Graceling Realm Book #1
11 unabridged cds (12:30)
Full Cast Audio, 2009
Graceling copyright 2008
471 pages
There's a map of the seven kingdoms on the enpapers
Goodreads rated 4.13
I rated this 4 stars, I liked it a lot.
for: YA (there is a very small amount of older-kid antics which would make me a tiny bit reluctant to give to anyone younger than middle school)
I listened to this, it was a "full cast" recording, and very good. Kristin Cashore has a new one out that is supposed to be excellent, and it was strongly suggested to read this one first. I'm glad I did, am on the waiting list for Bitterblue, which takes place 8 years later.
Katsa, the protagonist, wasn't one of my favorite characters. She's pretty self-absorbed, headstrong, and has little care for those she doesn't like or agree with. She's smart and brave, but extremely cocky. Her "love interest," Po, and the 10 year -old girl they save, Bitterblue, are much more likable.
When someone in the Seven Kingdoms is born with two different-colored eyes, that means they are born with some kind of "grace," something they can do remarkably well. Katsa's grace is as a killer, although the actual more accurate title she discovers later in the book. Po has to hide his grace (SPOILER: he can read the minds of or sense the thoughts and feelings of anyone that's thinking of him) by calling himself a great fighter. People with grace's are given wide berth.
Katsa has always been used by her uncle, King Randa, to punish his enemies. She hates this. But she must to what he bids to survive. She and a few loyal friends create a "counsel," and they try to right some of the Seven Kingdoms' wrongs. That is how she first meets Po, from the Island Kingdom of Leonid.
This was a good adventure, had a little ya boy-girl you-know-what going on, though nothing graphic. She is indeed a feisty, strong female role-model and i will encourage middle schoolers to try this one out.
Notes to remember before reading a sequel: King Randa, her uncle, is not a really nice guy. However, his son Prince Raffin, is 3 years older than Katsa and her best friend. He is a scientist/chemist who makes all the helpful drugs the council needs in its good-doings. Oll is Randa's underlord, a spymaster (a "graying captain") and helped raise Katsa. Giddon, another sidekick, has been very protective and asked her to marry him. So he's now a bit jealous.
kristincashore.blogspot.com
www.gracelingrealm.com
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