Originally posted at Hooked on Books 
 Where has this book been all my life? 
 Ok maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit. I've had plenty of excellent high fantasy in my life. There's just something about high fantasy that gets me every time. But that doesn't diminsh how real and how deep my love for this book is. 
 Kristin Cashore has created an amazing world within the pages of Graceling. It was so detailed! and she combined just enough elements from the real world to make it the believable. It never felt over the top or ridiculous. This is the type of world building I can only hope to aspire to one day if I ever get my butt in gear and write my fantasy novel. The world of the Seven Kingdoms come alive in my head when I was reading. 
 And then there's Katsa. She's like the fantasy version of Katniss. Or maybe Katniss is the dystopian version of Katsa? Either way she's a kick ass heroine. She's strong, brave, and independent. She stands up for herself! I may have cheered out loud a few times, I was so proud of her. I also really liked her relationship with Po. It really felt like they were equal partners, which is definitely something you don't see enough of in 
 YA novels. 
 There isn't much more to add. This book is straight up amazing. 
 Final recommendation: If you like fantasy or books with strong female characters this is a must read. Seriously, stop reading my blog and go check it out (and then come read my blog again).