Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

GRACELING IS A FINALIST FOR THE 2010 AUDIE AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION

Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace—a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift—this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace, demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age, is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used—and even more at the injustices she sees around her.

Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers… perhaps.

Featuring FCA favorite Chelsea Mixon as Katsa, and sensational newcomer Zachary Exton as Prince Po, the most fascinating and praised fantasy debut of 2008 now springs to life in a sensational full cast recording.

A 2009 BOOKLIST EDITOR'S CHOICE AUDIO BOOK!

My Review:

I listened to this audiobook, and I found David Baker and the full cast audio amazing. Along with the writing of Kristin Cashore I was immediately transported to this amazing realm. Cashore was so simply descriptive I could easily imagine the vibrant setting. I love when an author can paint a picture with few words (overly descriptive tendencies make me feel like they are trying to meet a word count).

As for the main and supporting characters, I loved them or loved to hate them. Katsa was a strong female, who had her insecurities, but as the story progressed, she adjusted and overcame some of them. Po was amazing from the beginning and I was immediately drawn to his outgoing sense of humor and self-assurance. Yes, I know at times that could be annoying, but he presented it so well. I also loved Bitterblue, and felt she was a very smart young girl, who had to grow up way too fast. I really enjoyed Raffin (not sure how it is spelled since I listened to the book instead of reading it). I wondered on several occasions of his sexuality.

The story itself progressed well, had twists and turns, and although we could sometimes see what was coming, it didn't take away from the story. I am very happy with the ending, albeit not a perfectly happily ever after. Although I loved this story with every fiber of my being, I cannot say that I will continue on in the series. Just like Daughter of Smoke and Bone it was wrapped up so nicely, that I'm afraid to read on and see what other emotional roller coaster I'll be taken on. We will have to see!

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, enjoys a strong female main character, and likes a little bit of blood and romance (without a love triangle).

Favorite Quotes:

“When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?”

“Mercy was more frightening than murder, because it was harder.”

Read from December 01 to 17, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy/Magic, Young Adult/Young Adult Fantasy, Fantasy/High Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews