Graceling by Kristen Cashore

Rating: 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚
Author: Kristen Cashore
Title: Graceling
Series: Graceling Realm #1
Genre: high-fantasy, magic, ya, fiction
Number of pages: 471
Published: October 1st 2008 by Harcourt
Goodreads: Graceling
Amazon: Graceling: 1(affiliate link)

It's one of those stories, that stay with you. I love this one. First time I read it was just OK, I wanted to read it again and second time I fell in love :).

I love the setting of the story, the kingdoms, all the political intrigue. And I am big fan of interesting magic system, this book definitely has one. Some children are born with different colour eyes, those have special talent or magical power-grace. Katsa discovered her, when guy tried to touch her inappropriately and she killed him, at the age of 8. Since then she learned to control her Grace and was regularly used by her king (and uncle) to scare people into obeying him. In the way of defiance, she formed a council that operated apart from politics, in order to help people.

Katsa is incredibly strong and fiercely independent woman. I love her character. She grew up isolated because of her grace and has only few friends. We watch her grow up and develop as the story progresses.

Whilst on council business she comes across Po. He is a prince and can stand up to her in battle (something that none else could). They form a friendship, that grows into something more.

I love their bond, they bring the best in each other. And the story is really interesting, it keeps me glued to the pages, from first till last page. :)

Highly recommend it!

Happy reading,

Anie