I read this book a while back, and I despised it. It may be good for teens who liked Twilight, but otherwise, just no. I found the character's to be way too perfect and the whole plot to be rather unoriginal. Little imagination went into one of the character's names. I kinda had hoped she'd gone with the first guy. I thought he had more character, but she was terrible to him. In fact, she was terrible to everyone except Po and Bitterblue. I'd suggest something with a little more substance.
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Graceling
(2008, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Kristin Cashore)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Satisfying but violent fantasy debut for teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Graceling
Parents need to know that this is a book about a young girl who is talented at killing, and she does so often and in various, sometimes gruesome, ways. It is also clear that she and her boyfriend have sex on several occasions, though it is not described in detail.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the idea of Graces. Are they possible? Do they stray over the line into fantasy? Is there anything like Graces in our world? What Grace would you like to have? What would you do with Katsa's Grace? With Leck's?
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Didn't like it... at all.
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Better for mature teens
On the one hand the heroine disparages marriage as some sort of oppressive ownership of women. A message I didn't like. On the other there is a message of finding your place in a world where you don't always fit in. Accepting who you are and coming to terms with your giftings and limitations. There was some graphic violence but not excessive, the sex however wasn't graphic.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
a mature 11yrs and up
The fact the main characters have a sexual relationship is downplayed and it is clear in context they are of marriageable age in their cultures I really liked that the hero does not simply let this relationship define her or become her reason to exist ..the happy ever after is about her growing up and trying to do some good by following her own path I think it shows a healthy relationship. My daughter read it so quickly she skipped over the fact the couple were intimate and when we talked about it she decided to re-read it so see if I was not trying to trick her I think that speaks to how subtle the sex is compared to how exciting the action is
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
Couldn't Have Been Better!
I have to start by mentioning the cover. It's gorgeous, which only makes it even better. The book didn't interest me so much at the beginning, but I soon got wrapped up in it. It's long, compared to other books, almost 500 pages, but it's so worth reading. I love the language. No one speaks like that anymore, which is a shame, it's beautiful. I loved the characters too. Randa is so hateful, Katsa is so independent, and Po makes such good company. I think he's my favorite. I love how Katsa shows that a girl can and always should stand up for herself and not rely on a man. The story itself is awesome. A twist I would have never expected. Yes there is one part with sex, but it's so vague, a younger child would have no idea what it was talking about. Oh and one violent part at the end... I enjoyed this book so much, I think everybody has to at least try it! It made me so happy and sad and angry, it was incredible!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
OH WOW!
This book was absolutely wonderful; I couldn't put it down. There is one part where two characters have sex, but it's not described AT ALL. It's more just implied. I don't remember exactly, but there were no more than five swear words. I highly recommend this book! And if you get the chance, watch the video for it on Amazon. WaY COOL!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 50% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
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