Graceling by Kristin Cashore

In Katsa’s world being “graced” is not necessarily a blessing. Katsa is a Graceling, a person with two different colored eyes and an extraordinary gift. Katsa’s “gift” is the ability to kill people with her bare hands. It is something she has been able to do since she was small child. As the niece of the king, she should be enjoying a life of luxury. Instead, she spends her days as the king’s enforcer – torturing people to follow the king’s wishes. In secret rebellion, Katsa has formed the Council, which provides justice and fairness for those mistreated. It is during Council business that Katsa meets Prince Po, another Graceling, with an unusual ability. Together, they take on an incredible evil.

This is a great book for teen girls. Katsa is a strong female character that reader gets the pleasure of seeing of grow and mature through out the book. For those who like a little romance, the relationship between Katsa and Po does not disappoint. Cashore’s characters are well developed with plenty of depth. She paints a colorful and beautiful, though at times frightening picture of the Seven Kingdoms. This is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre. Cashore’s next book Fire is a prequel to Graceling. I’m looking forward to reading it.

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