Interest Level: Ages 13 and Up
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Medieval Worlds, Princesses, Romance, Violence/War, Politics
Plot: Katsa is the niece of King Randa of the Middluns, but that's not why people fear her. They fear her because she is Graced with the art of killing. A Grace is something people are born knowing how to do perfectly like magic. Katsa's uncle uses her Grace in order to enforce his rules, scare those who question him, and to kill his enemies. But Katsa also works to keep peace between the kingdoms, she has formed a secret Council spread throughout all the kingdoms that works to help innocent people. Then Prince Po, seemingly Graced with the art of hand-to-hand combat, comes to court looking for his grandfather only to find out Katsa's secret. This starts Katsa on the path of taking back control of her life, publicly standing up to her uncle, and eventually joining Po on his quest to find out more about what happened to his grandfather.
Personal Thoughts: A great fantasy book! It has recieved "Starred Reviews" from Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. The book is divided into three sections that discuss Katsa's life growing up under her uncle's rule, her travels and romance with Po, and her quest to save Princess Bitterblue. The book is filled with with all sorts of action scenes as should be expected from Katsa's Grace. A few older concepts for readers to be aware of is that it is stated that Katsa and Po do become lovers, though no details are given. There is also a lot of violence and killling in the action scenes, though the lack of gory details balances it out. Katsa is a protector of the weak and strives to teach them to protect themselves. A lot of good themes about friendship, loyalty, justice, and survival. A Must Read!
Awards:
Other Books by the Author: Fire (2009)
Author's Website: Kristin Cashore Website
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