Firstly.. this book isn't meant for young adults. =___= 
 The idea about sex before married is totally disturbing. I don't know why in USA, Graceling won many awards in Young Adults Book Category. 
 Okay, here's the story.. 
 Katsa, eighteen years old Graceling girl, had a Killing Grace. FYI, Gracelings were people who had unique talent called Grace. They had a unique pair of different colored eyes. In this case, Katsa's were brown and blue. 
 As King Randa of Middluns' niece, Katsa was heavily exploited by her uncle to scare his enemies. Until one day, Katsa met Prince Po of Lienid who was also a Graceling. Po made Katsa realize the true value of herself. 
 In short, Katsa find her courage against Randa and choose to travel with Po. They set out to find the motive behind Po's grandfather kidnapping. Their leads were directed to one kingdom of seven which not attract the attention the most. There, they saved Bitterblue, princess of that kingdom whose also cousin of Po from the pursuit of her own father. 
 In terms of ideas and the story line are pretty good. The intrigue is amazing. They aren't really occurred to me. It's just a lot of unnecessary detail that could be removed. This made me actually somewhat bored reading it. Like the ending even too long-winding. 
 Then, the bad guy died too fast... Seems not worth the long winding storyline about Katsa's adventures. And more than that, nothing about the villain. Why he did that evil deed. The point was he's evil. END OF STORY. zzzz .. (Perhaps because it would be discussed in the next book, yes? +__=) 
 Characterization is good enough. Each character seemed not be abandoned by the author. Although I think The Young Bitterblue is a bit too mature than she should be. Well, it's no big deal. 
 Then .. hmm ... about the free sex. I cant understand why Katsa against marriage. Just because she didnt want to have a baby? Oh Please ... Then as the solution because he and Po had already fallen in love, they did free sex. OMG! Does not make sense to me. Moreover, this story is for teenagers! 
 (view spoiler)[If she was like Katniss in "Hunger Games Series", did not want to get married and have kids because she didn't wish to see her children to be victims of Hunger Games. That's more like a reason to me! (hide spoiler)] 
 Plus, Po offered Katsa himself to be "used" ...(what the....?) ~.~ 
 Then why I gave 3 stars, but I put this book in bookshelves "cool" ("keren"). 
 Because this book was actually COOL. The narration and plot really amuse me. Like reading a fantasy mystery. BUT ..... There are 2 things. First, because too many long-winding. Secondly, the feminist idea. If this is meant for adults. OK, I might still agree to give 4 stars. Aww..showing adultery scene to teens? I strongly disagree. 
 I will read the second book, FIRE. Hopefully better than Graceling:) 
 Best regards to Madam Cashore :)