Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Seven Kingdoms Trilogy: Book 1)

6/10

I haven’t had much experience with “Young Adult Literature,” as I was one of those kids who skipped over that genre because it was for “kids.” However I was recently sent Graceling by Kristin Cashore, and spent two lazy afternoons this past weekend reading what turned out to be a really enjoyable book.

The basic premise is that the universe is populated by those with Graces; they can be for cooking, predicting the weather, or in the case of our lead character, killing. It makes for an interesting base for Cashore’s story, and allows the several unexpected turn of events believable.

Katsa, our lead, has the unfortunate joy of being related to the king of Middluns (the countries that make up the world are Nander (north), Wester (west), Estill (east), Middluns (in the center, Sunder (south), Monsea and Lienid). Believing he has control over her, she allows him to use her as his thug, going out and killing, maiming, or scaring those who have wronged the king.

However at some point in her history she rebels. Not entirely, but enough to create the Council, a group of people – influential and not so – from all over the countries, who save those they can from the kings.

One such mission, however, brings an unexpected encounter, and an unexplained mystery. From here, Katsa’s world gets turned upside down and she is forced to make decisions, run, hide, and do the responsible thing, ignoring her heart.

It really is a wonderful story, and I would definitely recommend this to any teenagers that I know.

That being said, it would not be the first book I would recommend. I believe that teenagers – or anyone, for that matter – should read above their level. It helps them learn new things, learn new words, and be challenged by what they are reading. Cashore ignores this opportunity, and more often than not chooses the easy route for her readers.

Predictability is this books watch-word, and simplistic characters and decisions make for some quick reading at times. It’s not such that it diminishes the accomplishment of Cashore’s debut novel, but it is to the detriment of the book.

Graceling is definitely a good read, especially for anyone looking for a quick read, or a present for that teenager in their life (boy or girl). It isn’t anything to write home about, but not something to snub either.