In a world where some people are born with extreme and often-feared skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her Grace of killing, and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king. - (Baker & Taylor)
Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace—a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift—this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace—demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age—is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa.
But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used—and even more at the injustices she sees around her. Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers... perhaps.
Featuring FCA favorite Chelsea Mixon as Katsa, and sensational newcomer Zachary Exton as Prince Po, the most fascinating and praised fantasy debut of 2008 now springs to life in a sensational full-cast recording.
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Findaway World Llc)
In a world where some people are born with a Grace—a unique, sometimes uncanny, skill—Katsa is cursed with a Grace for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa. Katsa chafes at being used as a instrument of punishment. Then she meets Prince Po, and everything changes in this stunning fantasy romance. - (Full Cast Audio)
Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* Feared as a killer since her childhood, Lady Katsa uses her unusual Grace (superhuman gift) in the service of her uncle, King Randa. She is beginning to rebel against his orders to kill or maim his more disloyal subjects when her path crosses that of Po. A young foreign prince with a mysterious Grace as well as wisdom beyond his years, Po convinces Katsa that she can stand up to the brutal king and put her gift to better uses. When Katsa joins Po on a quest, she throws herself headlong into a rescue mission and finds romance, self-knowledge, and justice along the way. Although many fantasy writers create intriguing alternate worlds and worthy adventures, as Cashore does in this well-imagined novel, she also offers believable characters with enough depth, subtlety, and experience to satisfy older readers. Katsa is a heroine who can physically overpower most men she meets, yet her strength is not achieved by becoming manlike. She may care little for fine clothes, but from her first kill to her first experience of lovemaking, Katsa's womanhood is integral to her character. An impressive first novel, this well-crafted and rewarding fantasy will leave readers hoping for more. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.
Booklist Reviews
Highly acclaimed around the world, Cashore's fantasy centers on gracelings, gifted beings who use their supernatural abilities for both good and evil. Katsa, an unusually strong fighter, has been controlled by her uncle, rey Randa, who manipulates Katsa to intimidate and even kill others. Then Katsa meets Po, a young prince, whose special gifts and friendship convince her to use her fighting skills for better purposes. The fast action, convincing protagonists, and intriguing domains create an engrossing read. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.