Graceling by Kristen Cashore

Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: October 2008
Pages: 471
Book Source: Borrowed from Alaine Queen of Happy Endings

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.

WOW! Graceling is a completely original and entrancing fantasy, I've never read anything like it. It moved along at a slow simmer, bubbling and building until halfway through it reached boiling point and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Rich imagery, unforgettable characters and a fascinating world makes this one a must-read for all fantasy lovers.

Gracelings (those in the minority who possess a Grace) are identified by thier different coloured eyes and their special gift or ability. In many of the seven kingdoms Gracelings are feared rather than revered, so it's a lonely life. Graces are a random occurrence, some are of value to their King and kingdom, some are worthless.

Katsa's 'grace' is the ability to kill, making her one of the most feared people in the kingdom. She's a hardened young woman, with very few friends and little happiness. Whilst she has been an instrument of punishment for her uncle, King Randa, committing many acts she's ashamed of, she has also been righting other wrongs through her work in the secret Council. Watching Katsa slowly open her heart, trust and grow over the course of the novel was an absolute joy.

Kristen Cashore does a superb job developing secondary characters, I was caught up in the lives of Bitterblue, Raffin, Giddon and yes even the 'baddies', all completely fascinating characters. Po is just gorgeous, he's the Graced son of the Lienid King and I just loved him, even with his dorky name. After an auspicious meeting Katsa & Po develop a fragile friendship which blossoms over time into so much more. With Po's compassion, sensitivity & understanding Katsa determines her own personal boundaries, and develops her 'grace' and her control to a level where you can't help but love and admire her.

In every great fantasy novel there is a quest and this one is elegantly wrapped with romance, action, suspense, intrigue in a unique & imaginative world.

Captivating, enthralling, mesmerising, what more can I say ... Read it!

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.