Review for "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore begins her novel with a dark heroine in a troubled setting. Katsa is her uncle's “lady killer.” Graced from childhood with an ability to kill, Katsa learns to have very few friends and keep herself numb of the emotions of others around her.

Thats is, until she meets Po, a Lienid prince who shows up at her uncle's castle looking for his kidnapped grandfather. As Katsa learns to trust and eventually love Po, she finds herself along the way. They team up to find his grandfather's abductor, traveling across the country side to Monsea where the king is hiding a deadly secret. Katsa and Po wind up trying to rescue King Leck's young daughter from his own hands.

My only complaint with this book is that I'm disappointed to have been built up and excited as I read through the plot, only to find a lack-luster ending.

I felt the last 60 pages were rushed. The defeat of the evil King Leck wasn't nearly as satisfying as it should have been. The ending just wasn't strong. The reader is swept along in the whirlwind of events that occur after the understated climax, and it seems the remaining surprises are wrapped up much too quickly.

I'm giving this book three stars for its fast-pace beginning and entertaining storyline, and hesitantly recommend it to readers of young adult fantasy, particularly those who like a love story woven into the fabric of fantasy.