Reviews

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

maywriter13's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

bethanyangharads's review against another edition

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4.0

I originally picked up this novel because I was wanting a hit of nostalgia, and weirdly for me, felt like a re-read. I remembered reading a certain character interaction in this book as a teenager and feeling such vindication for the MC, but couldn’t recall anything else, so wanted to fill in the blanks.

So this is a book about Katsa, a young woman with the power of being able to brutally kill people. Working for her greedy Uncle, who is also the king, she comes to resent her situation. But she meets handsome Prince Po, and together they find themselves stuck in a kingdom threatening situation.

Look, this is a class YA fantasy romance that just really itched a scratch. I don’t really know if I’m all that interested in picking up the sequel but I will definitely be recommending this to any student who just wants a good ole fantasy. Whilst it wouldn’t hold up under any intense scrutiny or critique, I found it FUN, which is what books should be.

There’s not many intense triggers in this novel, so it should be suitable for most audiences. Some kill scenes but not too gory, and any R16 stuff is behind closed doors so to speak.

theoehatch's review against another edition

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3.0

I don't know for some ression I didn't like the end. She couldn't beat the bad guy and then she could. What happened? Also I though I was reading Jane Eyre with Po going blind. Oh well I will see what fire is like.

leanne0116's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

3.25

carrissareadsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Effortlessly captivating!

This book was hands-down worth all 5 stars

I almost read this book in one sitting because I HAD to know what was on the next page

I loved absolutely every character in this book andtThe relationships between Katsa, Po, and Bitterblue were perfectly written and so real

Obsessed and highly recommend it!

keikoalisha's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this a LOT more than I thought I would! I love the MC and how complex she is. The environment through the writing was PERFECT. While I did feel the tension when I was supposed to, the climax was kind of over really quickly and I was looking for a little MORE. All in all a solid read though and I can’t wait to read more!

notesbyallie's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved the storyline and the characters, but there were a few scenes that were a little too cringe-y for me...

lnocita's review against another edition

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4.0

A very enjoyable fantasy with a strong and interesting protagonist. Fairly predictable but I liked the concept. However, none of the reviews I read in advance prepared me for what I consider gratuitous sex. Certainly I am no prude and sex is often a normal part of adult and young adult relationships, but it seemed out of place and intentionally placed to solely pique the attention of adolescent female readers. I think it could have been left out or toned down. It did not add to nor advance the story in a significant way. Consequently, this makes it more of a "chick" book, and an older chick book at that. I will be interested to see how my 6th and 7th grade book club readers react. Definitely a rated "M" for mature book.

simonescat's review

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adventurous challenging tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

melissa_02's review against another edition

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3.0

the first fantasy novel that I picked up after being in a reading slump. liked the characters. loved the ideas that Katsa stood for, and her love interest Po, so attractive. their chemistry, loved it. her character growth, loved it. story takes a while before it starts to pick up, so because of that, might not reread.