Graceling
Kristin Cashore
2008
480 pages
Published by Harcourt Children’s Books
Purchased by me
This is the type of book I loved as a teenager, back when I was heavy into reading fantasy. I loved the alternate worlds and the hint of romance and the strong heroines that sometimes popped up. This book meets all of those criteria and would’ve been just about the perfect book when I was 14.
As an adult I still enjoyed the book, even though I’m not looking for a steady diet of fantasy these days. But it certainly made for a fun change of pace. It’s also quietly outspoken, so it’s got some surprising depth lurking in its adventure story.
Katsa is a Graceling. Her dual colored eyes mark her as one blessed (or cursed, depending on your point of view) with a Grace, or a special talent. In Katsa’s case, it is for killing. Her uncle, the king, takes advantage of her talent, using her as a henchman (er, henchgirl) to intimidate both his subjects and enemies.
But Katsa is beginning to rebel against her uncle, as she realizes that she cannot spend her life doing his dirty deeds. She’s started an underground network which strives to rescue people in need. And when Po, a prince from another kingdom who also happens to be a Graceling, appears in her life, he acts as a catalyst of change in Katsa’s life. Katsa and Po strike out on a quest (which is a part of the story I’m not going to go into), and in the process Katsa grows into a better understanding of her Grace and herself.
One thing I have to give a huge shout-out to Cashore for is Katsa’s strong stance that she will never marry. This is that quiet outspokenness that I was referring to. Cashore doesn’t create a heroine that refuses to fall in love or have a meaningful relationship, but Katsa does refuse to bind herself in marriage. Added to that, she doesn’t want children. While it’s not a huge part of the book, it’s present and it’s definitely verbalized. I think it’s fantastic that there is a young female character who is strong enough to know her own mind and to stick to her beliefs. Although some people tell Katsa she’ll change her mind, those who truly love her accept her as she is. I could totally relate. So three cheers to Katsa and Cashore.
As I said, this was a fun read. I enjoyed my brief return to fantasy and the strong character of Katsa, as well as the occasional jabs at societal norms. Although there are times when I wanted to bop Katsa on the head (and times when I wondered why she wasn’t susceptible to frostbite), she does mature throughout the novel and I enjoyed watching her grow. However, I don’t think I want to revisit Katsa’s world by way of Cashore’s other books. I want to enjoy my memories of Katsa as is. I’m afraid if I spend too much time in her fantasy world I won’t have quite the same experience the second time around. I want to revel in what Cashore accomplished and leave it be.
I liked a lot of the same things that you did about this book. It was a nice, quick read, but with surprising depth. I loved her strong sense of self, and self-reliance. She knew what she wanted, and worked to get there. Her stance on marriage and kids is also VERY refreshing!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Review: Gentlemen by Michael Northrop =-.
I think you liked Graceling better than I did, and I’m guessing that’s because you read it instead of listened to it. I agree that one of the best parts of the novel is that Katsa is not interested in marriage or children but *is* interested in love. Such a great message for teenage girls to know that there are alternatives.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Review and Giveaway of SOS! by Aviva Goldfarb =-.
I really enjoyed this book too. But I’m also looking forward to reading her next (although it will be some time before I can actually find the time to do so.) I read a lot of fantasy and I found Katsa’s character was refreshing compared to a lot of female characters that end up just depressing me.
.-= chasing bawa´s last blog ..The Dark Volume by G.W. Dahlquist =-.
I agree – it’s hard to go home again, so to speak, when it comes to kid fantasy books.
I have this book sitting on my To be read pile. I love your review and I should read it soon. Summer holiday would be a perfect time.
This one has been sat on my book shelves for ages. I had forgotten all about it. Shall definitely pull it forward to read.
.-= vivienne´s last blog ..My Blog Has Abandonment Issues! =-.
I bought this book a few months ago after reading rave reviews. I let my daughter read it first and was surprised to hear her say that she skipped around a lot in the book. Even though it didn’t really work for her, I am still pretty excited about reading it and hope that I end up enjoying it as much as you did!!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Forest Gate by Peter Akinti – 224 pgs =-.
I have got to read this book. Three cheers to Katsa and Cashore indeed! I so love that that choice is verbalised. And if I had a penny for every person who tells me “you’ll change your mind”….
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..The Changeover by Margaret Mahy =-.
I’m glad you enjoyed this book. I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so I’m not sure this is for me.
But that’s the beauty of Fire: it’s not Katsa’s world. You can read and enjoy Fire on her own terms, and still love Katsa.
By the way, you’re right about this being perfect for a 14 year old girl: my M adores it.
.-= Melissa (Book Nut)´s last blog ..10 Questions for: Janette Rallison =-.
I downloaded a sample of this one on Nook but I haven’t been able to get into it yet. I’ll probably dive in at some point, but I just haven’t been in the mood for YA or sf lately.
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Eating My Way Through Reading =-.
I heard a lot of good things about this book. It does sound like a bit of a departure for you though … so it must be good if you liked it.
And I guess David Bowie would be a graceling with his dual-colored eyes.
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Week In Review – 6/6/10 =-.
One of these days I may – MAY – read this book. I keep wavering on it.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Seeking Sara Summers, by Susan Gabriel =-.
I’m not into YA but I have been reading in quite a few blogs and Amazon reviews about this new “trend” in YA fantasy, that began with Twilight, in which a clueless, helpless heroine who falls in lust with a sexy, dangerous, threatening supernatural guy, and throws away everything just to be with him. Hush, Hush and Evermore are considered good examples. There’s been a lot of concern about this how this sexist archetype is influencing teen readers.
So it’s great to hear about a YA novel that’s so strongly feminist. I hope Graceling is as much a hit with its intended audience as it has been with bloggers. It’s needed.
.-= EL Fay´s last blog .."only people of leisure can attain a way of thinking that is truly civilized" =-.
It always makes me sad to find a book that younger me would have loved passionately – I always think, “Damn, if I’d just read this at age [whatever], then when I read it now, it would still have the glow of nostalgia and I’d love it all over again”. But I guess the flip side to having books that catch you at the exact right moment in your life is having lots of books that don’t.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Review: An Abundance of Katherines, John Green =-.
What a great review! I still have to read this one, but it’s sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read. I think I’ll pick it up real soon, I’m in the mood for a strong heroine who can speak her own mind!
.-= kay´s last blog ..48h Book Challenge 2010 : Finish Line! =-.
I’m with Melissa – Fire isn’t the same world. I’m glad you liked Graceling, but it makes me sad you won’t try Fire, because in my opinion, it’s even better!
.-= Carrie K.´s last blog ..Book Review: Impatient with Desire by Gabrielle Burton =-.
I borrowed Graceling from the library awhile back but returned it unread. I skimmed the first few pages but I just wasn’t in the mood and I haven’t had the impulse to check it out again.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon =-.
I enjoyed this book, though I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t read so many rave reviews of it before starting. I preferred the prequel-sequel, Fire. I think mainly because I haven’t read as many reviews of that one!
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..Review: The Emerald Storm =-.
I ended up returning this one to the library without reading it because I just wasn’t in the mood for fantasy at the time. I’d like to check it out again at some point because the feminist themes sound awesome!
Graceling and Fire have been on my to buy list, but I think I’ll move them up a bit after reading this!
.-= Trisha´s last blog ..Book Review: Matched =-.
I love the phrase you use, “quietly outspoken.” I’ve heard a lot about this book but haven’t been tempted to pick it up, I admit. You do make it sound good though!
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Play Time =-.
I love that your younger self would have loved this book. After recently veering back into only reading literary fiction, I’m finding myself with little interest in young adult. I’ll still read some, I imagine, but I think part of my YA reading lately has been books I would have loved as a teen. I’ve been thinking of reading this series, but I imagine I’ll just recommend to those in that age group now. Thanks!
.-= nomadreader (Carrie)´s last blog ..book review: The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver =-.