I picked up Graceling because somebody said it was the next Twilight to get behind as Po and Katsa were a very hot couple. As far as I can tell Graceling is a stand alone and not the first in a series. It's also rated for YA ages 14 and up, but I highly doubt some parents allowing their 14 or even 15 year old children to read this novel if they knew that the evil bad guy is a sexual pervert who mutilates young children (mostly girls) and animals. There is also sex in the novel, not something you usually see in a book that claims to be for young teens.

Mislabeling aside, I found the editing to be pretty off. There were lots of sentences that began with and, run-on sentences connected by well ands, and in general ignore rules of proper grammar. The diction fits into the young adult category. I wasn't particularly challenged or inspired by it. The world building was excellent though and quite interesting.

Gracelings are identified by having two different colored eyes, like a cat. All those who are Graced with something useful (cooking over swimming for instance) stay with their king. The king then uses them as he sees fit. The heroine, Katsa, is Graced with Killing. Her eyes are blue and green and her Grace was revealed when a scummy sexual deviant tried to touch her intimately as a young girl. Nobody knew this except her and when he got too close - Katsa killed him.

Randa uses Katsa, his lady killer, to bully and inspire fear in all the land. Don't you dare double cross him! Katsa is sick with being used like a rabid dog on a leash. In response to Randa and the rest of the six kings' callus behavior, Katsa started the Council. It is comprised of people from all seven kingdoms, working together to act against the injustice they see. Rescuing Grandfather Tealiff is the catalyst for this story... one pebble becomes an avalanche as a mystery nobody knew existed reveals an king far more evil than the rest of the cruel kings combined.

Rating: 2 Stars.

Take a Look at These Fun Posts

• You Might Be a Reader If…
• Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
• Get into Bed with Sandy Lender (Author Interview)
• 8 Candles Lit for Hanukkah and Jewish Themed Romance
• Review: The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Potentially Related Websites

• Responsible Credit Score Strategies for Young Adults
• Merlin aka Clark Potter
• Musician Profile for Joan Chandos Baez
• Seven Lessons I've Learned While Being In Debt As a Young Adult
• Banishing Your Inner Critic

Online Stores

• French Of Mary With And Crescent Moon Sun, Moon & Stars Statues & Yard Art Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Adult Shirts Rash Guards Surf Store
• Back of Book United States Stamps
• Adult Bodyboards Surfing Surf Store
• Back of Book United States Stamps

Categories:

2 Stars, A-C, Another Planet/Dimension, Blind, Book Review, Cursed Lead, Fantasy, Foster/Orphan/Adopted, Friends, Gentry, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Supernatural, Survival, Virgin Heroine, Warrior, Young Adult

Tags:

adult category, ands, avalanche, diction, different colored eyes, eyes like a cat, girl nobody, heroine, injustice, katsa, Kristin Cashore, lady killer, novel, proper grammar, sentences, seven kingdoms, sexual pervert, ya, young adult, young girl, young teens