I rarely do. Also, I absolutely cannot wait to start Fire, the companion novel to Graceling.
Two other wonderful reviews of Graceling can be found at Jawas Read, Too! and Book Love Affair. I also highly recommend that you check out Kristen Cashore's official website.Favorite Quote:
"Skye kissed her forehead. 'You saved my life.'
Katsa smiled. 'You Lienid are very outward in your affection.'
'I am going to name my first born child after you.'
Katsa laughed at that. 'For the child's sake, wait for a girl. Or even better, wait until all your children are older and give my name to whichever is the most trhoublesome and obstinate.' " (p. 433-434)
Cover Art Commentary:Just. Gorgeous. I can honestly say that the cover was the main reason that I picked up this novel in the first place. Simple, yet elegant, just like the story it contains. I love how you can see part of Katsa's reflection in the blade.
Overall Rating:
Awesome review. I have been needing to read this for ages.
ReplyDeleteI adore Cashore and this book! Very glad to hear you liked it!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really good and action packed. I like that there are so many amazing characters are in the book! :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!! I might have even loved Fire more....I know that I can't wait for Bitterblue!! :)
ReplyDeleteI really really enjoyed this one and thought Fire was even better. Like you, I don't think Bitterblue can come out soon enough. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the link, Lily!
@Juju
ReplyDeleteI've had the book for a while, but finally got around to picking it up. Awesome. Just awesome. I highly recommend it! :)
@TJ
Thanks love! I am already well into Fire. Great stuff!
@Nina
Thanks love! It really is quite good! I highly recommend it! :D
@Lori
Oh darlin! I can not wait for Bitterblue! I am already well into Fire...which is no less than amazing so far!
@Erika
You are more than welcome! Your review was fab! :) I bought a copy of The Alchemy of the Stone today! I can't wait to read it, though I am totally enthralled with Fire at the moment! :D
Isn't Fire amazing? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to get a copy of The Alchemy of Stone. It's really very good, but dark.
@Erika
ReplyDeleteSooooo good! I am totally in love with it! Btw...I do hope the cover of Bitterblue is an awesome shade of blue. :)
I am really excited to read The Alchemy of the Stone. I got 10% off the price because the top binding was yellowed. :D
Added to my TBR. I have a terrible tendency to judge books by their cover, and the cover art on this is fantastic, let alone the positive review. Nicely done!
ReplyDelete@Becki
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel better about a book when it has an awesome cover! :) Thanks for the kind words! I do hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!!!
This is another fav YA of mine...Katsa and Po....swooning....
ReplyDeleteIve had fire on the tbr wayyyy to long.
Totally loved this book and Fire, I only bought Graceling because of the aewsome cover (Australia). Cashore is definately on my autobuy list now and can't wait for Bitterblue.
ReplyDeleteYup, Cashore is Amazing! I loved FIRE even more, it's a little more grown up, a little more tragic, and the romance is hotter.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel as if you still haven't stopped reading this book? I'm still there. I might not ever get home and I don't want to.
ReplyDeleteI'm so in love with the world Cashore created. This was an instant favorite for me and I gush about it to random strangers at inappropriate moments and I don't care.