Graceling (Graphic Novel) by Kristin Cashore is a fast-paced fantasy that lends itself well to the graphic novel format. Following characters with special abilities, this one contains a fair share of action and strong main characters. The artwork is also stunning, making the story come to life. This is a great introduction to the world of Graceling, which left me excited to pick up the original series.
Title: Graceling (Graphic Novel)Author: Kristin Cashore
Illustrator: Gareth Hinds
Publisher: Clarion
Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult Fiction, Action/Adventure
Publication Date: November 16, 2021
Rating:
Katsa is a Graceling, one of the rare people born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she lived a life of privilege until the day her ability to kill a man with her bare hands revealed itself during a royal banquet. Now she acts as her uncle’s enforcer, traveling the kingdom and threatening those who dare oppose him.
But everything changes when she meets Po, a foreign prince Graced with combat skills who is searching for the truth about his grandfather’s disappearance. When Katsa agrees to help him, she never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that could destroy them all.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Graceling (Graphic Novel) by Kristin Cashore
In the world of Graceling, people with two different coloured eyes are Graced with special skills. Katsa is Graced with ability to kill with her bare hands, her strength exploited by the king to maintain his power. However, when she meets a prince who is Graced in fighting, they flee together and uncover secrets about themselves and the world they live in.
❀ Several Strong Characters
This graphic novel contains several strong characters, and each is well-developed. Katsa is an independent main character, and I enjoyed the way she stands up for herself and fights for what she believes in. Po is also a likeable character who has his own insecurities. However, while these characters are interesting, I found that their relationship lacks chemistry in this format. The story is very plot-driven, which made it a bit difficult for me to truly connect with them at times.
❀ Artwork makes the story come to life
I am always interested in seeing the way words are translated to visuals in graphic novel adaptations, and I found that the art style of this book complements the plot well. The depictions of fight scenes and the gorgeous landscapes throughout the book are especially effective. What I found interesting about this one is the way the art style shifts when characters are providing exposition and telling stories, and one scene has a really cool embroidery effect that I have never seen before. The artwork makes the story come to life, which made for an immersive reading experience.
❀ Fast-Paced and unique
The Graceling (Graphic Novel) by Kristin Cashore is a fast-paced and unique fantasy with some romance as well. I enjoyed the concept of characters with special skills, and both main characters are strong. As a graphic novel, this one does feel rushed at times, but the beautiful artwork makes up for this. This is a must-read for fans of the original Graceling books, as well as for those like myself who are looking to get a feel for the story before diving into the series.
About Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore grew up in the northeast Pennsylvania countryside as the second of four daughters. She received a bachelor's degree from Williams College and a master's from the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College. She currently lives in the Boston area.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a graphic novel, but according to your review this one sounds good. I love that artwork made the story come to life. I can only imagine how bad it would be if it didn’t. Great review!
I haven’t read too many graphic novels, but I have enjoyed quite a few lately! The art really does make for a great experience. 🙂
Did you read the novels? I was wondering how they compare. I loved this series, so I am all for a new format that will bring the story to different readers.
I haven’t! This has been a great introduction to the series for me! 🙂
This sounds really cool!
It’s cool when you get to see the characters and story come to life and how they might have compared to what you pictured in your head!
Right?! I love this aspect of the format! 🙂
I love the cover! Definitely great artwork.
My granddaughter likes graphic novels. Will tell her about this one.
I hope that she enjoys it if she gives it a try! 🙂
odd cover
This sounds like a cool book!
Sounds fantastic!
Sounds like an amazing read.
This looks great! I love fantasy.
I read the graphic novel and I really like it. I will has to give the book a read.
I will check this out for sure.
i love this cover!!
Going to have to check this out
The cover is so cool.