What a different and unique plot and story line! At least in my opinion after reading so many books lately that are just feel redundant. I've been in a reading slump lately and I believe this is JUST what I needed to pull me out. 
 Katsa, our main character, is so strong and daring. I love how this book has a female character that doesn't grow to be strong, but instead learns to control her strength instead throughout the book. This was such an important aspect to me. She has a lot of people who love and care about her to realize her full potential. She never fell into the role of being a damsel in distress. 
 The premise: There are people born with Graces, special abilities, and those that are normal. You would think that those Graced would be cherished and admired, but instead in this world they are treated as cast aways or to be only of use to the Kings. Katsa is a skilled fighter that the King takes advantage of to practically make her his killing machine. Katsa is known across the world for her skills and many fear just the sight of her eyes. One day though she realizes that her life and decisions are in her hands and to finally take control. 
 After finishing this book and turning the page to start possibly reading Fire the sequel I was disappointed to find out it's a whole new cast of characters. If it was still all about my favorites including Po and Katsa I'd be 100% on the next book. Though the world Kristin Cashore has built up is beautiful and enchanting. The ending was perfectly wrapped up together for Katsa so a sequel dragging their story on might ruin it. Honestly there was a twist(view spoiler)[when Katsa killed Bitterblues father the king. I was thinking he was going to enchant Katsa (hide spoiler)] that completely threw me off to my ideas of what the next book could've been.