This was the first title our Book Club read. The students picked it out and I have to say, I enjoyed it as well. Graceling is a fantasy, set in medieval times, in a world where some people are born with extreme skills referred to as Graces. Sometimes the skills are benign, such as a particular flair for cooking, but sometimes the skill causes fear in others, such as the ability to read minds. Katsa, the main character of this story, has inherited a talent for killing people. While she has a talent for destruction, Katsa has an honorable spirit. Her job, when the story begins is, is primarily providing muscle for a corrupt king. It's a job she hates, but doesn't see a way out of. However, we soon learn of an underground group who are fed up with the abuses of power and set out to covertly right some of the injustices. This story is chock full of action, beginning with paragraph one. There's also a nice romance, for those of you who care. Our book club thought the ending was a bit lame, but up to that point, we thoroughly enjoyed Graceling. (submitted by J.S. faculty)
