Stunning fantasy debut Readable, gripping, commercial and emotive, Graceling is a true read-until-you've-finished-it book This novel has everything: superb concept, great characters, perfect villains and a powerful coming of age story Perfect for the core fantasy readership but not offputting for casual fantasy readers The Graceling Trilogy has already sold in Germany, in a pre-empt deal, and gone to auction in France There is already a buzz about this title
Kristin Cashore is an exceptional debut novelist. She lives in Florida.
Cashore's prose is smooth and unobtrusive. But for all its
lightness of tone, Graceling is not a simple novel. indeed it deals
with some very difficult subject matter. Its inevitable love story
is sweetly unconventional and unabashedly feminist. Katsa herself
is a rich character. The growth of her trust and self-esteem is the
understated heart of the novel. This is always Katsa's story and
enjoyable fast paced it is too. An immensely fun, good-hearted
read.
*SFX*
'Cashore creates believable characters with enough depth, subtlety,
and experience to satisfy older readers . . . An impressive first
novel.
*BOOKLIST*
Graceling really does have something to offer everyone. An
adventurous and enjoyable read.
*DEATHRAY*
It's a great debut novel that will suit those who like their
Fantasy unabashedly romantic.
*SFFWORLD.COM*
The story flows at a decent pace with a story that gradually builds
in intensity and a mystery that unravels at just the right speed to
keep things interesting. Cashore knows what makes a good spectacle
and, even though you know that Katsa absolutely has to win through,
writes set piece scenes that buzz with excitement and action.
*GRAEME'S FANTASY BOOK REVIEW*
A major strength of the writing is the imagery presented throughout
the novel. The book is filled with very vivid descriptions of
almost everything from castles, landscapes, courts, and the
journeys that the characters go on. Kristin Cashore's 'Graceling'
is a great start by a developing writer and I definitely look
forward to seeing this writer grow with future novels as she shows
tremendous potential.
*FANTASY BOOK CRITIC*
Cashore's prose is smooth and unobtrusive. But for all its
lightness of tone, Graceling is not a simple novel. indeed it deals
with some very difficult subject matter. Its inevitable love story
is sweetly unconventional and unabashedly feminist. Katsa herself
is a rich character. The growth of her trust and self-esteem is the
understated heart of the novel. This is always Katsa's story and
enjoyable fast paced it is too. An immensely fun, good-hearted
read. * SFX *
'Cashore creates believable characters with enough depth, subtlety,
and experience to satisfy older readers . . . An impressive first
novel. * BOOKLIST *
Graceling really does have something to offer everyone. An
adventurous and enjoyable read. * DEATHRAY *
It's a great debut novel that will suit those who like their
Fantasy unabashedly romantic. * SFFWORLD.COM *
The story flows at a decent pace with a story that gradually builds
in intensity and a mystery that unravels at just the right speed to
keep things interesting. Cashore knows what makes a good spectacle
and, even though you know that Katsa absolutely has to win through,
writes set piece scenes that buzz with excitement and action. *
GRAEME'S FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *
A major strength of the writing is the imagery presented throughout
the novel. The book is filled with very vivid descriptions of
almost everything from castles, landscapes, courts, and the
journeys that the characters go on. Kristin Cashore's 'Graceling'
is a great start by a developing writer and I definitely look
forward to seeing this writer grow with future novels as she shows
tremendous potential. * FANTASY BOOK CRITIC *
Gr 8 Up-In this debut fantasy novel, Cashore treats readers to compelling and eminently likable characters and a story that draws them in from the first paragraph. In Katsa's world, the "Graced," those gifted in a particular way, are marked by eyes that are different colors. Katsa's Grace is that she is a gifted fighter, and, as such, she is virtually invincible. She is in the service of her tyrannical uncle, king of one of the seven kingdoms, and she is forced to torture people for infractions against him. She has secretly formed the Council, which acts in the service of justice and fairness for those who have been accused and abused. Readers meet her as she is rescuing the father of the Lienid king, who has been abducted. The reasons for his capture are part of a tightening plot that Katsa unravels and resolves, with the help of Prince Po, the captive's grandson. He has his own particular Grace, and he becomes Katsa's lover and partner in what becomes a mortally dangerous mission. Cashore's style is exemplary: while each detail helps to paint a picture, the description is always in the service of the story, always helping readers to a greater understanding of what is happening and why. This is gorgeous storytelling: exciting, stirring, and accessible. Fantasy and romance readers will be thrilled.-Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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