Graceling by Kristin Cashore Series: Graceling #1
Publisher: Full Cast Audio (2008)
Audiobook
{12 hours and 31 minutes} (471 pages)
Via: Library
Rating:
Reading Challenges: Read 2015
Synopsis
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…
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My Review
I wasn’t entirely sure this was the kind of book I would like so I kept putting it off. Finally, I decided to borrow the audiobook from the library and found that I really enjoyed this read.
Katsa is the niece of the King of Middlun and she has a killing grace. The graces are basically heightened abilities in certain things they are highly accomplished in. Katsa’s is to kill. When she was 10 she killed her cousin simply because she didn’t want him to touch her. She had no idea that he was going to die. Until he died, that is.
Raffin the Katsa’s cousin and the son of King Randa. He is so adorable. He is into science experiments and completely different from his power-crazy father that it is refreshing. He and Katsa grew up together in the palace and are the closest of friends.
Po is the youngest prince of Lienid, a country close to Katsa’s own. He comes to King Randa’s court looking for his kidnapped grandfather. He is also a graced fighter and takes the time spent at the palace practicing with Katsa to improve both their abilities.
The plot of this story was basically a journey. Katsa and Po go one way and then end of changing direction when they hear other news. Then when more things happen they end up going yet someplace else. The amount of traveling in this book would be tedious since it is months!
While this wasn’t my favorite book by any means, it was an enjoyable audiobook. I didn’t find myself necessarily caught up with any of the characters. The graces are an interesting concept and did keep me a bit enthralled. I might borrow the next book from the library if I get in the mood for it.
Which Reading Challenges?
- You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
Nice review! I’ve had this book on my shelf for years, and just haven’t ever felt like actually starting it. Audio might be the way to go! Do you plan to continue the series?
I’m thinking that I will continue the series since my library also has the second on audio. I am interested to hear about what happens with Katsa and Po next.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a great week!
I have been on the fence about this one. I kind of want to read it just because so many people have enjoyed it, but I read a few chapters like, years ago and was bored. So I just am not sure! BUT, I do love a journey in a book, so this does sound like maybe I would like it if I gave it more of a chance. I hope to, at some point. Lovely review!
Thanks. The beginning was the most boring part. Once they set out on their journey, it got a lot more interesting. I was on the fence as well but by about halfway through, I was hooked.
If you give it another try, I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of the week!