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Book Review of Graceling (Graceling Realm, Bk 1)

Graceling (Graceling Realm, Bk 1)
peculiarway avatar reviewed on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


I absolutely adored this book. I read it in two days, and went out and bought the prequel book "Fire" the next day. Katsa is a very interesting character living in an equally fascinating world. This book reminded me quite a bit of Tamora Pierce's style (especially brought to mind the Song of the Lioness quartet), which is a major compliment coming from someone who loves her books as much as I do.

There are sex scenes, but they're discreet. The romance is inevitable but well done for YA lit, and the characters are nicely developed both as individuals and within the confines of their relationship. The world they live in is very intricate and is described well. There's also a map at the beginning. I would've loved to have seen some of the other regions in their world further explored and developed, but they weren't plot relevant. Hoping they will be in the future! There's a particularly nasty "big bad" in this book--I was uncomfortable reading some parts as an adult, so parents be warned if you're one of those who likes to preview things before giving them to teens to read.

Definitely going on my keeper shelf!