The Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The story was very interesting but took me a while to really get into. It's the story of Katsa, a girl "Graced" in killing. In the world of the Seven Kingdoms, some people (whose eyes are two different colors) have a special ability or Grace. Katsa meets Prince Po from the island state of Leneid and finds that he is also Graced. He originally tells Katsa that his Grace is fighting, but it turns out to be more complicated. Po can actually sense his surroundings and read minds in regards to himself. He is especially good as reading Katsa's thoughts of him or toward him.

The two Gracelings start out to the southern state of Monsea, where they investigate the King, Leck, his wife and their daughter, Po's cousin. As it turns out, Leck is also Graced, but he uses his in a despicable manner. I'm afraid I may have given too much away already, so I'll have to leave the summary at that.

The Graceling raises many relevant questions for young adults: What is your own special ability? How do you use it for personal gain and/or public service? What are your views of relationships, marriage and children? Do these views align with Katsa's?

I have heard there is a second book in the Graceling series. I'm excited to see what happens next, but I also have a full shelf of books to work on for now. Enjoy!