juulx1's review against another edition
5.0
Really liked it, even though I thought there'd be more of a set-up for the next two books at the end. Very curious to see where the story will take Katza
beecheralyson's review
5.0
I remembered why I love *high* fantasy so much. Read this book - I am not recommending the audio. The story is wonderful, the characters well developed for the most part (some of the secondary characters may have been a little flat), and thoroughly great book. Just read it. Don't want to spoil.
lillacmess's review
5.0
Wow, what an awesome story. Katsa's temperament was a bit hard to like at first but I loved her character development in the end. The graces were very neat and I loved learning about them. The twist was nice and I found myself unable to put the book down. I adored both Po and Bitterblue. Po was such an interesting character! I can't wait to continue the series. I highly recommend this!
dunlophl's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
book_nut's review
5.0
Oh, wow. Wow. I think I'm beyond words. If you're even remotely into fantasy, you have to read this one. Excellent.
6/2014: Still excellent. *happy sigh*
6/2014: Still excellent. *happy sigh*
madelinefmcguire's review
4.0
Kasta has been able to kill someone with her bare hands since she was 8 and now she works as her Uncle the King's personal enforcer. She's one of the rare few in her land born with strange eyes and special talent called a Grace. Her life is filled with following the King's orders sending messages to those who have wronged him. She never expected to meet Prince Po who himself is said to be gifted in fighting. When Po comes to her court the two strike up a friendship as they test their Grace's and skill, but when Po's cousin Princess Bitterblue is in danger the two of them set off to save her. But things aren't always as they seem, and the secrets that are hidden could take down the kingdom.
This is such a fun fantasy book, the author does a great job of introducing the world to the reader and the characters are diverse in their love interests. Kasta is wild and reckless character and she adds an element of adventure to the story. A great recommendation for those who enjoy fantasy with adventure and romance.
This is such a fun fantasy book, the author does a great job of introducing the world to the reader and the characters are diverse in their love interests. Kasta is wild and reckless character and she adds an element of adventure to the story. A great recommendation for those who enjoy fantasy with adventure and romance.
pixi_reads's review
4.0
I listened to the audiobook, and enjoyed the cast of voices, it really helped follow the story and get into it. I would love another book with Katsa and Po, I feel truly connected to these and the other characters.
mgcco's review
5.0
At the surface, this book may seem to have shades of Hunger Games and A Song of Ice and Fire—Exhibit A: Graceling's heroine Katsa's name sounds like a combination of Hunger Games' Katniss and A Song of Ice and Fire's Sansa. Katsa, like Katniss, is gifted with superior fighting skills (albeit in a more "fantastical" manner), and her story is set in a medieval fantasy world such as that described in the books of George R.R. Martin.
However, the comparison should stop there. Graceling is a class all of its own—the author does not waste any of her words; each word has its place in each mesmerizing sentence in each breathtaking chapter (going overboard with the adjectives here, but what the heck). The descriptions are so vivid—you can picture the seven kingdoms' hills, the seas, the castles, and the beautiful, mismatched eyes of the Graced like they were right in front of you. I have not really been a fan of the fantasy genre in the past, but this book made me reconsider this.
The characters were so well-developed, and nothing in Graceling was predictable and boring. I felt real terror when the book's main antagonist, who did not really materialize frequently in the book, suddenly appeared in one of the later chapters. That's how good Kristin Cashore is: her writing has that rare ability of making your heart pound when you encounter a sinister character who does not even show himself too much in the story. Great storytelling. Great writing.
However, the comparison should stop there. Graceling is a class all of its own—the author does not waste any of her words; each word has its place in each mesmerizing sentence in each breathtaking chapter (going overboard with the adjectives here, but what the heck). The descriptions are so vivid—you can picture the seven kingdoms' hills, the seas, the castles, and the beautiful, mismatched eyes of the Graced like they were right in front of you. I have not really been a fan of the fantasy genre in the past, but this book made me reconsider this.
The characters were so well-developed, and nothing in Graceling was predictable and boring. I felt real terror when the book's main antagonist, who did not really materialize frequently in the book, suddenly appeared in one of the later chapters. That's how good Kristin Cashore is: her writing has that rare ability of making your heart pound when you encounter a sinister character who does not even show himself too much in the story. Great storytelling. Great writing.
missyansell's review
4.0
This book is about Katsa, a girl who's graced with killing. Gracelings can be seen by the two different colored eyes. Katsa has been the kings thug for years. The king uses her to scare and hurt people who don't obey him. Things change when she meets Po, a graced fighter from another kingdom.
I really liked Katsa! I liked the message that you could still be with someone, without marrying them. Marriage isn't all that. I thought she was a very strong character. I also really liked Po, and his sense of humility. He didn't care if a girl could beat him up. I loved their dynamic. This was my first reread of this book. I read it years ago so I just vaguely remembered the ending. I'm excited to continue on with Fire!
I really liked Katsa! I liked the message that you could still be with someone, without marrying them. Marriage isn't all that. I thought she was a very strong character. I also really liked Po, and his sense of humility. He didn't care if a girl could beat him up. I loved their dynamic. This was my first reread of this book. I read it years ago so I just vaguely remembered the ending. I'm excited to continue on with Fire!