Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Reading Hammock’s Rating:	5 out of 5
Category:	Fiction
Fiction Genre:	Fantasy
Title:	Graceling
Author:	Kristin Cashore
Author Website:	http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/
ISBN-10:	015206396X
ASIN:	B001TODO54
Publication Date:	October, 2008
Publisher:	Harcourt Children's Books
Format:	Paperback | Digital | Hardcover |Audio
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Author Synopsis:

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.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

My review:

“Graceling” is very well written.  The author, Kristin Cashore crafted compelling three-dimensional characters and an interesting plot that includes many twists.  Also, I applaud the author’s proofreads, as I wasn’t able to find any mistakes throughout the entire 480 pages of the novel. I usually find at least one. 

I liked how easily I first connected with the main character, Katsa, and how I felt I knew her very well by the end of the book.  Cashore achieved this connection between the reader and character through her balanced use of dialogue and descriptions. 

“Graceling” also has a great number of action-packed scenes.  The story was refreshing, as there many twists in plot that I was not expecting.  Many books bore me off the bat when the expected happens.  That was not the case in this story.  When I thought the novel was over, there was an unpredictable turn in the story.  Usually novels over 400 pages drag on, but Cashore did a great job spacing out action throughout the novel, keeping it interesting.

I enjoyed every page of “Graceling” and would definitely recommend “Graceling”, especially if you are looking for Spring Break reading.    Run out and get your copy!