Graceling by Kristin Cashore
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Book Summary Author: Kristin Cashore Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2008-10-01 ISBN: 015206396X Number of pages: 471 Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books |
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Book Reviews of the Graceling
Customer Review: A Girl with the "Grace" of Killing
Summary: 5 Stars
"'I don't kill men who steal three acres of lumber from the king', she said, 'and then pay for it dearly in gold. It's more the sort of crime that warrants a broken arm or the removal of a finger.' She moved toward him and pulled the dagger from its sheath. He breathed slowly, staring at the eggs and fruit on his plate. She wondered if he would vomit or begin to sob. But then he moved his plate to the side, and his overturned glass and his silver. He stretched his arms onto the table before him. He bent his head, and waited." -- From Graceling
I can't recall when I first read about Graceling by Kristin Cashore, but what I DO remember is that I was so intrigued by its premise (a land where some are born with two differently colored eyes and have an extraordinary "Grace", hence the name "Graceling"), that I made a note of it.
I kept the title at the back of my mind, looking for it in bookstores when I remembered to seek it out (unfortunately, I never came across it in brick-and-mortar bookstores), and then added it to my Amazon WishList.
Despite having loads of books scattered about my house, mostly for review, I wanted to relax with some good fiction--my personal type of "escapist" reading. So I bought Graceling from Amazon...and began to read.
Early on we discover that Katsa is graced with killing (or is it that *really* her Grace?), and are plunged immediately and relentlessly in her timeless, unusual world.
In Middluns, some Gracelings are essentially useless (read: of no use to the king), and are allowed to live with their parents. But in the kingdom of Middluns where King Randa presides, those whose eyes "settle" into two different colors--and show a potentially useful Grace (such as mind reading, fighting, swift running, enormous strength, or incredible vision) are sent to live in Randa's court...and to serve his whims and wishes.
I won't spoil any of the juicy details by providing too much plot, so fearless reader, you may read on!
Towards the beginning of Graceling, the plot seemed bogged down with kingdom descriptions and Katsa's initial treks to do King Randa's bidding. In fact, when I had a back injury that confined me to a recliner for days, I just couldn't push my way through those parts--so I didn't pick the book up for several weeks.
Now, had I received Graceling through the Amazon Vine program (for free), or perhaps picked it up at the library, I would have put the book down and likely not have pick it up again.
But you know how it is when you pay full price for something...you're much more inclined to stick with it, to get your money's worth and all that.
And I am SO glad I did!
I just finished Graceling, and it was one of the finest fiction books (Young Adult OR Adult) that I've read in a looong time. Halfway through the book, where the action really notches up, I began to realize WHY author Cashore establishes some of the characters and environment as she did in the beginning--the parts I previously thought were slow and a tad boring.
I became thrust in Cashore's well-drawn world, eagerly looking forward to breaks in my day to steal away some time to spend with Katsa and company. Let me tell you, dear reader, there is SUCH a great payoff in the end (several, actually!), that I felt not only gratified at the time spent reading Graceling, but also satisfied at how the author "resolves" some of the issues presented in the book.
Although this book is recommended for ages 14 and up, I think maybe it should be for teens 16 and up (because of violence and other...um, situations...both actual and implied).
With a strong, likable heroine owned by no one, Graceling explores what it means to be human--and how trust, friendship, and love can shape and soften the "wildness" of a girl led to believe that killing was her only "gift"...and value.
P.S. I highly recommend that you DO NOT watch the "trailer" for Graceling here at Amazon.com! It includes spoilers in my opinion. (And I envision Po to be a whole lot hotter, to boot!)
-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book