7.21.2010

graceling.

LOVED THIS BOOK.

from goodreads:

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, and in her case horrifying, 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.

i really couldn't put it down. typically i'm turned off by books that have a map in the front, but it was super helpful and simple, and really helped bring katsa's world to life. seriously good romance and seriously good fantasy. there is praise on the book jacket from tamora pierce, who sami loves. and lots of stuff comparing the romance to twilight. but truly, i would read this over twilight any day of the week.

i've already started reading the companion novel, fire. and apparently this will be a trilogy. a third book is in the works, tentatively titled bitterblue {one of the characters from graceling}. katsa & po will appear in the book. i'm pretty excited!

thanks for the recommendation, kirsten :)

6 comments:

dave + kirst said...

I'm so glad you liked it, and I really hope you like the second one too. And I'm super glad I finally just broke down and bought them (the second one came in the mail today!). I think I'll totally re-read them :)

ariel said...

it's been a slower start on the 2nd book, but i'm liking it now!

ariel said...

p.s. what's her deal with strong, fiercly independent, anti-marriage, female characters? interesting. i don't think she's married. and maybe i'm speaking too soon. i haven't finished the 2nd book yet :)

jakenapril said...

i agree. loved, loved this book. a little frustrating at the end with the storyline, but it was a fun read nonetheless. i agree with you regarding the author's take on women. maybe katsa changes in the second book?

Jamie said...

I loved this book as well! I love strong, independent female characters but why does getting married make you weak! Oh, well still great. I love Po! I'm excited for Fire but kind of sad Katsa's not part of the story

Sami said...

I loved this book too! And I had the same thought on the whole anti marriage thing. It must be because the author has strong anti views.

I didn't know katsa's not in the second one! I'm going to place it on hold and read as soon as it gets transferred to my (crappy) library.