I didn't want to put this one down, which is always a good sign! Loved the fact there are so many strong women in this book, and also that there are men who value their independence and strength -- the sexes complimented each other, which is as it should be . . . none of that "I'll not survive without you" angst. Great characters. ( )

http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2010/... ( )

Graceling is one of the most engrossing books I've read in awhile, and I loved it. Katsa is one of those too rare strong female characters who is made even more real by her mistakes and weaknesses. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study, as Katsa reminds me very much of Yelena. The romance in Graceling is sweet and helps to lighten some of the longer stretches that lack much action. The fact that Katsa doesn't want to marry or have children is refreshing, and her independent streak admirable.
One of the things that I felt it lacked was a full storyline about the Counsel, an organization that Katsa forms while still working for her uncle. We hear about it in the beginning, and it feels as though it will be a central point in the book, but other than a few passing mentions about sympathizers and word that they are still operating throughout the kingdoms, there isn't much else. I really would have liked to read more about the way Katsa formed the group, since it seems odd that she did so in the first place.
Overall, this book was fabulous. It has great messages about being a strong woman and not conforming to what's expected, while also showing that sometimes you have to battle against your own nature to become the person you want to be. ( )

"Graceling" has been highly recommended to me by a number of people and so I have to say that I was stunned that I didn't find it to be the fantastic read that everyone else did. What makes this even harder to understand is that I read Cashore's "Fire" first and quite liked it.

My first observation was that I was over 100 pages into the book before anything of note seemed to happen. Yes, there was the evil king, and there were the sidekicks, the introduction of the love interest, and the introduction of a truly fascinating world, but honestly even at 150 pages I could have put the book down and walked away.

The writing on a technical level was okay. The descriptions were apt enough, but the character development seemed underdone, even for YA. ("Fire" fairly blazed in comparison and certainly had a better romance)

Overall, it's worth reading, but I'd have to warn anyone that there is a chance that you'll have to grind through some pages before the pace picks up. Some of the action scenes require a little imagination to figure out what's going on and towards the end you'll need to suspend your belief to accept what happens.

Pam T~
reviewer at BooksForKids.com

Like "Hunger Games", this book has a strong female character named Katsa who has denied her feminine side in order to survive. "Misused" by her Uncle who encourages her to use her "grace" (the ability to kill) as his henchman she meets a Lenied Prince named "Po" whose grace appears to be fighting and therefore can match her blow for blow. There begins adventure and the love of her life (and she learns her grace is actually something else). Beautifully told story with all the right characters (good, bad, etc). Exciting as Katsa carries a young child through a treacherous winter pass (that no one ever makes it through) and enjoyable falling-in-love days between Katsa & Po. Great book. ( )