Review: Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)

Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)
By Kristin Cashore

Published By: Gollancz
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Date Read: January 8, 2022
Genre: YA – Fantasy
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400

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 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.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

“If there’s anyone I wish to stun at dinner, I’ll hit him in the face.”

Graceling is a book that has been on my radar for such a long time. I remember getting this book about ten years ago when it was first releasing and for some reason I just never got around to reading it. With the publication of a fourth book in the series last year, I decided it was finally time to pick this one up. I am, without a doubt, kicking myself for leaving this one unread for so long. This was absolutely incredible. I loved every single moment of it.

Graceling is set in a world where some people are born with a ‘grace’, a magical talent. These people are often feared, controlled and used by the Kings of the Realm for their own gain. Our main character, Katsa, is one of the most feared Gracelings as her talent is killing. Katsa and Po, a royal prince with a grace, set off on a dangerous journey to find truth and bring justice.

I absolutely, freaking adored this book. This is everything I love about YA Fantasy all wrapped up in one beautiful package. I have been feeling a little let down by some books in this genre lately and I often find myself racing through books, ready to finish and get on to the next one. With Graceling, I didn’t feel like that. I was loving every moment so much that I was happy to just relax, take my time and read. It would take me as long as it takes me to finish the book. I haven’t felt like this with a book for so long, I can’t even remember the last time I felt happy and content to just take my time. I really miss these old school YA Fantasy books and I am so in love with this one. It has made me reignite my love and passion for YA Fantasy.

Graceling was everything I could have wanted and more. Fast paced… kickass heroine… a dash of swoony romance. I seriously loved everything about it. I can’t praise this book enough. I am so excited to read the next book in this series. While I am a little sad to discover the next book is about different characters and is in one of the different ‘realms’, I am still so excited to start, as I am just falling in love with Kristin Cashore’s writing. I will definitely be checking out all of her other books as I am a huge fan.

Graceling was perfect. Everything a YA Fantasy fan could ever ask for. If, like me, you love old school YA Fantasy, then I urge you to pick up Graceling. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

“I love you. You’re more dear to my heart than I ever knew anyone could be.”