As a YA novel, this book is very well written and includes engaginf characters. The nature of the story involves a lot of violence, but it is not seen in a positive light. The sexual relationship between two of the characters was the only real drawback.

Call me crazy but I don't think it is ok for kids to read about sex at age 13. I also really don't like how the main character makes the decision to have sex without commitment. Is that what I hope my children learn?

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!)

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 love the i dea of po and katsa and preferred her to be with po but didnt like the ending at all the endin ruined the effect the climax had on me. I anticipated the ending to have a twist to it but still be happy , instead it kind of fizzled out. i felt sorry for po and i simply hated what happened to him and the fact that she didnt marry him. i also didnt like that the ending was so plain and i was dissappointed in the author to.. although i did love many parts of the book especially fantasizing about po!

This book would've been good, had it not been for several key parts. One of them is the fact that it encourages the idea of marriage and childbearing as oppressive and undesirable. Yet other than make the moral and responsible choice to obstain from sex, this author tells kids they don't need to make commitments or have any moral obligations, just do whatever you want whenever it's convenient for you. Is this really a healthy or realistic message we want our children to hear? Our children need to know the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences, no exceptions. Also the bad guy, King Leck is a sicko and a pervert who cuts and tortures animals and children for pleasure and ultimately murders his wife who tries to protect their 10 year old daughter, who he wants to molest and he goes to great efforts to persue his young daughter. That is more than a little disturbing. Had I known this book contained this I would never have let my 11 year old daughter read it and I am completely appauled that she got it from her school library. If moral values are important to you at all, you will not choose to let your child read this book. I am very sorry that mind did and i'm extremely disappointed in this author and will avoid her in the future.

Warning SPOILERS ahead.....I loved this book. There is violence, but also a lot of discussion about how to avoid using violence. The main character is used against her will by her King as a means to subdue his subjects, but she does not want to use her 'grace' this way and plots to thwart his plans and escape from his control. The sections that mention sex are very vague. Mostly the main character tries to protect people with her skills. I think this book would be fine for most twelve year olds