Graceling (Fantasy)

Citation:  Cashore, K.  (2009).  Graceling (Audible Audio Ed).  Syracuse, NY:  Full Cast Audio.  Tr.  $9.95.  ISBN:  9780152063962 (Hardback).  Format:  Audiobook

Annotation:  Graceling is set in a world split into kingdoms where occasionally a child is born with a grace, a unique ability, which some cherish but most fear.  Katsa is graced with the ability to kill and is used as a pawn in her uncle’s sinister plans.

Book Talk:  What is Katsa’s grace?  Katsa and her uncle, King Randa, believe it is the ability to kill.  She is undefeatable.  So King Randa uses Katsa to do his dirty work.  She is sent on mission after mission to do horrible deeds that eat away at Katsa’s soul. 

Katsa keeps her conscience balanced by leading a secret group of underground rebels called The Council that do good throughout the kingdoms.  While on a mission for The Council, Katsa meets the mysterious Prince Po, who is the only person she has ever fought that could keep up with her.  She is fascinated by the possibility that he too could have a grace for killing. 

After a second encounter with Po, Katsa ends up on an adventure leads to her escaping the clutches of her uncle and discovering more about herself and her ability.  Katsa learns she can run faster than most, go days without sleeping or eating, and that her instinct to survive is uncanny.  As Katsa discovers more and more about herself, she starts to question…What is Katsa’s grace? 

A few details about the audiobook…

Graceling is presented by a Full Cast Audio which enlists the services of a full cast of actors to represent the characters in the novel. 

The book is narrated by David Baker.  Katsa is played by Chelsea Mixon and Po is played by Zachary Exton.  To see a full cast list and to listen to samples, visit http://www.fullcastaudio.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jodnrse8

The version downloaded from iTunes is approximately 12 ½ hours long.

Awards (Book): Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature (2009), A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2008), Cybils Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2008), William C. Morris YA Debut Award Nominee (2009), Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2011), TAYSHAS High School Reading List (2010), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2009), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2010), Sakura Medal Nominee for High School Book (2010), Florida Teens Read Nominee (2010), Iowa High School Book Award Nominee (2011), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2011)

Awards (Audiobook):  Booklist’s Editor’s Choice Audiobook 2009, Finalist for Audie Award for Distinguished Achievement in Production 2010  

More:

To read more about the author and her other books, visit her blog at http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/

Check out this video preview of Graceling! 

Check out this video about the audiobook!