Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Graceling

This is a book I don't think I would have normally read or continued after the first few pages. The prose and world-building are very weak and the main thing that made me knock off stars. But it was exactly what I needed to read, something simple and straightforward that reminded me of easier days. I very much liked Katsa and Po's relationship and the freedom they value. The plot was good too especially by the end and the ending wrapped things up nicely. This book just came at the right time for me and I'm grateful for it.

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dandelionlily's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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beebeewin's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Upon re-reading I enjoyed this book as much as a remember! I appreciate Kristin Cashore's ability to write an engaging world with well fleshed out characters, especially in regards to Katsa. She creates morally complex characters with ease, and for a teen book doesn't shy away from having characters with motivations and dreams that might be different than in classical YA fiction. There is no pulled punches, which makes for a YA read that, at the time I first read it and even now, doesn't feel like someone dumbing down difficult topics for teens. My only issue is the main conflict seemed to resolve so quickly, like within one chapter. I almost wish that was just drawn out a little longer so that we could really see Katsa's growth and character development fleshed out more. Regardless, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, interesting, and engaging fantasy read.

Also 100% Raffin and Bann are gay and you can't convince me otherwise, make it cannon!

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efogle360's review against another edition

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Sexual content

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numberdance's review against another edition

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4.25

A large part of my love for Graceling is nostalgia, but I still find Katsa and her character arc really compelling, and I love the development of her relationship with Po. (And Bitterblue is a delight.)

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qrschulte's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh wow I inhaled this book. It’s so great to find characters I love and a world I can lose myself in.

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kell_xavi's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

4.0

Well-told for the most part, with believable relationships, challenges, and emotions; however, some emotional events carry on a bit long, becoming repetitive and overwrought. I wasn’t convinced of how the plot comes together around the climax, finding too many threads dragged out only to collapse in a surprising moment. Still, Cashore’s girl-driven fantasy novel is mostly successful, smart and sincere, tinged with fear and a good dose of comeuppance to powerful men who do wrong.

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