Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Why should you read Graceling by Kristin Cashore? 

While this book is marketed to young adults, women of all ages will find this book an entertaining read. Kristin Cashore intertwines fantasy and romance into prose so beautifully written, this novel is not one to miss. In a land of seven kingdoms there are normal humans, and then there are those with graces. Those with graces have eyes two different colors. Katsa learns that she has the grace to kill with her bare hands at age 8 when she murders her cousin after he makes an unwelcome advance on her. Rather than being punished, her uncle and King, Randa, uses her to his advantage. 

It's not till Katsa disobeys Randa that she leaves his rule (her other option: punishment by death). The rest of the novel follows with her discovering the truth of the kingdoms, the ability of her grace, and the developing of a relationship with a graced fighter, Po. 

I read this book in 2008, ordering it before its release. Critics and websites talked this book up, and the strong heroine, Katsa enticed me. Katsa has the ability to beat many of the men around her with her grace and understanding. The issues of marital bonds Katsa faces (check out video below) trap her into much emotional distress, but she goes to the beat of her own drum. One could say that Katsa and Po are the "Brangelina" couple of the seven kingdoms. 

How does this novel fit this book series? 

Types of entrapment: Stereotypical Female Roles, Customary Bonds of Love/Marriage, Physical Traps (eyes showcasing her difference), as well as Po's undoing/becoming at the end of the text. 

Memorable Quotes:

• "And she felt it then, how near he was. She felt his hand and his wrist, warm under her fingers. He was here, right here, breathing before her; she was touching him; and she felt the risk, as if it were water splashing cold on her skin. She knew that this was the moment to choose. She knew her choice. He turned his eyes back to her, and in them she saw that he understood. She climbed into his arms. They clung to each other, and she was crying, as much from relief to be holding him as from the fear of what she did. He rocked her in his lap and hugged her, and whispered her name over and over, until finally her tears stopped. She wiped her face on his shirt. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt warm in his arms, and calm, and safe and brave. And then she was laughing, laughing at how nice it felt, how good his body felt against hers. He grinned at her, a wicked, gleaming grin that made her warm everywhere. And then his lips touched her throat and nuzzled her neck. She gasped. His mouth found hers. She turned to fire." (p. 241) 

Cherry on Top: 

Who is the steamiest couple in Young Adult literature? Edward and Bella. Ron and Hermione. No, it's Katsa and Po. Turn to page 242. 

Connecting with the text:

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the audio-book, Graceling. 

It's interesting to see the face behind the voice, as well as the director's take on this YA novel. Enjoy!

Check out Kristin Cashore's Blogspot Blog here. Want to read more by Kristin Cashore, her blog is full of wonderful resources about her upcoming book, Bitterblue (character from Graceling).