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Graceling Graphic Novels #1
Graceling
The beloved New York Times best-selling YA fantasy by Kristin Cashore is now available as a graphic novel, with stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Gareth Hinds.
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.
With "gorgeous storytelling" (School Library Journal, starred review) and characters "crafted with meticulous devotion" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Graceling is a beloved classic that has continued to resonate with readers for over a decade.
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.
With "gorgeous storytelling" (School Library Journal, starred review) and characters "crafted with meticulous devotion" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Graceling is a beloved classic that has continued to resonate with readers for over a decade.
Hardcover
First published November 16, 2021
87 people are currently reading
3667 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Cashore
17 books17k followersKristin 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews
April 1, 2022
Graceling is one of my all time favorite books and when I saw there was a graphic novel version, I knew right away I had to read it.
If you haven’t read the original novel, Graceling is about Katsa, a young woman graced with the ability to kill. Graced individuals always have two different eye colors, and you never know what your grace will be until it arrives. Katsa has been working as the kings assassin since she was a small child, but when she meets the mysterious Po, her life changes course.
I loved this adaptation, it kept all the right and necessary parts of the original book. One of my very favorite scenes was included and it was so beautiful to see that brought to life in artwork on the page. Hinds did an amazing job adapting this work, and I devoured this graphic novel in one sitting. I know creating this one book was quite the task and probably took years, but I’m really greedy and hoping that Hinds will adapt the entire series into graphic novel format.
If you haven’t read the original novel, Graceling is about Katsa, a young woman graced with the ability to kill. Graced individuals always have two different eye colors, and you never know what your grace will be until it arrives. Katsa has been working as the kings assassin since she was a small child, but when she meets the mysterious Po, her life changes course.
I loved this adaptation, it kept all the right and necessary parts of the original book. One of my very favorite scenes was included and it was so beautiful to see that brought to life in artwork on the page. Hinds did an amazing job adapting this work, and I devoured this graphic novel in one sitting. I know creating this one book was quite the task and probably took years, but I’m really greedy and hoping that Hinds will adapt the entire series into graphic novel format.
Want to read
January 28, 2021how did I not know about this I am losing my MIND
January 31, 2022
This is GOOD! As someone who felt very much ambivalent towards the original book, I was incredibly impressed by this graphic novel. The art style is beautiful for the landscapes— which there are many, but I don’t love the depiction of the characters (I think I’ve gotten spoiled on Webtoon art).
If you didn’t like the original, try this! Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
If you didn’t like the original, try this! Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
March 18, 2022
I can be normal about Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Graceling by Kristin Cashore is a book that gives me normal human emotions that I am capable of processing. I did not have almost half the dialogue of this book memorized because I used to reread this book on my kindle whenever I was sad, so several times a year for about five years of my life. Affirmations.
Anyway this remains The Book Of All Time to me. The character development. The romance plotline. The actually good foreshadowing. Bitterblue as a character. The fact that this is one of the most terrifying villains in YA canon. Katsa and gender. Oh I’m chomping at the bit this book is so special to me. When they drop the Bitterblue graphic novel I’m going to lose my mind once and for all.
[An actually coherent review of this book contained on the actual page for Graceling. But this graphic novel was really good, really beautifully illustrated, love the art style and the design of all the characters. Absolutely worth the read if you’re a fan.]
Anyway this remains The Book Of All Time to me. The character development. The romance plotline. The actually good foreshadowing. Bitterblue as a character. The fact that this is one of the most terrifying villains in YA canon. Katsa and gender. Oh I’m chomping at the bit this book is so special to me. When they drop the Bitterblue graphic novel I’m going to lose my mind once and for all.
[An actually coherent review of this book contained on the actual page for Graceling. But this graphic novel was really good, really beautifully illustrated, love the art style and the design of all the characters. Absolutely worth the read if you’re a fan.]
December 21, 2021
Leer la novela gráfica de Graceling fue una inesperada -super cool- sorpresa. No he leído la novela original, pero solo con esta novela gráfica, siento que ya es uno de mis libros favoritos.
¿Qué puede decir?
La historia es sólida y entretenida; me dio acción, suspenso y plot twists inesperados. Los personajes fueron maravillosos; en serio, me enamoré de Katsa y Po. Considero que son una pareja muy badass. El arte es adecuado; muy limpio y prolijo. Y... tuve un romance divino. Fue la dosis necesaria y justa de romance para tenerme suspirando y comiendome las uñas (casi me infarto en las páginas finales)
En conclusión, una novela gráfica muy recomendada para descubrir esta maravillosa saga. Y estoy considerando seriamente comprar la primera novela para leerla y disfrutar de Katsa y Po un poco más.
July 31, 2022
Okay, I’ll admit, I’m impressed. The original novel is dear to me, largely because of Kristin Cashore’s unassuming yet beautiful writing, so I went into this graphic novel skeptical. And I have to admit that Gareth Hinds did a wonderful job. His adaptation of the story captures all the most important parts and reflects the mood of the original. I only wish he’d been able to include more of the novel, but then the graphic novel would probably have run long.
I waffled between four stars and three, and settled on three because I don’t know who exactly I would recommend this adaptation to. If you’ve read the novel, you don’t really need to read this. But if you prefer graphic novels to text-heavy stories, this might be a good alternative.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book!
I waffled between four stars and three, and settled on three because I don’t know who exactly I would recommend this adaptation to. If you’ve read the novel, you don’t really need to read this. But if you prefer graphic novels to text-heavy stories, this might be a good alternative.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book!
December 24, 2021
Well that was fantastic. A great adaptation anyone who loved Graceling should definitely read. Now do Fire, Bitterblue, and Winterkeep, please? <3
June 15, 2022
3.5⭐️
“I’m a blue and green-eyed monster, ready
to lash out in uncontrollable anger at both
friends and enemies.
But it's a strange monster,
sickened by its own violence.
If a monster stops behaving like a monster,
does it stop being a monster? Does it
become something else?
Can it?”
Katsa has blue and green eyes whereas Po has Gold and Silver.
-
It’s been so long since I’ve read a graphic book. It seems almost novel, but nostalgic. For the first few pages, I had to reread some parts because I forgot how to read theses kind of comics.
Plot wise, simple and enjoyable. There were some unfinished storyline when it comes to the people that were in Katsa’s past… the ending was sad but beautiful. (It is sad that zoo looses his vision.)
I definitely wished it was longer.
“I’m a blue and green-eyed monster, ready
to lash out in uncontrollable anger at both
friends and enemies.
But it's a strange monster,
sickened by its own violence.
If a monster stops behaving like a monster,
does it stop being a monster? Does it
become something else?
Can it?”
Katsa has blue and green eyes whereas Po has Gold and Silver.
-
It’s been so long since I’ve read a graphic book. It seems almost novel, but nostalgic. For the first few pages, I had to reread some parts because I forgot how to read theses kind of comics.
Plot wise, simple and enjoyable. There were some unfinished storyline when it comes to the people that were in Katsa’s past… the ending was sad but beautiful. (It is sad that zoo looses his vision.)
I definitely wished it was longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2021
I loved the novel Graceling, it was exciting and different, unlike anything else that was around when it came out. A strong female lead character, vulnerable male character, intense romance and a gripping adventure story. I remember one of the boys at school telling me it was awesome, but too kissy! LOL.
And yet they borrowed it and read it and really liked it.
I was keen to check out the graphic novel of the book, and it is good. I found it slightly confusing in the beginning, but I quickly settled in and got caught up in the story. It is really pacy and the fighting action is well done. The art is simple but well done. The characters in this story have Graces, special abilities and these are advantages to them as they fight for their lives and to protect others, I did get a little confused at one point about which graces everyone had, but as the story moves so fast, you get to understand through the actions rather than the telling.
Overall it is a great accompaniment to the novel, I hope they turn the entire series into graphics, I'm sure there is an audience for them and they will spur the book into a new generation of fans.
And yet they borrowed it and read it and really liked it.
I was keen to check out the graphic novel of the book, and it is good. I found it slightly confusing in the beginning, but I quickly settled in and got caught up in the story. It is really pacy and the fighting action is well done. The art is simple but well done. The characters in this story have Graces, special abilities and these are advantages to them as they fight for their lives and to protect others, I did get a little confused at one point about which graces everyone had, but as the story moves so fast, you get to understand through the actions rather than the telling.
Overall it is a great accompaniment to the novel, I hope they turn the entire series into graphics, I'm sure there is an audience for them and they will spur the book into a new generation of fans.
April 1, 2022
My bookmail last night when I got home from school included two copies of this graphic novel adaption of Graceling and my son read one copy and I read the other one before bed. There is so much to savor in Hind's adaptation of beloved characters Katsa and Po, two Gracelings born with unique talents and abilities in a world that fears and distrusts Gracelings for their most troubling and/or sinister abilities that can include mind-reading and the ability to manipulate others. The racial diversity in the realms and characters was hinted at in the novels, but has been fully developed in Hind's illustrations. Action packed, romantic and full of great world-building, I am very, very hopeful that the entire series will be adapted with this successful writing and illustration team.
November 5, 2021
"When you're a monster, you are thanked and praised for not acting like a monster."
Katsa is very honest about what she does and doesn't want. At no point does she try to manipulate or trick people for her own end-goals. She just speaks her truth and lets them decide what to do with it. The hero, Po, does the same. That sounds an awful lot like a partnership built on respect and I'm here for it.
The magic system and how it's used for evil-Loved it!
I love these characters because they're so very human. People change their minds all the time in real life. They make blanket statements that don't fit who they grow to be later. They learn new information that changes how they see the world-and their place in it.
The artwork wasn't completely my cup of tea, but it was still very beautiful. I really hope they adapt the rest of the series.
Katsa is very honest about what she does and doesn't want. At no point does she try to manipulate or trick people for her own end-goals. She just speaks her truth and lets them decide what to do with it. The hero, Po, does the same. That sounds an awful lot like a partnership built on respect and I'm here for it.
The magic system and how it's used for evil-Loved it!
I love these characters because they're so very human. People change their minds all the time in real life. They make blanket statements that don't fit who they grow to be later. They learn new information that changes how they see the world-and their place in it.
The artwork wasn't completely my cup of tea, but it was still very beautiful. I really hope they adapt the rest of the series.
January 15, 2025
I definitely preferred the novel itself but this was a really good adaption!! ofc there were scenes that needed to be cut. my favorite visuals were often the fight sequences and the scenery. oh and all the close ups of po's rings.
absolutely worth reading if you love the books or enjoy action packed fantasies, with beautiful storytelling.
absolutely worth reading if you love the books or enjoy action packed fantasies, with beautiful storytelling.
October 26, 2022
Gripping and entertaining, this is an excellent adaptation of Graceling, with imaginative and lively art.
June 28, 2023
Great adaptation! I really hope Gareth continues on with the series. I think a Fire graphic novel would be.... fire!
May 25, 2021
A wonderful and faithful adaptation of one of my favorite YA fantasy stories of all time! My only complaint is that this could have used a few more pages to fully flesh out the relationships, romance, and worldbuilding that makes Graceling such an enduring and compelling fantasy story. The pared down story and less explicit romance (steamier scenes from the book do not appear in the graphic novel) make this appropriate and accessible for younger tween readers while still being a fun fantasy read for older teens and existing fans of the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are, as always, my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are, as always, my own.
June 5, 2022
Still not a fan of the worldview of this series, but this was a really well-done adaptation with beautiful artwork, the characters are still well-developed, and the worldbuilding is still fascinating.
November 16, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Graceling 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.
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. 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.
Graceling 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.
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. 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.
July 23, 2023
3/5 stars
What in the white savior was this?
Honestly, I can't even form a coherent review. The plot barely started until act 2, which was A HUNDRED PAGES IN. LITERALLY A HUNDRED. I had NO CLUE what was going on for a good 70% of this barnyard menagerie.
The character development was great, but the romance felt so rushed. Everything felt so rushed except for the first 38% of the book. Will I read the next one? Yes. Will I ever pick up the book version of this? HAHAHAHAHA no.
ALSO THERE IS ONLY A THIRD STAR BECAUSE OF PRINCE PO, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, MY LITTLE SILLY GOOFY. HE WAS DONE WRONG AND I WISH I WAS KATSA SO THAT ONE SCENE IN THE WOODS THAT I HID FROM MY BROTHER CAN BECOME A REALITY. THANK YOU TO VASU FOR REMINDING ME THAT PO IS MINE AND I AM HIS.
What in the white savior was this?
Honestly, I can't even form a coherent review. The plot barely started until act 2, which was A HUNDRED PAGES IN. LITERALLY A HUNDRED. I had NO CLUE what was going on for a good 70% of this barnyard menagerie.
The character development was great, but the romance felt so rushed. Everything felt so rushed except for the first 38% of the book. Will I read the next one? Yes. Will I ever pick up the book version of this? HAHAHAHAHA no.
ALSO THERE IS ONLY A THIRD STAR BECAUSE OF PRINCE PO, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, MY LITTLE SILLY GOOFY. HE WAS DONE WRONG AND I WISH I WAS KATSA SO THAT ONE SCENE IN THE WOODS THAT I HID FROM MY BROTHER CAN BECOME A REALITY. THANK YOU TO VASU FOR REMINDING ME THAT PO IS MINE AND I AM HIS.
November 21, 2021
I was so excited when I heard there would be a Graceling graphic novel. It arrived in the mail this week and it did NOT disappoint. Gareth Hinds' art is perfectly realized, and captures the characters in looks and spirit. He does a remarkable job of condensing a lengthy and fairly complicated story, including sufficient world-building, into a graphic novel that is much slimmer than the original. Hoping against hope that he will do the rest of the series as well.
October 2, 2021
I loved this and it’s no surprise. The art style was beautiful and I especially loved the scenes in the mountains when it’s fall. Lek is just as creepy as ever and I hate him. But I loved Katsa and Po and this makes me want to reread the book again so I can spend more time in this world
December 23, 2021
If they could make graphic novels for ALL my favorite fantasies, that would be awesome. Just sayin'.....
August 7, 2025
I maintain that King Leck is one of the great villains of contemporary storytelling.
And, this adaptation did a pretty good job of capturing what makes King Leck so awful—as well as a FANTASTIC job of depicting the events of the first book in the “Graceling” saga.
I’m not going to sit here and recount everything that makes this series top tier—though I will always recommend you discover that for yourself (if you haven’t already).
This was a really good adaptation and I would definitely recommend it for fans of the main series~
And, this adaptation did a pretty good job of capturing what makes King Leck so awful—as well as a FANTASTIC job of depicting the events of the first book in the “Graceling” saga.
I’m not going to sit here and recount everything that makes this series top tier—though I will always recommend you discover that for yourself (if you haven’t already).
This was a really good adaptation and I would definitely recommend it for fans of the main series~
May 23, 2022
Beautiful art and adaptation of the novel. Relatively quick read too. Please please do adaptations of the rest of the series!!
February 19, 2022
This is exactly what a graphic novel should be like: Breathtaking illustrations and colours. A riveting and comprehensive story that isn't confusing for those who haven't read the original novels. Strong and unforgettable characters.
Add vivid world-building and stunning landscapes plus themes of war, friendship, love and more into the mix. Ta-da, you easily get a 5-star read.
A fantastic adaptation that makes me want to pick up the original novels. And all of the artist's previous works. I loveeee this book.
Add vivid world-building and stunning landscapes plus themes of war, friendship, love and more into the mix. Ta-da, you easily get a 5-star read.
A fantastic adaptation that makes me want to pick up the original novels. And all of the artist's previous works. I loveeee this book.
September 16, 2021
Thank you to Etch/Clarion Books NetGalley for allowing me access to this graphic novel in exchange for my honest thoughts. Plus giving me the chance to visually explore this world before ever reading it!
I will be real, this series has always been intriguing to me, but I'm also hesitant about it.
However, this graphic novel really helped show me that I LIKE IT!
I am very interested in reading the book, knowing how the story goes and how the love develops (as I really didn't see it bloom in the graphic novel, but I love them paired), also it seemed like everyone was good and knowing that there are more books has me curious!
Also, I liked the art style a lot!
I will be real, this series has always been intriguing to me, but I'm also hesitant about it.
However, this graphic novel really helped show me that I LIKE IT!
I am very interested in reading the book, knowing how the story goes and how the love develops (as I really didn't see it bloom in the graphic novel, but I love them paired), also it seemed like everyone was good and knowing that there are more books has me curious!
Also, I liked the art style a lot!
April 28, 2023
This adaption was incredibly beautiful, but the writing and the illustrations felt very polarizing. The art was gorgeous and seemed to match the young adult/adult vibe for the original story while the writing felt very middle grade and a bit disjointed. I would have rather had a longer adaption so they could have explored the story better because the artistry was amazing and would have complemented the original story much better than the writing in this graphic novel.
January 14, 2022
This was brilliant!
April 14, 2022
An absolutely beautiful adaptation of one of my favourite books - I need the sequels adapted now too please 🙏
May 12, 2022
I really liked this book! It brought me back to 2017(?) when I read the novel for the first time. However, my issues with the graphic novel are the same as with the novel... The ending, I just still don't get
Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews