Teens and tweens who are going through Harry Potter withdrawal should try this book, the first in a planned series. Gracelings are those who are blessed with extraordinary talents and powers and they are identified by the mismatched color of their eyes. Some powers are rather benign: being able to run faster than anyone else, swim great distances, or read minds.
Katsa is an extremely proficient fighter and she is forced to use her skills to be an assassin for her malevolent uncle, who is king. Tiring of her role, Katsa tries to use her powers to bring justice to the Seven Kingdoms. When she meets Prince Po of Lienid, the two are thrust into an epic adventure. The magic is subtle but the created world is fully realized and Graceling combines romance and mystery in a fantasy setting that elevates the story above most others. Although the protagonist is a strong young woman, boys will enjoy the fantasy, fights, and the long flight to safety. Expect to see find this book on many of the award lists released this month and last.
Books Editor Jeanette Larson teaches children’s literature for the School of Library & Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University.
