by Kristin Cashore
Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace – a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift – this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace, demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age, is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa. But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used – and even more at the injustices she sees around her. Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers… perhaps.
Featuring FCA favorite Chelsea Mixon as Katsa, and sensational newcomer Zachary Exton as Prince Po, the most fascinating and praised fantasy debut of 2008 now springs to life in a sensational full-cast recording.
| Author | Kristin Cashore |
| Narrator | David Baker, Chelsea Mixon, Zachary Exton |
| Length | 12 hrs and 31 mins |
| © Copyright | 2008 Kristin Cashore |
| ℗ Audio Copyright | 2009 Full Cast Audio |
Reviews:
“Kristin Cashore’s well-developed characters are completely realized in this full-cast production. Chelsea Mixon portrays Lady Katsa, who was born with a horrifying “grace” for killing. Mixon’s nuanced portrayal gives an inside view of the confusions that torment this “graceling.” . . . Even minor characters are richly rendered. Their interactions, thoughts, and actions are well integrated in David Baker’s strong narration, which animates events and astutely measures emotions. Musical interludes, both regal and somber, are as plentiful as the plot twists, and the result is a production listeners won’t soon forget.” Earphones Award — Audiofile, July, 2009
“This many-layered fantasy-adventure marked with suspenseful music and ambient sound effects is enhanced by a full cast, including principal reader Baker, who seamlessly integrates exciting action scenes into the dialogue. (From the magazine’s list of Top Ten Recordings of First Novels for Youth)” — Booklist, October 14, 2010
“As Lady Katsa, Chelsea Mixon projects an utterly natural range of emotions that reveal Katsa’s efforts to reconcile her Grace for killing with her quest for social justice; Zachary Exton, as Prince Po, serves as Katsa’s sharp-witted foil through high adventure and romantic sparring, his balanced tones touched with an edge of mystery as listeners decipher the limits of his Grace. Both Mixon’s and Exton’s authentically teen voices forge a strong connection to young adults struggling with issues of identity and responsibility — Mary Burkey” — Hornbook
“Wonderful at bringing the characters to life. This fantasy/romance is a first purchase for libraries with YA audiobook collections.” — School Library Journal, November, 2009 Starred Review
Praise for the print version of Graceling:
“An impressive first novel, this well crafted and rewarding fantasy will leave readers hoping for more.” — Booklist Starred Review
“With this riveting debut, Cashore has set the bar exceedingly high.” — Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review
“Exciting, stirring, and accessible.” — School Library Journal Starred Review
