Module 8: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Cashore, K. (2009). Graceling. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Summary

Katsa has been blessed with a Grace, or special skill since she was born: the ability to kill with her bare hands. Trained and controlled her whole life, Katsa has always resented her role as the King’s mercenary. Her status as a paid killer weighs heavily on her and she has come to resent her Gift and hate what it has made of her. When Po, a neighboring prince from arrives, Katsa discovers she is not the only one graced with the ability to fight. Po’s acceptance of his Grace forces Katsa to look more closely at her duties to the King and her purpose in the kingdom. As Katsa travels across the seven kingdoms with Po, searching for the origins of impending war, she also discovers more about her own abilities. Katsa’s involvement teaches her about the true purpose of her grace and she is faced with decisions that will change the fate of all seven kingdoms.

My Thoughts

Graceling achieves a great balance between adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Katsa and Po's journey through the seven kingdoms is filled with intrigue, adventure and companionship. When the book first begins it is difficult to understand Katsa and the reader only sees the surface of Katsa. As the story progresses and Katsa learns more about herself the reader sees her transformation and the knowledge that Katsa gains from meeting Po. I liked that although there was a romantic relationship and love between Po and Katsa, she still maintains her independent and strong personality. Her status as a fighter exists easily alongside her role as Po's romantic interest. I like that Cashore was able to bring romance and adventure together so well. However, I think the romance aspect of this book limits its appeal to a more female audience. It would be best used in a presentation on romance for the young adult age group, or as an example of a strong female protagonist.

Review

Highly acclaimed around the world, Cashore’s fantasy centers on gracelings, gifted beings who use their supernatural abilities for both good and evil. Katsa, an unusually strong fighter, has been controlled by her uncle, rey Randa, who manipulates Katsa to intimidate and even kill others. Then Katsa meets Po, a young prince, whose special gifts and friendship convince her to use her fighting skills for better purposes. The fast action, convincing protagonists, and intriguing setting create an engrossing read. Schon, I. Booklist, 2009.