It’s been awhile since I read a book.  I blame it on the fact that I am a tad bit picky (ask my fiancé), but Kristin Cashore’s Graceling had me interested from the first words on the dedication page to the final sentence on the acknowledgment page.  Classified as a young adult novel, Graceling is a mix of fantasy, romance, adventure, mystery, physical combat, and self discovery.  Don’t get me wrong, I like a good hero, but a great heroine is even better! Graceling tells the story of Katsa, a young woman who lives in the seven kingdoms where certain individuals are blessed (or cursed) with special abilities.  Katsa is graced with the ability to kill people with her bare hands.  Under the employ of her uncle, King Randa, Katsa has known only her ability to kill, but in setting out on a journey to free the seven kingdoms she lives in she discovers a secret about herself that can save not only herself, but everyone around her.  If you find yourself loving this book like I did, then I will happily inform you that I just found out there is a prequel called Fire and a sequel to both books currently in the works…

Find it at the Hultquist Library!

PZ7.C26823 Gr 2008 Child's Lit.

Recommended by Kelly Ferrick