{Review} Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling
by Kristin Cashore
Series: Graceling Realm (#1)
Publisher: Gollancz (UK edition) 
Pages: 370
Source: Purchased
Available as of January 22, 2009
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million
Fishpond | The Book Depository

In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are both feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing.

Feared by the court and shunned by those her own age, the darkness of her Grace casts a heavy shadow over Katsa’s life. Yet she remains defiant: when the King of Lienid’s father is kidnapped she investigates, and stumbles across a mystery. Who would want to kidnap the old man, and why? And who was the extraordinary Graced man whose fighting abilities rivalled her own?

The only thing Katsa is sure of is that she no longer wants to kill. The intrigue around this kidnapping offers her a way out – but little does she realise, when she takes it, that something insidious and dark lurks behind the mystery. Something spreading from the shadowy figure of a one-eyed king...

For so long I wanted to read Graceling, but I worried about whether I'd enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. After reading a ton of reviews, some positive, some negative, my curiosity won out. Kristin Cashore had me on the edge of my seat for all 370 pages.

Born with the Grace of death, Katsa is feared by many, shunned by her peers, and used by one, her uncle, the king. After rescuing the father of the king of Lienid, she comes to realize that she doesn't want to do her uncles bidding, to cause pain to those who don't deserve it. What will it take to free herself of him and where will her actions leave her?

Wow times ten! I was skeptical upon ordering Graceling, but it was an adventure that was riveting  fast paced, and something to lose yourself in. Katsa was an unexpected heroine. She never wanted to marry or have kinds, she wasn't boy crazy and most of all, she was strong, courageous and determined. She did the unexpected or the unthinkable and she found her true self along the way. I frequently found myself surprised by twists in the plot. This had a big impact on my inability to put it down when I was tired or needed to do homework. It was captivating.

Overall, Graceling is one of the best fantasy stories I've read and I will be ordering Fire soon. I highly recommend giving Graceling a shot if you haven't already.

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Wishlist & Waiting on Wednesday #26

Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Summary:

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised "Graceling" has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don't need to have read "Graceling" to love "Fire." But if you haven't, you'll be dying to read it next.

Why it's on my wishlist...

I just read Graceling recently and LOVE it.
Which means, I have to order Fire soon.
UK Cover Love!

What's on your wishlist?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

This week I'm waiting for.....

Out of Reach

by Carrie Arcos

To Be Released on October 16, 2012

Summary:

How do you find someone who doesn’t want to be found? A girl searches for her missing addict brother while confronting her own secrets in this darkly lyrical novel. 

Rachel has always idolized her older brother Micah. He struggles with addiction, but she tells herself that he’s in control. And she almost believes it. Until the night that Micah doesn’t come home.

Rachel’s terrified—and she can’t help but feel responsible. She should have listened when Micah tried to confide in her. And she only feels more guilt when she receives an anonymous note telling her that Micah is nearby and in danger.

With nothing more to go on than hope and a slim lead, Rachel and Micah’s best friend, Tyler, begin the search. Along the way, Rachel will be forced to confront her own dark secrets, her growing attraction to Tyler…and the possibility that Micah may never come home.

Why I'm waiting:  
It's so close to release day!! I'm waiting for Books-A-Million to send me my "You Book Has Shipped" email. This book sounds like something I could easily fall into reading. I'm counting down the days.

What are you waiting for?

Wishlist Wednesday #7

Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Summary:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s 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 king’s 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 Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or 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.

Why it's on my wishlist...

I have added this to my wishlist because almost every review I've read of Graceling states that it is amazing, so I think I should join in on the amazing-ness everyone is talking about.

What are you wishing for?