From the Bookshelf of Bookaholic Anonymous…

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)

Kristin Cashore

Start date: March 5, 2013

Finish date: March 31, 2013

Discussion: Group Reads

Why we're reading this: You chose it as our Fantasy read for March :)
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What Members Thought

Jun 22, 2010 Simcha Lazarus rated it really liked it

I really, really liked Graceling. I actually hadn’t been expecting to as I was somewhat disappointed by Cashore’s other book, Fire, which had received such high acclaim. I also have not been particularly impressed with many of the young adult books I have read recently and didn't have such high hopes for this one.

To my delight, Graceling far exceeded my expectations, reminding me of some of my favorite YA fantasy books from when I was younger. I enjoyed every moment of this well- paced, page-tur I really, really liked Graceling. I actually hadn’t been expecting to as I was somewhat disappointed by Cashore’s other book, Fire, which had received such high acclaim. I also have not been particularly impressed with many of the young adult books I have read recently and didn't have such high hopes for this one.

To my delight, Graceling far exceeded my expectations, reminding me of some of my favorite YA fantasy books from when I was younger. I enjoyed every moment of this well- paced, page-turning adventure filled with well-drawn characters and interesting magical elements. Katsa is a wonderfully sympathetic character who struggles to cling to her own humanity even as she is forced to repeatedly cause pain to others. Po’s entrance into Katsa’s life causes her to reevaluate herself and her life, as he teachers her about a new kind of strength and introduces her to the idea of friendship, and then love.

Po, as a character, is just a little too perfect and understanding to seem realistic, but I loved him anyways. He is the perfect balance for Katsa, never demanding more then she can give but also standing firm when he knows she is wrong. There were some other interesting side-characters as well, including the child-princess Bitterblue and Katsa’s cousin Raffin, each of whom I would be interested in reading more about.

The idea of Grace really intrigued me and I hope that Cashore will explore it further in additional books. So far, the two books of hers that I read involved Graced members of the nobility but I would would really like to read about how being Graced effects the lower class, as well.

The pacing was well done, inviting readers into the action from the very beginning and keeping the story moving steadily forward. There were scenes of heart-pounding intensity that had me flying through the pages and slower moments of humor and romance that had me smiling to myself. Graceling fully succeeded in keeping me thoroughly engaged and entertained.

There were just a couple of flaws that gave me pause during my reading, though they didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the book. Bitterblue’s dialogue seemed to me unnaturally mature for the young girl she was meant to be, and as I mentioned previously, Po was just a little perfect to be fully believable. Katsa, who is very unemotional in the beginning of the story and is surprised the first time she finds herself crying, is suddenly tearing up all the time, which seemed very uncharacteristic of her. And then when the story reaches one of the climaxes that it has been heading towards, the problem gets solved a little too quickly and neatly, leaving me rather surprised. I quite liked the ending though, which provides some interesting surprises and closes the story on a satisfying note, without offering a pat happily-ever after.

After finishing Graceling I went over to Krisitn Cashore’s website to see what information it offers about future books, and was pleased to see there will be a sequel featuring princess Bitterblue. While no publication date is given for this book I’m really looking forward to rejoining Katsa, Po and Bitterblue in whatever thrilling adventure Cashore will cook up next. ...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Caedy Eries rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy-horror, audio, paranormal, romance, young-adult, library, 2013-challenge

-------Review pending------

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Dec 05, 2011 Anna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So some things I loved and some things...just didn't sit right with me. All in all a great fantasy book.

Kristin Cashore did a lot of things I wouldn't have expected so maybe that's why I hesitate on some events. I wasn't a super huge fan of Katsa, I really wanted to love her but I definitely didn't, although I loved her Grace.

I WAS a super fan of Po and Bitterblue, I can't wait to hear more from Bitterblue, she could be a great character.

I'm a high fantasy super fan so I am definitely a fan of t ...more

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Sep 27, 2009 Yulia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, paranormal, fantasy, young-adult, magic

Reminded me of The Hunger Games, but I think I liked that book more since it was more action and more triangle love, while here it was more love and about the main character and her life.

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