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Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)

Kristin Cashore

Start date: March 1, 2023

Finish date: March 31, 2023

Discussion: BOTM 2023

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BOTM 2023

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* January 2024 BOTM Nominations
By Maddielucy(Pa… , Vegas, Baby!! · 10 posts · 102 views

last updated Dec 23, 2023 12:23PM

* December BOTM - Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
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last updated Dec 08, 2023 08:11AM

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What Members Thought

Jan 18, 2020 HeatherH rated it really liked it

This was one of the oldest books on my GR to-read shelf and I cannot believe I waited so long to read it! The story was written in a way that was engaging and easy to read and I adored the characters. I especially loved how strong Katsa was and that Po loved her for her abilities rather than wanting her to be some damsel in distress that needed him to save her. They strengthened each other every step of the way. And then there was Bitterblue who was just incredibly strong and brave and I am so l ...more

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Jan 17, 2020 Laura ☾ rated it really liked it

RTC

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Oct 09, 2013 Susan rated it really liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed this story--it's well-written with a strong female protagonist, an interesting twist on the "powers" we see so often in fantasy books, and a purely despicable villain. The only fly in the ointment was the author's negative attitude toward marriage. Katsa, the main character, refuses to marry because she does not want to be "a barnacle clinging to you [Po, the person she's in love with] just so I can keep you from loving anyone else." She states that marriage would keep her f I thoroughly enjoyed this story--it's well-written with a strong female protagonist, an interesting twist on the "powers" we see so often in fantasy books, and a purely despicable villain. The only fly in the ointment was the author's negative attitude toward marriage. Katsa, the main character, refuses to marry because she does not want to be "a barnacle clinging to you [Po, the person she's in love with] just so I can keep you from loving anyone else." She states that marriage would keep her from maintaining control over her own life and would give it to someone else, and that it would destroy her independence. In other words, she wants the option to cut and run if she wants to. What a sad, misguided view of marriage. Katsa also definitely does not want to have children, which while not necessarily a bad decision, seems premature, considering she is only in her teens and has never truly been in love before she makes this decision. Her immature views on marriage and family, formed before she has any true friends, much less a true love or a positive picture of family life (she has no parents and is raised by an uncle who uses who power but does not love her) left me hoping to see some character growth toward the end of the book. But I was disappointed. Unfortunately, although Katsa performs many wonderful feats, she doesn't really grow or change all that much--except to learn that she doesn't have to be controlled by her evil uncle after all. Katsa falls in love with Po, and they solve the marriage problem (after much angst) by deciding to be lovers without marrying. I'm unsure whether the author herself believes this is a good choice--she seems to depict it as all the good things about marriage without any of the baggage--or whether she is leaving room for growth in later books. I sincerely hope Katsa learns the positive values of home and family before the end of this otherwise enjoyable series. Sadly, the negative views on marriage and family would keep me from recommending this book to teens. ...more

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