Book 1 of 4 in Graceling Realm
Graceling
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.
She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.
- Spice
- 2/5
- Burn
- Slow
- Pages
- ~471
- Ending
- HFN
HFN means happy for now: together at the end, with their future left open.
How spicy is Graceling?
Graceling is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.
- Steam: Behind closed doors
- Burn: Slow burn
- Pairing: One man, one woman
- POV: Heroine's POV only
- Ending: Happy for now
Content warnings
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Show 7 content warnings
- Child abuse (past or present)
- Graphic violence
- Sexual assault
- Suicide / suicidal ideation
- Death of a loved one
- Murder
- Animal harm or death
Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.
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Graceling: quick answers
How spicy is Graceling?
Graceling is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.
Is Graceling a standalone?
No. Graceling is book 1 of 4 in Graceling Realm. It is the place to start. The series is complete.
What tropes are in Graceling?
Graceling features badass heroine, road trip / vacation. It is a slow burn M/F romance that ends with a happy for now.
Does Graceling have content warnings?
Our notes for Graceling include: child abuse (past or present), graphic violence, sexual assault, suicide / suicidal ideation, death of a loved one, murder, animal harm or death. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.
What should I read after Graceling?
If you loved Graceling, try Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson, Fable by Adrienne Young, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. They share its badass heroine and road trip / vacation energy at a similar spice level.