It would seem I’m almost the last blogger in the world to read this one! But just in case, a quick recap of the story,
Katsa, is a graceling. A person with an exceptional skill in a particular area. Katsa’s ‘grace’ is the ability to kill, and this along with her fearsome reputation across all the seven kingdoms, as her uncle’s less than willing enforcer, has set her apart all her life.
As nobody in their right mind would want to get close to graceling who can kill, she has few friends, yet those she does have, she holds dear.
As she begins question her uncle’s actions, it’s those friends she trusts to help a lead the ‘council’ an organisation that looks to help those in need.
During the course of a secret mission on behalf of the council, she meets Po, another Graced fighter and the first person to come anywhere near to match skill in fighting. A bond slowly forms between the pair that causes each to discover startling truths about oneself, each other and the seven kingdoms.
Why, oh why, did I wait to read this?
Such a fun read!
Both the main characters were complex, compelling, and likeable, and ignoring their romance for now. One of the best things in the novel is their own personal growth throughout the novel, this is handled excellently and really adds a lot to the story, which whilst functional, isn’t fabulously original. It is touches like this however, that make the story ‘zing’ and stand out among other similar ones.
As a bloke, I also appreciated the fact that while their romance if a very strong part of the novel, it’s a slow believable thing entwined with they aforementioned character growth, and I love the fact that they did so, whilst beating the crap out of each other! 
A compelling ‘light’ fantasy, well worth the read and the companion novel, Fire, is most definitely on my wishlist.
Other Reviews to Consider
Fyrefly | Sassy Monkey Reads | Medieval Bookworm | My Pile of Books | S. Krishna’s Books | Regular Rumination | GreenBeenTeenQueen | Page247 | YA Fabulous! | Fauxlaiges | Karin’s Book Nook | Library Queue | The Written World | The Book Smugglers | Becky’s Book Reviews | Steph Su Reads | At Home with Books | Stella Matutina | Teen Book Reviews | Beth Fish Reads
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Great review! I haven’t read this, but I’m thinking I should put it on my wishlist now.
.-= Katy´s last blog ..Review: Scoundrel’s Kiss by Carrie Lofty =-.
Thanks!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I haven’t gotten to Fire yet. But I plan on it soon
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Catching Up with Bilbo =-.
Not sure when I’ll get to it, but yes I’m looking forward to it too!
Now I’m almost the last blogger who hasn’t read it! I guess I’ve got to get to it soon. Great review!
.-= alisonwonderland´s last blog ..Reader’s Choice Challenge =-.
It’s a lot of fun, hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to book three.
Book 3? I need to read book 2 first!
Katsa and Po are one of my favorite fictional couples! Fire is great too, though the romance is a bit toned down.
.-= austenfan´s last blog ..The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols =-.
I’m looking forward to reading Fire.
You’re not the last person to read this! I’m still not sure if I want to, to be honest. I’ve heard from everyone how good it is, but it doesn’t look like my sort of book. It’s possible it’ll totally surpass my expectations, but I’m afraid it’ll be a letdown.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..SS: "Natasha," by Vladimir Nabokov =-.
I know totally where you are coming from, there have been a few books I’ve seen blogged about where I feel the same.
So glad you have seen the error of your ways and read this one.
I liked Fire even better! Thanks for the link love.
No problem, always happy to link-love! I’m quite happy to be a reformed character!
I enjoyed this book but not as much as I expected. I am looking forward to reading Fire, though
It’s a shame you did’t enjoy it as much as you hoped, but that’s always a risk when you read a book that so ubiquitous and universally liked. Like you I’m looking forward to Fire though.
I haven’t read this either, but seen in reviewed many times
Also, it comes up everytime I look at Amazon as a “customers who bought what you recently purchased also bought” suggestion. I have grown slightly tired with young romance, being not so young myself, and will probably not rush out to order this one.
.-= Louise´s last blog ..One Day by David Nicholls =-.
If I’m honest, I never even once thought about the characters ages, they’re young, yes, but not high-schooly so, if you know what I mean.
I am definitely reading FIRE instead of listening. I hope I have a better experience with the second book.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Fables 2–Animal Farm by Bill Willingham =-.
Well hopefully the printed copy doesn’t come with the dodgy sound effects!
I loved Graceling, and even though I liked Fire, I didn’t think it was as good as Graceling (I think I’m in the minority with that opinion though).
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon – January 24 =-.
Yep, I think you might be
Everyone else I’ve seen has preferred Fire. But we’ll have to see when I get to it. 
Wrong. You aren’t the last blogger to read Graceling! I might be. I know so many people that have loved it tough. I’m glad you liked it.
I really have to read this soon!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..1st Graphic Novel of the Year – American Born Chinese =-.
I’m so glad you liked this! I loved Katsa and Po together, and you’re totally right that it’s refreshing to have a slow, believable romance. I hope you’re able to get your hands on a copy of Fire sooner rather than later.
.-= Fyrefly´s last blog ..Brian K. Vaughan – Y: The Last Man, Vol. 2: Cycles =-.
Well, despite appearances to the contrary, I am supposed to be on a book buying ban
So I should really wait…
LOL, no, you’re not the last blogger to read this…I am! It’s been on my shelves for quite a long time (bought it on a blogger recommendation), but I just haven’t gotten to it yet. On Christmas day my brother joined our family for the day and even he managed to find a quiet corner and read the entire book in a day. He informed me it was excellent and I really should read it, LOL.
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Good News for Amazonian Devil Device Owners… =-.
You should listen to your brother!
We know what we’re talking about us brothers. 
I genuinely enjoyed the plot but the constant to and fro of the language from old to modern threw me. I believe Cashore fixed this awkwardness with Fire the prequel and second book in the series. I preferred Fire for so many reasons.
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Around the web in 7 days (week 1) =-.
Great review. I haven’t read this one either. Definitely on my wish-list.
.-= Jody´s last blog ..Question of the Week: What Are You Reading? =-.
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