Graceling by Kristin Cashore

I picked up this book because it seemed like something new and exciting. Boy was it! Here is the summary and my review following.

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. 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 enjoyed this book. Right from the beginning the action starts and doesn't stop until the very end. My favorite part about the story is how involved you get with the characters. I was right there with Katsa, feeling her joy, sorrow, triumph and courage. Katsa is one of those characters that makes you smile when she does, and furrow your brows while screaming "what are you doing?"
And Po is exactly what she needs. A friend and a confidant. Someone that can understand what it is like to live being Graced.
This book is full of adventure, friendship and love. A true fantasy beautifully told.

Here is the link to the authors blog
www.kristincashore.blogspot.com/