Books I've Read Similar to Graceling:
* Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
* Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan
Graceling is the debut novel by Kristin Cashore. I will admit that at first I gave this book absolutely no credit. The cover is childish and gave me no idea of what the book would be about. The UK cover is much more indicative of the story than the US cover. Once I dove into the story, however, I was instantly drawn in.
It is a story of a young assassin named Katsa, who is Graced with the power of killing - or so she believes. When Katsa meets Po, a mysterious young prince from an island kingdom, she is suddenly thrown into a world of intrigue and danger. Ultimately, this is the tale of Katsa's journey of discovering - or rediscovering - herself.
It is a story of a young assassin named Katsa, who is Graced with the power of killing - or so she believes. When Katsa meets Po, a mysterious young prince from an island kingdom, she is suddenly thrown into a world of intrigue and danger. Ultimately, this is the tale of Katsa's journey of discovering - or rediscovering - herself.
Cashore writes with a simplicity that lends itself to the reader's imagination. She draws on other novels in the same category for themes that are now, in my opinion, overused - seven kingdoms, a damsel in distress, etc. Despite that, the story is compelling and Katsa is a heroine worth reading about.
In Katsa's world, there are few people born with an advanced skill, skills ranging from cooking to riding to fighting. These people are marked by their two different colored eyes. This condition doesn't always manifest itself at birth; sometimes it takes years for a Graceling's eyes to settle. Katsa's eyes are blue and green and are said to be very beautiful, though it is because of her Graced skill that people rarely look her in the eyes for long.
Katsa's Grace presented itself when she was only eight years old. A friend of her uncle tried to touch her at dinner, and she simply reacted to keep him away; instead of simply hurting him, she killed him. King Randa, her uncle, decided to hone her skills as a Graced killer and use her against those who displease him. Katsa becomes known throughout the seven kingdoms as Randa's assassin. After meeting Po during a secret mission for the Council, a group dedicated to helping people which often goes against Randa's orders, Katsa begins to question her loyalty to her king and uncle. Katsa must choose between loyalty to her king or what is right, and finds herself on a journey to save Po's cousin from King Leck of Monsea, a kingdom bordering Randa's, and facing many obstacles (including herself) along the way.
Graceling, overall, is well written and the story flows well. The names of the characters are certainly unique, but sometimes silly. I found myself thinking of the movie Kung-fu Panda whenever Katsa thinks about or talks to Po. Think about the names of other characters that resonate with you and stick in your mind. Do names such as Po and Katsa have such a meaning? I personally do not think so, but it doesn't detract from Cashore's ability to tell a story. I found myself liking this novel and wanting to read other books by Cashore.
That's it for today! Please leave a comment below telling me how I did. Since this is my first book review (outside of English classes), I'd like any and all constructive criticism you could give me! Thanks again!
Read on, book lovers!
~ Penmaiden
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