Saturday, May 30, 2009

Graceling by Kristin Cashore


Heather from A High and Hidden Place told me that I should get back to review writing, so today I am reviewing a book that I think she should read! You're welcome!

Reason for reading: Once Upon a Time Challenge, New Author Challenge
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eightshes 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 kings 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 Pos friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Graceor about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

The best way to sum everything up is to simply say that I loved this book! I essentially read it in one day, so you know that it caught my attention!

Title and author of book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young adult fantasy.

What led you to pick up this book? I had been hearing really good things about it and it sounded like a book that I would enjoy!

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? Everything! It was really well-written. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline, the action, the adventure, etc, etc. I opened the book up and started reading, and I was transported to a fantastic world. I really like novels with strong female leads. This book fit the bill. If I had to compare the book to another that I have read, I would say that it sort of reminded me of Poison Study by Maria Snyder. I also liked the romance aspect of the novel. It wasn't forced on you, but it was there naturally. While this novel is a fantasy novel, it is about overcoming obstacles and what it is like to not fit into the world that you were brought up in. I think that Cashore wrote the story very well!

What did you like least? That I read it too fast? I had to bring it back to the library. I think I will probably end up buying it! I also am impatient for more, but my understanding is the next book is a prequel. Still want to read, though! I will probably buy instead of get it from the library, though.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? First one, but I would like to read more from her!

What did you think of the main character? I think I covered this a bit in the section on what I liked about the book, but just to continue. Katsa was a really good character. The story was told from her point-of-view, and it was told well. Was she perfect? Nope! She was neither overly perfect or overly flawed. She might have amazing powers, but she was essentially a believable character. She grew during the course of the novel, though, and you saw it happening. It made for good reading because I enjoyed the character that I was reading about.

What about the ending? Thankfully, the ending was handled well. Especially since the next book is a prequel. If it had a cliff-hanger ending, I would have been very annoyed! As it stands, there is potential for more to happen, but you can wait.

Okay, now, Heather, read this book! (And, everyone else should, too!)

Other Reviews:

Graeme's Fantasy Book Review
Teen Book Review
Dear Author
The Book Nest
Fantasy Book Critic
Young Adult (& Kids) Books Central Blog
nineseveneight book reviews
YAnnabe
Book Nut
Karin's Book Nook
The Magic of Ink
Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
Em's Bookshelf
Becky's Book Reviews
Bookshelves of Doom
Beyond Books
Bookworm 4 Life
E.M. Reads
Here, There, and Everywhere 2nd Edition
YABOOKNERD

And, a lot more...

20 comments:

  1. I'm really looking forward to this one!!

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  2. I can't wait to read this one myself! I have it on hold at the library but it's taking its time coming in.

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  3. I had this book and then it had to go back to the library....unread :( I must get it again! The sad thing is, I've already requsted an ARC of the sequel :p

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  4. About time you read this one! ;)

    Glad you liked it. (I'm sure Heather will, too, when she gets around to it...)

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  5. Heather is going to have to watch out for what she asks for huh? LOL...this book is coming home with me over the summer to read. I can't keep it on the shelves and every student that brings it back is like, "Mrs. Taylor this books is awesome, you have to read it!!" Fun review!!

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  6. What a beautiful blog! I really like your review and will add this book to my TBR, it's such a beautiful cover.

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  7. LOL! Thank you for my special review! I have it on hold at the library and am only 4th in line, I think, so I'll get to it. I hope. I do want to read it. It sounds so good and just LOVE that cover!

    I'm starting The Forest of Hands and Teeth right this very minute!

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  8. I did like this one - and the cover didn't hurt either! Can't wait for Fire.

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  9. Between you and Renay, how can I not read this? It sounds like something I'd love.

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  10. Amanda: It is out in paperback in July, so it won't be long. :)

    Meghan: Yeah, I had to wait a while for it, too. Now, I want to buy it, so I guess I should have just bought it in the first place!

    Chris: Where did you get an ARC of the sequel? I'm jealous! lol I actually think it is a prequel, though.

    Melissa: I know. I redid bad bloggers and I blamed you for it. I was too lazy to go through posts for the actual posts, but to make the official list I did!

    Staci: Yes, she should watch out for what she asks for! She'll learn! lol I hope you enjoy it!

    Alaine: Thanks you! I hope you enjoy the book!

    Heather: You're welcome! I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you read it!

    Li: I can't wait for Fire, either.

    Ana: I think you would really like it, too!

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  11. This is the first I've heard of this book but it sounds really interesting! Great review!

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  12. hi kelly.. i read this one and really enjoyed it too!

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  13. Oh, thanks Kailana. ;) I guess that's a good thing to be blamed for.

    BTW, I gave you an award...

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  14. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I am sure it's going to end up on my list of year's favorite reads. I'm excited about the next book, even though it is a bit disappointing that it won't have these wonderful characters in it. Oh, well, new friends to be made, I guess!

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  15. This looks exactly like something that I would read. :)

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  16. Samantha: Glad to bring it to your attention!

    Pat: I remember you reading it and enjoying it!

    Melissa: Thanks for the award!

    Darla: I am disappointed about the character change, too, but I am hopeful that it will still be good!

    Alice: It was really good. I hope you get a chance to read it!

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  17. Aw crap! I really want to read this one, so I got it from the library and then lost it - turns out it slid under the seat in my car. And it was so overdue by then that I had to return it. Now I'm at the end of the holds list again.
    Now your review makes me want to read it now! :)

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  18. Joanne: I hope you do get a chance to read it soon! I think you will really enjoy it!

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  19. I saw this in the library and the children's librarian told me to snatch it up, but I just had too much on my plate... sigh. Soon!

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  20. Aarti: Oh! You should totally get this if you get the chance. I think you would really like it!

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