An impressive first novel from Kristin Cashore. It's rated young adult, was recommended to me by my 15-year old niece, and I loved it. The first 50 pages were a little slow to me, but after that I couldn't put it down.
This fantasy novel is set in an earlier time, I don't think they ever give a time period and the lands are made-up but it feels like midevil Europe to me. Katsa is Graced - the Graced are instantly recognized by their two different colored eyes. To be Graced is to have a supernatural skill - those Graced in swimming can swim like a fish, those Graced in navigation are like a human compass and map in one. Katsa is Graced in Killing, so she can kill with the flip of a hand (although she works hard to control this and seeks only to knock people out rather than to kill them). Katsa has long been the pawn of her uncle the King; he uses her to punish his countrymen and to rule them with fear. Katsa has her own ideas, though, and puts them to work behind her uncle's back. When she meets Po, a prince from another land, she meets her match and learns what it means to truly control her Grace, as well as finding a true friend and confidant. It is their work to save others from those who do not use their Graces for good.
Well-written characters and dialog, lots of action and adventure, and I thought the whole Grace concept was well-thought out and very interesting.
