Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Goodreads snippet: 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.

Review: I was a bit hesitant to read this at first, since the names of the kingdoms were more than confusing  but overcoming my fear of nonsensical names, I plunged right in. Overlooking the names thing, this book is downright awesome. It breaks all stereotypes with the main character a fearless, brave and violent girl. The love story in this only helps to shape the story line and is not typical at all. Where most love stories end in marriage, this one ends with the characters refusing to marry, wanting to retain their own freedom to do what they choose. Wow.

The plot was well thought out and brilliant, but the real treat lies in the ever changing Katsa, who seems to discover something new about herself every chapter. From standing up to a tyrant to lugging a ten year old girl over the mountains i the middle of winter, this girl does it all. Po, along with Katsa's other friends, was very interesting. Every character had their own role to play out.  

Po and Katsa's relationship was also very interesting to see develop. They start off as being strangers, quickly progressing to friends, combat buddies, and finally lovers. It's a very realistic relationship, not at all bubbly and carefree in regards to the things they go through.

The plot was twisty in all the right ways, with each twist developing perfectly. A lot of perfectly developed, but not overly present characters are in here so this is the perfect fanfiction base. Overall, I rate this book a 4.5/5.