Delightful performance and magical story

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The Story: This is a 'typical' fantasy novel in that it takes places in another land, and our hero (heroine) finds herself with a quest and consequently a journey. However, don't be misled, while you have the 'standard' elements, I really like how this author has put the together. I was initially unsure of the heroine - Katsa, in the beginning, is not someone who I wanted to like. But as the story progresses, we see that she didn't really have much choice, and she does change. I also really like the 'fantasy' aspect. In this world, some people are born with a Grace - it may be that they are graced in sword fighting, or archery, or sewing, or, as Katsa is, killing. I really liked the concept of Graces, and how it played out in the story.The Performance: I've completely fallen in love with Emma Powell! I did not know that audio artists could be just *that* awesome! I "save" audiobooks for longer car journeys where I need something to get me through thr tedium - I've found myself a lot more keen to drive recently! Emma's voice is never intrusive to the story, I have no trouble immersing myself in the story, the way I would if I were reading it. Also, I have no idea how she does it, but her voice is very, very subtly different for each of the characters, but it never sounds 'fake' or 'put on'. I'm so gad that she's read the rest of this series, but devastated to see that her other reads look like stories I wouldn't be interested in.Overall: Both a story and a reader that I fell in love with.

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7 people found this helpful

Absolutely stunned at the beauty of this story!

Amazing. This is a strong woman. Most YA fantasy novels fail miserably at portraying strong women. Katsa is strong not only in body and will, but she is also strong in her emotions and the way she feels towards her loved ones. Top marks for the portrayal of a non-toxic relationship between a man and a woman. Finally a YA relationship based on love, respect and self respect.

Best book I've read in ages.

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1 person found this helpful

catsa

well written & moves along at a nice pace building main characters for next installment

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Loved it

This would be my 3rd time reading Graceling, and first time listening to the audiobook. It's undoubtedly an all-time favourite and i really enjoyed listening to the narration as much as reading the physical copy💛

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slow start but solid story

I really had to make myself continue at first as nothing made sense and it really took some time before the story grips you. I think once the male character joins and the story turns to the complexity of human interaction rather than just describing the surroundings and background, that's when it gets interesting and enjoyable. give it a chance, it will end up being a really well written book☺ I am certainly continuing to the next book now.

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3 people found this helpful

The best fantasy I've read in ages

I was completely engrossed in Graceling, I'd heard about it online several times but never gotten round to reading it. I wish I'd picked it sooner! It's one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read, I'll definitely be picking up the other two books in the series and any other books by Kristin Cashore. The world building is so detailed and rich, the characters are flawed but likeable and relatable, even with the fantastical elements. The concept of graces is fascinating, I can't wait to see more in books two and three, which follow different characters but are set in the same world. The romance was sweet and the way the characters and their abilities developed and changed over the story was really well done. I'd recommend it to any fantasy fan, YA or not!

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Enjoyable easy read

I enjoyed this audio book more than I was expecting too. The characters are likeable and entertaining, the story good and the narration excellent. I shall be listening to the rest of the trilogy fore sure. Highly recommended.

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Interesting concept, definitely for younger crowd

Narrator's voice was exceptionally well spoken and definitely helped make the story enjoyable.

I do think the book itself is maybe for a younger crowd, but was interesting to see story develop.

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1 person found this helpful

Beautiful

I loved this. I began it a few times because personally it was not immediately gripping - but trust it because a few chapters in and I was in love.

Beautiful writing and a romance unlike any other fantasy romance - really cute and tender. The touch of welsh accent also really added something special to this story.

I found myself laughing and smiling a lot. Unlike maaaaaany other fantasy novels, nothing was too dragged out or frustrating - the perfect balance of tension and satisfying outcome.

The dialogue was fantastic. The characters. The story plot. The world created.
Not overloaded with politics but still there and clear.
Definitely will be recommending.

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Imaginative and engaging- one of my favourites

It’s a book I love so much it’s on my shelf too. My only qualm is that I think Fire should be book 1 after reading Bitterblue so I always read them in this order. The audio book equally doesn’t disappoint.

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