2.5. The book wasn't bad, but it wasn't that good either. The characters are a bit lackluster, with the main character being the least enticing of all. The love story is okay, but the trauma wasn't really handled that well in my opinion. If you're going to include things like physical and sexual abuse, then the emotional repercussions should be explored in a lot more depth than was done in this book.

Obviously props for the people of color and the inclusion of queer characters, but over all this did not live up to what I was expecting when I browsed other reviews. I do not have any interest in reading the sequels after finishing this one.

Loved these books at first, but it took me nearly 2 years to get through this one. And hardly anything happened in this one. I think I'm finally breaking up with this series.

Graceling was a truly fantastic novel. What I deem most noteworthy of this author is that she stuck to basic hopes and aspirations of her characters and did not falter. Unlike many love stories, Graceling keeps both of the characters true to themselves, regardless of the pressures they face around them.

Katsa, a strong and independent woman, remains as such, regardless of the love she now has for another. How the author holds true to her character speaks volumes of her skill and I enjoyed every minute of her writing.