Highlights / Lowlights: GRACELING by Kristin Cashore

Title: GRACELING
Author: Kristin Cashore
Published: October 2008
Series: Graceling Realm #1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 471
POV: 3rd person
Publisher: Harcourt

Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even shedespises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Highlights: This is one of those books I read when it first released, and I thought it was only an "okay" type of novel. After reading (and loving) Fire and Bitterblue years later, I decided I needed to give Graceling a second chance...and I loved it. I don't know if it's because I'm older and this story resonates with me more deeply now than it did when I was a teenager, but this book is incredible. Cashore writes vividly, so you feel as if you've stumbled into another strange yet fascinating world. Her vision of this specific setting is clear, and even more so when it comes to the lively, vibrant characters who live in it. Kasta is an excellent, strong protagonist who is different from most other YA heroines. If you're looking for a fantasy novel packed with action, excitement, and convincing characters, then Graceling is the book for you. 

Lowlights: It took a little time to get into the writing style. I think it's easier to appreciate this book when rereading, rather than reading for the first time.

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf. I love this book, so it is going on the top shelves in the royal library where everyone can see it. I'd highly recommend GRACELING, because it is an incredible story.

My reviews of other works by this author: 

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) 

Waiting on Wednesday (134): Snow Like Ashes

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

October 14th 2014 from Balzer + Bray

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Sara Raasch’s debut fantasy is a lightning-fast tale of loyalty, love, and finding one’s destiny.

I'm very interested in this novel, it sounds like a story I'll love! Plus, that cover is fabulous.

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten "Older" YA / MG Books You Should Read

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Today is a Top Ten Tuesday REWIND, so I chose Top Ten "Older" Books I Don't Want People To Forget (I adjusted the title and split my picks up by year originally published - I used Goodreads for the years, so they may or may not be correct).

Top Ten Older, Must-Read Books!

1993
The Giver by Lois Lowry: A story that can be appreciated at any age.

1997
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: Magical, creative, and highly entertaining!

1998
Holes by Louis Sachar: Good film, and a great novel. This is such a fun story.

2000
Shadowland (Mediator #1) by Meg Cabot: This series is fresh, fun, and features a sassy MC. How can you go wrong? This series is my favorite from Cabot.

2004
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen: Easily one of Dessen's best works.

2005
Megan Meade's Guide the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian: Sports, boys, crushes...it's fabulously fun.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: Very creative and somewhat disturbing futuristic world.

2008
Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs: Hilarious and very entertaining!
Graceling by Kristin Cashore: Adventure, action, romance...this high fantasy novel has it all!

2009
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han: An easy book to pass on, but trust me when I say it's an emotional story that will surprise you. It's so emotional, and truly a great story.

What are some older (or slightly older) books that you want people to know about?