I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. Katsa is a killer in the beginning, but she ends up being a saver. There is violence, because Katsa is graced with what she believes is killing. Po is the perfect match for Katsa, and I loved the plotline, because it had some twists. I would recommend this book to my friends.

The violence isn't an issue in my opinion. It's a part of the book, it has to be. The main character is 'graced' with killing, she is a killer for her king. What bothers me is the horrible sexual messages here. I am a seventeen year old and I myself almost stopped reading this book because of how stupid it was. The main character, Katsa, is obsessed with wanting control over herself. I suppose it's understandable, one like her, with amazing power and yet caught up in the stifling box that is her life. That, is understandable, even possibly the 'no marriage because I will lose control' thing, but the alternative is NOT to have sex anyways! I can't believe a teenage book even has that in there.. At least a little remorse, a little trouble for committing the ultimate act of sin in our modern society and certainly in one like that would have been nice. Not only is that annoying, but the boy is almost portrayed as weak, and has a line somewhere like 'I'll take you however I can'. Seriously??? Ugh, this book is despicable, even more so because the plot could have been good otherwise.

Katsa starts off as a, well to put it somewhat lightly, killing machine. She kills for others, sort of like a hired mercenary. Then she meets Po who changes her along their journey together. They do "make love" a few times but nothing is described. Katsa becomes a strong and independent role model for girls; she isn't afraid of standing out, being different.

Kristen did a great job capturing the moods in this book, overall. The only problems I would find that parents might want to know about is the sexuality and violence. I read this when I was 12 and was alright with it, skipping the short and quick sexual scenes, but for some parents this might be a concern. I reassured my parents that I skipped through any parts that were inappropriate and just went on like that. The violence for me personally wasn't bad at all, but some may say differently. Kristen DID do a wonderful job writing this book, but kids who read this need to be mature enough to handle the violence and sexual scenes. The main violence problem here is the main character, Katsa, is "graced" with killing, which causes many violent things to happen. Overall, I would say it is a great book! Appropriate for probably around 13 +, but iffy for 12 -

i loved this book!!! i became obsessed with it so quickly :) prince po and katsa are perfect for each other. the violence isn't that bad, there's many other books with that much violence, voted for younger ages.

My English teacher recommended it and I loved it. There are some iffy parts but nothing that mature teens can't handle. The story is interesting and ending sweet. I wish I had a Graceling!

i really liked the book. i would not recomend this books to my friends yet because the sex sceans were alittle too discriptive for me at age 13.the kissing was fine though just not that one part.

I LOVED this book when I was 12 and love it now at 15! The protagonist, Katsa, is strong, brave, and fierce. And yet, she learns to love, not just romantically, but to love friends and family. She was alone and feeling sadistic, but she learned she was so much more than a killer. Yes, there's violence, but it's not too extreme, for that's not the point of this book. The theme that I really got from this book was self-confidence. When the characters opened up their minds and looked past the moment they were in, other people's opinions, and the socially acceptable, they became altogether better people. This is true of real life. Kristin Cashore is brilliant in this opener. P.S. Parents: Not only did I read this at 12, but it was ASSIGNED reading for English class. Relax...

Graceling is a great book, my two daughters have read it and say it is very good. There are some intimate sex scenes, so it may be good for teens. (not lower than age 10!)