Title: Graceline (Seven Kingdoms #1)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Graphia 2008

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 471

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; Mount TBR; A to Z - G; Seriously Series; Book Blogger Recommendations

Kristin Cashore’s best-selling, award-winning fantasy Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable yet strong Katsa, a smart, beautiful teenager who lives in a world where selected people are given a Grace, a special talent that can be anything from dancing to swimming. Katsa’s is killing. As the king’s niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his thug. Along the way, Katsa must learn to decipher the true nature of her Grace . . . and how to put it to good use. A thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure (and steamy romance!) that will resonate deeply with adolescents trying to find their way in the world.

I picked this book from random from my bookshelves. I was getting weighed down with predetermined choices and wanted a surprise selection. Glad I finally cracked this one open. I thought it would be a silly YA Fantasy, but I really go into the story of Katsa. I loved the world building of the Seven Kingdoms. And the characters were all really great. I read this book almost straight through. It definitely held my attention and made me want to read the next in the series!

Seven Kingdoms:

• #1 Graceling
• #2 Fire
• #3 Bitterblue