Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Gollancz
Publication date: 22 January 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0575084490
Links: Goodreads | Amazon US | Waterstones | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing.
Finding life under her uncle’s rule increasingly unbearable, Katsa forms an underground Council, whose purpose is to combat the destructive behaviour of the seven kings.
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Review
I liked this book, although I didn’t realise it was Young Adult fiction when I bought it. It wasn’t a huge problem but you can tell it’s YA which results in it being a bit tame compared to the usual fantasy books. If I was in any doubt that Graceling was a fantasy novel, I need look no further than the naming of locations. As usual the land is split up between rulers and the place-names have arrived at their monikers by virtue of compass direction. I forget exact names because they’re not that memorable but if I said North town, West town, East town and South town then I wouldn’t be far off the mark.
However, the idea of Graces more than makes up for the unimaginative geography. I love the idea of people with superpowers that are everyday talents boosted to infinity. A grace can be anything from brilliant pastry chef to pitch perfect singer or someone might find themself graced with the ability to spot a lie at 50 paces. It’s difficult to blend in though if you find yourself with a grace, because you also find yourself with different coloured eyes….a dead giveaway.
I thought the story itself moved along pretty fast but the romance element that ran through it wasn’t really much of a romance and there wasn’t enough spark to make what little there was believable.
I liked the ending and it got quite nailbiting towards the finale and the book is not without some really hateful characters who make you root for the heroine…..but it’s not a book I’d go back to.
It’s worth reading though, just for the novel idea of the Graces.
Rating
| Characters | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Plot | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Pacing | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Writing | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall | — |
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